michigan: BUYER TIP #7
- 10/08/10 02:50 AM
Review the Disclosures Before you write an offer on a house be sure to obtain, read and understand the disclosures related to the property. In Michigan there are two primary disclosures you should obtain: Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards. Seller's Disclosure Statement. Both forms are useful in providing information on the condition of and the likelihood of hazards in the property as disclosed by the seller(s). The purpose of the disclosures are: Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards. Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was … (3 comments)
michigan: Buyer Tip #6
- 09/25/10 12:28 PM
Get a Home Inspection You've gone through the house hunting process and narrowed it to "the one". It's just what you've been looking for, dreamed about, and it's priced just right -- at least until you prepare your offer. So what do you do now? There are a lot of items to consider when buying a home. It's condition is a major one. You may have questions about this. Do you have the expertise to determine the working condition of a home's furnace, electrical system, water delivery and waste water systems -- just name a few? No? Then get a home inspection. This … (6 comments)
michigan: Washington Post Online: Interactive Map of Unemployment by County
- 09/21/10 09:17 AM
The Washington Post has published in their online Breaking News an "Interactive Map of Unemployment by County". The national unemployment rate for July, 2010 was 9.7%. For example, in Michigan one of the counties with the highest unemployment rate was Alcona County at 18.4%. The lowest in the state was Mackinaw County at 6.0%. My home county of Oakland was at 13.5%. You get all this information by just hovering your mouse over the county you select. So look up yours and hopefully you won't feel like the lady on the left. Go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/nation/unemployment-by-county/ If you like my blog, please subscribe. … (2 comments)
michigan: BUYER TIP #4
- 09/19/10 01:14 PM
How Many Homes Do You See Before You Buy? The average homebuyer sees 15 homes before deciding which one to buy. If you have been thorough in determining what you want in your home (See my Buyer Tip #3) you may see fewer before you decide. But, let's say you see the average number -- 15; how do you keep track of those many homes in order to compare and buy? Your Realtor should provide you with information on the homes you see. Generally it'll be in the form of an MLS printout. However, there will be certain things in each … (5 comments)
michigan: BUYER TIP #3
- 09/16/10 05:06 AM
Know What You Want Before You Start Looking! G.I. Joe used to tell kids on the Saturday morning cartoon show of the same name;"Knowing is half the battle." That advice is true when searching for your home. Your house search should take into account: How much you will afford? Notice I said will afford. You don't have to borrow as much as the mortgage pre-approval says you can. Where do you want to live?; Near work, school, city, or country-side. How much space will you need. Are you single, married? How many bedrooms? Do kids or others live with you? What style of home would you prefer? Do you … (5 comments)
If you followed the suggestion in Part One of this blog topic you have already tracked your spending habits, collected your income information and are now ready to create a budget that accurately reflects your life stage. The budget schedule typically lists this information as annual income and expenses. After the schedule is complete, you must decide when you will check and update your budget. Generally, most people check their budget based on their pay periods. Whenever you decide to review your budget, make sure that it is comfortable for you. Remember, the budget is your guide … (3 comments)
michigan: Buyer Tip #1
- 09/13/10 12:30 PM
Work with an agent of your own choosing. Let's face it. I've dealt with buyers who decide to work with the listing agent. You must remember this, the listing agent is working for the seller. Anything you say or disclose that could possibly advantage the seller the listing agent is obliged to pass onto the seller. How often is there information of the type that would be disadvantageous for the buyer? Why chance it? That's why there are Sellers' (listing) agents and Buyers' agents. Each has a responsibility specific to either the homeowner trying to selling their home at the highest … (7 comments)
michigan: PONTIAC HOME PRICES APPEAR TO BE STABILIZING - FOR NOW
- 09/10/10 05:28 AM
Optimistic news for the City of Pontiac is reflected in the numbers provided by Ray O'Neil, Senior Appraiser at O'Neil Appraisal. Mr. O'Neil provided this information at a seminar called "What's Your Home Worth?" sponsored by the North Oakland County Board of Realtors (NOCBOR). The following numbers reflect activity through May 31, of 2010. These numbers show that Pontiac has had a net increase in home value of 1.4%. The City of Pontiac covers three zip code areas (48340, 48341 and 48342) and closer scrutiny of the numbers show that that growth or decline depended on what part of the city you lived or invested. … (0 comments)
How much did you spend last month? How much should you be spending? When should you spend it? How much do you need to save for "it"? Why do you have "more month than money"? The answers to these questions come from a well-managed budget. But first, what is a budget? A budget is a listing of your anticipated income and expense for a time. The key word in this definition is anticipated. So simply put, a budget is a look into the future. Not just any future - your future. There are rare people who … (0 comments)
Review the Disclosures
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