| |
Regardless of what a lender quotes on mortgage rates, the actual rate paid by a borrower is based on a number of variables. Lenders determine whether to loan money and at what rate based on the risk involved with the transaction.
Factors that increase the risk that the loan will be repaid will proportionately increase the interest rate charged to the borrower. If the risk becomes too high, the loan will not be approved.
- Loan amounts - conventional loans for more than the conforming limits set by Fannie Mae are considered jumbo loans and generally have a higher interest rate.
- FICO score - the lowest interest rate is reserved for the highest credit scores; the lower the score, the higher the rate borrower will pay.
- Occupancy - borrowers occupying a home as their principal residence are considered a better loan risk than second homes and investment properties.
- Loan purpose - purchase transactions generally have the lowest interest rate while refinancing a home is generally higher.
- Debt-to-Income ratio - a borrower's monthly liabilities divided by their gross monthly income develops a ratio that helps lenders to assess the borrower's ability to repay the mortgage.
- Loan-to-Value ratio - the lower the percentage of the loan to the appraised value of the property will generally lower the interest rate.
Any combination of these factors could limit a borrower's ability to secure a mortgage at the rate initially quoted. Being pre-approved by a trusted mortgage professional is the best way to know what rate you can expect to pay. Please call for a recommendation.
Great post by Lindsay Hasford, in Minnesota about preparing your home to be on the market...keeping in mind, "all valuables"...you don't want to give anyone the opportunity... Via Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision):
Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.
10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.
9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.
8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!
7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.
6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.
5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.
4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.
3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.
2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.
1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.
There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!
Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!
If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!
Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com
Greetings from Lake Havasu City!
Value Priced Homes have been in high demand, and continues to reduce our inventory of Homes for Sale. We currently have 586 Single Family Homes on the market (range $64,990 to $1,750,000), with only 22 listed under $100,000.
February brings a ton of FUN Things to Do in Lake Havasu City! Our Beautiful Weather attracts Thousands of Visitors to our Annual Events.
Check out a few of our Upcoming Events & Mark Your Calendars!
Havasu 95 Speedway - 2011-2012 Race Season
7269 SARA Park Way
Admission: $12 General; $6 Ages 6-16; Children 5 & Under: Free
For Schedule of Events, visit: http://havasu95speedway.com/
27th Annual Winterfest Festival - February 11 - 12
2144 McCulloch Blvd. North
Main Street - Downtown McCulloch Blvd., between Acoma & Smoketree
The Signature Event of The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce!
2 Exciting Days of Arts, Crafts, Food, Beer Garden, Kids Activities & More!
Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Sun. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free Admission
For Detailed Information & Map, visit: http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/65/27th-annual-winterfest/
5th Annual Pocket Cruisers Convention - February 13
The London Bridge Resort
People from Around the World descend on Lake Havasu to Race their Small Sailboats for Fun!
Admission: Free to Spectators
For Event Schedule, visit: www.sailhavasu.com
23rd Annual Winter Blast - February 16 - 19
Western Pyrotechnics Convention
Spectacular Firework Displays Light up the Night Skies!
Thousands of Visitors come from Around the World to Watch the Spectacular Display of Colors in the Desert Sky!
SARA Park, Public Display: Fri. & Sat. night, starts at dusk
Admission: $3 per person; 12 & under Free: $5 Parking Fee
For More Information, visit: www.westernpyro.org
4th Annual Lake Havasu Rockabilly Reunion - February 17 - 19
Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
Be there! Take a 3 day trip down Nostalgia Lane with Car Show, Carnival Rides, Food, Beer Garden, and the ever popular Pin-Up Girl Contest. Music, Motorcycles, Swap Meet, Lots of Vendors, Cool Retro-Fashions, a 1950s Hair Salon & Barber!
Admission: $10/day or $25 for a 3 Day Pass; Student ID - $5/day; Children 12 & Under: Free
For more Information & Schedule of Events...
http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/80/4th-annual-lake-havasu-city-rockabilly-reunion/
2012 Ever Start Western Division Qualifying Tournament - February 23 - 25
Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
Watch them Reel in the Big One, in Person! Qualifying Tournament returns to the Waters of Lake Havasu!
6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free for Spectators
For Event Schedule: http://www.flwoutdoors.com/
8th Annual Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile PWC Race - February 25
American Power Boat Association (APBA) Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300
Crazy Horse Campground
7:00 a.m.
Admission: Free for Spectators
Website: http://www.pwcfun.com/markhahn300.asp
Or visit: http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/67/hot-products-apba--mark-hahn-memorial-havasu-300/
There's Something Here for Everyone!
You'll find local community and relocation information, as well as fun things to do in and around Lake Havasu City, at LoriDee.com!
Points refer to prepaid interest on a home mortgage and can be fully deductible by the buyer in the year paid if the right conditions exist. The points must be used to buy, build or improve a taxpayer's principal residence but not all fees charged by the lender are necessarily deductible.
According to IRS Publication 936, "The term 'points' is used to describe certain charges paid, or treated as paid, by a borrower to obtain a home mortgage. Points may also be called loan origination fees, maximum loan charges, loan discount, or discount points. A borrower is treated as paying any points that a home seller pays for the borrower's mortgage."
If you purchased a home in 2011, have your tax professional evaluate your closing statement to see if there are loan fees that may be used as a deduction on your tax return regardless of whether you or the seller paid them.
Refinancing a principal residence or purchasing an investment or income property require that points must be deducted ratably over the term of the mortgage rather than deducting them fully in the year paid. Borrowers in these situations should consider the benefits of lower interest rates from paying point to higher interest rates without points.
This article is meant to provide information that can be discussed with your tax professional about your specific situation and is not to be considered tax advice.
Work hard, buy a home, start a family and continue to upgrade your home until everyone has enough room. This has been the blueprint for lots of homeowners for the last fifty years but there is certainly a shift in thinking that could change all of that.
 Interestingly, Americans live in much larger homes than most people in other countries throughout the world. The U.S. Census reported in 2006 that the average single family home completed had 2,469 square feet which was 769 feet more than in 1976.
Once the children are grown and have moved out, homeowners are finding they have too much room. Even if their home is paid for, they have higher property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance on the larger home than they'd have if they were living in the "right size" home.
Some homeowners state that they're keeping their larger home because it has luxury features that smaller homes don't have. There's a movement that seems to have started in the United States to find the "right size" home with the amenities and convenience that homeowners want.
This philosophy has been expressed by Sarah Susanka in her book Creating the Not So Big House. It proposes a house that "values quality over quantity with an emphasis on comfort and beauty, a high level of detail, and a floor plan designed for today's informal lifestyle."
Happy New Year!
Lake Havasu City is off to a great start this year! The holiday season was very busy with visitors and Home Sales last month, which reduced our inventory of Homes for Sale. We now have 568 Single Family, and only 28listed under $100,000. We currently have 60 active single family foreclosure listings.
Please check out my website www.ItsHavasu.com. Should you find a property you're interested in, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to provide additional property information.
January is filled with many exciting Community Events! There is always something FUN going on in Lake Havasu City. We've had beautiful weather, with temps in the low to mid 70's, clear skies and light breezes. Today is just another Beautiful Day in Paradise!
Join Us for one of Many FUN Upcoming Events!
Havasu Art Guild - Winter Art Expo - January 14
Mohave County Library
1770 McCulloch Blvd.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.havasuartguild.com
2nd Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair - January 19 - 22
The Nautical Beachfront Resort Golf Course
1000 N. McCulloch Blvd. - on the Island
Experience Beautiful Balloons Over Lake Havasu & the London Bridge!
Ascensions & Night Glows, Live Entertainment, Artist's Village, Carnival, Food, Vendors & More...
6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. - January 19-21
6:00 a.m. - Noon - January 22
Admission: $7 - Good for all 4 days (Tickets may be purchased Online): Children 12 & Under: Free
For more Information & Schedule of Events...
www.havasuballoonfest.com
Lake Havasu Music, Brews & BBQ Championship - January 27 - 28
Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
BBQ & Chili Cookoff - Variety of Samples for Sale, Beer Garden, Craft Vendors & Live Entertainment!
Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Admission: $5 - Adults, for both days: Children 12 & Under: Free
Check out Complete Event Schedule for Competition & Live Entertainment: www.musicbrewsbbq.com
4th Annual Crossroads Auto & Bike Show - January 28
Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
Family Friendly Event, with Classic Cars, Bikes & Off-Road Vehicles!
Admission: Free
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/518/4th-annual-crossroads-auto--bike-show
Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo & Little Delbert Days - January 28-29
SARA Park Rodeo Grounds
7260 Dub Campbell Pkwy (SARA Park)
Enjoy watching Bareback, Saddle Bronc & Bull Riding, Roping & More!
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Little Delbert Days
Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Mechanical Bull, Rock Climbing Wall, Old Time Photos & More!
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $10 for Both Events That Day: Youth 15 & Under Free
www.havasufof.com
You'll find local community and relocation information, as well as fun things to do in and around Lake Havasu City, at LoriDee.com!
My goal is to provide YOU with a single source of Outstanding Real Estate Services and Information in the Lake Havasu Area. Please take a moment to review the many resources my website has to offer! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (928) 208-9827, (877) LORI-DEE, or email me at Lori@LoriDee.com.
Wishing You the Best in 2012...
I Look Forward to Working With You!
Happy New Year!
Lake Havasu City is off to a great start this year! The holiday season was very busy with visitors and Home Sales last month, which reduced our inventory of Homes for Sale. We now have 568 Single Family, and only 28listed under $100,000. We currently have 60 active single family foreclosure listings.
January is filled with many exciting Community Events! There is always something FUN going on in Lake Havasu City. We've had beautiful weather, with temps in the low to mid 70's, clear skies and light breezes. Today is just another Beautiful Day in Paradise!
Join Us for one of Many FUN Upcoming Events!
Havasu Art Guild - Winter Art Expo - January 14
Mohave County Library
1770 McCulloch Blvd.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.havasuartguild.com
2nd Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair - January 19 - 22
The Nautical Beachfront Resort Golf Course
1000 N. McCulloch Blvd. - on the Island
Experience Beautiful Balloons Over Lake Havasu & the London Bridge!
Ascensions & Night Glows, Live Entertainment, Artist's Village, Carnival, Food, Vendors & More...
6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. - January 19-21
6:00 a.m. - Noon - January 22
Admission: $7 - Good for all 4 days (Tickets may be purchased Online): Children 12 & Under: Free
For more Information & Schedule of Events...
www.havasuballoonfest.com
Lake Havasu Music, Brews & BBQ Championship - January 27 - 28
Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
BBQ & Chili Cookoff - Variety of Samples for Sale, Beer Garden, Craft Vendors & Live Entertainment!
Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Admission: $5 - Adults, for both days: Children 12 & Under: Free
Check out Complete Event Schedule for Competition & Live Entertainment: www.musicbrewsbbq.com
4th Annual Crossroads Auto & Bike Show - January 28
Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4
699 London Bridge Road
Family Friendly Event, with Classic Cars, Bikes & Off-Road Vehicles!
Admission: Free
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/518/4th-annual-crossroads-auto--bike-show
Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo & Little Delbert Days - January 28-29
SARA Park Rodeo Grounds
7260 Dub Campbell Pkwy (SARA Park)
Enjoy watching Bareback, Saddle Bronc & Bull Riding, Roping & More!
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Little Delbert Days
Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Mechanical Bull, Rock Climbing Wall, Old Time Photos & More!
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $10 for Both Events That Day: Youth 15 & Under Free
www.havasufof.com
You'll find local community and relocation information, as well as fun things to do in and around Lake Havasu City, at LoriDee.com!
My goal is to provide YOU with a single source of Outstanding Real Estate Services and Information in the Lake Havasu Area. Please take a moment to review the many resources my website has to offer! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (928) 208-9827, (877) LORI-DEE, or email me at Lori@LoriDee.com.
Wishing You the Best in 2012...
I think Stephen Munson of Munson Realty in Pasadena, CA hit the nail on the head! Via Stephen Munson (Munson Realty):
Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less If there’s anything we can take away from the plethora of Bank Owned Foreclosures is they certainly know how to price a home to move!
I maintain that you almost always shoot yourself in the foot by overpricing your home. Your home will almost  always sale at or above market value by pricing at or below market value.
So why is that? Well think back at when YOU were buying a home. Remember when a “great deal” came on the market and everybody and their agents were “swarming” to the open house? You placed your offer only to find out their were 10 other offers and they were going above the asking price? This “bargain price” created an auction affect and got people excited. THAT is how banks are pricing their homes and if you want your home to move quickly and for the most amount of money, this is a winning strategy.
So why don’t sellers do it? I think it’s because there’s a little voice inside of our head (and pocketbook) that says “what if”.
“What if”- I can get $50K over market value. (even if someone were excited enough about your home to pay $50K over appraised value, their lender won’t loan the money if the value isn’t there. No loan, no buyer)
“What if”- I don’t get multiple offers and I only get one offer (May be still overpriced!)
Often fear (and greed) hold us back from making smart choices! Don’t feel bad though, even Real Estate Agents are guilty of senselessly overpricing their homes. Somehow when it’s our turn to sell all of our “market knowledge” becomes goo and leaks out of our ears! It’s like the hairdresser with bad hair!
The bottom line is, almost always, an Over Priced House will sit on the market longer and sell for less than it should have had it been priced strategically from the beginning.
Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson RealtyPasadena|Overpriced Homes-Sell Slower and For Less*overpriced homes,overpriced house
It is a BEAUTIFUL blue sky day in Lake Havasu City, AZ. According to our local MLS, we have 626 single family home listings. These homes are listed at a range of $39,900 and $954,000. Of the 626 listings, 25 homes are priced at $100,000 or less. Active foreclosures are numbered at 68 with a range of $39,900 all the way up to $725,000.
In the past three months 401 single family homes sold with a range between $40,000 all the way up to $954,000. Of the 401 homes sold, 164 were foreclosed properties.
As you can see, REAL ESTATE is moving in Lake Havasu City.
Another BEAUTIFUL day in Havasu!!!
Home sales in Lake Havasu continue to reduce our inventory. We currently have 592 Single Family Homes for Sale in Lake Havasu City. Only 37 are listed at less than $100,000. The price range for Single Family Homes in Havasu is now $56,430 to a high of $2,450,000.
Check out Upcoming Events...WHAT'S HAPPENING in Lake Havasu City, Arizona!
Memorial Day Celebration - May 30, 2010
Soldier Statue Dedication at Wheeler Park
Event Opens at 4:00 pm
Ceremony Begins at 6:30 pm
Please take a moment to review the many resources my website has to offer, at LoriDee.com. You will find local community and relocation information, as well as fun things to do in and around Lake Havasu City!
My goal is to provide you with a single source of Outstanding Real Estate Services and Information in the Lake Havasu Area. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (928) 208-9827, (877) LORI-DEE, or email Lori@LoriDee.com.
I look forward to working with you!
|
|
Lori Dee Doerfler, (928) 208-9827
Lake Havasu City,
AZ
More about me…
RE/MAX Prestige Properties
Address: 330 Smoketree Avenue S, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 86406
Cell Phone: (928) 208-9827
Email Me
 Listings
Links
Archives
|
;)
;)
;)
