The Answer Book for Sellers Improve the Odds of an Offer HOW TO Improve the Odds of an Offer Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range. Consider: Comparable properties: A “comp” is what real estate professionals call home sales that can be reasonably used to help determine the price of your home. But just because you’re in […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Navigate a Short Sale HOW TO Navigate a Short Sale Be prepared for a lengthy waiting period. Even if you’re well organized and have all the documents in place, short sales can still be a long process. Waiting for your lender’s review of the short-sale package can take several weeks or even months. The length varies by lender and […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Prepare for a Short Sale HOW TO Prepare for a Short Sale A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won’t cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don’t have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. It’s significantly different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes the title of […]
The Answer Book for Sellers About the Appraisal Process WHAT TO KNOW About the Appraisal Process Once you are under contract, the buyer’s lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value. Appraisals help guide mortgage terms. The appraised value of a home is an important factor in the loan underwriting process. Although lenders […]
The Answer Book for Sellers Use Feng Shui Concepts in Staging HOW TO Use Feng Shui Concepts in Staging Feng Shui is a Chinese system of beliefs that govern spatial arrangement in relation to the flow of energy or “life force” (known as chi or qi) in a building. Learn how to appeal to buyers who follow such principles. Chi flows in. Pay special attention to […]
The Answer Book for Sellers For Better a Home Showing CHECKLIST For Better a Home Showing Remove clutter. Clear off counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. Put extra furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season items. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too. Let it shine. Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. Replace burnt bulbs, and consider higher wattage […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Your Mortgage Application CHECKLIST Your Mortgage Application Every lender requires documents as part of the process of approving a mortgage loan. Here are documents you’re generally required to provide.. W-2 Tax returns — or business tax returns if you’re self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. At least one pay […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Service Provider Contacts WORKSHEET Service Provider Contacts You won’t necessarily need all these professionals, but your REALTOR® can help you assemble a list.   Name Contact Info REALTOR® ADVISERS Real estate attorney Appraiser Tax adviser INSPECTORS Home inspector Termite inspector Flood plain inspector Radon inspector Zoning inspector Lead paint inspector Occupancy permit inspector    OTHER SERVICES Survey company […]
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The Answer Book for Buyers About Property Tax QUESTIONS TO ASK About Property Tax It’s natural for the sale price of a home to loom large in your mind. But don’t forget to look at what your property tax bill might be. What is the assessed value of the property? Assessed value is generally less than market value. A recent copy of the […]
The Answer Book for Buyers About the Appraisal Process WHAT TO KNOW About the Appraisal Process Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value. Appraisals help guide mortgage terms. The appraised value of a home is an important factor in the loan underwriting process. Although lenders may […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Green Home Terms VOCABULARY Green Home Terms Whether you’re building the home of your dreams or looking for an existing unit, there’s a lot of data involved in finding the right environmentally friendly dwelling. Here’s a breakdown of the different certification systems for energy-efficient homes. RESNET The Residential Energy Services Network is a not-for-profit corporation that develops industry-wide […]
Uncategorized About Home Hazards WHAT TO KNOW About Home Hazards Radon A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home from the ground, radon is often referred to as the second most common cause of lung cancer behind smoking. What to look for: Basements or any area with protrusions into the ground offer entry points for radon. The […]
The Answer Book for Buyers When Choosing a Home Inspector QUESTIONS TO ASK When Choosing a Home Inspector Do you belong to a professional association? There are many associations for home inspectors, but some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Make sure the association your home inspector names is a reputable, nonprofit trade organization. Will your report […]
The Answer Book for Buyers The Condo Board QUESTIONS TO ASK The Condo Board Before you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for you. However, you should contact the board yourself ahead of time. You’ll learn how responsive and organized its members are and be alerted to potential problems. How many units are owner-occupied? Generally, the higher the […]
The Answer Book for Buyers When Considering a Condo or HOA QUESTIONS TO ASK When Considering a Condo or HOA Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process. How much storage is available? Some properties include storage lockers, but there may not be attics or basements to hold extra belongings. How’s the […]
The Answer Book for Buyers About the Neighborhood QUESTIONS TO ASK About the Neighborhood Where you live should reflect your lifestyle. These questions will help you find the best community for you. Is it close to my favorite spots? Make a list of activities you engage in and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Define Your Dream Home WORKSHEET Define Your Dream Home Write in your preferences and rate them:   3 = Vital,   2 = Very Important,   1 = Neutral,   0 = Not important LOCATION PREFERENCES RATE Neighborhood School district Near public transportation Near airport Near expressway Near shopping Great views TYPE Single-family / condo / townhome Minimum / maximum property age Willingness […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Finance a Home, Creatively HOW TO Finance a Home, Creatively Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, Getdownpayment Visit Website.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and […]
The Answer Book for Buyers When Choosing a Lender QUESTIONS TO ASK When Choosing a Lender Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one company to the next. When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about. General questions: What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular? Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing […]
The Answer Book for Buyers Loans & Lending Terms VOCABULARY Loans & Lending Terms Term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. In general, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. However, shorter terms mean you pay less interest over the life of the loan. Fixed vs. adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a […]