real estate: Don't Wait - Act NOW or Pay beaucoup $$$ Later
- 01/29/10 10:23 AM
Those Who Wait Will Pay Thousands More This Spring Waiting a few extra days or weeks to purchase a home this spring could cost buyers thousands of extra dollars as the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implements several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).Coming just weeks before the April 30 deadline for the Home Buyer Tax Credit and just days after the March 31 expiration of the Federal Reserve Board's mortgage backed securities purchase program (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year), these FHA changes make it even more important … (2 comments)
real estate: New HUD Policies allow Quicker Foreclosure Re-sales
- 01/29/10 10:16 AM
New HUD Policy Created to Allow Quicker Foreclosure Re-sales! Effective February 1, 2010 the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will relax FHA rules that prohibit insuring mortgages on homes that are owned by the seller for less than 90 days - a move that could help expedite the rehabilitation and resale of foreclosure properties.In a housing market where tighter lending requirements have made FHA financing the only option for some buyers, this 90-day policy has (1) kept some homebuyers from being able to purchase affordable homes and (2) prevented the quick resale of foreclosed properties, which affects the ability … (0 comments)
real estate: Time is Running Out- Don't YOU Miss Out
- 01/23/10 06:39 AM
Mortgage Interest rates are near historic lows... Home-price affordability is near hstoric highs.... And Congress has extended the first-time homebuyer tax credit, AND created a bew tax credit for existing homeowners. It is a historic time for anyone considering homeownership. The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended until April 30th, 2010. This program offers a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers and up to $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate. It is truly one of the best times in history to buy a … (0 comments)
real estate: Going Green in Real Estate I
- 01/20/10 07:00 AM
Going Green in Real EstateConsumers' interest in the "green movement" has never been so high. Home builders, retailers, financial services providers, and product manufacturers are all seeking to satisfy consumers' demand for eco-friendly products and services. From energy-efficient light bulbs to solar-paneled roofs, from recycling plastic and paper to driving more fuel-efficient cars, consumers have gravitated to the idea that they can help the earth by making smarter purchases and lifestyle decisions. What does all this mean to us Real Estate Professionals? Whether we specialize in selling green homes, we are likely to meet clients who are interested in living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. To … (0 comments)
View out of the living room window onto the park, the creek is just beyond the tree as is a bridge and a path that'll lead you eventually to the Chocalate Factory!!! Location: Hampton Green in mid-town on Campbell Creek Greenbelt Address:4973 Barrington Loop, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Direction: From Tudor Rd S on Old Seward Hwy, L (north) on E50th (just before the Honda Dealership) It is not often that you can step out of your home and … (0 comments)
real estate: How recent RESPA changes impact the Good Faith Estimate
- 01/13/10 10:24 AM
Recent guidelines from Washington have forced a change to the way that loan originators will disclose closing costs for all homebuyers. The purpose of the new Good Faith Estimate is to level the playing field for borrowers comparing loans, and to be able to make apples to apples comparisons for loan scenarios. In essence, HUD is working to bring all lenders up to the same standard of excellence in reporting closing costs, estimating realistic fees that a buyer should expect to pay at closing with no last minute surprises.What are the important facts you should be aware of? Below are some important … (0 comments)
real estate: How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse Part II
- 01/13/10 04:31 AM
We were talking about How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse When Your Concerns are Valid There are times that purchases should be halted. The conditions of your contract should allow you to back out with no penalties if: • You cannot get financing. • The house does not appraise at a price at or above the contract sales price. • The home inspections uncover more repair issues than you are willing to take on or the seller is willing to fix. • The property boundary lines are not as represented by the seller. • A title search uncovers undisclosed easements that give … (0 comments)
real estate: Best return on your remodeling-dollars Part II
- 01/10/10 09:44 AM
I have come to realize that my fascination with the deeper issues of remodeling comes from needing to upgrade my own home. It was built in the early 80's with all the features of what was "hot" then. I find the project daunting, to say the least, and keep thinking and writing about it as a way to wrap my brain around it. OK, on to Part II of getting the best return on your remodeling dollar: The bathUtilitarian is out. Think spa -- multiple shower heads or even steam attachments in the shower. Dual sinks are a given in master baths, and I love luxuries … (2 comments)
real estate: Removing popcorn ceilings Part II
- 01/07/10 04:21 AM
No asbestos? Fresh paint can help ... If there is no asbestos present, there are other ways to deal with popcorn ceilings that fall short of removal. One option is to freshen them up with a new coat of paint. Think twice about using a roller because acoustic ceilings are very porous and will absorb a great deal of paint. Also, using a regular roller makes it nearly impossible to achieve even coverage. The most efficient way to put new paint on a textured ceiling is to spray-paint it with flat latex. Spraying is a difficult job, and unless you already … (2 comments)
real estate: Asbestos in your ceiling?
- 01/07/10 04:13 AM
Want to modernize your home? Look up. If you have the dreaded acoustic ceiling called "popcorn" or "cottage cheese," you can start there. They give them house a dated appearance and affect a house's value. Buyers just hate them. More than an eyesoreIf you want to remove an acoustic ceiling, you'll first need to determine whether it contains asbestos. Asbestos was used as a binder in many construction materials before it was banned in 1978 for posing health risks such as cancer and respiratory disease. You're not required by law to test for asbestos, but the Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends it. If … (1 comments)
real estate: Remodeling Risk - a Contrarian's View Part II
- 01/05/10 07:46 AM
We are clear on the risk of overspending on remodeling projects. We understand that we will likely not get dollar for dollar back we spent on those projects. So what SHOULD we spend precious dollars on? Consider the potential payoff of the improvement before you begin. If, like most homeowners, you'll be in your house for seven years or less, you might be wise to shelve your BIG plans until you buy your ultimate dream home. A better bet for a remodeling project would be any improvement or addition that brings your home up to the average for your neighborhood. If … (1 comments)
real estate: Remodeling Risk - a Contrarian's View
- 01/05/10 07:05 AM
With spring approaching - yes, I know, we still have snow on the gound for a few more months here in Alaska - it is not too early to think about which remodeling projects should be tackled this year. Or should they? Remodeling magazines posts its annual "Cost vs. Value Report" -- a survey that attempts to show the payoff in various regions of 10 common renovation projects. While some projects are certainly worth getting into - and I'll talk about which ones a bit later, I think it is wise to step back and .... Ponder these thoughts: Paybacks aren't guaranteedCertain … (1 comments)
Reverse or Reverse Annuity Mortgage - A mortgage for which the borrower pledges home equity in return for regular (monthly) payments, rather than a lump sum distribution of loan proceeds. Repayment is usually not required until the home is sold or the borrower's estate is settled, provided the borrower continues to live in the home and keeps current all taxes and insurance. This might work for seniors on limited fixed income who want or need to supplement income. What down-sides do you see and can share with me? … (0 comments)
real estate: Do-It-Yourself Staging Tips for Sellers (2)
- 01/03/10 04:57 PM
Use these do-it-yourself tips to spruce up your home, price it right for your local market, and see buyers compete for your house - yes, even in this market. After the Don't, on now to the Do's.
Do's Invite a friend or real estate agent over. A second or third pair of eyes will help you accent the best and edit the worst in your home. Be prepared for some constructive critique. You want to hear it from trusted friends and professinals before you put your home on market, not as feedback from prospective buyers. Go room-by-room with a worksheet so you can … (4 comments)
real estate: Home Staging for Do-it-Yourself Sellers
- 01/03/10 04:36 PM
Staging a Home has become a MUST in today's challenging market. Staging a home can change its atmosphere and make it appeal to homebuyers, bring a higher price and accelerate marke time. By adding small decorative touches, rearranging or deleting furniture, a home can look like a professiona stager was hired. Here are some don'ts for sellers that want to try to stage their home. The Do's will follow next time. Don'ts Nothing distracts buyers more than silk flowers that are past their time, inappropriate for the season. Throw them out, now. Don't forget to upgrade Fido's bowl. I've experienced many unhealthy … (2 comments)
real estate: Moose Alert this Summer
- 01/03/10 02:44 PM
We share our backyard with Moose, Arctic hare, Bears, Lynx, and Foxes. In fact, red squirrels get up close and personal in our attic! This picture shows me leaving the house on my way to work. … (5 comments)
Those Who Wait Will Pay Thousands More This Spring
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