buyers tips: How To Avoid Falling for "Love at First Sight" - 09/14/09 09:01 AM
September 14, 2009
Buying the first house you look at it is kind of like marrying the first person you go on a date with -- not necessarily a good idea. The average homebuyer looks at least 10 homes over an eight-week search before making an offered. While you don't need to visit every home in the neighborhood, you should compare at least three homes before making a decision.
Here are the top 4 reasons to shop around:
You might find similar features in another home. When you go on your first showing, you have nothing to compare the home's pros … (2 comments)

buyers tips: Avoid Mistake #6, Buying a House You Can't Afford: Tally Your Expenses- ALL OF THEM! - 09/02/09 08:36 AM
September  2, 2009
This is from a good article I found on www.frontdoor.comabout how you can avoid being in over your head on house payments if you are honest and conservative in figuring out all of your monthly expenses. 
In all your excitement about the prospect of buying a house, you'll be tempted to twist your financial numbers so you appear more desirable to a potential lender. Instead of admitting the balance on your Visa is $7,000, you give the more rosy figure of $5,000. It will be lower in a few months, right?
Remember: Buy too much house and you'll be flat … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes That Can Cost You, Mistake #6: Buying a house you can't afford - 08/31/09 08:24 AM
August 31, 2009
Just because a lender is willing to loan you a fortune doesn't mean you should take it. Buying more home than you can afford can quickly lead to financial trouble. As a rule of thumb, your mortgage payment should be less than 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Besides your mortgage payment, be prepared for the additional costs of homeownership, such as insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. You may want to scale back the size of the home you're looking for in order to bring the whole package in line with your budget.
Check back this … (0 comments)

buyers tips: What to Know About Fixer-Uppers: Is Buying a Fixer-Upper For You? - 08/26/09 08:28 AM
 August 26, 2009
Ambitious first time buyer?  Want a custom home but can't afford to buy new?  Not afraid of spending some cash and possibly getting your hands dirty and doing some work yourself?  Like the neighborhood and the price but not the condition?  If you answered yes to these questions then maybe you are a person that should consider the idea of buying a fixer-upper?
Sometimes referred to as "handyman specials" and sometimes referred to as "red flags", fixer-uppers can range.  They are usually homes with physical problems that may go further than "skin deep".  Some of the problems are … (0 comments)

buyers tips: How to Choose a Neighborhood - 08/19/09 10:16 AM
August 19, 2009
5 steps to finding a place where you belong
Steps #2 & #3.  Check Monday's blog for step #1 on how to choose a neighborhood.
STEP 2 -- Zero In on the AreaIf you're moving within the same city, you probably already know the various neighborhoods. Choose the ones that best match your list of wants. If you're moving to a new city, you'll have to do more research. This is where working with a Realtor familiar with the area can also help.  They can help you narrow down your choices, possibly based on how close you want … (1 comments)

buyers tips: Ingredients of a Great Real Estate Investment Continued...#3 & #4 - 08/14/09 11:42 AM
August 14, 2009
Boost your odds for a successful resale down the road with these four essentials
As promised from Wednesday here are #3 & #4 In-Demand Amenities to look for in  your next house.  If you haven't read Wednesday's blog, start there to read the #1 & #1 in-demand amenities.  
#3: Modern MustsMany buyers, 46% to be exact, are looking for a home with energy-efficient features.  These features include: newer, dual paned windows, Energy Star appliances, and a well maintained HVAC system.  Many buyers also want to be able to have cable and satellite connections, including access to high-speed … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes That Can Cost You, #10:Not getting pre-approved before house hunting - 08/05/09 11:00 AM
August 5, 2009
Get ready to learn a lot!  For the next 10 weeks I will be blogging on some detrimental home buying mistakes that can really cost you.  Some of them may seem obvious, but there is more to them than the superficial title so read on.  I have found most of this information from one of my favorite user-friendly sources for real estate information for the public, www.frontdoor.com. 
Over the next 10 weeks I will take one home buying mistake a week and cover it in detail.  Even if you are not looking to buy a house right now, this … (0 comments)

buyers tips: When it is Time to Sell? - 06/23/09 07:40 AM
June 23, 2009
Sometimes the need for a move is obvious. For example, if your work requires you to transfer to a new city, you know it is time to relocate to a new home. The impact of other life changes, such as having twins, your last child leaving home, or a big salary increase, may not be so obvious.When you notice that your house or condominium is no longer serving your needs, it may be time to call in a professional real estate agent for some expert advice. Your agent may suggest that you remodel your present home or find … (1 comments)

buyers tips: Walk Through Woes - 05/01/09 09:47 AM
 May 1, 2009
Buyers can be a little cranky on closing day if things go wrong during the walk-through inspection. For example, the sellers' dependable old dishwasher might stop midway through its cycle and the bathroom sink might clog unexpectedly. These situations can create anxiety for the buyers and sellers, but such problems are quite common and usually simple to resolve.Most purchase agreements require that the major mechanical systems and the appliances being conveyed are in working order at the time of the closing. Defects are often discovered during the structural inspection, allowing the sellers plenty of time to have the … (0 comments)

buyers tips: 8 Ingredients To Successfully Selecting a Contractor For Home Remodels - 04/13/09 10:07 AM
Monday, April 13
Maybe you just found that house that's in the perfect location for you but you aren't thrilled about the kitchen.  Maybe it is a good enough price and location that you decide to buy it.  Then, a year or so later you decide to go ahead and remodel the kitchen.  Make sure if you find yourself in a similar place to read on and follow these tips for selecting a good contractor to complete the job.
1. Shop around...don't rush into choosing a contractor.
2. Get references from friends, neighbors and family who have had similar work completed.
… (0 comments)

buyers tips: Part 2: Considering Buying A Foreclosure? Then Consider These Points - 04/09/09 06:42 AM

April 9, 2009
As promised yesterday, here are some more things you will need to know if you are considering buying a foreclosure. Make sure to check yesterdays points to condsider if you have not already read them.
HLN money expert Clark Howard says, "The key to saving money is you don't look for a house that looks perfect, you look for a house that's a perfect deal that  you can fix up for  not too much money.  You do that and you are going to save yourself a ton."
Considering Buying A Foreclosure? Then Consider These Points:
Be ready … (0 comments)

buyers tips: More Interesting House Facts - 03/12/09 10:35 AM
March 12, 2009
Check out some more interesting and possibly helpful facts as you search for your next home or consider things such as remodeling your existing home:
Most homeowners tend to stay in their homes for about six years. The average bathroom remodel costs $10,500.  They also have the highest return on investment- about 102%. The average kitchen remodel runs nearly $44,00 and can bring a return of about 90%. 13% of previously owned homes are for sale by owner. Most agents agree that the No. 1 reason homes don't sell is price. Always consider any non-negotiable costs associated with … (4 comments)

buyers tips: Helpful Tips for Buyers "On The Search" - 03/10/09 10:34 AM
March 10, 2009
Here are a couple miscellaneous helpful tips for buyers on the search for their next home.  These are just some good things to keep in mind as you make probably the biggest purchase you ever will.
Be sure to clarify with your realtor as to what fixtures and furniture are being sold with the home.  Items out of the ordinary that are being sold with the home, such as the washer and dryer which most homeowners tend to take with them, should be itemized in the purchase contract. Keep in mind that older appliances often aren't as energy-efficient … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Interesting Facts About Buying a Home - 03/06/09 10:08 AM
March 6, 2009
Here is a little trivia for Friday.  You never know, you may actually find one of these tidbits of information to be helpful in your next home search.
Buyers find their new home through an agent more than any other method Homes in good condition are more likely to sell closer to their asking price On average, most buyers house hunt for six month before finding their home Four out of five homebuyers want a garage Most homeowners move every seven to ten years Tree roots can crack a driveway Most buyers view about nine homes before making … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Points to Consider Before Buying a Home in Chico - 03/05/09 08:43 AM
March 5, 2009
Buying a home can be a big thrill.  Thinking of all of the luxuries you will be able to have afterall, if it is your first home, such as your own washer and dryer is quite exciting!  But then there is the lovely mortgage that comes along with home ownership which in most cases is quite a larger number than apartment or even renting would be.  For once you are the sole one responsible for the place you call home!
Too many people who consider home ownership leave out the most important fact- what the mortgage will cost … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Curb Appeal In Chico Continued... - 02/28/09 09:27 AM
February 28, 2009
As promised earlier in the week, here are some more ideas on how to inexpensively add more curb appeal to your home.  Just to recap from earlier this week:
What is curb appeal?  It's that something extra special about a home that makes you smile when you see it.  It's a house that is pleasing to the eye and well groomed.  It shows a sense of pride and ownership in your home.  If you are considering selling your home consider this fact:
By taking some simple steps to boost curb appeal you could be increasing your home's value: … (1 comments)

buyers tips: Curb Appeal In Chico - 02/25/09 07:46 AM
February 25, 2009
What is curb appeal?  It's that something extra special about a home that makes you smile when you see it.  It's a house that is pleasing to the eye and well groomed.  It shows a sense of pride and ownership in your home.  If you are considering selling your home consider this fact:
By taking some simple steps to boost curb appeal you could be increasing your home's value: A Gallup survey taken in 1999 found landscaping could add 7 to 15 percent to a home's value.
Use these tips below to help create more curb appeal … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Prioritizing Your Needs As A Buyer...Home Buying Issues To Consider - 01/22/09 08:15 AM
January 22, 2009 
These are some important issuses you may want to consider and prioritize as you look into buying a home:
How many bedrooms? Is your family growing?  If so, consider how many bedrooms you may want in the near future in this decision. How many bathrooms? Master bath? Ex. Are double sinks a must? How soon would you like to be in your new home? The escrow and closing process may be very different from house to house depending on each situation.  Find out from your realtor about how long the escrow will take for a given house. What … (0 comments)

buyers tips: Are You A Ready, Willing And Able Buyer? 7 Critical Issues To Consider - 01/21/09 07:56 AM
#1. Motivation
...why are you considering a move?
Are your reasons compelling enough to cause you to be realistic and put up with the realities of moving? I.E. think about the cost involved and the hassle of moving- is it worth it?
 #2. Authority
...is the decision to move yours alone? Are there other people (spouse, roomate kids, etc.) to consider?
#3. Finances
...are you financially qualified to make the move at this time? You can find out if you are prequalified for a certian loan amount before you go to all of the hassle of finding your dream house and … (3 comments)

buyers tips: A 3 Step Approach To Selecting The Right Property In Chico…Step #3 - 01/15/09 08:20 AM
January 15, 2009Step #3Remember You Have Safety Nets Available To You...
Your judgement as an educated/informed buyer.Following steps one and two (see the last two blogs) and also doing your homework and knowing the market helps you to be an educated and informed buyer.
A local market report prepared by your agent.  For the Chico area please check out my daily market report on my website: http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport
A whole house inspection.  This is something that is typically done after you enter  escrow.  As the buyer you are usually responsible for paying and having this inspection done.  Although it is not mandatory, … (0 comments)