remax northern kentucky: How To Overcome A Low Appraisal On A Home You Wish To Buy Or Sell. - 09/14/11 07:40 PM
What do you do when the appraisal on a home you want to buy comes in below the price in the offer the seller has accepted? You can fight back, there are options, and chances are you can find a way to make the deal work without increasing your down payment. Appraisals are largely based on prices recently paid for comparable local properties. Over the past several years finding those comparables that accurately reflect values has been a challenge. Discounts paid for foreclosures and short sales have created a dual price structure between “normal” and distress sales.
Here are some steps you can take to … (9 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Fall Home Selling Tips. - 09/12/11 04:27 AM
The last three months of the year can cause some property sellers to worry if their home hasn't sold yet since the majority of buyers are eager to move to get settled before the school year and holidays begin. Yet if you have a home on the market that doesn't mean you should be discouraged as fall approaches. While the spring is considered a peak selling period, I recall helping six different buyers look for a home last fall. All six successfully closed.
There are key factors that may help sell your home. First remember that the number of buyers may be reduced … (2 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Government Sues Large Banks, We Lose! - 09/02/11 01:13 PM
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced today that it had filed a law suit against large banks alleging violations of federal securities laws in the sale of mortgage backed securities.  The FHFA demanded full recovery of damages sustained from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's purchase of over $196 billion in mortgage backed securities known as GSE Certificates.
 
The damages will be determined at trial, but with recission and recovery of the consideration paid for the GSE Certificates, with interest thereon." That means that if the banks listed below were to lose the case, they would be repaying the government sponsored enterprises in full to repurchase the … (1 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Be A Blessing - 08/25/11 06:24 AM
Have you ever notice how some people keep good ideas to themselves? Maybe even that is you! Even if it is you're not alone and won't be condemned here for not sharing. Yet if you take a step back and give that topic some thought you probably also have noticed how those who are most successful rarely mind sharing or helping others? Those who are most successful rarely feel threatened if they help others out. They know they will lose none of their own blessings by providing opportunities for someone else.
How is this best accomplished? First, it takes an understanding of your own strengths. Perhaps you're blessed with … (2 comments)

remax northern kentucky: How To Respond To A Low Offer On Your Home - 08/21/11 09:42 PM
Consider before you ignore a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. When you receive a low offer on your house, the best response is to counter with a price you're willing to accept.
You just received a purchase offer from someone who wants to buy your home. You’re excited and relieved, until you realize the purchase offer is much lower than your asking price. How should you respond? Set aside your emotions, focus on the facts, and prepare a counteroffer that keeps the buyers involved in the deal.
… (60 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Is Buying A Home Cheaper Than Renting? - 08/21/11 12:50 AM
If you're renting and have thought of owning a home, now may be a good time. Trulia is reporting that during the month of July, buying was cheaper than renting in 74% of the country's 50 largest cities.
What's tipping the scale to make buying cheaper than renting? It's the combination of declining home prices and historically low interest rates. Today, interest rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed have been hovering near 4%. Also, the increased demand for rental units is pushing rents up, making now a good time to buy. The current environment is making purchasing a home enticing for those who are … (9 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Helpful Punchlist When Purchasing A Home. - 08/18/11 01:20 AM
Here's a helpful punch list to use when purchasing a home:
Outside
Grading:Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house? Make sure the water does not pond or pool in large puddles, especially near the foundation. To check, water the areas with a hose, if possible. Are there signs of erosion? Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation Roof and Gutters:Are the shingles flat and tight? Is the flashing securely in place? Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks drain away from the house? Exterior Appearance: Are the windows and doors sealed and protected … (3 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Tips To Sell A Home - 08/08/11 08:56 AM
In today's challenging real estate market many sellers want to know the secret to selling their homes quickly. Unfortunately, there are no absolute answers that equals the perfect sale. There are however certain factors that affect how quickly and for how much your home sells. Below are some of the main factors. Consider how these apply to your own home.
1. Curb Appeal:Curb appeal is the first impression of your home. You must keep the yard orderly and maintained when your home is on the market. Anything that can be viewed as a negative and can be seen when a prospective buyer approaches … (0 comments)

remax northern kentucky: As Mortgage Rates Rise, Purchasing Power Falls. - 07/08/11 01:22 AM

What is your price range? If you've ever bought a home, no doubt your REALTOR® asked you that question, or you wondered it to yourself. It's the starting point for practically every home search in this country. The better question might be how much home have you been pre-approved to buy?
These questions serve an important purpose for buyers. First, they put boundaries on your home search, and second, they establish a price range for the homes in which you can actually afford to live.
Yet purchase price is only one of the main variables in home affordability. Another major key to … (0 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Things to Consider When Buying An Older Home - 07/04/11 10:33 PM
Older and more established neighborhoods often have beauty that is a site to behold. Large trees keep homes and streets shaded from the hot summer sun. The architecture may be historical, eclectic and seasoned with character. Homes may feature many modern styles with amenities while retaining the original charm and mature setting. Established neighborhoods near the central of a city tend to hold their property value. Older homes can be fantastic but there can also be some drawbacks to watch out for: Up Keep - Older homes typically come with a certain level of necessary repair. Wiring may be dated, ungrounded, … (2 comments)

remax northern kentucky: The Basics Of Staging Your Home To Sell - 07/01/11 11:42 PM
Staging is about appealing to a broad range of buyers and creating an image of a lifestyle. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your house.
Here are some staging tips that can help your home sell.
1. A Thorough Cleaning: A good cleaning includes shampooing carpets, removing stains, and scrubbing the bathroom. The daily basics mean having your family's things put away with the dishes and laundry done.
2. Declutter. Clutter can be one of the most distracting aspects of showing a house. Instead of a buyer focusing on the unique details of a room, they focus in on your nick nacks. … (3 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home. - 06/26/11 11:36 PM
Selling a home in todays market can be a challenge, but things can get even worse if sellers aren't careful. While people selling their homes do not control the real estate market, their actions can significantly contribute to how long or how much their home is ultimately sold for.
For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Some people are convinced that they can sell their home themselves. While this may be true for some, it likely won't happen without some major headaches. An expert Realtor knows the market, has connections, helps with financing, inspections, guides a seller through the process, negotiates on their behalf, and will make the process of selling … (2 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Steps To Prepare Your Home For A Showing. - 06/24/11 01:08 AM
Imagine that a prospective buyer and their agent just made an appointment to see your home. Now what? A purchase decision can be made or not during the showing. How can you prepare your home to show at it's best potential? 1. Your first course of action should be removing clutter. Clutter distracts the mind and the imagination. A potential buyer needs to be able to see themselves and their family in your home. By limiting the disorder created by clutter you can give your house an advantage over competition who is lesser prepared. 2. The next step is to clean. … (27 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Tips To Help Make Moving Fun For The Entire Family. - 06/23/11 02:34 AM
Is your family getting ready to move? Moving can be one of life's most stressful events and for kids this truth is even amplified. To a child moving can be intimidating, scary and confusing.
Here are some things you can do to make moving fun for the entire family.
1. New family favorite Places: Most families have a favorite restaurant, park, or place to hang out. Search out some new favorites in the new neighborhood.

2. Movie night:Watching one of your family's favorite movies together can make your new house feel more familiar. Order a pizza or two and watch a movie together to help the family forget about the day's … (0 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Title Insurance Protects The Investment In Your Home - 06/21/11 05:06 AM
A home is usually one of your largest investments. When you purchase a home, you purchase homeowner's or hazard insurance to protect against loss from fire, theft or wind damage.
Title insurance protects against hidden title hazards that may threaten your financial investment in your home. You see, when purchasing a home, you are really purchasing the title to the property - the right to occupy and use the land and improvements.
Other types of insurance focus on possible future events and charge an annual premium. Title insurance is purchased with a one-time premium and safeguards against loss from hazards and … (5 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Tips To Help Update Your Home. - 06/19/11 01:55 AM
It happens to most homeowners. Rooms that once looked fresh have aged themselves. For some it's an excuse to redecorate. For others it becomes a chore. Either way homeownership is a process. As one project ends usually another begins. To bring your home current consider these room freshening tips.
1. Decorative Accents: Curtains are the frame to any well-designed room. Choose colors and patterns that fit the scale of your room. Heavy curtains made from chenille or jacquard work best in large rooms with tall ceilings. Lighter weight fabrics, such as silk and chiffon, are great choices for small or airy rooms. Decorative … (5 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Distinctive Must Haves For Home Buyers. - 06/18/11 01:39 AM
According to recent surveys, there are some fairly distinctive must haves for home buyers. For sellers trying to compete in this tough housing market, these findings can help emphasize some of the best features in their home to highlight in a listing to appeal to the greatest number of buyers.Top 5 Things to Highlight:1. Master Bedroom - The number one must have for buyers. Master suites are very appealing to buyers,. Be sure to take photos that show the entire suite, bathroom and describe the master in all marketing materials plus the MLS listing.2. Parking - This is the most highly … (1 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Tips To Avoid Common Home Buyer Mistakes. - 06/16/11 12:54 AM
In the market to buy a home? You may have already realized that the process involves many different aspects that require certain levels of knowledge. Chances are some of the process might be a bit foreign to most. By aligning yourself with a team of professionals, you are sure to avoid some of the most common home buyer mistakes. Below are suggestions to help avoid many mistakes home buyers make.1. Hire the Right Realtor. Notice it says Realtor verses agent? Personalities and experience levels range greatly, just as with any profession. Consider interviewing several Realtors before deciding on which one to … (2 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Tips To Help Sell Your Home In A Slower Market. - 06/15/11 12:24 AM
Even though the real estate market has slowed down in recent years, there are still plenty of homebuyers eager to make a purchase. Knowing how to prepare your home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and how you can offer buyer incentives will help you find the right buyer, even in a declining market.Before you put your home on the market, make sure that all basic repairs are completed. Nothing can turn off a prospective buyer quicker than loose railings, torn screens or missing hardware on cupboard doors. These easy repairs do not cost a lot of money. If … (11 comments)

remax northern kentucky: Smart Tips For Kitchen Remodeling. - 06/14/11 05:56 AM
Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. And with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life, and a source of pride. A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $30,000 to $50,000 range recoup about 65% of the initial project cost at the home's resale, according to recent data. To make sure you maximize your return, follow these smart kitchen remodeling strategies.Establish prioritiesThe National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends … (0 comments)