Buy or Sell first

The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first. There is no "right" answer. It depends on your specific circumstances.

Most homeowners agree that it's more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you're in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.

If you sell your current home and the home you select isn't available when you're ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short-term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with.

If you currently own a home we would be happy to provide you with a home valuation so that you know what your home is worth in today's market. If you provide us with some basic information on your home, we'll be able to give you a price range. That range will be determined using the information you provide to establish a list of comparable properties in your area as reported by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Or we can provide you with a more precise valuation by briefly visiting your home.

Please call or email us when you're ready to discuss your options or if you would like a valuation of your current home.

The importance of your credit report

When you apply for a loan, your lender will look at several things:
* Down payment amount
* How long you have been employed in your current position
* Whether you have the funds on deposit for your down payment and closing costs
* Your income-to-debt ratio and your credit report

Lenders nowadays place much emphasis on the credit report. Credit bureaus compile a record of debts from credit card companies, banks, department stores, and other firms. This information appears on your credit report, so it shows whether you pay your bills on time. Lenders develop credit ratings based on how well you manage this function. The higher your credit score, the more flexible lenders will be in loan approval and specific requirements.

When you meet with lenders, ask how they decide if you are a good credit risk. It is likely to be from a credit report. Lenders can order the credit report for you and discuss your score. If your credit is less than sterling, they can usually offer suggestions on how to strengthen your credit position.

Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or would like additional information on financing.

New or Resale

One of the decisions most prospective homebuyers have to make is whether to buy a brand new house or a previously owned ("resale") home. Here's a comparison of some advantages to each choice:

New house:
Modern floor plans that could include a "great room," bigger closets, more baths, etc.
The opportunity to choose upgrades and customize floor coverings, colors and more
More energy-efficient insulation, windows and heating/cooling systems
The added protection of a warranty from the home builder

Resale home:
Existing features, including window treatments and mature landscaping
Location -- existing homes are often closer to metropolitan areas
Established neighborhoods that provide a sense of community
The opportunity to use an existing home as a base to remodel and create a unique property

If you would like additional information on which option might be your best choice or are ready to look at homes, please call or email us. We would be happy to help you!

Down Payment

Most lenders require you to pay a portion of your own funds--the down payment--toward the purchase of a home. Saving for a down payment can be one of the most challenging steps in buying a home.

Your down payment plus your pre-approved loan amount will determine how much home you can afford. A down payment can come from many places: savings, investments such as stocks and bonds, gifts from relatives, company bonuses, equity in other assets, and life insurance policies, to name a few. Then again, there may be home mortgage alternatives that do not require a down payment.

If you currently own a home, then you may want the equity you have built in that house to serve as the down payment on your next home. But how much is your current home worth? We would be happy to provide you with a market valuation so that you will know its current value.

With some basic information about your home, we can establish a list of comparable properties in your area as reported by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). If you would like a more precise and thorough market evaluation, we can stop by for a quick view of your home.

Please call or email us if you are interested in a free market evaluation of your home or if you have any questions.

Loan Pre-Approval

Many buyers call their lender seeking information about financing. In the process, they become pre-qualified. That gives them a good idea of what they can afford, or more accurately, what loan amount they qualify for.

You should take it one step further, however, and ask to be pre-approved. When you become pre-approved, you actually apply for a loan. The lender checks credit, verifies employment, and often verifies that you have sufficient funds to close. Then once you find your dream home, just about the only thing left is the appraisal.

The reason savvy buyers obtain loan approval before shopping for a home is that it strengthens their negotiating position when they make an offer. All sellers want to sell their home to a pre-approved buyer. Pre-approval can also cut days, even weeks, off the closing process.

Pre-approval can really help you to determine your price range, which helps you narrow your choices of homes to buy. You will already know how much you can afford before you even start looking.

Call us if you would like the name of a lender to pre-approve you for a loan, or if you have any questions about preapproval. We are happy to help.

Make Your Home Sparkle

If you're thinking about putting your house on the market, giving it a deep and thorough cleaning will make it sparkle, show well, and command top dollar. Here are some ideas to help guide you through the basics of cleaning your home to show it to full advantage:

* Clean your carpets or have them professionally cleaned.
* Wash all the windows and window treatments.
* Organize your closets, clearing out items you no longer use.
* Remove clutter from counters and surfaces and put excess furniture in storage to make your home look bigger.
* Wash walls and trim and touch up the paint where necessary.
* Make your kitchen and bathrooms shine--cleanliness really counts here!

A home that smells fresh and looks sparkling clean can be very inviting, leaving a good impression with prospective buyers that they might not even be aware of. The better prospective buyers feel about your home, the better your chances of receiving good offers.

Please call or email us if you'd like more information or specific suggestions on how to prepare your home for sale.

Tips for an Organized Move

Moving can be stressful and even chaotic. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful, organized move:

* Make a checklist, outlining everything that needs to be done.
* Get rid of clutter; don't move anything you don't really need or want.
* Have plenty of boxes and packing materials available.
* Pack room by room, labeling all the boxes.
* Have someone watch your children to keep them safe, calm, and out of your way.
* Make sure your pets are cared for so they stay safe and out from underfoot.
* Have a tool kit ready.
* Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home, including tissue, coffee, a flashlight, bottled water, towels, and a change of clothes for everyone.

Enlist everyone you can to help. You will get more done and make the move more fun with family members and friends around. When all else fails, remember why you wanted to move in the first place and just try to stay relaxed!

Please feel free to call or email us if we can provide you with further information or assistance.

Why Choose a Tech-Savvy Agent?

When you choose a real estate agent, you’re selecting someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you may ever undertake.

As the Internet continues to simplify the way people research buying and selling homes, there are many good reasons to choose an agent who can harness the power of technology to provide you with exceptional service, including:

• Sending up-to-date information by email for you to review at your convenience.
• Providing you with an online home evaluation to stay on top of current market value.
• Emailing new home listings to you as soon as desirable properties hit the market.
• Delivering e-newsletters to keep you informed about market trends and other important matters.
• Showcasing your home on the Web to help you sell it for top dollar.

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or simply want to stay informed about the real estate market, using new technology helps us consistently provide you with timely information and outstanding service.

If there is additional information you would like about the advantages of using a tech-savvy agent, please feel free to call or email us

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Sellers Should List Homes Early

With the extension of tax credits for home buyers until April, now might be the time to consider listing your home rather than waiting until the traditional summer selling season.




REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Sellers Should List Homes Early