| |
When Can You Buy Again After a Foreclosure? - 02/29/12 03:07 PM
Former homeowners that foreclosed or had a short sale may be able to purchase a home sooner than they expected. Currently, the wait time to qualify for a home loan is 3 years through the Federal Housing Administration and 7 years through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. If you want to purchase a home soon, look into the following:
A loan may be able to be secured with a higher interest rate. If a short sale was due to a job loss, the wait time may be waived. The time can be cut in half, or more, if a borrower can … (3 comments)
|
More Great Home Design Tips - 02/23/12 11:55 AM
As a homeowner looks at adding value to their home, the kitchen is key (mentioned in previous 2/21 blog), but here are some tips for other areas of the home.
Lighting. A homes atmosphere can be changed by paying attention to the types of bulbs you use. Use brighter, white tones for more light or halogen narrow spot bulbs for a warmer, romantic setting. Paint. The new neutral is stone and gray colors. Good accents colors are bright blues, orange and red. Closets. Consider transforming a small or awkward closet into a usable space, such as built-in cabinets, shelving or a … (1 comments)
|
Make the heart of a home -- the kitchen -- a buyers dream. - 02/21/12 09:37 AM
A deciding factor for many home buyers is the kitchen. It’s what people use everyday, where family and friends congregate, and sets the stage for the rest of the home. When looking to sell your home, it is important to pay special attention to the kitchen. Here are some of the things you can do to revive this space to attract a sale!
Repaint in a warm, neutral color. Update light and hardware fixtures. Eliminate clutter, including personal pictures and drawings. Make sure it is sparkling clean.
Bottom-line: The kitchen should be as nicer or nicer than your neighbors. The … (1 comments)
|
Want to Buy a Foreclosure? Ask These Questions First! - 02/16/12 12:26 PM
Right now, foreclosures in the Des Moines metro area are selling at a higher rate than traditional homes. Foreclosures can offer big bargains, but buyers need to be careful.
Most foreclosures are sold as-is and may have been left vacant a long time. This could result in a lot of maintenance problems that could offset any deal.
Things to ask and consider:
1. How long has the home been vacant? Remember, things break down when the utilities have been shut off for a long time.
2. How old is the home? Think outdated plumbing and electrical wiring.
3. What is … (0 comments)
|
Winter Home Maintenance - 02/14/12 10:27 AM
Well, winter has finally arrived in Iowa. We’ve enjoyed some Spring-like temperatures but now the snow and harsh temperatures of winter have arrived. Here are some tips to protect your home during this cold weather:
Look for leaks around windows and doors. Drafts can be plugged with extra caulking or by buying a draft blocker at a home improvement store. Check heating system and make sure exterior pipes are not blocked. Look over the duct work. Prevent freezing pipes by unhooking outdoor hoses and letting faucets drip when temps fall below zero. … (1 comments)
|
New Grimes Listing - 02/11/12 10:26 PM
… (0 comments)
|
How to Snag the Best Mortgage Rate Possible - 02/10/12 02:40 PM
Today, the Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac was released. It shows most average mortgage rates are slowly increasing because of January’s positive employment data. It is still a great time to get some record low rates!
Here’s a list from The New York Times on three ways borrowers can show lenders they are low-risk.
Have a credit (FICO) score of 740 or higher Put down at least 25%. Lock in a 45-day or 30-day rate guarantee if you are near closing … (0 comments)
|
Apartment Building for Sale in Great Ankeny Location! - 02/10/12 02:11 PM
… (0 comments)
|
Foreclosures and delinquencies drop in Greater Des Moines - 02/07/12 12:56 PM
Good news from data just released from CoreLogic. Check out the decreases in foreclosure rates and delinquent mortgages for the Des Moines-West Des Moines area:
Foreclosure rate:Nov. 2011: 2.48%Nov. 2010: 2.69%
Year-to-year rate dropped 12.48% National average was 3.41% in Nov. 2011
Mortgage delinquency (90+ days):Nov. 2011: 4.71%Nov. 2010: 4.81%
Year-to-year rate decreased 7.27%%
… (0 comments)
|
Des Moines-West Des Moines is HOT! - 02/01/12 03:03 PM
The Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa, housing market is ranked 4th by Inman News for a metro area that is expected to “outshine many other markets in real estate performance this year.” The report looked at rising real estate volume sales, low foreclosure activity, appreciating sales prices, home affordability, and growing job markets in areas with populations over 150,000.
The list is as follows:
Raleigh-Cary, NC Wichita, Kan. Rochester, NY Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa Chattanooga, Tenn.-Ga.
For the complete list, click here.
… (1 comments)
|
|
|
|
Cy Phillips
West Des Moines,
IA
More about me…
Remax Innovations
Cell Phone: (515) 422-4731
Email Me
Updates on my current real estate listings, current market trends/conditions, and interesting real estate facts.
 Listings
Links
Archives
|
;)
;)
;)
