Showing posts with label Making an Offer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Making an Offer. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Monday, September 5, 2011
How to Choose a Neighborhood
How to Choose a Neighborhood
Narrow your home search by identifying neighborhoods that are right for you.
When evaluating a neighborhood you should investigate local conditions. Depending on your own particular needs and tastes, some of the following factors may be more important considerations than others:
quality of schools
property values
traffic
crime rate
future construction
proximity to schools, employment, hospitals, shops, public transportation, prisons, freeways, airports, beaches, parks, stadiums and cultural activities such as museums, concerts and theaters.
Neighborhood search strategies
If you’re a first time-buyer with limited financial resources, it's wise to buy a home that meets your primary needs in the best neighborhood that fits within your price range. You can maximize your home purchase location by incorporating some of the following strategies into your neighborhood search:
Look for communities that are likely to become "hot neighborhoods" in the coming years. They can often be discovered on the periphery of the most continuously desirable areas. Look for a home in a good neighborhood that is a bit farther out of the city. If commuting is a concern, purchase a home that is close to public transportation.
Look at the neighborhood demand by asking your REALTOR® whether multiple offers are being made, whether the gap between the list price and sale price is decreasing, and whether there is active community involvement. You can also drive around neighborhoods and see how many "sale pending" and "sold" signs there are in a particular area.
Look into purchasing a condominium rather than a house, in a desirable neighborhood. This way you still may be able to purchase in a prime area that you otherwise could not afford.
Copyright © by Move, Inc.
Narrow your home search by identifying neighborhoods that are right for you.
When evaluating a neighborhood you should investigate local conditions. Depending on your own particular needs and tastes, some of the following factors may be more important considerations than others:
quality of schools
property values
traffic
crime rate
future construction
proximity to schools, employment, hospitals, shops, public transportation, prisons, freeways, airports, beaches, parks, stadiums and cultural activities such as museums, concerts and theaters.
Neighborhood search strategies
If you’re a first time-buyer with limited financial resources, it's wise to buy a home that meets your primary needs in the best neighborhood that fits within your price range. You can maximize your home purchase location by incorporating some of the following strategies into your neighborhood search:
Look for communities that are likely to become "hot neighborhoods" in the coming years. They can often be discovered on the periphery of the most continuously desirable areas. Look for a home in a good neighborhood that is a bit farther out of the city. If commuting is a concern, purchase a home that is close to public transportation.
Look at the neighborhood demand by asking your REALTOR® whether multiple offers are being made, whether the gap between the list price and sale price is decreasing, and whether there is active community involvement. You can also drive around neighborhoods and see how many "sale pending" and "sold" signs there are in a particular area.
Look into purchasing a condominium rather than a house, in a desirable neighborhood. This way you still may be able to purchase in a prime area that you otherwise could not afford.
Copyright © by Move, Inc.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
When the Perfect Home and Price Pop Up.......
Make Your Offer Stand Out
Real estate consumers are realizing that there has rarely been a better time to buy a home. In fact, historically low mortgage rates coupled with lower home prices have even sparked bidding competition in markets around the country.
A good home in a solid location may attract ample attention only hours after being listed. Home buyers can make their offers stand out from the rest through one or more of the following strategies:
Price. Obviously, price tends to be the primary consideration for sellers. When you’re competing for a home, to get an edge, think about adding a clause stating that you will beat the highest offer by “x” dollars up to “x” amount. Cash offers can be more attractive to sellers as well. Although sellers will receive their money at closing whether buyers pay with cash or take out a loan, cash offers don’t require lender approval.
Financing. It’s not enough to be pre-qualified. Pre-qualification only tells how much you can afford. Pre-approval goes a step further. Your lender will thoroughly evaluate your application—including verifying employment information and financial disposition—then clear you for a loan of a determined amount. Having your loan pre-approved gives you a sizeable advantage by putting you on equal footing with cash buyers.
Good Faith Deposit. Buyers offering a larger-than-customary amount of “earnest money,” a deposit that accompanies an offer, may get a seller’s attention. By committing more money up front, buyers demonstrate greater sincerity and motivation to close the transaction. Your real estate professional can guide you as to the appropriate sum for your specific transaction.
Contingencies. Consider minimizing contingencies, those clauses that allow buyers to back out of a contract if certain conditions are not met. For example, it’s common for buyers to make the purchase contingent upon their securing satisfactory financing. Obviously, offers with the fewest conditions tend to be more attractive to sellers.
From a contingency standpoint, first-time buyers are often better prospects for a seller’s home than move-up buyers. That’s because first-time buyers’ offers are not contingent upon the sale of a present home. Even if a move-up buyer has an offer in hand, that buyer’s offer may be contingent on another contingency, and so on down the line. If one transaction derails, they all might.
Relationship. Help the seller get to know and identify with you by looking for ways to connect. Find common interests, such as a shared appreciation of gardening. You can then persuade the seller that her prize roses will be well tended. Share brief family stories. The more the seller gets to know and like you, the better chance your offer will stand out in a competitive environment.
Considerations for Short-sale and Foreclosure Transactions – Bank-owned properties represent a significant portion of today’s housing inventory. Competition can be most keen for these homes as their prices can run 10% to 20% below current market value.
Banks conduct extensive research to set these prices and generally base them on current market value less the cost of required repairs. Make your offer based on your own check of comparable sales and other due diligence. Banks won’t get offended by a low offer, yet a realistic offer will more likely keep you in the running.
Remember, patience is essential when buying bank-owned property as the process can take up to six months and longer.
Work with a local Realtor to buy your dream home or investment property. His or her knowledge, skill and expertise will help you make sound real estate decisions today or any other time.
Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Real estate consumers are realizing that there has rarely been a better time to buy a home. In fact, historically low mortgage rates coupled with lower home prices have even sparked bidding competition in markets around the country.
A good home in a solid location may attract ample attention only hours after being listed. Home buyers can make their offers stand out from the rest through one or more of the following strategies:
Price. Obviously, price tends to be the primary consideration for sellers. When you’re competing for a home, to get an edge, think about adding a clause stating that you will beat the highest offer by “x” dollars up to “x” amount. Cash offers can be more attractive to sellers as well. Although sellers will receive their money at closing whether buyers pay with cash or take out a loan, cash offers don’t require lender approval.
Financing. It’s not enough to be pre-qualified. Pre-qualification only tells how much you can afford. Pre-approval goes a step further. Your lender will thoroughly evaluate your application—including verifying employment information and financial disposition—then clear you for a loan of a determined amount. Having your loan pre-approved gives you a sizeable advantage by putting you on equal footing with cash buyers.
Good Faith Deposit. Buyers offering a larger-than-customary amount of “earnest money,” a deposit that accompanies an offer, may get a seller’s attention. By committing more money up front, buyers demonstrate greater sincerity and motivation to close the transaction. Your real estate professional can guide you as to the appropriate sum for your specific transaction.
Contingencies. Consider minimizing contingencies, those clauses that allow buyers to back out of a contract if certain conditions are not met. For example, it’s common for buyers to make the purchase contingent upon their securing satisfactory financing. Obviously, offers with the fewest conditions tend to be more attractive to sellers.
From a contingency standpoint, first-time buyers are often better prospects for a seller’s home than move-up buyers. That’s because first-time buyers’ offers are not contingent upon the sale of a present home. Even if a move-up buyer has an offer in hand, that buyer’s offer may be contingent on another contingency, and so on down the line. If one transaction derails, they all might.
Relationship. Help the seller get to know and identify with you by looking for ways to connect. Find common interests, such as a shared appreciation of gardening. You can then persuade the seller that her prize roses will be well tended. Share brief family stories. The more the seller gets to know and like you, the better chance your offer will stand out in a competitive environment.
Considerations for Short-sale and Foreclosure Transactions – Bank-owned properties represent a significant portion of today’s housing inventory. Competition can be most keen for these homes as their prices can run 10% to 20% below current market value.
Banks conduct extensive research to set these prices and generally base them on current market value less the cost of required repairs. Make your offer based on your own check of comparable sales and other due diligence. Banks won’t get offended by a low offer, yet a realistic offer will more likely keep you in the running.
Remember, patience is essential when buying bank-owned property as the process can take up to six months and longer.
Work with a local Realtor to buy your dream home or investment property. His or her knowledge, skill and expertise will help you make sound real estate decisions today or any other time.
Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Extending the First Time Home Buyer Credit?????
Extending the Credit — Almost There
The extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit is the pending business in the Senate. After a long week of negotiation on the credit, an agreement on the scope of both expansion and extension has been reached. The extension is part of a larger bill that has not yet gone to a vote, however. A Senate vote on the underlying bill will occur in the Senate during the week of November 1. The package will then go back to the House. The House is expected to accept the Senate amendments, vote on the package and send it to the President for signature. The underlying bill is an extension of unemployment benefits. Other provisions in the bill include expansion of the net operating loss carryback rules, new requirements for some tax return preparers and noncontroversial provisions that "pay for" these changes.
The agreement on the extension and expansion of the credit is as follows:
Credit available for purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
Credit remains at $8000 for first-time purchasers. No change to definition of first-time purchaser.
New $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Repeat buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return. Current law $20,000 phase-out retained.
New anti-fraud limitations are imposed.
The White House has indicated that President Obama will sign the legislation.
Call Your Senator
Take Action
Visit www.realtor.org/2009housingtaxcredit
The extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit is the pending business in the Senate. After a long week of negotiation on the credit, an agreement on the scope of both expansion and extension has been reached. The extension is part of a larger bill that has not yet gone to a vote, however. A Senate vote on the underlying bill will occur in the Senate during the week of November 1. The package will then go back to the House. The House is expected to accept the Senate amendments, vote on the package and send it to the President for signature. The underlying bill is an extension of unemployment benefits. Other provisions in the bill include expansion of the net operating loss carryback rules, new requirements for some tax return preparers and noncontroversial provisions that "pay for" these changes.
The agreement on the extension and expansion of the credit is as follows:
Credit available for purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
Credit remains at $8000 for first-time purchasers. No change to definition of first-time purchaser.
New $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Repeat buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return. Current law $20,000 phase-out retained.
New anti-fraud limitations are imposed.
The White House has indicated that President Obama will sign the legislation.
Call Your Senator
Take Action
Visit www.realtor.org/2009housingtaxcredit
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Get Pre-Approval before Beginning your Home Search
One of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in your venture to real estate is when you go house hunting to finally discover your sought-after dream house. You may have set yourself all geared up for a great home search adventure yet you need to know first the most important component that ought to signal the start of your venture. Loan pre-approval must be on top of your priority list before you go any further in your pursuits for home acquisition. You realize that looking for a prospective house is useless if you have not yet been pre-approved of your mortgage.
This is often a common misconception and error for home seekers resulting to wastage of their time, effort and money. Yes it is a very good ordeal to start looking for a house, yet it is totally of no avail if you are looking in the wrong place at definitely the wrong time. You do not have the full and accurate picture of the things allowable in the home purchase in the first place, so how could you find the perfect property to consider for your investment?
If you have a loan pre-approval, you know the entire scenario and you know exactly what property you can realistically afford, basing on your mortgage loan and what type is granted you by your mortgage provider. Therefore, you can focus your time and efforts in trying to search for a property that is suitable and affordable with the kind of financial allocation you can actually spend. This is much less stressful and efficient compared to searching for random properties which you are not certain about their affordability and your eligibility to purchase. It saves you the disappointment knowing that you cannot realistically pay for it even if you have already fallen in love with the house.
Loan pre-approval is also a necessity if you are going to make the required home purchase offer. Say you have already seen the property of your choice and you are more than willing to make a proposition in initiating your transaction. However, the only problem there is that you do not have the pre-approved loan as evidence of your eligibility to carry on and complete the transaction. Home sellers prefer those who already have a stable and actual source of finances for the home purchase. It also gives them the notion that you are truly serious with your venture if you already have a pre-approved loan to use as their basis of accepting your offer.
Hence, before you embark on a home search endeavor, make sure that you have a loan pre-approval to avoid the hassle and bustle of uncertain offers and intangible sources of financial credibility. Prioritize that your loan be pre-approved by submitting all the requirements such as your employment history, monthly expenses and income, credit standings and scores among others.
Finding a house for the realization of your dreams is a fulfilling pursuit to begin with, however you need to make it as realistic as possible. Do this by securing a pre-approval for your loan and you can then enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime ride of your life.
The Real estate market can be an enjoyable, satisfying and lucrative experience for you.
article alley
This is often a common misconception and error for home seekers resulting to wastage of their time, effort and money. Yes it is a very good ordeal to start looking for a house, yet it is totally of no avail if you are looking in the wrong place at definitely the wrong time. You do not have the full and accurate picture of the things allowable in the home purchase in the first place, so how could you find the perfect property to consider for your investment?
If you have a loan pre-approval, you know the entire scenario and you know exactly what property you can realistically afford, basing on your mortgage loan and what type is granted you by your mortgage provider. Therefore, you can focus your time and efforts in trying to search for a property that is suitable and affordable with the kind of financial allocation you can actually spend. This is much less stressful and efficient compared to searching for random properties which you are not certain about their affordability and your eligibility to purchase. It saves you the disappointment knowing that you cannot realistically pay for it even if you have already fallen in love with the house.
Loan pre-approval is also a necessity if you are going to make the required home purchase offer. Say you have already seen the property of your choice and you are more than willing to make a proposition in initiating your transaction. However, the only problem there is that you do not have the pre-approved loan as evidence of your eligibility to carry on and complete the transaction. Home sellers prefer those who already have a stable and actual source of finances for the home purchase. It also gives them the notion that you are truly serious with your venture if you already have a pre-approved loan to use as their basis of accepting your offer.
Hence, before you embark on a home search endeavor, make sure that you have a loan pre-approval to avoid the hassle and bustle of uncertain offers and intangible sources of financial credibility. Prioritize that your loan be pre-approved by submitting all the requirements such as your employment history, monthly expenses and income, credit standings and scores among others.
Finding a house for the realization of your dreams is a fulfilling pursuit to begin with, however you need to make it as realistic as possible. Do this by securing a pre-approval for your loan and you can then enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime ride of your life.
The Real estate market can be an enjoyable, satisfying and lucrative experience for you.
article alley
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tips on Making an Offer to Purchase Real Estate
Tips on Making a House Offer
When you’ve done shopping around for a new house, you and your family has finally decided on one that is perfect for your family. It is now time to make an offer for that house. The offer you can give on a home can be quite tricky since you do not want to offend the seller by offering a very low price on it and you do not want to pay too much as well just to get that home of your dreams..
Below are some tips to help you make an offer to the home you are willing to buy and own.
1. Ask the advice of a real estate agent or even friends and family who are very knowledgeable in these matters. An agent is not supposed to recommend an asking price for a home but the information he or she can give you will help you a lot on what to offer the seller. An agent especially, has a lot of knowledge when it comes to homes in the market.
2. Find out the history of the home you are interested in. You can find out if the seller has bought it in a down market. More or less you will be able to pay the same price or near to the price your seller bought it for. This can help you to determine a good price for the home.
3. It is helpful to check out prices in the market. If you are in a seller’s market, the seller might not want to go lower than the list price. If you are in a buyer’s market, you might be able to talk the seller into the price you are willing to offer for the house.
4. Try to compare houses that have more or less similar features to the house you wish to buy. This is one way of getting a better estimate of the price you can offer for the home. If you know the prices of other homes, then you can offer a reasonable price to offer the seller.
5. Make sure to set your limit. Do not go beyond your means just to get the house you want. If you think the price is too high for you and it may cause difficulty later on in paying it off, explain to the seller your offer and try to see if he or she is willing to accept it.
7. Some homeowners have emotional attachment to the home they are about to leave. You may be able to get a deal in your favor if you tell them that you love their home and you are very much interested in buying it. Sellers might prefer to sell a house to a buyer who empathize with them. Be careful in doing so because some seller might take advantage and will demand for a very high price for the house.
8. Do not hesitate to negotiate money off the asking price. If the home survey reveals some faults or damages in the home that might need repairs and your money put into it, consider this when you offer a price to the seller.
With this information, you can start to narrow down your asking price options and hopefully will lead you to a decision. This way you and your family can have the house of your dreams soon!
Source
articlealley
When you’ve done shopping around for a new house, you and your family has finally decided on one that is perfect for your family. It is now time to make an offer for that house. The offer you can give on a home can be quite tricky since you do not want to offend the seller by offering a very low price on it and you do not want to pay too much as well just to get that home of your dreams..
Below are some tips to help you make an offer to the home you are willing to buy and own.
1. Ask the advice of a real estate agent or even friends and family who are very knowledgeable in these matters. An agent is not supposed to recommend an asking price for a home but the information he or she can give you will help you a lot on what to offer the seller. An agent especially, has a lot of knowledge when it comes to homes in the market.
2. Find out the history of the home you are interested in. You can find out if the seller has bought it in a down market. More or less you will be able to pay the same price or near to the price your seller bought it for. This can help you to determine a good price for the home.
3. It is helpful to check out prices in the market. If you are in a seller’s market, the seller might not want to go lower than the list price. If you are in a buyer’s market, you might be able to talk the seller into the price you are willing to offer for the house.
4. Try to compare houses that have more or less similar features to the house you wish to buy. This is one way of getting a better estimate of the price you can offer for the home. If you know the prices of other homes, then you can offer a reasonable price to offer the seller.
5. Make sure to set your limit. Do not go beyond your means just to get the house you want. If you think the price is too high for you and it may cause difficulty later on in paying it off, explain to the seller your offer and try to see if he or she is willing to accept it.
7. Some homeowners have emotional attachment to the home they are about to leave. You may be able to get a deal in your favor if you tell them that you love their home and you are very much interested in buying it. Sellers might prefer to sell a house to a buyer who empathize with them. Be careful in doing so because some seller might take advantage and will demand for a very high price for the house.
8. Do not hesitate to negotiate money off the asking price. If the home survey reveals some faults or damages in the home that might need repairs and your money put into it, consider this when you offer a price to the seller.
With this information, you can start to narrow down your asking price options and hopefully will lead you to a decision. This way you and your family can have the house of your dreams soon!
Source
articlealley
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