5 Reasons to Sell Now

by The KCM Crew on September 24, 2012 · 4 comments

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Many sellers feel that the Spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the Fall and Winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to to sell now.

Only Serious Buyers Are Out

At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere ‘lookers’. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.

There Is Far Less Competition

Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. This year will be a little different as some of the distressed properties being liquidated by the banks (in the form of foreclosures & short sales) will enter the market. However, for those buyers looking for a non-distressed property, the choices will be limited. Don’t wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.

The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the 2012 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.

There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 15% from now to 2016. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.

It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.
5 Reasons to Sell Now

Discover REAL ESTATE in Wisconsin, Lisa Bear

REAL ESTATE in Wisconsin, Home for sale 88th Street, Greenfield

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.

© 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

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
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Related posts:

1. How Do I Do Rent To Own In San Antonio?
2. Lease Options Make For Viable Options
3. How Do I Find A Rent-To-Own Home In North Carolina?
4. How Do I Rent To Own In Phoenix, Arizona?
5. Can We Qualify For A Mortgage Without A Down Payment?

Read more: We Can't Get A Mortgage, What Are Our Other Options? | REALTOR.com® Blogs

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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

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.