Michael's Blog

Little Steps Up To The Leap!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:22:05 -0600

As you've already read here, conditions are ripe to become a homeowner, and it's time to determine if you’re ready to make the leap. While the price of the home is the largest factor, don't forget about loan fees and closing costs, which add to your total financed amount.

Since banks are stricter in their lending, Step One is to polish up your credit report. A higher score gives you more power when it comes to negotiating terms and interest rates.

Similarly, a larger downpayment will positively affect your mortgage terms and reduce the amount you have to finance. If you can't manage 20% down, you will likely have to pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium.

Upon preapproval from a lender, you’ll know how much loan you qualify for, and how much is required for the downpayment. It's best to secure preapproval before you begin looking at homes, especially since sellers will see your offer as a solid one worthy of consideration.

In addition to newer fees being assessed on loans to less than stellar applicants, there are standard closing costs associated with the purchase, including appraisals, legal fees, credit reports and more. All are included up front on your settlement statement and some may be negotiable. Contact us today to get the ball rolling and find out how much home you can afford!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro, Broker/Salesperson, Assist-2-Sell, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 732-364-7434, via email at msinton@assist2sell.com or on the web at www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.

When Push Comes to Shove...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:25:37 -0600

If you're under pressure to sell your home quickly in a challenging market, you may have to swallow a large dose of reality and take some radical steps to increase your home's visibility. While making concessions can seem difficult, please consider the following proven suggestions to produce a quick sale.

Remember that there are myriad possibilities for exposure in today’s internet-driven society. In addition to your agent’s traditional print and online marketing tools, use social networking sites like facebook and Twitter to promote your listing to younger first-time buyers.

When setting your price, place it ten to fifteen percent below your competition. All other things being equal, your home will readily appear as the best value.

Also consider the price "range" your home will fall into, and make sure you're on the lower end of that range. For example, a $199,000 home falls into the upper end of the $150,000 to $200,000 range, but that same home priced at $201,000 is in the lower end of the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Buyers tend to look in ranges of prices, so again, make yours look like the best value.

Finally, talk with your agent about incentives you can offer, like paying buyer closing costs or a decorating allowance. If you have a strong need to sell quickly, any or all of these suggestions should produce results.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

All in the Family

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:47:14 -0600

Many areas of the country are experiencing buyers markets, and current tax laws make this a very attractive time for parents to help their children become homeowners. Prices and interest rates may never be lower than they are now, so strongly consider this potential investment in your children's future.

As parents, you can provide a significant downpayment, free of taxation. Individuals may gift up to $13,000 per year, so two parents making gifts to their child and spouse can give a total of $52,000 in one year without paying gift tax!

Above and beyond the outright gift, you may loan your family money, as long as you charge a minimum interest rate, which is currently very low. Then you can make your gifts each year, and your child's family can use the gifts to pay the loan!

If neither of these options is attractive, you could purchase the home yourself and then set up a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT), with the home passing to the children at the end of an established term, tax free. You will need to consult with your financial advisor and employ an attorney to handle this kind of transaction.

Begin by meeting with a real estate agent and explaining your situation. Contrary to what you may have been hearing, there is practically no better investment today than real estate.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

The Devil's in the Details!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:23:43 -0600

When you receive an Offer To Purchase, you are likely to focus on the price. You might be ecstatic over a full price offer, but you should be aware how "contingencies" could affect the likelihood of success.

Almost every offer has a mortgage contingency, stating that the buyer will secure financing at a certain rate and for a certain term. Make sure these factors are realistic. A buyer seeking a 30-year loan at 4% with no points may be hedging their bets if your agent advises that these loans are typically written at 7% with 1.5 points. Unrealistic terms can allow the buyer to back out if they get cold feet or find another property they prefer.

Another sticky contingency more common these days is when a buyer states that they must sell their home before they can finalize the purchase of yours. There has to be a realistic time limit, so the buyer doesn't tie up your listing.

It's wise to respond with a "kick-out" clause that allows you to keep your home on the market while the buyers promote theirs, offering them a 72-hour period to fulfill the contract if you should receive another offer in the interim.

These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg, so sit and discuss each line of the offer with your agent before making your decision.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

The Strongest Link

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:17:42 -0600

The question on everyone's lips is, "When are things going to return to normal in real estate?" Well, if the "normal" being referred to is the conditions and shady financial dealings that created the artificially inflated markets of five years ago, then we need to be thinking about redefining “normal.”

The bad lending practices of the past are indeed making it more difficult now to secure financing, but try to understand that's not necessarily a bad thing. Those days of lower standards and easy money led us into this predicament in the first place. It's good for housing and for the economy when banks become interested in whether loans will be repaid.

In the “new” normal, home prices will stabilize, the number of sales will start gaining, and more people will again realize the benefits that homeownership offers, for both personal and financial security. With historically low interest rates, affordable prices, government incentives, and motivated sellers, the housing market is already experiencing the initial signs of recovery.

All of these factors combine to get first-time buyers excited about a purchase. As these consumers enter the market, they will trigger other purchases, and the chain of transactions grows. Expect your real estate representative to reveal a wide range of affordable choices and guide you toward securing the financing you need to make your dream come true.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Dollars vs. Days

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:23:42 -0500

After you've taken step one to decide to sell your home, step two is usually setting your asking price, striving for a balance between generating offers and receiving top dollar.

We will perform a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) to produce an estimate of your home's "fair market value," or that price that educated buyers will pay based on listings and sales of homes similar to yours. We will not establish the price, but only provide the information you need to make that decision yourself.

In a hot market, you have the advantage, but would still want to avoid overpricing, which is always unproductive. However, in a neutral or buyers market, you'll have to be particularly cautious in your approach to setting a price.

In soft markets, price reductions become more common, as well as fewer offers and longer listing periods. You have to first establish your priority: is it more important for you to sell quickly or to get the most money possible? Like it or not, one option simply must be more critical than the other.

Have a third party, like your listing agent, help you see your home as a commodity, with positive and negative selling points. Price your home objectively and competitively, be prepared to negotiate to reach an agreement with buyers, and exercise patience as you prepare your move.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Protect Your Home & Your Wallet!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:07:38 -0500

If you own or plan to purchase a home, then you know that insurance is not just a luxury, it’s a requirement. While you should not skimp on certain coverage items, there are some steps you can take to reduce your overall premium.

If you have a security system installed (and operating!), you might lower your premium by 5% or more. You'll just need to provide your insurer with a copy of your contract or latest statement. Also, while newer homes have smoke alarms already installed, hooking them up in an older home might also reduce your premium by as much as 10%.

Just like health or auto insurance, if you increase your deductible on homeowners insurance, you'll reduce your premium. Just be sure you're prepared to pocket smaller repairs like broken windows or damages from leaks.

If your policy is held by a company that also offers auto or health insurance, look into discounts for multiple policies. You could save a percentage on both your homeowners and auto policies, for example.

Another money (and time and stress) saver is to document everything in your home with a photographic inventory. Store photos, cds or videos in a fireproof box or, preferably, a safe deposit box off site. This will reduce the time and effort required to complete a claim, and guarantee an accurate replacement payment.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Myth Busting!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:55:21 -0500

When a homeowner faces default on their mortgage, there may be two options: foreclosure or short sale. Foreclosure can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. A short sale, or one in which the lender accepts a selling price less than the amount owed, is a better option for both the lender and the homeowner.

Regrettably, nearly seven out of ten homeowners proceed through foreclosure without ever listing their home for sale. This is due largely to perceived myths about the process, and we need to put a few of these misconceptions to rest.

First, homeowners assume the bank would rather foreclose than accept a short sale. Not true - foreclosure is often more costly for the lender, and short sales often sell for more than foreclosed listings. The banks are trying anything possible, within reason, to avoid the foreclosure process.

Next, homeowners believe there is a stigma attached to short sale listings, and that buyers have no interest in such properties. Not true - to the contrary, many smart buyers are specifically seeking out such offerings for the value they present compared to traditional listings.

Finally, homeowners often assume that there's not enough time to close a short sale before foreclosure is final. Not true - foreclosure is a lengthy process and there is time to negotiate a better result, but you need to start today.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

A First Time For Everything...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:15:19 -0500

An article appeared recently in the New York Times that beautifully illustrates the opportunities today's real estate market offers. A mother working two jobs saved up for a downpayment and managed to buy a large home with a pool for $187,000. Three years ago, that same home had sold for $370,000!

While sellers are still feeling pressure, buyers with stable incomes and good credit histories are beginning to spread a "feel good" vibe throughout the industry. Conditions have literally never been better for first-time buyers. Affordability has seldom been higher and interest rates have hardly been lower. Selection of inventory is vast, and sellers are highly motivated.

As more buyers enter the marketplace, the ripple effect will be felt far and wide. When they purchase a highly affordable foreclosure or "short sale," they have removed a distressed property from the listings, improving values for other homes in the area. When they buy a "traditional" listing, that in turn sets off a chain reaction whereby the sellers in turn will purchase another home, from sellers who will in turn buy another home, and so on and so on.

You probably get the picture now. As we approach some stability in real estate, all indications are that prices will begin rising again. As the market approaches recovery, don't miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Start Packing Yesterday...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:19:50 -0500

Getting ready for a big move? You can't begin preparing too soon, because the average move takes over 200 hours! Count on us to provide advice and guidance during this seemingly monumental task.

Your first decision is whether to hire a moving company, or rent a moving van and ask friends and family for help. If you're using the pros, solicit quotes from several local companies who can visit your home and offer an accurate quote.

Next, begin sorting piles of items you'll want to sell in yard sales, donate to charities, or haul to the landfill. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community, and make a few bucks on the pieces you'll sell. Anything you eliminate now will lower moving costs later.

DO create an inventory of your belongings, in case you need to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged goods. Allow the professionals to do your packing, because if you don't, those items that you wrap and pack won't be covered by the mover's insurance policy.

Finally, invest in additional insurance with the movers and storage facility, if needed. It only costs about $10 for every $1,000 in high value items, so it's worth it for your peace of mind. Ask us for more details to make your move as stress-free as possible.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Bank-Owned and Foreclosed Homes in Ocean and Monmouth Counties!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:40:27 -0500

Be sure to check out our newly updated list of bank-owned and foreclosed homes throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties! The list is finally starting to thin out, so if you're looking for a deal, click here and take a look before it's too late!!!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Time is Money!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:11:00 -0500

Whether buying or selling a home, the Offer To Purchase is the starting point for making the sale go through. If the sellers do not accept the offer outright, they may make a counter-offer, which the buyers may likewise accept or counter again.

In the interest of speed and success, it's best to keep counter-offers to a minimum. If you are trying to sell with urgency (and who isn't?), weigh the buyers' offer against your need to move quickly. Perhaps the value of the concession is quite small against the profit you'll see upon a sale.

If you are asking $200,000 and receive an offer of $196,000, that's equivalent to just 2% less, which is like offering $.98 instead of $1. Similarly, buyers must also be realistic about the possible costs of "over negotiating" in today's rapidly changing economic atmosphere.

If you balk at the sellers' counter-offer now, and decide to walk away and begin your home search over again, you could be facing higher interest rates and/or rising home prices. Today, time literally is money, and the longer you postpone your purchase, the more it will likely cost you.

Before making (or accepting) an offer, discuss the offer and counter-offer process with your representative, so that you know what to expect and can be more prepared to see the deal to a successful close.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

A Lesson for Sellers

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:46 -0500

If you've found the right home, how can you be certain you aren’t paying too much? Once you make your choice, it's quite likely you've also become well informed about property values. How is this so? Because before you made that choice, you probably looked at a variety of homes, possibly as many as six to twelve properties. That's called “comparison shopping.”

As you visited each home, you made value judgments based on size, features and amenities offered, as well as condition of the homes. Without realizing it, you compared prices, looking for the greatest value for your dollar.

Nevertheless, another aspect of your purchase further protects you from purchasing an overpriced home. Called an “appraisal,” it's a required step in the mortgage approval process. Your mortgage lender, who is putting up the majority share of the purchase price, also wants to be sure the home is not priced above the market.

Thus, the lender asks a licensed appraiser to determine the home's value for the record. If the appraised value does not at least meet the purchase price, the lender may not approve the loan or, at the very least, may ask for a higher down payment.

As the buyer, however, it's easy to spot the overpriced homes. They are the ones that have been on the market for some time - but remain unsold.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Only 81 Days Left!!!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:49:32 -0500

Only 81 days left to take advantage of the $8000 homebuyer tax credit! You must close escrow on (buy) a home no later than November 30, 2009. Offer to closing escrow on most homes takes at least 30-45 days and in many cases even longer.

Good news on mortgages! Interest rates have recently taken a dip back down to the low 5% range. Don't expect rates to stay low for much longer. The government has been keeping interest rates artificially low in an effort to stabilize the housing market. Once this practice comes to an end, many see rates going to 6.5-7% in a hurry.

Great deals, low interest rates, and an $8000 tax credit have driven home affordability rates to their highest levels in decades. For many people buying is cheaper than renting, not to mention the tax benefits.

Buying a home is not for everyone. However, if you are thinking about buying a home, give us a call, 732-364-7434, or email us, Info@WeSellCentralNJ.com. We are happy to go over the different options available and give you the information you need to make a smart decision.

If you would like to take a peak at any of the homes on the list, or a house you have your eye on, give us a call!

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro, Broker/Salesperson, Assist-2-Sell, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 732-364-7434, via email at msinton@assist2sell.com or on the web at www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.

When Less is More...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:15:59 -0500

If you are a homeowner who can no longer make your monthly mortgage payments, you still have opportunities to avoid foreclosure and the damage it would do to your credit. Although more complicated and more challenging, a "short sale" may prove to be the best alternative.

If you are unfamiliar with the term, a "short sale" can happen when your mortgage lender agrees to let you sell the home for less than you still owe on it, forgiving the difference. Why would a lender settle for such a sale? Quite simply, the lender may determine that they will still receive a higher amount of the remaining balance through a short sale than they would through the very costly and time-consuming process of foreclosure.

Why would a homeowner agree to sell the home for less than its value? As already mentioned, a short sale keeps you out of foreclosure and reduces the damage to your credit (and subsequent ability to purchase another home).

In the middle is the real estate agent, helping the sellers, the lenders, and the buyers navigate the complexities of the transaction to reach a satisfactory conclusion for all involved. Homeowners can trust their representative to be honest and to provide a fair assessment of value for all parties. You can trust your agent to be your advisor and champion during difficult times.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Times Have Changed!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:44:31 -0500

Now that we've experienced the fallout from the subprime lending disaster, there is no longer such a thing as "easy money." Now you need perhaps ten to fifteen percent down, an excellent credit record and verifiable proof of income when you apply for financing.

One reason for all this scrutiny is that many lenders sell their loans on the secondary mortgage market, and they are using required (and automated) software to factor in all the variables in the equation that results in a thumbs up or a thumbs down. In other words, it's not quite as personal as it used to be.

Save yourself time, stress and heartbreak by seeking preapproval for financing before you even look at House One. I say "preapproval," and not "prequalification," because prequalification is only an "estimate" of the loan amount for which you might qualify once your application has been fully reviewed.

Preapproval puts you in the driver's seat with sellers, because it means that you have already basically "applied" for financing with your credit report, verified income, and proven ability to make a respectable down payment. Preapproval goes several steps beyond prequalification, and gives you the best indication of how much home you can afford.

Maximize the time spent on your home search by taking the all-important step of seeking financing first. Then make your offer with confidence!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Foreclosed and Bank Owned Homes

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:40:06 -0500

We are very excited to see the overwhealming response to our online foreclosure list! These homes seem to be going fast, especially with the $8,000 tax credit coming to an end later this year! Hurry up and download your list of bank-owned and foreclo...sed homes in Ocean and Monmouth Counties (for FREE) before it's too late!!

Click here to access our free list of foreclosed and bank-owned homes!

Beyond the Lousy Loan...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:35:44 -0500

Yes, it's true, many lenders in recent years have written sub-prime mortgages that could only be expected to default. However, foreclosure is nothing new, and there are myriad reasons that a homeowner might be facing dire straits.

Challenges might include economic hardship due to job loss, bad health or divorce, or payments that jumped too high after a rate adjustment, or simply increased cost of living outpacing income.

Whatever the reasons, the best way to avoid foreclosure is to be well educated and prepared before making a home purchase, and anticipating worst-case scenarios before choosing the loan that is right for you.

If default appears inevitable, know that there is help available, with a "short sale" being the last resort for resolution. Such a transaction is called "short," because the home is sold for less than the amount remaining on the mortgage, and the lender willingly accepts some of the loss.

If you're facing foreclosure, contact your lender's loss mitigation department immediately. While you are in the midst of negotiations, keep a log of all phone calls - the date, time, contact person and discussion. Lenders are overwhelmed right now, so be patient and don't expect an immediate answer.

Whether it's a loan adjustment or short sale, there is a solution to the problem. We are here to help you along the way, so give us a call today.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Beyond the Lousy Loan...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:35:02 -0500

Challenges might include economic hardship due to job loss, bad health or divorce, or payments that jumped too high after a rate adjustment, or simply increased cost of living outpacing income.

Whether it's a loan adjustment or short sale, there is a solution to the problem. We are here to help you along the way, so give us a call today.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Know Your Options!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:28:55 -0500

If any of your friends or family have recently applied for a home loan, you've probably heard that lenders are nervous, with tough new rules and demands for stacks of paperwork. Good mortgages are still out there, but you should be prepared before applying.

First, understand how your credit score impacts the interest rate charged on your loan. If your score is 720 or higher on the scale of 850, you will qualify for the best rates. If it's between 700 and 719, you could expect 0.375% added to that rate, while a score between 680 and 699 might add 0.5%.

Next, determine how much you have available for down payment, and how that will affect your loan's terms. A "conforming loan" (that would be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) will require a minimum 10% down payment.

However, if you don't have that much to put down, you can investigate a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans Administration (VA) loan. These government-backed loans are targeted towards those with lower credit scores and only require a 3.5% down payment.

You can even use this year's First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to help pay closing costs, buy down the interest rate, or add to your minimum down payment. Just have employment, banking and tax records organized, and be patient while overworked lenders review your application.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Don't Take Everything...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:26:58 -0500

If you plan to move while your home is still listed for sale, you may face a marketing challenge - the vacant home. While lived-in homes may be more attractive during showings, there is much you can do to present your vacant property successfully.

On the outside, give your home an occupied look by asking a neighbor to park their car in your driveway, open and close your drapes, and retrieve any mail that still arrives. During the warm season, have a lawn service maintain the yard (in the winter, a snow removal service may be in order).

On the inside, create a sense of space by leaving some strategically placed pieces of furniture, like a few chairs, tables and lamps. You can create a "bed" by covering an empty mattress box or several moving boxes with a thick comforter.

If you remove furniture that reveals blemishes on the walls, repair and repaint those. If you notice that the carpeting is faded after you've moved furniture, consider replacing it if possible.

Keep it feeling pleasant indoors during all seasons by keeping your power on after you move, and having a neighbor or family member set the temperature at a minimum comfortable setting according to seasonal conditions.

We have even more suggestions for marketing a vacant home, so put our experience to good use... give us a call today!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Take the Plunge!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:44:09 -0500

Are you looking for some good reasons to take the plunge into homeownership? Certainly, there are many, but here are a few to chew on before you call an agent and begin your search.

If you haven't owned a home in the last three years, then you qualify as a "first time buyer," and you are eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit if you purchase a home before December 1, 2009. Combined with low interest rates, now is an excellent time to seek financing and make your move. If you get a fixed rate mortgage, your monthly payment will always remain the same, while rent and everything else keeps going up.

The investment potential of buying a home is very attractive right now, because values that were driven down by foreclosures will climb back upward. That means the value of the home you buy now will rise, and soon, resulting in instant equity!

And think about the return on that investment. If you put $10,000 into the stock market and earned 10%, your profit would be $1,000. Put that same $10,000 into a home purchase that appreciates 10%, and you've made $10,000.

Finally, there is simply the security of owning your own home and having absolute control over making it as comfortable as possible for your lifestyle. Need more reasons? Give us a call today!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

A Welcome Sight...

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:20:16 -0500

Home staging has become a popular industry and topic, particularly as it relates to improving the appeal of your listing during challenging times in the real estate market. But what about “staging” your yard?

Sure, any steps that you take to improve your interior's appeal will go a long way towards wooing buyers, but it's the outside of your home that they will see first, and you know that first impressions count! Review some of these helpful tips to make your offering an inviting one.

Go green by seeding and fertilizing your lawn for a lush look. Also, bring your home out from hiding by trimming overgrown branches and shrubbery around the house. Give the impression of easy living by hanging a hammock in the front yard. Seriously, little suggestions like that really sink into a buyer's mind.

Give your flowerbeds and borders more striking visual appeal by applying mulch, and edge the beds and driveway, walkways and sidewalk. Planting annuals such as geraniums and petunias will also add to the impact and brighten up empty areas.

The final step in your outdoor "staging" is to powerwash your home's siding and the sidewalk and patio or deck. When you show pride of ownership and that you care about your home's presentation, it will resonate with buyers looking for value and a home in ready-to-move-in condition.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

Time to Make Your Move!

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:56:10 -0500

ALERT: Buyers only have until December 1, 2009 to take advantage of the first-time buyers tax credit authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Consult now with your tax advisor and real estate representative to get moving!

Most first-time buyers (who haven’t owned a home in three years) will qualify. If you're married, you and your spouse must both satisfy this description.

There are income limits for claiming the credit of up to 10% of the home's purchase price, which maxes out at $8,000. If your modified adjusted gross income (on IRS Form 1040, line 37) is less than $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for married filing jointly, you can claim the maximum credit. For incomes up to $95,000 or $170,000 respectively, the credit is reduced.

This is not a tax "deduction," but a tax "credit," meaning that the amount you claim is reduced from your total tax bill! If you will owe less than $8,000 on your 2009 return, you'll get a REFUND from the IRS for the difference!

The biggest news is that in response to pressure from the National Association of REALTORS®, FHA lenders will allow buyers to use the credit to cover closing costs, buy down the rate or as additional down payment! I urge you to take this money from the government and make your move before December!

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson

The Goose and the Gander

Assist-2-Sell Realty Brokerage Group — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:43 -0500

When facing a mortgage default, most homeowners try to sell their home - fast. The technique that works in these stressful situations also works for the rest of sellers - namely, aggressive pricing.

As a seller, you control the three factors that determine how quickly your home will sell: marketing, condition, and price. Let's focus on that last element.

First, be clear about your goals. Can you hold out for the highest price you can get, or do you want to move on quickly? Unfortunately, the fact that you paid more than what homes in your neighborhood are selling for is irrelevant in today's market.

Forget about salvaging equity, and price your home aggressively against the competition. Overpricing keeps many buyers from even seeing your listing in their affordability zone. They'll see lower priced homes as a better value, while you'll wait until the lowballers come out of the woodwork.

Start your pricing decision with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) performed by your real estate representative. If you're truly motivated to sell quickly, price your home 10% lower than the selling (not asking) prices of other homes in your area.

Now your home becomes a bargain, and it will attract the attention of other agents and their qualified buyers. An attractive price, good condition and savvy marketing will result in offers and ultimately, a sale.

Michael Sinton, CRB, CRS, e-Pro
Broker/Salesperson