homes for sale: Philadelphia Home Improvement Loan Program - 12/26/12 01:22 AM
Is your Philadelphia home in need of some repair or improvement?
If you own and occupy your home in the City of Philadelphia, a Philadelphia Home Improvement Loan(PHIL) is a great opportunity to make those needed repairs and improvements!
No equity or home-appraisal requirements so you can apply even if you just bought your home.
With great low rates and expanded income guidelines, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this offer made available to Philadelphia homeowners.
What are the features of a Philadelphia Home Improvement loan?
Features include:
Low fixed rates, 3% APR and 5% APR* Interest is usually tax-deductible** Borrow up to … (2 comments)

homes for sale: Moving Tips - 11/09/12 05:52 AM
The average American moves 12 times in their lifetime. Here are a few tips to make your next move a little easier and less stressful. 
 
Have a first open bag with the things youll need mosttoiletries, tools, pen and paper, cups and plates, water, and snacks. If you have pets, set aside food and water bowls.   Pack everything before the movers arrive. Even if they are friends, they dont want to wait for you while you finish packing. If they are professional movers, you will be charged for their time.    Try to keep kids and pets out of the way … (0 comments)

homes for sale: What to Do Before You Start Looking for a Home - 11/01/11 03:47 AM
Now is a great time to consider buying a home in the Philadelphia. Whether youre relocating, purchasing a vacation house or looking to become a homeowner for the first time, there are certain things you need to do before you even begin to look for a new home. Doing your homework before plunging into the house hunt can save you valuable time and energy.
Set a time-frame. When do you want to move? When do you want to start looking for homes? If you are renting, when does your current lease expire? How long will it take you to save for … (4 comments)

homes for sale: Energy Saving Tips - 08/09/11 02:20 PM
Each year, Americans spend thousands of dollars on energy in their homes, much of which is wasted. Here are some easy ways to go green and save green at the same time.
 
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use up to 75 percent less energy and can last up to 10 times longer. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo when shopping for home appliances. They meet strict guidelines set by the U.S Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. Consider investing in solar powered outdoor lighting. While it may cost more upfront, there are no confusing wires, which means … (1 comments)

homes for sale: How to Sell Your Home in a Buyer's Market - 07/25/11 03:28 PM
Price the Home Right
It is this simple. A properly priced home should sell quickly. An overpriced home may not ever sell. 
If your home is priced too high, interested buyers may never even tour your listing. A house priced at just below market value piques the interest of real estate professionals and buyers An overpriced home turns away potential buyers It is true that you can always drop the price, but the first 30 days are the most critical. That is when interest is the highest, and it can be difficult to recapture people's interest later on. The longer the … (5 comments)

homes for sale: Difference Between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection - 07/25/11 03:28 PM
What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?What Is A Home Appraisal?
According to the Appraisal Institute, the role of the home appraiser is to "provide a professional opinion, usually an estimate of market value, to be used in making real estate decisions." Typically, appraisers are employed by lenders to estimate the value of real estate involved in a loan transaction. An appraiser hired by a lender works in the best interest of their client, the lender.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a … (0 comments)

homes for sale: Preparing for an Open House - 05/17/11 08:08 AM
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an open house.
1. Make sure your home is clean and organized.  Get rid of the clutter. Hire a cleaning service if necessary.
2. Think Curb Appeal. You don't want a buyer to rule out your home based on the outside appearance. The lawn should be trimmed, bushes and shrubs pruned, and leaves raked. And don't forget to put away bicycles, toys, and other items that may make your property seem cluttered.
3. Put out fresh flowers.
4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and … (2 comments)

homes for sale: Buyers: How Much Should You Offer? - 04/24/11 01:33 PM
When buying a home, buyers want to get the best deal but they may need to juggle some numbers in order to reach an amount that seems fair to both parties.  Deciding what to offer a seller for their home is a delicate process. Before making an offer, there are some items you should analyze.
A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a popular method for estimating the true value of property.  Similar to comparison shopping, a CMA will examine the home in terms of number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total square footage.  Realtors can find similar homes that have recently sold … (1 comments)

homes for sale: Top 8 Reasons to Purchase a home in 2011 - 01/12/11 08:00 AM
Are you thinking about buying a home within the next year or so? Don't wait much longer.
2011 is the perfect time to take advantage of the Buyer's Market in Philadelphia. Top 8 Reasons to Purchase a home in 2011:
Mortgage Rates are exteremly low. My clients have recently obtained rates as low as 3.75%. Rates are increasing so don't delay much longer. There are a huge selection of homes for you to choose from in most areas and price ranges. I am sure there is something available that meets your needs. Sellers are eager to negotiate and often accept prices well below their asking price. Sellers are … (3 comments)

homes for sale: Philadelphia Housing Prices Outpace National Trends - 01/08/11 11:32 AM
Philadelphia Housing Prices Outpace National Trends
The Philadelphia Region continues to outperform national pricing trends, according to the most recent HomExpert Market Report.  While recent reports, including  the most recent quarterly Standard & Poor's Case-Schiller National Home Price Index, show continuing pricing declines in many of the major markets, home prices in Philadelphia have remained relatively  flat or even slightly increased in some areas.  This is good news for home sellers, whose investments in their home remain solid in spite of today's volatile market.
According to the Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors HomExpert Market Report © the median price of homes sold in … (0 comments)

homes for sale: How Much Home Can You Afford? - 04/26/10 02:33 PM
In addition to your income, lenders consider the interest rate, down-payment, debt, taxes, and insurance when calculating the amount of home you can afford.  
Income - Typically, most people can afford to purchase a home 2.5 - 3 times their annual income. Mortgage lenders normally consider not only your salary or hourly wage but also retirement, disability, child support, alimony, commissions, and bonuses when calculating your income.   For example, if you and your spouse have a combined household income of $100,000 then you can typically afford a home purchase of  $250,000 to $300,000.
Debt - Ideally, you want all your debts including … (1 comments)

homes for sale: Top 5 Reasons to Purchase a Home NOW: - 03/03/10 07:52 AM
 Top 5 Reasons to Purchase a Home NOW:
1. Tax Credits are set to expire on April 30, 2010. $8000 for first-time buyers and $6500 for repeat buyers. 
2. Mortgage Rates are exteremly low. My clients have recently obtained rates as low as 5.0.4. It is a Buyer's Market. Many sellers are willing to negotiate price and are often include buyer incentives suchs as appliances, home warranties, and home improvements. 5. Tax deductions and equity build up. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home. Stop … (3 comments)

homes for sale: Hulk Hogan's Home for Sale - 11/12/09 03:44 AM
After a public divorce, Hulk Hogan has listed his Belleair, FL home for sale.
Originally listed for $25 Million back in June 2006. Three years later, the home is now listed at $13,900,000.
Hogan bought the Belleair property in 1992 for $2 million. He then demolished it and spent the next four years building an European-inspired estate.
130 Willadel Dr Belleair FL 33756 7 beds, 9.5 baths, 17,145 sq ft
For Sale: $13,900,000 Estimated payment: $58,001
According to the listing description, the home boasts many custom details:
Stunning views of the Intracoastal and pass to the Gulf of Mexico. 17,000 square feet of living … (0 comments)

homes for sale: Home Buyer Tax Credits: $8000 for first-timers extended and now $6500 for repeat buyers!!! - 11/06/09 04:29 AM
President Obama has signed legislation into law that extends the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and also offers a $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers!
In order to qualify you must have a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 and you must make settlement on your new home by June 30, 2010.
Here are the main highlights of the program:
$8,000 for first-timers (have not owned a primary residence during the previous 3 years) $6,500 for repeat buyers (have lived in their current residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight year) The Income limits for the tax … (0 comments)

homes for sale: Should the $8000 First-time Buyer Tax Credit be Extended? - 10/24/09 02:45 AM
The current $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009. That means you have to make settlement on your first home by this date in order to qualify for the tax credit.
There are several different bills being presented in Congress that propose to extend this tax credit into 2010.  Some of the bills propose increasing the credit to $15,000 and even making all home buyers eligible not just first-time buyers.
Most people in the real estate business believe the tax credit needs to be extended. Real estate professionals would also welcome an increase … (1 comments)

 
George Maynes, The Maynes Group (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®)

George Maynes

The Maynes Group

Philadelphia, PA

More about me…

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

Address: 2451 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19130

Office: (215) 763-2100

Mobile: (215) 317-3007



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