michael sinton: Harder Than it Looks... - 12/21/09 03:33 PM
With markets so rapidly changing, it's easy to imagine how property appraisers might sit in a darkened room, waving their hands over a crystal ball, and producing the mysterious and all-powerful document of a home's value. Let's dispel the notion of magical figures and look more carefully at the process.
When … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Get The Credit You Deserve - 12/14/09 08:21 AM
Mortgage applications are being reviewed far more thoroughly now than in the past, and your credit score should be 680 or higher to qualify for the best interest rates. So how do you determine your score, and know you're getting the credit you deserve?
Everyone is allowed one free credit report … (4 comments)
|
michael sinton: The Chore Next Door... - 12/07/09 07:57 AM
While not a very common problem, if you've got it, it can have a terrible impact on your listing: The Messy Neighbor. If you live next door to a "neglected" property, you might lose up to 20% of your home's market value, particularly with buyers looking for any excuse to reduce … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Little Steps Up To The Leap! - 11/30/09 08:22 AM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: When Push Comes to Shove... - 11/23/09 11:25 AM
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 … (1 comments)
|
michael sinton: All in the Family - 11/16/09 08:47 AM
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, … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: The Devil's in the Details! - 11/09/09 08:23 AM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: The Strongest Link - 11/02/09 08:17 AM
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 … (2 comments)
|
michael sinton: Dollars vs. Days - 10/26/09 12:23 PM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Protect Your Home & Your Wallet! - 10/19/09 02:07 PM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Myth Busting! - 10/13/09 11:55 AM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: A First Time For Everything... - 10/05/09 09:15 AM
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! … (2 comments)
|
michael sinton: Start Packing Yesterday... - 09/28/09 08:19 AM
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 … (1 comments)
|
michael sinton: Bank-Owned and Foreclosed Homes in Ocean and Monmouth Counties! - 09/23/09 01:40 PM
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
For … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Time is Money! - 09/21/09 12:11 PM
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 … (2 comments)
|
michael sinton: A Lesson for Sellers - 09/14/09 12:30 PM
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 … (2 comments)
|
michael sinton: Only 81 Days Left!!! - 09/09/09 06:49 PM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: When Less is More... - 09/08/09 03:15 PM
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 … (0 comments)
|
michael sinton: Times Have Changed! - 08/31/09 12:44 PM
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 … (3 comments)
|
michael sinton: Foreclosed and Bank Owned Homes - 08/27/09 12:40 PM
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 … (0 comments)
|
;)
;)
