first time homebuyers tax credit: Hot to Get an Offer on Your Home
- 04/05/10 03:03 AM
How to Get an Offer on Your Home1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property's realistic price range.2. Prepare for visitors. Get your house market ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it.3. Be flexible about showings. It's often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment. But the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you'll find a buyer. 4. Anticipate the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you'll find acceptable. 5. Don't refuse to drop the price. … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: What is Appraised Value
- 04/02/10 08:43 PM
What is Appraised Value? •· Appraisals provide an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ. •· For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value - what the property could probably be sold for. Other types of value include insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes. •· Appraised value is not a constant number. Changes in market conditions can dramatically alter appraised value. •· Appraised value doesn't take into account special considerations, like the need to sell rapidly. •· Lenders usually use either the appraised value or … (2 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Agency Relationships
- 04/02/10 01:06 AM
It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction. Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you: Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent) A seller's agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract. Buyer's representative (also known as a buyer's agent) A buyer's agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer's rep works in the … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Things To Do Before Putting Your Home on the Market
- 04/01/10 01:39 AM
5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market 1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin. 2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Classic Macaroni Salad
- 03/31/10 08:48 AM
Classic Macaroni Salad INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cooked macaroni 2 eggs, hard-boiled, chopped 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard Pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients; stir well. Cover and chill for several hours before serving. Serves 4. Now that you're really cooking, let me know if you have a real estate related question or problem. Reply to this message or call me today! … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Why Work With a REALTOR®
- 03/31/10 08:28 AM
8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work with a REALTOR®. 1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. 2. Information and opinions. … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Moving Up?
- 03/29/10 10:53 PM
These questions will help you decide whether you're ready for a home that's larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it's a sign that you may be ready to move. 1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don't build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you've owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains. 2. … (2 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Herb-Roasted Chicken
- 03/27/10 09:47 PM
Herb-Roasted ChickenINGREDIENTS FOR THE CHICKEN: One whole chicken, (3-1/2 to 4 pounds) 3 large cloves garlic, peeled, crushed 1 large lemon, halved 6 large fresh sage leaves 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste FOR THE SAUCE: 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup dry white wine 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh rosemary 1/4 cup cream 1 tablespoon butter Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 450° F. Pat the chicken dry. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the garlic, lemon and herbs … (2 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Tips for Packing Like a Pro
- 03/27/10 09:36 PM
17 Tips for Packing Like a Pro Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you've covered all the bases.1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs. (A moving calculator is available at REALTOR.com)2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.3. But don't throw out everything. If your … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Closing Documents You Should Keep
- 03/27/10 03:09 AM
Closing Documents You Should Keep On closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers. Here's a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference. HUD-1 settlement statement. Itemizes all the costs - commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance -associated with the closing. You'll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points. Truth in Lending statement. Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period. Mortgage and note. Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Tips For Moving Pets
- 03/26/10 03:54 AM
10 Tips for Moving With Pets Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network (www.petrealtynetwork.com) in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move. 1. Update your pet's tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Common Closing Costs for Buyers
- 03/25/10 02:48 AM
Common Closing Costs for Buyers You'll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for: •· Down payment •· Loan origination •· Points, or loan discount fees, which you pay to receive a lower interest rate •· Home inspection •· Appraisal •· Credit report •· Private mortgage insurance premium •· Insurance escrow for homeowner's insurance, if being paid as … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-rhrough
- 03/24/10 10:20 AM
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through It's guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here's a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through. Make sure that: •· Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: What's A Home Warranty?
- 03/23/10 09:46 AM
What's a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract. Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item. •· Plumbing •· Electrical systems •· Furnace •· Water heater •· Heating ducts … (2 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Lowering Homeowner's Insurance Costs
- 03/23/10 12:35 AM
Tips for Lowering Homeowner's Insurance Costs1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you're interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property's claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired. 2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don't want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage. 3. Maintain good credit. Insurers often use … (2 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Roasted Peanuts
- 03/22/10 12:39 AM
Roasted Peanuts INGREDIENTS: Peanuts Salt DIRECTIONS: Roast single layer of raw shelled peanuts on flat pan or cookie sheet in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Salt to taste. For roasting raw, unshelled peanuts, increase roasting time to 30-35 minutes. Now that you're really cooking, let me know if you have a real estate related question or problem. Reply to this message or call me today! … (1 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Things To Know About Homeowner's Insurance
- 03/22/10 12:34 AM
5 Things to Know About Homeowner's Insurance1. Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately. 2. Know about dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately. 3. Know the replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you'll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: Things You Need To Know About Title Insurance
- 03/21/10 09:15 AM
1. Your mortgage lender is going to require it. Title insurance protects the lender and the secondary markets to which they sell the loans from defects in the title to your home and property. It ensures the validity and enforceability of the mortgage document. Title defects could include mistakes made in the local property office, forged documents and claims from unknown parties. The amount of the policy is equal to the amount of your mortgage at its inception. You pay a one-time fee as part of your closing costs. If you are purchasing a home, you should also purchase an owner's … (0 comments)
first time homebuyers tax credit: What A Home Inspection Should Cover
- 03/20/10 03:34 AM
What a Home Inspection Should CoverHome inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase. For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Structure: A home's skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the … (1 comments)
How to Get an Offer on Your Home1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property's realistic price range.2. Prepare for visitors. Get your house market ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it.3. Be flexible about showings. It's often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment. But the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you'll find a buyer. 4. Anticipate the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you'll find acceptable. 5. Don't refuse to drop the price. … (1 comments)
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