Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Bathroom Improvements to Draw in Buyers
Bathroom Improvements to Draw in Buyers
by Alicia Murphy - 15 August 2012
For many homeowners, keeping their home in tip-top shape is a task that requires constant attention. Over the years the features that were once so en-vogue in your home become outdated and unattractive, not only to you and your family but also to potential buyers. One room where a little updating can go a long way is your bathroom.
Making The Master Masterful
The master suite isn’t really sweet without an en-suite. In particularly for those who own an older home many master bedrooms weren’t originally designed with a bathroom, and those that were often got a measly half bath. For today’s homebuyer in many markets a half bath can be considered sufficient while in other markets this simply wouldn’t do.
Before making costly changes check with a local REALTOR® to see what master bathroom features are trending in your area. If it is customary for homes in your area to have an en-suite you may want to consider adding one if your home is lacking that feature as this can be a huge turnoff for buyers. Fortunately bathroom improvements often carry a good rate of return so you’ll not only increase your home’s appeal to buyers but also increase your value.
Small Changes with BIG Impact
Many bathrooms suffer from dating in two key ways: wallpaper and old fixtures. If your bathroom suffers from wallpaper circa 1992 coupled with some nice gold fixtures chances are that it won’t be a top selling feature with buyers. By simply stripping the wallpaper and repainting the walls in a more neutral color you’ll move mountains. Fixtures such as drawer/cabinet pulls, towel rods, water faucets and lighting implements can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars. Adding some storage to a smaller bathroom is also a great way to maximize the space and buyer appeal.
Just remember that bathrooms are an important room to homebuyers. Updating or increasing this space not only increases your home’s value, it also gives it an edge on competing properties on the market.
by Alicia Murphy - 15 August 2012
For many homeowners, keeping their home in tip-top shape is a task that requires constant attention. Over the years the features that were once so en-vogue in your home become outdated and unattractive, not only to you and your family but also to potential buyers. One room where a little updating can go a long way is your bathroom.
© Wichittra Srisunon – Fotolia.com
Making The Master Masterful
The master suite isn’t really sweet without an en-suite. In particularly for those who own an older home many master bedrooms weren’t originally designed with a bathroom, and those that were often got a measly half bath. For today’s homebuyer in many markets a half bath can be considered sufficient while in other markets this simply wouldn’t do.
Before making costly changes check with a local REALTOR® to see what master bathroom features are trending in your area. If it is customary for homes in your area to have an en-suite you may want to consider adding one if your home is lacking that feature as this can be a huge turnoff for buyers. Fortunately bathroom improvements often carry a good rate of return so you’ll not only increase your home’s appeal to buyers but also increase your value.
Small Changes with BIG Impact
Many bathrooms suffer from dating in two key ways: wallpaper and old fixtures. If your bathroom suffers from wallpaper circa 1992 coupled with some nice gold fixtures chances are that it won’t be a top selling feature with buyers. By simply stripping the wallpaper and repainting the walls in a more neutral color you’ll move mountains. Fixtures such as drawer/cabinet pulls, towel rods, water faucets and lighting implements can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars. Adding some storage to a smaller bathroom is also a great way to maximize the space and buyer appeal.
Just remember that bathrooms are an important room to homebuyers. Updating or increasing this space not only increases your home’s value, it also gives it an edge on competing properties on the market.
We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
Q: My wife and I are looking for a house but can’t get a mortgage with our credit rates. How do I go in to a rent to own home? We have two kids and live in a townhouse, now it’s too small for us. What can I do to get a house?
–Anonymous, Clairton, PA
A: Hi Ryan,
I would suggest you sit down with a local lender or attend some first time home buyer classes if they are offered in your community. A lender can review your financial picture and help you come up with a plan to reach your goal. It might take some time, so be patient, you will get there.
Rent to own is usually not a good option for most first time home buyers as usually you have to come up with non refundable option money, which in this market would be better put to use as a down payment (in my opinion)
Teri Andrews Murch is a Realtor® with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn, CA.
A: The only thing you can do at this point is to find an owner that is willing to do a lease with option to purchase. Normally, in this area I am in, the seller normally wants a large payment up front to do so, but in that area, maybe they will just do a first and last like you do with rent. An agent there should be able to help you get started. It may take time to find someone with enough equity in their home that they can do this though.
Lana Lavenbarg is a Realtor® with RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc. in Grants Pass, OR.
A: Rent to own, or lease to own, or rent w/options to buy (essentially all the same) is not the only option to becoming a homeowner. Also, if you did go that route, the options are very limited. Most owner who want to sell their homes are in a position where they have to sell, they need the money to move on so they’re not to keen on renting or leasing their properties. Before exploring the rent to own option, consult with a local lender in your area, get some recommendations from friends who’ve recently bought a house. The Lender will set you on the right path for becoming a homeowner, it may take a few months or even a couple years before you’re ready to buy, but it may also be the very best option and in the meantime you can begin working on saving a 10-20% downpayment.
Maria Jeantet is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker C & C Properties in Redding, CA
Are you interested in having a qualified REALTOR answer your questions? Click through to Ask a
REALTOR® now.
Are you a REALTOR who would like to answer consumer questions? Click through to become an Ask a REALTOR® participant.
Related posts:
Read more: We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
we Can’t Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options?
Q: My wife and I are looking for a house but can’t get a mortgage with our credit rates. How do I go in to a rent to own home? We have two kids and live in a townhouse, now it’s too small for us. What can I do to get a house?
–Anonymous, Clairton, PA
A: Hi Ryan,
I would suggest you sit down with a local lender or attend some first time home buyer classes if they are offered in your community. A lender can review your financial picture and help you come up with a plan to reach your goal. It might take some time, so be patient, you will get there.
Rent to own is usually not a good option for most first time home buyers as usually you have to come up with non refundable option money, which in this market would be better put to use as a down payment (in my opinion)
Teri Andrews Murch is a Realtor® with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn, CA.
A: The only thing you can do at this point is to find an owner that is willing to do a lease with option to purchase. Normally, in this area I am in, the seller normally wants a large payment up front to do so, but in that area, maybe they will just do a first and last like you do with rent. An agent there should be able to help you get started. It may take time to find someone with enough equity in their home that they can do this though.
Lana Lavenbarg is a Realtor® with RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc. in Grants Pass, OR.
A: Rent to own, or lease to own, or rent w/options to buy (essentially all the same) is not the only option to becoming a homeowner. Also, if you did go that route, the options are very limited. Most owner who want to sell their homes are in a position where they have to sell, they need the money to move on so they’re not to keen on renting or leasing their properties. Before exploring the rent to own option, consult with a local lender in your area, get some recommendations from friends who’ve recently bought a house. The Lender will set you on the right path for becoming a homeowner, it may take a few months or even a couple years before you’re ready to buy, but it may also be the very best option and in the meantime you can begin working on saving a 10-20% downpayment.
Maria Jeantet is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker C & C Properties in Redding, CA
Are you interested in having a qualified REALTOR answer your questions? Click through to Ask a
REALTOR® now.
Are you a REALTOR who would like to answer consumer questions? Click through to become an Ask a REALTOR® participant.
Related posts:
Read more: We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
5 Home Features Young Home Buyers Love | ForTheBestRate.com
5 Home Features Young Home Buyers Love | ForTheBestRate.com
5 Home Features Young Home Buyers Love | ForTheBestRate.com
Selling a home can be contingent on the property's value, condition and desirable features. Depending on the type of home buyer, there are certain features that may help seal the deal.
Here's a list of some popular home options for the younger home buyer.
1. Move-In Ready
A lot of young buyers are busy starting careers or families and will appreciate a home that doesn't need a lot of transition time.
2. Low-Maintenance
Most young buyers are also first-time buyers, which means they won't have much experience in home maintenance. They'll be attracted to a home that runs smoothly, and doesn't require an extensive knowledge of plumbing, electricity or construction.
3. Great For Entertaining
Young, hip homeowners often enjoy an active social life, which means they will be on the lookout for a home that's conducive to entertaining. An open kitchen or a large, screened-in porch are a few great examples.
4. Modern appliances
The generation of young home buyers who are hitting the market now are of the information age. They want "smart" technology, and that doesn't just apply to their phones. High-tech home appliances are big selling points, especially to younger buyers.
5. Convenient location
A home that's situated close to shopping, dining and entertainment is an attractive option for any buyer - but young home buyers will be especially drawn to good locations.
Keep in mind that every home buyer is different. Despite the common similarities in certain buyers, this list may not apply to everyone.
Find information on mortgages that are popular with first time buyers such as FHA loans and USDA rural housing loan programs.
5 Home Features Young Home Buyers Love | ForTheBestRate.com
5 Home Features Young Home Buyers Love
Selling a home can be contingent on the property's value, condition and desirable features. Depending on the type of home buyer, there are certain features that may help seal the deal. Here's a list of some popular home options for the younger home buyer.
1. Move-In Ready
A lot of young buyers are busy starting careers or families and will appreciate a home that doesn't need a lot of transition time.
2. Low-Maintenance
Most young buyers are also first-time buyers, which means they won't have much experience in home maintenance. They'll be attracted to a home that runs smoothly, and doesn't require an extensive knowledge of plumbing, electricity or construction.
3. Great For Entertaining
Young, hip homeowners often enjoy an active social life, which means they will be on the lookout for a home that's conducive to entertaining. An open kitchen or a large, screened-in porch are a few great examples.
4. Modern appliances
The generation of young home buyers who are hitting the market now are of the information age. They want "smart" technology, and that doesn't just apply to their phones. High-tech home appliances are big selling points, especially to younger buyers.
5. Convenient location
A home that's situated close to shopping, dining and entertainment is an attractive option for any buyer - but young home buyers will be especially drawn to good locations.
Keep in mind that every home buyer is different. Despite the common similarities in certain buyers, this list may not apply to everyone.
Find information on mortgages that are popular with first time buyers such as FHA loans and USDA rural housing loan programs.
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