Home Buying—blogs page 8

Tax Credit Money for Home Improvements
If you are out buying your first home, make sure you are talking to your lender about the advantages of the tax credit program that could make some of your home improvement dreams come true.  Receiving…
Free Buyer Seminar, Sat, 11/15 - Register today!
Email jeanne@feenick.com to register for this free Buyers Seminar "Understanding the Incentives"Get answers to your questions regarding the $7,500 Tax Credit in The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of…
Arizona Home Builders - Same Company, New Name ... Really?
Hi Everybody,This morning as I was up looking at a magnificent Arizona sunrise, gathering my thoughts, sipping a coffee, checking my calendar for the days activities and checking my news feeds like…
Great time for buying Real Estate
If you have been thinking of buying. Now is the time! I can help you get the best price possible on the home you want and need. Not only are there many opportunities for buying short sale or foreclosed…
What is a short sale!?
Here is the best way to describe a short sale....Lets say a person can no longer afford their mortgage, and they have missed their payments for a few months.They are in DANGER of going through a FORECLOSURE,…
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
Are you aware of the $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers (or those who haven't owned a home for the past 3 years)?? Available for homes purchased between April 2008 til June 30, 2009. There…
Best U.S. places to retire-Columbus ranks #1 (article from Yahoo and Forbes magazine)
A significant number of Americans will soon retire, but many won't be looking so much for a place to settle down as to live it up. That's what they'll find in Columbus, Ohio. This river city tops our…
MORE SHORT SALES: GREAT DEAL FOR BUYERSs
Here is a general decription of a "short sale".The sale of a home which is completed through negotiation with the existing lender(s) in which the lender(s) agrees to accept less than the full amount owed…
Charleston Real Estate Market and Mold Problems
Charleston Real Estate Market and Mold Problems   In August 2008, a guilty verdict was reached in a lawsuit involving a local Charleston real estate company. A $125,000 award was issued by a Berkley…
Does The Amount Of The Commission Increase The Asking Price Of The Property?
The commission a seller agrees to pay to a real estate broker is typically not “added” to the fair market value of the home because, in order to be sold, the home must be competitively priced within…
Middlesex County Real Estate Statistics and Commentaries for October
Statistics and in-depth commentaries are now available for the month of October. They cover Middlesex County, Metuchen, Edison, Piscataway, Woodbridge, New/North Brunswick, Fords, Iselin, South Plainfield and…
Nothing Like the First Time...
Nope, I am not living in a dream world…most of the time.  I appreciate for many folks things could be better (much) and that the news I am currently boycotting is not perky and optimistic.  I…
Buying in or around Aiken, South Carolina
I have lived in Aiken for over 30 years.  My parents retired here when I was a teenager and I've seen Aiken grow and develop responsibly ever since.  Aiken has been honored as an All American City and…
Right time to buy...
It's the ideal time to buy. (Especially for the solid and sound buyer!) The inventory is at all time high and the mortgage rates are still affordably low. The home prices have leveled off, so sellers…
How do you know a Good Buy?
A"good buy" is personal and subjective, however, trust your intincts.  If you know that the location meets your needs, the size is right, the number of bedrooms and baths meets your living style........and,…
San Angelo Real Estate - October 2008 Market Report
This Market Report is for Sold homes in San Angelo, Tx during October 2008. These are Residential Sales Only. I have broken the sales down by Area. If you would like stats on Commercial or Farm&Ranch…
San Angelo's Master Planned Gated Community - This is Nice Real Estate
If you have been picking your kids up at Lamar Elementary in San Angelo, TX you have probably seen all the home construction. Trinity Ridge Homes has been building in the area for quite a while now, but…
Some important things to remember when you buy a house.
• Purchasing  a home can mean building significant value for  years. • Think thoroughly  about how much you can afford to spend and consider all possible mortgage programs. • Pre-qualifying…
GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a good way to be able to compare one home lender from another. The GFE must be provided by a mortgage lender or broker as required by the Real Estate Settlement Procedures…
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BUY A HOME IN TODAY'S MARKET AND HOW IT WILL COST YOU THOUSANDS!
I recently received a lot of questions from all of you, my favorites clients, on the subject of when to buy. There is without a doubt a lot of uncertainty in the times we are living: The economy is slowing,…
Brand New Homes in Rancho Cucamonga, California
Yes, there are brand new homes in Rancho Cucamonga, California.  In fact, there are many deals to be had right now.  If you take a realtor on your first visit and your realtor registers you, then they…
$7500 Tax Credit for qualifying first-time homebuyers.
New, temporary, tax credit for first-time home-buyers. Its key features are:A $7,500 Tax credit for quallifying first-time homebuyers. The tax credit is actually equal to 10% of the purchase price of the…
Buyer's Agent Video!
Please take a look at our video for Buyers! Visit our website at www.JustinPoss.com for more videos and information about our area! Or call Judy Poss (334-406-1432) or Justin Poss (334-464-8844).…
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ALERT...IT IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY...WHY YOU ASK....Motivated sellers and inventory.  Great loan programs for the first time home buyer such as FHA and rural housing loans.  The…
I Fell In Love With My Client
I did the unthinkable; I fell in love with my client. It wasn't planned, no blind date jitters, none of my friends elbowing each other under the table. It just happened. Let me explain. Mr. Muran…
BUY NOW, RETIRE LATER!
Have you been hearing that it's a buyer's market?  Take a look at local home prices.  Have you been told that there's no time like the present to plan your retirement?  Again, take a look at those prices,…
CRASH COURSE!
When you're buying a home, who do you think is the most important person in the transaction?  YOU, of course!  That doesn't mean you won't need experienced professionals for guidance and assistance,…
Buying a Bank Owned House
I am always asked if buying a bank owned house makes sense or if it is risky. To me buying anything has the same risks. I think there is no bigger risk in buying a bank owned home, called and REO (Real…
Newest kitchen gadgets
Newest Kitchen Designs Desert Living in its November issue shares a wealth of new kitchen and bath design ideas. While the modern, simplistic style is not a choice for everyone, it is refreshing…
Are You A Client Or A Customer?
  What Is A Buyer Broker Agreement? Posted by Renee Porsia under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, General Information, RE/MAX, selling, buying, Renee Porsia, NAR Today…
WHY WOULD I WANT TO BUY NOW?
TIMING IS EVERYTHING!   Why Buyers Should Be In The Market Now!!        Sellers…
Why Should You Call Me First When Looking for an Austin, Texas Realtor?
I was thinking last night about my past experiences and how they have shaped the person that I have become today, both as a real estate broker and as a husband and father.  Back in 1996, when I was…
USDA Loans for Houses?
I’m working with a couple who are interested in buying a home in Mooresville.  Part of the process of working with clients is talking about what, if anything, they’ve done toward getting qualified…
"Good enough seldom is " (quote credit Malcolm Forbes)
When you hear the phrase "its good enough",what do you think? To me, it means that something is not being done to its fullest potential. That only part of a job is being done.  It makes me wonder what…
The Colosseum Construction
The Roanoke Times - which might be for sale if you'd like to buy it - published a short "Whatever Happened To ..." piece this morning on The Colosseum, a six-story $60 million, 172-unit sports condominium…
Home Buyer's Guide to Home Loans
Guide to Home LoansThere are great advantages to working with a professional, reliablelender. Some of their crucial services are:Pre-qualification A lending professional can pre-qualify you, whichwill…
"You will show us other agent's listings? REALLY?"
You can show us ALL the listings? REALLY?Recently, we started working with a buyer who seemed puzzled when we told her that we can show her ALL listings in our MLS, not just our office listings. It made…
Marginal Neighborhoods Hit First, Hardest
Prices are declining throughout New York City, but certain neighborhoods are being hit harder than others. It is usually the case that changing and marginal neighborhoods are hit hardest…
Great realtor - willing to help
Searching for a home in another state is hard, using Trulia simplified my life with the ability to ask questions directly to local real estate agents and that's how I found  Mitchell Jamel e-PRO Realtor,…
Get Pre-approved the right way
 Nov 2009     Prequalifying Helps Determine How Much House You Can Afford Before you start your house hunting in earnest, the real estate professional with whom you are working likely will "prequalify"…
How much home can I afford?
I believe the best way to figure this out is to go with your own gut on how much you can afford per month, and then find a real estate professional you trust, who will tell you the realistic, worst case,…
WHEN IT COMES TO HOMES NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!
Now may be the best time to buy that new home you've wanted and have been looking for. Why now you ask? Well, there are several things happening in the housing market as well as the financial markets…
Looking for a Foreclosure but Want Cupertino Schools?
It is a tough request.  There are literally hundreds of foreclosures around the South Bay area but there are only three in the West San Jose/ Cupertino area.  These three listings are actually…
Owner Financing - Friend or Enemy
Owner Financing - Friend or EnemyThe next buzzword on the horizon is "owner financing". For potential homeowners this is one to pay attention to. Here is the game in a nutshell. First banks make home financing…
What Happens at Foreclosure Auctions
Continuing to dispell myths about real estate auctions, this post talks about What Happens At Foreclosure Auctions....Leading up to a foreclosure auction, someone who has a lien against the property has…
Steps to Successful Home Buying
Purchasing a home can be an overwhelming experience. However, hiring a “Buyers Agent” can take the pain and fear of the unknown out of the process.  The following is a step by step guide.…
Golf Anyone? Check Out Panther Woods Country Club
18 hole championship golf course, wonderful clubhouse, fabulous tennis facility.  Panther Woods offers condos, villas, single family homes and townhomes.  Price points for everyone! Wonderful lifestyle…
Golf Anyone? Check out St. James Golf Club
Beautiful gated community with some real bargins!!  St. James has an 18 hold golf course, community center has a pool/spa.  Nearby there are tennis courts and a wonderful children't play area.  All…
Its getting close to winter, is now a good time to buy and move?
Yes! If you're looking for that good deal now is an excellent time to buy a home, and here's why: homeowners know that there is an influx of homes currently on the market, and many of them do not want…
Charlotte County Florida-Still a Well Kept Secret!!!!
Port Charlotte is still one of  the Most affordable locations in Florida. We have Hundreds of houses from$ 60,000 to $150,000 that are more affordable than Short Sales or even some Forclosed Properties.…
Short Sales
I want to spend a little time talking about short sales in this post.  Most of the attention in real estate seems to be on REO’s and foreclosures.  These account for approximately 12% of the homes…
Dutch Island Savannah, Georgia
This privated gated community of approximately 500 acres surrounded by the waters of the inter-coastal including the Wilmington,Herb and Skidaway Rivers is one of Savannah, Georgia's most desirable communities.…
South Florida Real Estate in Palm Beach County
Since ice cream came to this unknown land people have been coming to palm Beach County!  It truly is where the tropics begin, the landscape changes as soon as your enter Palm Beach County.  When prices…
Ignore the Headlines!!!...Except this one.
Sure, housing's in a hole. But there's a potent case for buying now. There has rarely been a moment in history when you couldn't scare yourself into doing nothing. When prices are falling, few people have…
Reminder FHA guidelines change in January 1st.
Just a reminder the FHA guidelines are increasing to 3.5 % down, instead of the customary 3%. For those of you looking to purchase Foreclosures, there are some great deals out there.  Don't wait too…
Builder's Policy: Keep the earnest money deposit? Shame on you.
Homebuyers would do well to take some caution, and understand the nature of an earnest money deposit when dealing with purchase agreements - and in particular, new home builder purchase agreements.  When…
Is the price really this low??
Nearly every time someone in Trulia asks, “is this listing for real?” the listing seems to be posted by RealtyTrac. Here is the deal... this article explains why information in general, published by…
What you should know before buying waterfront property
There are several things that one should be cognizant of when looking at waterfront property. A few of the more important items are as follows:Tidal range- On average tides on the bay range 1.5 feet over…
Buy Homes at Wholesale Prices in San Antonio!!!
Homes are auctioned off at Wholesale Prices every month in San Antonio.  These homes are excellent investment opportunities.  To find out more visit http://www.sanantoniotxrealestateforsale.com click…
Sun City Festival- Popular Questions I Get
Here’s a collection of the questions I most often receive from people about Sun CIty Festival. If you have others please don’t hesitate to call me at 623.362.3060. Ask me about how you can stay…
$7,500 First-Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit
The IRS's $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers is the best-kept secret in real estate right now.  Since it only works to everyone's advantage, I don't know why this is so.It's essentially an interest-free…
The Essence of a Buyer's Agent
Sure the Real Estate contract defines part of a Buyer's Agent Job as finding the home.  I just don't think that's it all.  I'm sorry Real Estate Commission, but we all know that most buyers can find…
Newmarket NH Revitalization
Downtown Newmarket is finally open to 2-way traffic. This phase of the Downtown Revitalization included the construction of sidewalks along the east side of Exeter Rd and Main St , the widening if the…
Oversized High-End Spec Homes... Are you kidding me?
So I decided to tour an 8500 SF builder spec house in Eagle. It's now a short-sale at 1.4 Million... are you kidding me? What was the thought process to build such a HUGE, personalized, over the top,…
To BUY or NOT TO BUY...
Most of my clients have come to me with the burning question: "When should I buy?" We all know this is the best buyer's market in 20 year, sellers have slashed their prices, and FHA loans have the highest…
Mistakes Unmarried Couples make in Financial Planning
My good friend JTSmith is an expert in financial planning for unmarried couples. Here is an example of his tips for success:"Too often an unmarried couple realizes that their house is not in order when…
Bidding War on My Listing!
11/18/08 What a great time to buy a home!  As a veteran Buyer's Agent in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area, I am thrilled to report that over the last 3 weeks we have noticed an increase in traffic to…
Much more than meets the eye...on foreclosure opportunities...
Of course, it's a buyers' market, right?You'd be surprised to learn, however, that certain market segments are so competitive these days that many buyers are wondering if they can actually ever get a home!…
You'll Need Extra Patience When Buying a Short Sale in Central Florida
Recent stats show that nearly 35% of the properties that are listed in the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) for the Orange County and Seminole County areas are short-sales or foreclosures.In most cases,…
Time to Buy income properties
If you have ever wondered if an income property would nestle comfortably in your retirement portfolio, or have wanted a passive income without property management, the opportunity now knocks and knocks…
Tips to succeed as a buyer
First thing is first when starting the home buying process.In less you are going to be paying cash for your home the first thing you need to do is talk to a good lender.Why you ask? Having a pre qualification…
Why rent when you can own!
Why rent a house when you can buy? Home ownership offers many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity. And that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax breaks…
When will the interest rates reach 4.25%!!!!!!
I have talked with a couple of loan officers, but I was wonder what would make the interest rate lower to under five percent? It seems like it would definately be the answer to stimulate the market.Lucas…
FHA 203k Loan- Helping buyers purchase their home in Arizona
In this episode of The Phoenix Real Estate Advisor we interview one of our preferred loan officers. Shelley Martin from Suburban Mortgage discusses the facts about the FHA 203k Loan that allows the borrower…
closing costs for home buyers
One of the most important questions I am asked as both an Attorney and a Real Estate Broker is " how much are my closing costs going to be ". Although there are charges that vary from bank to bank or…
Searching for a Home with the Country Feel but close to the City??
While this office is located in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas all the agents live in Wilson county.  Growing up in  Wilson county not only makes me familiar with the area but with all of South Texas. …
The skinny on the Northern Neck of Virginia
The "Neck" Test The GreatThe Neck is a rural area that has changed little since the day steamboats were the primary form of transportation. If you fly over or drive through the area you will see that…
A Great Time To Buy
With all the negative media regarding the economy, job layoffs, foreclosures, govenrment bailouts etc. it's easy to feel that everything is closing in on us financially. On the contrary, it is an excellent…
Strongest Sales Gains, & decline in home prices drive buyers to buy!
A very large part of distressed home sales are taking place at discounted prices compared to more normal conditions a year ago..according to NAR president, Charles McMillan.Distressed sales..foreclosures…
Is it the right time to purchase a home?
It's really interesting to see how the general public reacts to the news.  As a devoted business owner that has an obsession with my website and traffic, there's not a day that goes by that I don't keep…
TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT AT A GLANCENovember 17th, 2008 THE TAX CREDIT IS AVAILABLE FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS ONLY.  THE MAXIMUM CREDIT AMOUNT IS $7,500.  THE CREDIT IS AVAILABLE…
Homes for Sale in Greenbrier
Greenbrier is one of the "hot" locations in Chesapeake.  Of course you have the Greenbrier Mall but there is also many other places to spend your money as well.  Three other large strip malls include…
Does waiting for home prices to fall even more before you buy make financial sense?
The quick answer: Not Really. 6 months from now you don’t know where interest rates are going to be, the truth is with the upheaval in the financial markets, inflation is rearing it’s ugly head. …
Buyers Market 101
The Malibu Real Estate Report Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:46 PM PDT Rick WallaceBuyers Market 101 Sometimes it is worthwhile to go back to basics. In these…
What's a Short Sale?
I get asked what is a short sale at least twice a week.  A short sale means that the owner of the home now owes more to their lender than they can sell the house for. That means that the owner will be…
First Steps in Homeownership
So you are thinking about buying a home. Congratulations! .... what are you going to do first?  Check all the real estate sites online, drive around the neighborhood, talk with friends? Its a good probability…
10 Aspects of Good Real Estate Investment Software
Real estate investment software is one of the best tools real estate investors and professionals can use to analyze and evaluate rental income property.Good real estate investment software provides the…
Real Estate Auctions- Part 4
The next in a series about Real Estate Auctions, this post discusses what I call "retail" auctions. These are the ones you see advertised in the late night infomercials, on signs, in magazines, etc. They're…
Do I Need a Buyer's Agent When Searching for a Home?
Do you need a Buyer’s agent when looking for your next home purchase?  The answer is probably, unless you have bought and sold several properties before.  Even then, the service that they provide still…
Seth's Awesome Payment Calculator
Click the calculator for a tool to help you factor: down payment principal interest rate private mortgage insurance property tax fire insurance hoa fees mello roos…
Attention Buyers!!! How to get THE home at THE price
Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the process of buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming venture.  Feeling that, in the end, you made the right decision and got a good deal…
Attention Buyers!!! Avoid Common Buyer Errors
Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience.  It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such.  Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are: Paying…
Taking Advantage of This Tough Market
There truly is one thing that I have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy about this market. One hurdle with my personal business is my age. However, my maturity does tend to set me with a crowd slightly…
TAX CREDIT INFORMATION!!!!
On July 30, 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was passed, which includes a new, temporary tax credit as an incentive for first-time home buyers.  Under the new mortgage programs, you qualify…
Why Did you Buy?
Yesterday I had a great conversation with the owner of buildingcredibilitycom - Trey Langford. He is a very smart individual and we usually end up having great conversations - although they usually end…
Why You Need to Think About Financing Long Before You Buy
Most people know they need “good credit” to get a mortgage, especially now that banks have tightened their lending requirements.  But what you may not know is the better your credit score,…
Still $$$ for mortgage financing in the South Florida market
Just a quick note to let people know that when they hear "talking heads" on tv talk about no financing available to homebuyers, realize that is a misleading statement.  There is plenty of money out there…
Estero's Wildcat
"Hello" from Wildcat Run Golf&Country Club.  Wildcat is a wonderful gated and manned (24/7) community located in Estero, FL; between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. While Estero is a smaller town,…
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
Help is on the way. The new First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has been revised: Amount: 10% of purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000Date of Eligibility: Purchases occurring Jan.1, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009First…
Who wants to by a HUD home in Metro Detroit?
HUD owned homes are a tremendous opportunity for first-time home buyers to take advantage of our current market conditions. HUD is offering a $2500 incentive to first time Buyers.Homes listed by HUD are…
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