Vermont Condo and Home Real Estate

Home Selling Tips for Pricing Your Home

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:35:20 -0700

It can be very difficult to determine what your property is worth in the current marketplace, because you are biased by what the property is worth to you. These emotions can get in the way of impartially evaluating a property and often cause sellers to overprice their home.

When pricing your property, you need to be objective and reasonable so you can come up with a selling price that will capture the interest of buyers.

Here are a few examples of common mistakes people make when pricing their house for sale.

Reading Too Much Into Online Comparable Properties

Avoid relying too much on online pricing information of sold houses. They can be a perfect place to start for getting a general idea of how much real estate is worth, but they are not always accurate.

Overestimating The Market

Don't assume that you can sell your house for the same price at which you purchased it. Unless you bought your house a few weeks ago, the real estate market may have changed -- sometimes significantly -- and the purchase price will not reflect the appropriate pricing for today.

Overpricing To Pad For Future Negotiation

Don't overprice your home in order to be able to negotiate to the price you want to settle on. Of course, you want to get an appropriate value from it, but many first-time buyers are on tight budgets and will rule out higher-priced houses. Your over-priced property may sit on the market longer and then the price will have to be reduced anyway.

Factoring In The Cost Of Your New Home

Don't factor in the cost of your next house. Your listing price should not reflect how much money you'd need to purchase your next property. The price of the house should be the same whether you are wealthy or broke. Your financial situation is irrelevant to the potential buyer of the property.

These are just a few common mistakes you should avoid when determining the price of your home. Listed at the right price, you will get a fair amount from the sale of the house and the buyer will be getting a reasonable price too.

As always, your local real estate professional will have the best advice on getting your home ready for the market and selling for the best price. Call them today to find out the details!

posted by Bill Desautels
P: (802) 655-9100 (800) 639-4520 x217 F: (802) 655-0400 E: condoguy@condoguy.com
The Condo Guy - Vermont condo real estate
The Condo Guy has been providing advice to buyers
and sellers of Vermont condos real estate
for nearly 30 years.

Spring Cleaning Season is Here

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:56:24 -0700

If the thought of cleaning your home this spring doesn't bring a smile to your face, you're not alone.

To help you get going now, here is a short list of the 6 essential spring-cleaning chores.

1. Store winter clothes.

It's time to pack away your winter clothes.

Coats, sweaters, and bulkier clothing need to be inspected, cleaned and packed away.

Store your clothes somewhere clean, cool, dark and dry.

2. Wash window treatments.

You'll be surprised at the huge amount of dirt and grime that a thorough window cleaning removes.

Wash blinds, launder curtains that are machine washable and send drapes to the dry cleaners.

While you're at it, dust the window casing, wash your windowsills and clean any window hardware.

3. Clean carpets and upholstery.

You need to deep clean your fabrics that have absorbed a winter's worth of dust and germs.

Shampoo your carpets and clean cloth furniture.

Open windows to speed the drying process, which can take a day or more.

4. Wash woodwork, walls, baseboards and cabinets.

Even if the walls of your home don't look like they need cleaning, they do.

Just enough dust clings to vertical surfaces to warrant a seasonal bath.

Using a sponge and dish-washing soap, wash the surface in sections to make sure you don't miss a spot.

5. Clean light and ceiling fixtures.

To clean your light fixtures, remove the light bulb and fixture if possible.

Wash the glass fixtures in soap and water. Wipe the light bulbs with a rag.

If the fixture cannot be removed from the ceiling, use a damp cloth to wipe it off and then dry the fixtures.

The easiest way to clean your ceiling fans is to use a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment.

6. Check your coils.

Caked-on dust can cause your refrigerator to overheat, so take the time to clean the condenser coil.

It's usually found behind the toe grille.

Clean it with a long-handled bottle brush and a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.

Put on your favorite music and start your spring cleaning today. It'll be done before you know it.

Then you can relax and enjoy your sparkling clean home.

If you're getting ready to sell your home and need more cleaning tips to help smooth the sales process, call your favorite licensed real estate professional today!

The Best Garage Sale Ever

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:40:26 -0700

It's getting close to that time of year again — time to have a garage sale at your home! Here are a few tips to help you have your most successful garage sale ever. Advertise Your Sale In Local Newspapers And Online Many of the habitual Saturday morning garage sale patrons use the paper to plan their treasure hunts. They do this to make sure they hit all of the sales in certain neighborhoods. In the ad, mention your home address, date and time of your garage sale and any big or popular items you'll be selling. Open Your Sale Early It's best to open early, such as around seven in the morning a sales tend to taper off in the afternoon. Don't disappoint early shoppers who are typically your best buyers. They have a busy schedule and a lot of stops to hit. Open on time or even a few minutes before the time you advertised. Make Plenty Of Signs To Guide Customers In If your yard is difficult to see or is not on a main road, be sure to post signs pointing the way. If allowed, attach a few balloons to it which will catch the attention of passing motorists. Have Everything Labeled With Reasonable Prices You'll get some customers who try to haggle, but for most customers, not knowing the prices is a quick way to have them moving on to another sale. Keep in mind that these shoppers are looking for a bargain and price accordingly. You can individually label each item, or use an easily readable color-coded chart. For instance, a blue sticker means 25 cents, red stickers mean 50 cents and yellow stickers mean $1. Offer Specials At Different Points During The Garage Sale You can offer a 2-for-1 sale or a twenty percent off special. At the end of the day, you may want to have an unadvertised special such as fill a bag for $1 to get rid of as much as possible. It's always a good idea to have a "free box" for items that are already low-priced and don't move during the first half of the sale. Donate Leftovers Make your life easier and do something for others by donating any items that don't sell. If you plan carefully, you can schedule a pick up by your local charitable organization at the end of your garage sale. Garage sales are a great way to get the clutter and unused collection of items out of your house while recycling them at the same time. Using these tips, you're well on your way to having your best garage sale ever.

posted by Bill Desautels P: (802) 655-9100 (800) 639-4520 x217 F: (802) 655-0400 E: condoguy@condoguy.com The Condo Guy - Vermont condo real estate The Condo Guy has been providing advice to buyers and sellers of Vermont condos real estate for nearly 30 years.

What Must Home Seller Disclose

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:25:57 -0700

When deciding to sell a piece of real estate, there are certain things you must disclose about the property to the buyer before the sale can go through. Disclosure laws are put in place to protect the buyer from unknowingly purchasing defective property. Not disclosing certain information about the property can jeopardize the sale, or worse, invite a lawsuit. This has become more of an issue lately as some sellers are tempted to gloss over deficiencies in the home they are selling in order to try to get a higher sales price. In fact, a recent poll of real estate agents showed that 75% of agents ranked non-disclosure among the "top three current and future issues." What You May Need To Disclose The main items that need to be disclosed are any defects with the home. This includes, but is not limited to, plumbing problems, water leaks, cracks in the foundation, insect infestations and toxic materials in the home — such as lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide or mold. Be sure to fully disclose anything that may be pertinent to the buyer before purchase. Some disclosure laws include reporting issues with neighbors and whether the home has a criminal or notorious past. If you are unsure about some information regarding your real estate, one option would be to state that you do not know that specific information. Remember though, if you knowingly withhold information, it may cause the sale to fall through or could be used against you in a lawsuit. Does It Make Sense To Have A Pre-Inspection Done? Sellers can also have their home inspected prior to placing the property on the market to prevent any surprises of unknown problems with the home. This way, defects can be fixed before listing the property, and the disclosure form can state the problem has been fixed. Buyers will almost surely want an inspection prior to closing, and a pre-inspection may suffice. Disclosing information does not mean the seller needs to fix the problem. Any disclosed problems with the real estate can become a negotiation point. Remember, the most important thing is to be honest about any known issues with the property. Real estate disclosure laws may be different depending on the state in which you live. The best way to know what you need to disclose in your area is to check with your trusted real estate agent or property attorney and discuss any potential property issues with them before you fill out the seller disclosure form.

posted by Bill Desautels P: (802) 655-9100 (800) 639-4520 x217 F: (802) 655-0400 E: condoguy@condoguy.com The Condo Guy - Vermont condo real estate The Condo Guy has been providing advice to buyers and sellers of Vermont condos real estate for nearly 30 years.

This Week in Mortgage Rates

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:51:14 -0700

Mortgage rates rose last week with average rates a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rising from last week's 3.35 percent to 3.42 percent with buyers paying all closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points.

Average rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent to 2.61 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.7 percent in discount points.

Freddie Mac also reports that average rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose from 2.56 percent last week to 2.58 percent with buyers paying their closing costs and 0.5 percent in discount points.

Here are noteworthy points from last week's economic news:

Monday: In spite of improving economic conditions, a majority of participants in the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices indicated that their lending institutions would not be relaxing residential mortgage lending standards. Lenders perceive a significant risk in terms of being required to absorb losses incurred on defaulted mortgage loans.

Mortgage owners including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with mortgage insurance companies can require mortgage lenders to buy back defaulted loans or make them whole for losses related to foreclosed and otherwise defaulted mortgage loans.

Tuesday: CoreLogic reported an increase of 1.9 percent in national home prices for March. This news represents the 13th consecutive increase and a year-over-year increase of 10.5 percent.

Home prices were boosted by strong increases in the West; Nevada posted a 22.2 percent gain from last March and California posted a 17.2 percent year-over-year gain.

CoreLogic predicted a year-over-year increase of 9.6 percent for home prices for April, with a monthly increase of 1.3 percent increase expected between March and April.

Thursday: Weekly jobless claims brought good news as they came in at 323,000; this was lower than expectations of 335,000 new jobless claims and the 327,000 new jobless claims reported in the prior week.

Friday: The Treasury Department reported that the federal budget has a surplus of + $113 billion for April. This was $54 billion higher than for April 2012 and the highest monthly surplus since April, 2008.

Increasing home values and federal budget surpluses, along with falling consumer debt pointed the way toward overall as well as personal economic recovery last week.

What's Coming Up

This week brings a couple important economic reports affecting the real estate industry including the Home Builders Index on Wednesday and the Weekly Jobless Claims and Housing Starts numbers released on Thursday.

The Consumer Sentiment and Leading Indicators reports will round out the week on Friday. Consumer Sentiment is important in terms of housing markets and mortgage lending; consumers typically don't buy homes or move up to a larger home if they aren't feeling secure about economic conditions.

This week's economic data may provide further evidence of a stronger U.S. economy as well as a snapshot of retail spending and consumer costs.

May 2013 RealtyTrac Foreclosure Report Shows Strength For The US Housing Market

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:40:55 -0700

RealtyTrac recently reported that national foreclosure filings are down while foreclosure filings are seeing marked increases in some states.

There are two systems for foreclosing residential real estate in the United States; judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. The states individually decide which foreclosure process will be followed in their state.

Click Here To Download An Overview Of The Foreclosure Process

Judicial foreclosure requires action by the courts because the mortgage is not written including a "power of sale clause". Judicial foreclosure proceedings generally take longer than non-judicial processes due to this court involvement.

A log-jam of delayed judicial foreclosures are beginning to move through backlogged courts with the result of higher numbers of foreclosures started, foreclosure auctions scheduled, and properties either sold to third parties at foreclosure auctions or repossessed by mortgage lenders.

In states allowing non-judicial foreclosure, the matter may be handled outside of the judicial system as the mortgage is written with the power of sale clause which allows the lender to take control of the mortgaged property to satisfy the outstanding lien.

Here are highlights of April's foreclosure report:

Nationally, 144,790 foreclosure filings were made in April, a decrease of 5 percent compared to March and representing an annual decrease of 23 percent year-over-year.

Overall, April's residential foreclosure activity was at its lowest since February 2007. About one of every 905 U.S. housing units had a foreclosure filing during April.

Due to the aforementioned backlog of judicial foreclosures, scheduled foreclosure auctions hit a 30-month high in April rising by 22 percent between March and April.

Some states had markedly higher rates of foreclosure sales scheduled in April 2013 as compared to April 2012. Examples include Maryland (+199 percent), New Jersey (+91 percent), Ohio (+73 percent), Oklahoma (+57 percent), and Florida (+55 percent)

Foreclosure auctions scheduled in non-judicial states were 7 percent lower in April as compared to March, and were an encouraging 43 percent lower in April 2013 as compared to April 2012; this was the lowest reading for non-judicial foreclosure sales scheduled since December of 2005.

Non-judicial foreclosure sales were impacted in some states as the result of legislation affecting foreclosure procedures. Affected states included Arkansas, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

70,133 U.S. homes went into foreclosure in April 2013, which is 40 percent lower than for March 2013 and 28 percent lower than during April 2012.

With home values increasing and large numbers of delayed foreclosures clearing the books, this data offers further evidence that the U.S. real estate market is steadily improving. As more foreclosures are removed from the housing inventory, home prices should continue to stabilize and increase.

Home Ideas for Mom

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:11:16 -0700

Whether you're looking to buy a new house this month or do a little remodeling, take advantage of the opportunity to give the mom in your life a present she'll appreciate every day.

Below are a few ideas for housing priorities and renovation projects that typically rate high on women's wish lists for their homes.

Open Living Areas

The open floor plan is usually a big plus for any mother. They want to be able to cook dinner in the kitchen while monitoring their children's schoolwork at the dining table.

So look for a house that affords this visual luxury or consider the generous gift of getting dirty and knocking down some walls.

Large Closets

What woman doesn't need more room for her clothes, shoes and purses? If you're looking at houses, keep in mind how much closet space will work for your wife or mother.

If it's not enough, see if there's another area you could convert to create a custom closet. Another great gift would be to upgrade your mom's closet with a new shelving and organizing storage system.

And great storage doesn't stop in the bedroom. Most women like to keep the family's things organized and put away, so think about upgrading some of the other cupboards and closets in the home as well.

Low-Maintenance Living

Some women are expert gardeners or love home-improvement projects; however, many just want to leave those tasks to someone else.

Many moms love easy-to-wipe-down granite counters and hardwood floors. These can be beautiful and functional home upgrades all at the same time.

And especially if you're shopping real estate for an elderly mother, consider looking at homes that are new construction, have easy-to-care-for landscaping and maintenance-free siding or brick.

Easy-to-Use Security System

While security is important to everyone, it ranks high on most women's list of priorities. As a Mother's Day gift, research providers and have a security system installed.

Whether your mother is living alone or your wife is worried about the family's safety, this practical present will give everyone peace of mind.

Make a big gesture this Mother's Day by giving the woman in your life that renovation project she's been pining over.

And, if looking at buying a new home, keep in mind what's important to Mom.

Finally, if you'd like more tips on Mother's Day home shopping or upgrades, call your favorite real estate professional for the best advice.

Upswing in April Jobs

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:45:07 -0700

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Non-farm Payrolls and National Unemployment Rate for April last Friday. These two reports are collectively called the Jobs Report. 165,000 jobs were added in April, while the unemployment rate dropped from 7.60 percent in March to 7.50 percent in April. 673,000 jobs have been added since January. Jobs were added in employment sectors including business and professional, health care and eating and drinking establishments. The main impact of the jobs report on home sales and mortgage lending is the ability of would-be home buyers to qualify for mortgage loans. Long term unemployment and under-employment has worked against consumers wanting to buy homes when interest rates and home prices hit significant lows. Falling Long Term Unemployment Numbers Help New Home Buyers Buy Homes Long-term unemployment (workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more) fell by 258,000 workers to 4.4 million in April. The share of long term workers among all unemployed fell by 2.2 percent to 37.4 percent of unemployed workers. Since January, the number of long-term unemployed has decreased by 687,000 workers and 3.1 percent. Gaining employment is a plus for the economy and for households facing financial stress due to unemployment. Another significant data set in terms of U.S. jobs measures workers who are working part-time, but who want to work full time. This sector increased by 278,000 in April to 7.9 million. February and March 2013 Non-farm Payrolls numbers were revised upward. In February, jobs added were changed from 268,000 to 332,000. In March, jobs added were revised from 88,000 to 138,000. This adjusts the number of jobs added for February to March by an additional 114,000 new jobs. Federal Reserve Bond Purchase Point To Continued Low Mortgage Rates The Federal Reserve is continuing its program of quantitative easing (QE) by buying $85 billion in bonds and mortgage backed securities (MBS) monthly. Reducing or eliminating QE would lessen the demand for bonds and MBS; when bond and MBS prices fall, mortgage rates usually rise. Lower mortgage rates can help offset rising home prices and allow more consumers to buy homes. While home prices are gradually increasing, mortgage rates are still low. This helps moderate-income home buyers with affordability, but these conditions won't last indefinitely. In some regions, such as the West, available homes and land are in short supply, which is driving up home prices. This trend is helping home owners, and potentially home sellers, gain higher sales prices for their real estate. Overall, increasing the number of jobs is positive for the economy. Contact your trusted mortgage lender for a personalized mortgage interest rate quote and to learn more about affordable home loan options.

posted by Bill DesautelsP: (802) 655-9100 (800) 639-4520 x217 F: (802) 655-0400 E: condoguy@condoguy.com The Condo Guy - Vermont condo real estate The Condo Guy has been providing advice to buyers and sellers of Vermont condos real estate for nearly 30 years.

Creating Space Within the Home

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:44:40 -0700

In almost every home, there are awkward spaces that are difficult to utilize.

Especially in older houses, there are rooms, closets and nooks that once had a purpose that is now outdated.

So before you try to cover it up or fill it with junk, take a look at the smart solutions below to see how you can revitalize those problematic spaces and turn them into something useful.

The Space Under The Stairs

While this is likely to be more of a hiding spot for dust-bunnies than teenage wizards, it is valuable space that you don't have to board up. Use it for storage!

Create custom storage cabinets, or if it's near the kitchen, build in a wine refrigerator or display shelves for china.

You could also build in a coat or shoe closet if the stairs are in the front entryway.

The Bedroom Too Small For A Bed

You might have an office that sometimes needs to be used as a bedroom or a bedroom that could fit a bed and nothing else.

If these issues strike a chord, then you might want to invest in a Murphy bed.

These space-saving inventions allow you to use a small space for another purpose during the day, and then miraculously have a place to sleep at night.

The Unused Closet

Especially in an older home, you'll run across closets that just don't make sense. If you don't need it for storage, then turn it into something creative, such as a small library or toy room.

Take off the door, add adjustable shelves, build a comfortable cushioned bench and install attractive lighting. Now you and your family can curl up for story time in your new book nook.

Or put in a desk or countertop, an office chair and table lamp and use it as an office nook that can be closed off when you're not using it.

Don't write off awkward spaces in your home as lost causes. With a little ingenuity, hard work and smart design, you can create a useful area that everyone in your family can use and enjoy.

How To Choose Paint Colors

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:57:24 -0700

When it comes to selling your home , you've probably thought of the most common staging tricks, such as clearing out the clutter to make your rooms look bigger and bringing in more light to brighten things up.

However, have you considered that the colors in your house might affect whether buyers are interested?

First impressions are everything when you are selling a house, so think about how the colors you choose will likely influence your potential buyers. A new coat of paint could be a simple and effective way to make your house more appealing.

Here are a few additional tips:

Choose Mellow, Neutral Shades

When a potential buyer is looking at your house, they want to be able to imagine themselves living there. If your walls are painted in lime green or hot pink, it can be difficult for a buyer to relate the house to their own tastes.

Instead, use neutral colors, such as cream, olive, beige and ivory. Then the walls become a blank canvas where prospective buyers can project their own style preferences.

Create the Illusion of Space

In order to make a space within your home feel larger, you can use a very light neutral color such as white, tan or pale grey. This will reflect more light and give the impression of a more expansive interior.

You can also try painting the moldings the same color as the walls, which will make the ceilings look higher.

Don't Forget About Exterior Color

It's easy to focus on the interior of a house and forget about the outside, but the front of the house is the first thing potential buyers will see. Curb appeal can be a huge factor in their decision.

Caution: Lead-Based Paint

One important word of caution regarding the paint in your home is the issue of lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint was most common in homes built or painted prior to 1978. If your home falls in that age category, it may require further testing to ensure that the paint covering your walls is free of lead.

Color has a psychological effect on people, whether they are aware of it or not. You'll be amazed at the difference the right colors can make in selling or improving your home.

If you would like more home staging and selling tips, please contact your trusted real estate professional today!

How to Buy a Distressed Property

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:31:13 -0700

According to the the latest Foreclosure Inventory Analysis showed nearly 1.5 million properties were currently in the foreclosure process or being held by banks as Real Estate Owned.

This was up 9 percent from the first quarter of 2012, but down significantly from the apex of foreclosure activity -- 2.2 million units -- in December 2010.

What Is Distressed Property?

"Distressed property" is a blanket term for homes in foreclosure, short sale or that are REO (Real Estate Owned).

Below are definitions of different types of distressed real estate, so that you can be familiar with the terms.

Foreclosure: When a homeowner has defaulted on their mortgage for a specified period of time, the bank takes possession of the real estate.

Short Sale: A homeowner facing foreclosure may request a short sale from their lender to sell the property for less than what is owed.

REO: Real Estate Owned properties have gone through foreclosure and are held by the bank. This increases the possibility of purchasing these homes at a discount because maintaining an REO is costly for a lender.

All three scenarios offer opportunities for substantial savings, yet all include stipulations with regard to the contract and terms of purchase.

Special Requirements With Distressed Property Purchases

When you buy this type of property, you are dealing with a financial institution instead of a private seller, so it may take more time to get to the closing table.

Be prepared for a longer than normal communication cycle as there are often delays when working with the bank or mortgage lender to come to a decision on an acceptable offer and closing date.

Unfortunately, many distressed properties have more deferred maintenance and repair issues

If you are willing to take the chance and be patient, a distressed property could pay off in terms of a lower purchase price.

Additionally, most buyers of distressed properties see an increase in the value of their real estate within a short time of purchase.

In the end, it is strongly advised that buyers work with an experienced property expert when interested in distressed properties because of the additional paperwork and requirements to complete the transaction.

Weekly Mortgage Rate Update

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:28:17 -0700

Mortgage rates fell again last week and are again near record lows. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage did achieve a record low of 2.61 percent as compared to 3.1 percent one year ago. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 3.40 percent and near the record low of 3.31 percent. Low mortgage rates are helping homeowners with refinancing and are boosting housing markets as more buyers can qualify for mortgage loans. Home Values Continue To Rise Last week's economic news was mixed; The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, released its Home Price Index for February. According to this index, home prices increased by 0.7 percent between January and February, and increased by 7.1 percent year-over-year on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales for March fell short of the expected 5.03 million and came in at 4.92 million existing homes sold on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. This reading was also 0.7 percent shy of February's reading of 4.95 million existing homes sold. Some homeowners may be taking a wait-and-see stance as they wait for home values to continue rising. Employment Numbers Gaining Steam Weekly jobless claims fell to 339,000 and were short of the consensus of 351,000 and the prior week's 355,000 jobless claims filed. As more workers gain employment, those able to buy homes increases. The economy in general also benefits as households gain income they can use for purchasing goods and services. Consumer Sentiment rose by 2.1 points to 76.4 over the March reading of 72.3 percent. April's reading also surpassed expectations of 74.0 percent. As consumers gain confidence in the economy, they are generally more likely to buy homes and make other major purchases that contribute to the U.S. economy. Coming Up this Week This week's economic news calendar includes several reports that impact the housing sector as well as the general economy:

Monday: Personal Income, Consumer Spending and Pending Home Sales reports are due for release.

Tuesday: The Case Shiller/Wells Fargo Home Price Index for February and Consumer Confidence for April will provide data concerning national and regional home prices and indicate how consumers view the economy.

Wednesday: The customary statement by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set for release at the conclusion of its meeting. The ADP Employment Index for April and Construction Spending for March provide data on jobs and trends in construction spending.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims report

Friday: The Non-farm Payrolls Report and Unemployment Rate for April, collectively known as the Jobs Report, will be released.

While we can't predict what will happen with mortgage rates, some industry analysts indicated that they expect rates to remain low in the near-term. These lower rates should continue to support growth in the real estate market for home buyers and sellers as well as those looking to refinance their home.

Clean Home is More Money

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:41:31 -0700

A clean, uncluttered home is very likely the single most important thing to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. In fact, a recent survey by HomeGain showed a whopping 568% return on investment for money put toward cleaning and organizing a home for sale! And other experts say that a well-put-together home can shorten the time on market drastically as well. Before your real estate agent lists your home, it's essential for it to look its best. 7 Tips To Get Your Home In Tip Top Selling Condition Examine your living space and see it as a buyer would — then double check this list of staging tips to make sure you haven't overlooked these important details.

Clear out the clutter. Tidy up counter tops, bookcases, garages and closets.

Pack up your sentimental items. Personal photos and knick-knacks should be boxed up for moving day.

Get a storage unit. Open up space by moving furniture and boxes into storage -- it will make the rooms appear bigger.

Remove appliances and fixtures that you want to keep. If you are taking the dining room chandelier or the built-in microwave, remove them before the house goes on the market.

Make minor repairs. Check that faucets don't leak, doors close properly and holes in the walls are patched.

Make it pretty! Windows, floors and bathrooms should be sparkling. Dust every surface, hang up fresh towels in the bathroom and make sure there are no lingering odors.

Don't forget the yard. Curb appeal starts at the curb -- go figure -- so mow the yard, wash down walkways and add some bright flowers near the front door to trigger the emotion to buy.

There are so many different ways to give your home an advantage over the competition in the spring buying market. Plus, nice looking properties are more appealing for real estate agents to show their clients, so your well-taken-care-of home may get a lot more exposure. In the end, the better your property looks, the faster it's going to sell...and get you the most for it.

</table

Solar Energy Tips

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:25:36 -0700

If you've been considering taking your home in a green direction, April is the perfect month to make an environmentally friendly update.

Installing a solar energy system may be a very smart way to help the environment.

Plus, solar panels turn sunlight into energy that can save you money!

The federal government and many states are now providing tax incentives and rebates for installing solar panels in 2013 which make this an excellent opportunity to go green this spring.

However, there are many installers that might not have the necessary experience, so be sure to ask the questions below when searching for your solar energy system.

How many solar panel systems have they installed?

You want to make sure to find a reputable company that has significant solar experience and has successfully completed at least 50 installations.

Ask for references before you sign anything.

What is the output in kWh per year?

Many times, solar panel brands will claim to be more efficient than others.

You'll want to weigh the annual output against the price to determine what system is going to be the most cost effective for your home.

It is important to note that you should do an energy audit to see how you are using the power in your home before sizing the solar power replacement system.

You may be able to install a significantly smaller, and less costly, system if you learn how you can cut your power consumption prior to installing your new solar panels.

How long is the warranty on the panels?

Most high quality solar panel systems have a warranty of at least 25 years.

Top-of-the-line panels usually guarantee an output of no less than 90 percent after ten years and no less than 80 percent after 25 years.

Be wary of any company whose panels don't come with a warranty.

Do they include a warranty on labor?

Many states require a warranty on labor in order to receive your rebate.

Reputable installers should have no problem including at least a 10-year warranty.

What is the final price?

Don't get separate pricing for the parts, labor and rebates. Get a comprehensive price, so you can directly compare the total cost and kWh per year among providers.

Also, pay attention to the difference between purchasing your solar power system versus the leasing options available.

Leasing has become popular due to the low -- or possibly no-- up-front cost, but most experts agree that purchasing the system leads to a quicker payoff and return on your investment.

Taking into consideration warranties and servicing fees, the outcome should be that you choose whoever can give you the most output at the best price.

Top Dollar Home Selling Tips

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 03:22:49 -0700

Selling a house in the current market can be tricky, but there are certain mistakes an owner can make that will cause a home to sit still without a decent offer and cause the listing to go stale.

In order to prevent that from happening, make sure you are not making one of the following mistakes when putting your property on the market.

Overpricing

While your home may hold sentimental value, many times that value does not translate into dollars.

Be realistic about your asking price and know the details about your current market.

Look at the list price of similar houses on the market to get a rough idea of what you should ask for your property.

Make special note of the actual closing sales price as well as the time on market and listing to sales price ratio.

A licensed real estate agent can provide these details as well as give you their expert opinion based on experience and comparable properties.

Neglecting Repairs

Glaring problems with a property will cause the buyer to think the home was not properly maintained.

While it may cost some money, repairing things like holes in the walls, broken light fixtures or missing tiles can change a buyer's entire attitude about a property.

Ask for help if you aren't comfortable doing these things yourself.

A real estate professional will have a whole list of qualified referrals who they trust to help you get things fixed up.

Ignoring Curb Appeal

Overgrown and unweeded yards can cause potential buyers to drive right by.

Also, having junk in the front of your house or peeling paint can deter someone from considering the property.

Step across the street and take an honest look at your house - and then make necessary adjustments.

Fixing these items may be as easy as one weekend day of clean up and a little elbow grease.

And even though it's not expensive to fix these issues, it can make thousands of dollars difference in the sale of your home.

Creating Or Allowing Foul Odors

Odorous foods, pet dander and the smell of smoke can be extremely distasteful to buyers.

Even if you are used to the smell, others entering your house will not be.

Make sure you air out the house, smoke only outdoors, and put away the litter boxes before an open house or showing.

Also, ask someone who isn't at your home often to come in and give it a smell test.

Brutal honesty here might hurt a little bit, but it's a lot better than allowing this problem to prevent a quicker sale of your home.

Without even realizing they're sabotaging a potential sale, homeowners can make several mistakes when first trying to sell their home.

To find out what you can do to make your property really stand out to potential buyers, please call a licensed real estate professional.

Open House Questions

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:35:33 -0700

An open house gives you a great opportunity to look more closely at real estate you might be interested in buying.

It also affords you the chance to chat with the owner or real estate agent so you can bring up any issues or hesitations you have with the home.

Knowing what to ask can be difficult, so below are examples of questions to ask at the next open house you attend.

Why has the seller decided to sell now?

If you ask why the seller is moving, you could learn valuable information to help determine your offer -- or possibly whether or not you want to buy the home.

Knowing whether the owners are about to go into foreclosure, have experienced trouble in the neighborhood, or if they've retired and completely paid off the home can help you understand how urgently they need to sell their property.

Has the seller had any other offers?

Don't forget that you are not only negotiating with the seller for a price, you are also competing with other potential buyers.

It really helps to know what you are up against.

It is important to understand that you might not get a 100% straight answer to this question as most sellers know that competition - or perceived competition - can cause a potential buyer to move forward more quickly and at a higher price.

If you're comfortable in this discussion, you might want to try and see if you can find out the details of any other offers.

Does the property have special ownership costs?

Ask the agent or owner about the other costs associated with owning the property, such as Home Owners Association fees within a condo complex or a gated community.

It's important to know about these extra expenses in advance so you can make an informed offer.

You may also want to ask about any pending litigation concerning the property. Litigation is not always a deal killer, but it's better to know the details before you sign closing documents.

What furniture and appliances are being sold with the house?

Most of the time, a seller will include their major appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with the home, but this isn't always the case.

If you don't already have these items, it's important to know whether they are included in the purchase price.

Is there anything else that you want to leave with the home?

This is an important question to ask. Especially if there are specific things in the home that you have a strong interest in.

Perhaps there is custom art work or a pool table that fits perfectly in the game room.

The seller may be eager to part with those items and include them in the sale of the home or sell them at a large discount.

The open house is a great opportunity to learn more about a home before making the decision to buy it, so be sure you ask the right questions.

Home Builder Confidence

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:37:36 -0700

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) report for April shows that builder confidence slipped by two points to a rating of 42 from the March reading of 44.

The Housing Market Index (HMI) measures home builder confidence in market conditions for newly built single family homes.

A reading of more than 50 indicates better than average confidence, while readings below 50 indicate that home builders have concerns about current market conditions.

NAHB Housing Market Index Results For April

Home builders expressed concern over a gap between a growing demand for homes and builders' ability to meet the demand for new homes as housing market conditions improve.

Top concerns cited by home builders surveyed include:

Availability of construction credit
Construction costs rising faster than home values
Restrictive mortgage lending rules impacting would-be home buyers

Supply chains for building materials and available developed lots are also impacting home builder confidence, as they have been lagging behind increasing demand for homes since the recession and will need more time to catch up.

Six Month Confidence Forecast Strongest Since February 2007

While builder confidence fell on a month-to-month basis, home builders have a more positive outlook for the next six months.

The builder confidence reading for the next six months came in at 53 for April, which is the highest reading since February 2007.

In terms of demand for newly built homes, the home builders surveyed said that a shortage of existing homes, low mortgage rates and increasing consumer confidence are expected to improve the market for existing homes.

Consumer confidence is important to all facets of the home building and mortgage lending industries.

Buying a home is typically the largest investment that consumers make, and their confidence in the economy plays a role in their decisions about when or if they buy a home.

Regional readings for housing markets are based on a three month rolling average.

Results for April were unchanged or lower in all four regions as compared to the rolling average reported in March:

Northeast: The reading of 38 is unchanged from March.
Midwest: The reading declined by two points to 45.
South: April's reading declined by four points to 42
West: April's reading declined by three points to 55, but remains in positive territory.

Regional readings reflect conditions impacting only a specific area of the U.S.

Recent examples include the impact of Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast, and an ongoing lack of land available for home construction in the West.

How To Clean Woods Floors

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:16:30 -0700

Have you ever walked into a home for sale and looked down to see stained carpet or scratched and worn flooring? If so, you would probably agree that it doesn't leave a positive first impression. Imagine if you were a buyer looking at the same floor. The right type of flooring and whether it is well taken care of can make a big difference to buyers. If your floor is questionably clean, here are a few fixes to help remedy the issue to help your home sell quickly. Does your home have hardwood floors? You're in luck. Buyers love hardwood floors and some will pay extra to get them. If your hardwood floors are covered by carpet, painted over or showing anything but the natural wood grain, it's time for an overhaul. With the ability to rent large sanders and other tools, you can either refinish the hardwood floor yourself or hire a professional. Remember, however, that hardwood floors in have a tendency to show off scratches, dents and uneven surfaces. If you don't think you can do an adequate job, hire a professional. Does your home have carpeting? If you don't have hardwood floors, take a look at your carpeting. If it's stained, outdated or ragged, it might be time to pull it up and replace it. There are many new techniques with carpet cleaning and spot repair, so check with a local carpet cleaning professional to assess your carpet before making expensive decisions. When laying the new carpet, use high-quality carpet padding to make it comfortable to stand on. Many buyers will kneel down and touch the floor, so make sure the carpet feels soft to the touch. Does your home have tile floors? Although tiles are beautiful, they typically show every ounce of old grime, dirt, chips and cracks. Go through your home and replace any that are chipped, cracked or show significant signs of wear and tear. Make sure the grout is clean and new looking, and use specialized tile cleaners or a steam cleaner to get rid of any stains. Beautiful floors can go a long way toward selling homes. Take an honest look at yours. It might just help get your home sold more quickly and at a higher price. As always, seeking the advice of a licensed real estate professional would be an excellent next step to plan your home selling preparations.

What's Ahead for Mortgage Rates This Week

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:10:03 -0700

Mortgage rates saw little change last week amidst mixed economic news.

Treasury auctions held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw weak demand; this could have been caused by the FOMC minutes that were released on Wednesday.

The minutes indicated that some FOMC members supported ending the current quantitative easing (QE) program within a few months.

The Fed is currently purchasing $85 billion monthly in bonds and Mortgage Backed Securities.

If the QE program is ended, demands for bonds and MBS will decline, which usually raises mortgage rates.

Employment Numbers Show Promise For Housing Market

Thursday's jobless claims offered some positive news.

Jobless claims fell to 346,000, which is well below Wall Street's estimate of 365,000 jobless claims and the prior week's report of 385,000 jobless claims.

As more people find work, more families become able to buy homes.

Demand for homes will boost the housing market, which is already expanding in many areas.

While higher home prices are good for the economy, higher mortgage rates may be likely to follow.

This potentially presents a "double-edged sword" to home buyers with little financial flexibility.

Slower Retail Sales Largely Due To Autos

Retail Sales, which represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. economy, moved from February's level of 1.1 percent to -0.4 percent in March.

Expectations were for 0.0 percent change.

The Retail Sales report exclusive of the volatile automotive sector was nearly identical except for the February's reading of 1.0 percent.

These reports suggest that while the economy is improving in some areas, it has a way to go before it has truly recovered.

What's Coming Up Next?

This week, investors will be paying attention to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the closely-related Core CPI, which is nearly identical except for its excludes the more volatile food and energy sectors.

These reports will be released on Tuesday for March, with little change expected for the CPI and no change expected for the Core CPI as compared to February.

The CPI is considered an important indicator of inflation.

Unexpected changes in inflationary growth can cause rapid and volatile responses in the financial markets.

Wednesday brings the Fed's Beige Book, which presents key economic data for each of the Fed's 12 regions.

Investors watch the Beige Book for signs of the Fed's position on economic policy during the upcoming FOMC meeting.

Jobless claims will be released Thursday with the expectation of 350,000 claims filed as compared to last week's 346,000 jobless claims.

Feds Minutes Released

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:52:27 -0700

The minutes for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held March 19 and 20 were released on Wednesday April 10, 2013.

These periodic meetings by the FOMC cover a wide ranging group of topics that impact the overall economy in the United States.

The decisions made and acted upon from the FOMC meetings often sway the real estate and residential financing markets.

Some highlights of the recent FOMC minutes for the March meeting include:

Jobs and Unemployment Gaining Steam

The unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent in February.

While lower than the average unemployment rate for Q4 2012, the rates of long-term unemployment and part-time employment for economic reasons saw little change, and both measures remained high.

This suggests that the economy is improving in some areas, while others including employment are not so quick to recover.

Housing Markets Looking Robust

U.S. housing markets continued to improve during the inter meeting period, but construction of new housing faced obstacles including tighter credit and in some areas a lack of available building space.

While housing prices are improving, employment rates and wages will also need to expand for consumers to keep pace with rising home prices.

Some of the Fed Meeting participants continued to be very positive about the prospects of the real estate sector noting rising home prices and demand.

At the same time, an overall tone of restraint and caution was expressed regarding the continuing purchase of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS).

Any slowing in the Fed's commitment to their previous levels of MBS purchases may create upward pressure on home mortgage interest rates.

Personal Finances and Consumer Confidence

Household expenditures rose modestly during January and retail sales, excluding auto sector, increased at a strong pace in February. Sales of light autos also rose.

Household wealth also increased for homeowners due to increases in home values, which is good news for current homeowners and may be an incentive for new home buyers to move forward and purchase real estate.

Recovering Economy Leads Toward Government Spending Pull Back

The FOMC minutes suggest that the Fed is not likely to end its quantitative easing (QE) program immediately, but the first quarter of 2014 was cited as a potential date for the program to end.

Gradual decreases in the Fed's purchases of bonds and mortgage backed securities are expected before QE ends, and this could cause mortgage rates to rise as MBS prices fall.

Investment Real Estate

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:30:55 -0700

When you make an investment in real estate, it's important to consider your options for turning a profit even before you write an offer. It might be best to rent out the property to cover your mortgage and build equity providing the home cash-flows with solid rents and demand. Or, you could fix up the home and flip it so that you can sell it quickly for a larger amount than you invested. Both strategies may be appealing options, so here are some important factors to consider before making your decision. Flipping May Lead To Short Term Profits Flipping a house can be tricky, so you will want to have enough experience to know what you are doing, or work with an experienced advisor who can guide you around the most common pitfalls. If you are thinking about fixing and flipping a house, you will need to have enough capital to invest in the property so you can make the required improvements and repairs. Many people find themselves short of working capital after closing on the new purchase. It is important to factor in carrying costs, or monthly mortgage payments while fixing the home, into your overall budget. Do your research so you'll know what renovations will have the most impact on the value of your real estate. You will also need to know if the market in the area will support your new price point. Make sure your flip property is in a very buyer-friendly community for your best chances of a positive return. Renting Is The Buy And Hold Strategy For Investment Real Estate Flipping a house gives you quick cash, but renting it out instead may give you monthly cash flow and a potentially larger long-term profit if the property appreciates over time. If you don't mind being a landlord and you have the time to screen for reliable renters, then renting out the property might be a better option for you. This option also means that you will have the home later on in case you want to live in it. Of course, don't forget to factor in additional upkeep costs, such as repairs, utilities and property taxes. Seek Professional Counsel Investment real estate has consistently been considered a solid way to get your money working for you. Whether you rent out or flip your investment property will depend on whether you are interested in a long-term investment or a short-term project. A great next step while you are planning your investment real estate purchase would be seeking the advice of a qualified, licensed real estate professional.

posted by Bill Desautels P: (802) 655-9100 (800) 639-4520 x217 F: (802) 655-0400 E: condoguy@condoguy.com The Condo Guy - Vermont condo real estate The Condo Guy has been providing advice to buyers and sellers of Vermont condos real estate for nearly 30 years.

What's Ahead This Week

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:56:09 -0700

Last week's economic news includes several factors that drove U.S. mortgage rates lower.

The Bank of Japan announced that it would increase its purchase of bonds by $1.4 trillion over the next two years.

This news caused yields on Japanese bonds to fall, which made U.S. bonds more appealing to international investors, that in turn increased MBS prices and caused mortgage rates to fall.

Bumpy Employment Numbers Support Lower Interest Rates

Other significant economic news involves an unexpected drop in the number of new jobs created last month.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Nonfarm Payrolls Report issued Friday indicated that 88,000 jobs were added in March, which fell considerably short of the expected 190,000 jobs added as well as the 236,000 jobs added in February.

Average hourly earnings remained flat against February, which indicates another stall in U.S. economic growth.

Expanding employment sectors for March included professional and business services and healthcare, while retail jobs decreased.

Jobless claims increased last week in concurrence with lower than expected jobs added for March.

New jobless claims came in at 385,000 and were higher than expectations of 345,000 new jobless claims and the prior week's jobless claims of 357,000.

The monthly unemployment rate fell from 7.7 percent to 7.6 percent, but this isn't encouraging news.

According to the BLS, the unemployment rate fell due to workers leaving the work force instead of workers finding jobs.

Next week, Treasury Auctions will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will release FOMC minutes.

Fed Continues Monthly Bond Purchases

Investors and analysts review the minutes for predicting future economic developments and also for gauging the Fed's sentiment about how or if changes should be made to the current quantitative easing program (QE).

The current QE program involves the Fed's monthly purchase of $85 billion in bonds and MBS is intended to keep long-term interest rates including mortgage rates low.

Retail Sales will be released Friday, and as indicated by falling job numbers in the retail sectors, analysts are expecting no growth for March in either report.

Global news concerning North Korea and the European Union economic situation could also move U.S. markets up or down depending on the nature of the news.

While not encouraging in terms of an economic recovery, these events show that the recovery is proceeding with ups and downs; this doesn't provide investors a clear picture and may cause them to seek safe haven in bonds.

The good news for homeowners is uncertainty and low expectations of the financial markets typically help keep mortgage rates lower.

Housewarming Gift Ideas

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:02:08 -0700

Whether you have new neighbors next door or old friends moving across town, a housewarming gift is a great way to show you care.

New owners always appreciate anything that relieves the pressures of moving and settling in to an unfamiliar neighborhood.

Here are seven fun and easy housewarming-gift ideas for your friends moving into their home.

A Door Wreath

You can choose a wreath that fits the season or that is simply attractive on the front door.

Include a wreath door-hanger and storage box so they can easily hang it or put it away.

A Pair of Candlestick Holders

Candlesticks are a simple, yet practical gift for a new home.

They're perfect for a mantel, dresser or table. Choose attractive candlestick holders that match the house's décor and include a set of candles to burn.

A Homemade Meal

Moving and getting settled in a new house takes a tremendous amount of time and effort.

This leaves little time to cook nutritious meals.

Bring either a takeout or home-cooked meal along with disposable plates and utensils for a much appreciated housewarming gift.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing makes a room look more inviting than fresh-cut flowers or a lush green plant.

Flowers add a punch of color while plants last longer while still requiring little work.

Choose flowers that fit the season or a plant with full, green leaves that is easy to maintain.

Scented Candles

Not only are they practical, but they also help bring comfort and serenity to the chaos of moving.

Choose a theme for the candles, such as a color or a scent that matches the style.

Include candles of different shapes and sizes and a lighter.

Picture Frames

Keep in mind the house's décor as you choose a picture frame.

Wood, pewter, bamboo or decorative glass looks great in a casually decorated house.

If the house has a more formal décor, choose crystal or silver.

It's be fun for your friends to have a place to display their new memories.

There are few experiences that offer the excitement of moving into a new home, and you can add to that excitement and wonder by giving one of these housewarming gift ideas.

And if you want to be the one receiving housewarming gifts by moving to a new home, then call your trusted real estate professional today!

Real Estate Terms

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:48:15 -0700

When looking to buy or sell real estate, confusing terminology can leave you feeling somewhat uneasy. From a multitude of numbers to marketing jargon, property listings can provide you with an overwhelming amount of information — and it's hard to know what's important. So, brush up on the terms below and don't get fooled this April. Sale-to-List Ratio This is an important number to pay attention to when choosing a real estate professional to sell your home. The percentage is calculated by what a home was initially listed for, divided by the actual sale price. The closer an agent's percentage is to 100, the better. If it's low, that could be an indication that they routinely list homes too high, or you may be in a slow market which would favor the home buyer. On the other hand, if it's high, it could show that your agent markets their listings well and your market might favor home sellers. Median Days on Market The median days on market is the midpoint of how many days it took for homes in that area to sell. If it's 30 days, then half of the homes sold quicker and half took longer than 30 days. If you compare the real estate you're considering to its area's median days on market and you find that it's been on longer, the sellers might be willing to take a lower offer. Distressed Property Properties are listed as distressed when the owners have defaulted on their mortgage loans or are about to. As a buyer, you might be able to get a good deal on a short sale or a foreclosure, as banks many times list them below market value to try and recoup some of their loss and clear the property from their books. An Active Versus Pending Status If you find your dream home and then notice that it has a pending status, brace yourself for disappointment. An active status on a home means the owners are accepting offers, while a pending status indicates that they've already accepted an offer. If you know it's the one for you, you can still place a bid in case the first offer falls through. While there are many new concepts and terms you will learn when purchasing your new home, the benefits of home ownership far outweigh any fear that you may have. If you're looking to purchase a new home soon, please contact a licensed real estate professional who can cut through the jargon and find the home of your dreams.

Home Buyer Tips

Bill Desautels, RE/MAX North Professionls (The Condo Guy) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:23:24 -0700

It's a great time to buy a new home because there are still quite a few homes for sale, and interest rates have continued to stay comparatively low.

Whether it's your first time purchasing real estate or you're a seasoned professional, here are a few tips to make shopping for a new house more pleasurable.

1. Get Help

Searching through all of the available properties on the market can be mind-boggling.

Find a professional real estate agent to help guide you through the homes for sale and select one that meets your family and financial needs.

2. Start Looking Now

Finding the perfect house can take longer than you might think, especially if you're looking in a competitive market.

If you're looking at getting a good deal on a foreclosure or short sale, then these transactions can take even longer because you're likely waiting on the bank to make the final call on your purchase transaction.

Try to be patient. The more thorough you are in your search, the happier you'll be in the long term.

3. Don't Settle For The First Place You See

Searching for a house can be extremely emotional.

If you think you've found the one, then take a step back, consult your real estate agent and go over your housing checklist one last time before writing an offer.

4. Weigh The Pros And Cons

Almost any property will need a few improvements; even newly constructed houses usually need improvements like landscaping.

Sellers are more savvy now about how to make cosmetic changes to catch a buyer's eye, so look carefully.

There will still be things you want to change, so weigh the difference between the cost of those repairs and the sales price of the home.

If you really want a house even though it's going to take a lot of work, make your offer accordingly.

5. Make Sure Your Financing Is In Order

Having financing done in advance makes the process of buying homes for sale much easier because you'll know how much you can afford.

Your loan officer can also help you determine what your monthly payments will be based on how much money you borrow.

A great first step is to consult with a licensed mortgage financing specialist to go over the available programs and terms available in the area.