philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: Pros and Cons of a Condo
- 08/30/11 03:05 PM
Is the condo lifestyle right for you? Owning a condominium is different from owning a single-family home in many ways. Here is a list of the basic advantages and disadvantages of condo living to help you make your decision. Advantages: Location: There is often a high concentration of condominiums in center city where land is at a premium. If you want to be in the heart of the city, a condominium may be a good choice. Security: Having neighbors around makes it a lot easier to lock up and leave for a vacation or an extended period of time. Also, condominium … (1 comments)
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)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: Are Your Paying Too Much in Property Taxes?
- 03/16/11 02:00 PM
There are several steps every homeowner should take to investigate whether or not their property taxes can be lowered: Get your detailed property tax assessment record online or from your assessors office. Its possible your entire neighborhood has been over-assessed. Check the accuracy of the details about your home used in your tax assessment. Determine if your propertys size and description are accurate. Errors are commonly made in transferring data from paper to online. Make sure details like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is correct. If errors have made your assessment higher than it should be, try working informally with the … (4 comments)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: Tips for Hiring a Contractor
- 12/07/10 01:54 PM
Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor 1. Get at least three written estimates. 2. Get references and call to check on the work. 3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business for complaints. 4. Be sure that the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. 5. Make as small a downpayment as possible so you won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job. 6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance. 7. Be sure that the contract states when the work will … (2 comments)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: PHFA Mortgage Rates at Historic Lows
- 10/19/10 09:02 AM
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) announced new interest rates for the agency's home loan products - offering the lowest rates in the agency's 38-year history. The following table shows the new interest rates for PHFA's 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage products in comparison to the previous rates.
Descriptions of each of these PHFA loan products are available in the "Homeowner" section of the PHFA Web site at www.phfa.org. Search the site using the keywords: homeownership loans. Income limits and loan limits do apply. Buyers interested in taking advantage of these new lower interest rates can feel free to contact me at … (0 comments)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: How Much Home Can You Afford?
- 09/14/10 01:12 PM
In addition to your income, lenders consider the current interest rate, the amount of cash you have available for down-payment, your debt, real estate taxes, and home owners insurance rates 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 … (1 comments)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: Improve Your Credit Score
- 08/31/10 01:31 AM
Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you qualify for a mortgage loan. Here are some tips to help improve your credit score: Check your credit report for errors. Mistakes happen and you could be paying for someone else's poor financial management. You are able to get a free credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com. Checking your own credit report does not affect your scores. Dispute old negatives. You can continue protesting the charge with the lender/company or you can try disputing the account with the credit bureaus. The older and smaller … (3 comments)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: The home buyer tax credit expired BUT there are still many reasons to buy a home this summer.
- 06/07/10 04:18 PM
Not sure? Here are some reasons why: Mortgage rates are extremely low. My clients have recently obtained rates as low as 4.85It's still a buyer's market. Many sellers are willing to negotiate price and are often include buyer incentives such as appliances, home warranties, and home improvements. There is currently a large selection of homes for sale in every area and price range. Tax deductions and equity build up. The Federal Tax Code allows you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home. Stop Paying Rent! Money paid for … (1 comments)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: SELLING YOUR FIRST PLACE? Then HGTV is looking for you!
- 12/08/09 04:43 AM
MY FIRST SALE, a brand new HGTV show, is looking for first-time home sellers (and their agents!) in the Philadelphia area. They are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the process of selling their first place! They want to capture all the trials and tribulations, stress and success of prepping for sale, pricing, negotiating, and ultimately selling a home for the first time.If selected to appear on an episode of My First Sale, home sellers will receive a DVD copy of the episode to enjoy for years to come. Real estate agents will also receive a DVD of … (0 comments)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and 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)
philadelphia real estate and homes for sale: $8000 Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers
- 03/09/09 04:34 PM
On the fence about buying your first home? Well think about this new incentive from the Federal Goverment. First-time buyers in Philadelphia and across the country can now take advantage of a the new $8000 tax credit. If you are a first time home buyer (including those who have not owned a home for 3 years) and purchase your home between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, then you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000. You claim the credit when you file your taxes for 2009. If you are someone who typically gets $1500 back from the … (1 comments)
Is the condo lifestyle right for you?
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