buyer information: Why You Need to Call a Lender BEFORE You're Ready to Buy!
- 09/08/16 04:55 AM
Considering buying your first Indianapolis area home? Then you may also be wondering how high your credit score needs to be or when you’ll be ready. We recently received a similar question from a first time buyer:
"We are looking to buy a home here in a couple years and were wondering if you could give us a little bit of insight into the process. We are currently rebuilding our credit, and paying off debts. What sorts of things do mortgage companies look for when deciding whether or not to approve loan requests?"
Our recommendation is to begin a conversation with a good lender right … (3 comments)
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buyer information: Seller's Market? Buyer's Market? Help!
- 09/08/16 04:50 AM
So what's the difference between a Buyer's Market and a Seller's Market? Should I care?Like most professions, real estate has its own vocabulary and to those not “in the business” at times it may seem like a foreign language! There has been a lot of press this spring about a “Seller’s Market” in Indianapolis. What does this mean and how is it different from a Buyer’s Market?
In a Seller’s Market there is a shortage of homes available for purchase, which in turn increases the odds of multiple offers and drives up prices. Just last week the Hoagland Group showed a property in Irvington the … (0 comments)
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buyer information: 7 Things Buyers Can Do to Win Offers in Sellers Market
- 09/08/16 04:43 AM
It's been awhile since Indianapolis has seen a seller's market. How does this affect buyers? Inventory is low and they are fighting over homes. Have you heard the recent horror stories? Buyers who missed out on one or even several great homes due to multiple offers or sales that happened so quickly they didn't even get an opportunity to look at a property. What's a buyer to do? Here are 7 tips buyers can do to help them win their dream home in this hot market.
1. Get your financials in OrderTalk with a local mortgage broker BEFORE looking at homes. We suggest … (2 comments)
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buyer information: New Home Construction: What You Need to Know
- 09/08/16 04:40 AM
Whether to buy a home in Greenwood or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying process. If you decide to go with new construction, a real estate agent can be a powerful advocate in your corner as you negotiate upgrades, a move-in date and other terms with the home builder. Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead: Selecting a builder
Shopping for a large production or custom home builder can be a daunting task. Start by defining what architectural styles appeal to you and then seek out the builders in your area … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Spring Projects in Indianapolis? - Call Indiana811 before you dig!
- 04/29/11 10:41 AM
Spring Projects in Indianapolis? - Call Indiana 811 before you dig!
Yes, it's spring in Indianapolis, and that means homeowners are busy tackling those outdoor projects -- planting trees, putting up fences, installing basketball goals....right?
So how do you find out where those pesky power lines are buried BEFORE you start your project? It's easy, just call Indiana811 before you dig! Take a look:
… (0 comments)
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buyer information: Attention Indianapolis Home Buyers! FHA Monthly Mortgage Insurance Increasing on 4/18
- 04/13/11 07:23 AM
Attention Indianapolis Home Buyers! FHA Monthly Mortgage Insurance Increasing on 4/18
Just a reminder that the FHA monthly mortgage insurance premium is increasing on April 18th. If you are going to use FHA financing and have an Indianapolis area property you're considering purchasing -- don't wait. Getting an address to a lender so they can pull a case number before the 18th will save you money.
If you haven't found the "perfect place" yet -- don't dispair. Yes, your monthly FHA mortgage insurance will be a little higher, but there are other options. You may want to consider saving a little extra so you can … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Indianaplis Short Sales -- Are They Good Deals?
- 03/09/11 07:46 AM
Indianapolis Short Sales -- Are They Good Deals?
Maybe! Many buyers think banks own Indianapolis short sale properties, thus they set the list price. They don't. (For more information on this, read Part 1 in this short sale series -- What is a Indianapolis Short Sale?.) The seller is still the actual homeowner, so it's the seller who actually controls the list price.
But since Short Sale offers are contingent on approval by the
seller's lender, it is the lender who ultimately determines the
sales price which they are willing to accept on a short sale based on their guidelines and a current appraisal. Once this value is determined they will either … (31 comments)
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buyer information: Considering Moving up to a New Home in Indianapolis? It's Time to Take the Plunge!
- 09/23/10 08:48 AM
Considering Moving up to a New Home in Indianapolis? It's Time to Take the Plunge!
It's a fantastic time to consider moving up! In fact we're surprised more people aren't taking advantage of this "perfect storm" for move-up buyers in the Indianapolis area. Here are some things to keep in mind about the current market:
- Homes for sale that are in excellent condition, show really nice and are priced appropriate for the local Indianapolis market are selling
- With interest rates at a record low - many people can buy significantly more house for the same monthly payment as they could, even … (3 comments)
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buyer information: Help! I Think I Might Be Ready to Buy a House! -- What's the First Step?
- 08/13/10 07:27 AM
Help! I Think I Might Be Ready to Buy a House! -- What's the First Step?
So you've either recently decided to purchase a home in Greenwood -- or are at least considering the possibility. You'll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating a welcoming environment for your family. But where do you begin?
Are you checking out Open Houses and searching for homes on-line? Are you wondering how this whole process works? What's the first step? When do you actually … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible????
- 07/29/10 04:03 AM
Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible????
We frequently hear this question as we're working with buyers to find the "perfect place" in Indianapolis. Of course we aren't tax accountants (thank goodness!), and therefore not allowed to provide tax advice. But we can refer our clients to great resources where they can find the answers to these questions.
According to the IRS website, Loan Points and Origination fees are tax deductible, and PMI may also qualify. Visit this IRS website for the details. It is actually amazingly easy to understand and an excellent resource. We also recommend you talk to a tax accountant to see how this applies to your individual circumstances.
… (0 comments)
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buyer information: 10 Questions You and Your Buyers Must Ask Before Purchasing A Condominium Unit
- 04/07/10 07:18 AM
There are additional things to consider when purchasing a condo vs a single family home. This article by a fellow Active Rain agent in MA highlights some of the more important topics to consider.
Buying a condominium unit can be more involved than buying a single family home. This is because you have to worry about both the unit itself and the condominium project as a whole.
10 Questions You Must Ask Before Purchasing A Condominium Unit
To borrow from a famous phrase, not all condominiums are created equally. Some condominiums are very well run; some are quite poorly run and underfunded. Buyers … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Do You Know What Documents to Take With You When You Apply for a Loan?
- 03/24/10 09:00 AM
Do you know what documents to take with you when you apply for a loan?
So you've found a great house and negotiated a fair price. Now it's time to meet with a loan officer and make your formal mortgage application. The whole process will run smoother if you've already put together the needed documents.
Copies of one or more months of pay stubs from every person signing the loan Copies of W-2's and personal tax returns for last 2 to 3 years Copies of 2 to 4 months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Our Own Son Didn't Know -- The $8000 Tax Credit is Real Money in Your Pocket!
- 02/05/10 08:24 AM
How Embarrassing! Our Own Son Didn't Know -- The $8000 Tax Credit is Real Money in Your Pocket!
Last night Steve and I joined our son and his girlfriend for dinner. I happened to ask him if he had finished preparing his income taxes and taken advantage of the tax deduction being offered for the sales tax he paid on his new car. He said yes, and mentioned that it was worth a couple of hundred dollars to him.
One thing led to another and the conversation turned to the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Being 26, he's interested in the idea of buying … (3 comments)
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buyer information: Our Sources Say...Rates are going up in 2010! How will this affect buyers?
- 01/04/10 07:51 AM
Our sources say rates are going up in 2010! How much and when? According to experts in the mortgage industry, rates will start the year just above 5% and will gradually climb into the 6 1/2 range as the year progresses. Why? One of the main reasons is the expiration of the Federal Reserves Mortgage Backed Security Purchase Program at the end of March. This program was instrumental in keeping rates artificially low in 2009. So as the program winds down, rates will likely edge higher as we get closer to summer.
For buyers, this means their dollars will buy less house as the rates … (2 comments)
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buyer information: The Quick and Expected Climb to 6% Mortgage Rates (How To Stay Dry When The Fed Throws Water At You)
- 12/26/09 01:33 AM
Lenders are telling us that rates will continue to inch upward. Why? Here is an easy to understand explanation from an expert in the mortgage business. -- Steve & Tonda
Mortgage rates have been steadily climbing, from a low of 4.5% around November 27, 2009 to above 5% on December 22, 2009. For the past two months I've been warning that this will eventually happen. It's not because the economy is recovering; it isn't recovering. The reason mortgage rates will rise to 6% or above, soomer rather than later is because that is the "natural" market.
About a year ago, The Federal … (1 comments)
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buyer information: New Expanded Tax Credit Helps Indiana Move Up Buyers
- 11/10/09 09:35 AM
New Expanded Tax Credit Helps Indiana Move Up Buyers
On November 6, 2009 President Obama signed a bill to both Extend and Expand the Home Buyer Tax Credit. Not only will it be available until Spring of 2010 for First Time Buyers, but it now also includes credits for current homeowners who sell their existing residence and purchase a new one prior to April 30, 2010. So who qualifies and what are the details?
Here are some of the highlights:
How do you apply for the tax credit? You can claim the tax … (2 comments)
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buyer information: Short Sale - Part 2: How to Buy a Short Sale
- 10/26/09 11:13 AM
Short Sale - Part 2: How to Buy a Short Sale Property!
If you're not familiar with Short Sales, begin by reading Part 1: What is a Short Sale? Then come back to this article which takes the next step and explains how to buy a short sale.
So, how are Short Sale Properties Sold? They are listed with a real estate agent like other properties. They usually include the words "short sale" or "pre-foreclosure" in the property description section. Since the current homeowner is in a difficult financial situation, they are usually sold "as is". It's a good idea … (0 comments)
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buyer information: What is a Short Sale? - Part 1
- 10/16/09 10:31 AM
What is a short sale? - Part 1
A short sale(or pre-foreclosure) takes place when the sales price of a home is less than the outstanding mortgage balance on the property and the lender agrees to absorb the difference.
Short sales happen at all price points - even homes in the millions. Each short sale represents a family in financial distress for a variety of reasons such as divorce, job loss, health expenses, or poor financial decisions.
We meet with many people in Central Indiana looking to sell their homes and unfortunately we hear this scenario way too often:
"I'm having difficulty making my mortgage payments. … (2 comments)
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buyer information: Open House 8103 Stoney Bend - Indianapolis, Sept 20, 2009
- 09/16/09 04:02 AM
Open House 8103 Stoney Bend, Indpls - Sept 20
Beautiful Meadow Bend Subdivision, located in Franklin Twp, Indianapolis, IN
You're invited to visit Tonda's open house, 8103 Stoney Bend Circle,
September 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
If you're in the Franklin Twp area -- be sure to stop by and say "Hi"!
Property information
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:37 AM by Tonda & Steve Hoagland … (0 comments)
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buyer information: Open House 6456 Deerwood Ct, Greenwood, IN Sept 20, 2009
- 09/16/09 03:31 AM
Open House 6456 Deerwood Ct, Greenwood IN - Sunday Sept 20, 2009
Deerwood, Greenwood - You're invited to visit Steve at Sunday's Open House,
6456 Deerwood Court on September 20 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
If you're in the Greenwood area -- stop in and say "Hi"!
Property information
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:05 AM by Tonda & Steve Hoagland - Hoagland RE Consulting Group … (0 comments)
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Considering buying your first Indianapolis area home? Then you may also be wondering how high your credit score needs to be or when you’ll be ready. We recently received a similar question from a first time buyer:
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