Courtesy of: HomeInsurance.com and Redbeacon
Monday, June 24, 2013
The high price of ignoring home repairs
Have you heard of the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? This is so true when it comes to your home! Take a look at the following infographic on some things that you just shouldn't ignore when it comes to home repair.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
What are buyers looking for?
I ran across this graphic, and thought I would share. The National Association of REALTORS does research on many aspects of home buying and selling, and this is the latest on what buyers were typically buying in 2012.
There are obviously many factors that can affect this, including of course where you live. If you are interested in knowing what the average home sales in my area are, just ask! It is amazing what kind of information is out there if you know where to look.
So, can I help YOU find your perfect home? Do you have one to sell? I'm ready!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Buyers: Tips for getting your offer accepted!
I have written quite a few offers lately. The market seems to be stabilizing which means that buyers are starting to find themselves in multiple offer situations and sellers are getting more picky with what kind of offers they will accept.
Here are some tips to get your offer noticed and accepted the first time!
1. Get pre-qualified. It is frequently in the offer instructions, but make sure not to overlook this step. Include a pre-qualification letter with your offer, or proof of funds if you are paying cash. See if your lender will write you a letter that doesn't include a dollar amount. There is no need to tell your seller that while you are offering $70,000 when you are qualified up to $100,000.
2. Don't Lowball - It is tempting to want to throw out an offer just to see if a seller will take it, and in the buyers market we had recently been in, lowball offers were being accepted. If you are making an offer on a property that is hot, don't lowball it. Your first offer might be the only offer you are allowed to present. Look at market value and make a fair offer.
3. Consider an escalation clause - This basically is a clause you can put in your offer that says that if someone else puts in a better offer, you will increase yours. These are supposedly becoming more popular.
4. Add earnest money - Ask your agent what is typical in your area and add to it. Earnest money is money put down up front at offer acceptance, but it is counted as part of your downpayment when the property closes. A strong earnest money deposit shows that you are a serious buyer.
5. Keep contingencies to a minimum - The easier the transaction looks to the seller, the more appealing it is.
6. Write a letter - You don't have to send them a novel, but a nice note about who you are, why you are moving to the area, and what you love about their house makes you a person, not just a number.
Good luck!
Source: Make an Offer That Sellers Can't Refuse
Here are some tips to get your offer noticed and accepted the first time!
1. Get pre-qualified. It is frequently in the offer instructions, but make sure not to overlook this step. Include a pre-qualification letter with your offer, or proof of funds if you are paying cash. See if your lender will write you a letter that doesn't include a dollar amount. There is no need to tell your seller that while you are offering $70,000 when you are qualified up to $100,000.
2. Don't Lowball - It is tempting to want to throw out an offer just to see if a seller will take it, and in the buyers market we had recently been in, lowball offers were being accepted. If you are making an offer on a property that is hot, don't lowball it. Your first offer might be the only offer you are allowed to present. Look at market value and make a fair offer.
3. Consider an escalation clause - This basically is a clause you can put in your offer that says that if someone else puts in a better offer, you will increase yours. These are supposedly becoming more popular.
4. Add earnest money - Ask your agent what is typical in your area and add to it. Earnest money is money put down up front at offer acceptance, but it is counted as part of your downpayment when the property closes. A strong earnest money deposit shows that you are a serious buyer.
5. Keep contingencies to a minimum - The easier the transaction looks to the seller, the more appealing it is.
6. Write a letter - You don't have to send them a novel, but a nice note about who you are, why you are moving to the area, and what you love about their house makes you a person, not just a number.
Good luck!
Source: Make an Offer That Sellers Can't Refuse
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