The Steps to Finding the Perfect Home

by admin on March 19, 2012

The Steps to Finding the Perfect HomeWhether it is your first home, second, or third, there are crucial steps that you should take when deciding what home is best for you. What is important to you and what is not?

What is the process you should take to make this big decision easier for you? What are the legalities involved and how do they affect your decision in purchasing a home?

The Steps to Finding the Perfect Home

There are many questions you must ask yourself, and there are plenty of steps to complete in finding your perfect home. Some find the steps to laborious and want to fight the “red-tape” process. But as your realtor, I can assure you that this is business—and almost everything that you sign and every step that you take gives you protection in this home buying matter. Soon, we will get through the red tape, and celebrate the fun of purchasing your new home!  Below are some helpful tips in making your dream home a reality.

1)      Are You Ready?

Although this may seem like a ridiculously obvious question, it is one you should ask yourself before diving into the home buying process. Are you ready to own a house? Owning a home can be a very rewarding decision; however, added expenses and responsibilities often come with the result.

For example, in addition to the expense of a mortgage, you also become responsible for all of the utilities as well as the repairs that may be required within the space. Thus, you must determine whether you are prepared to put in the extra time and money that is required to owning a home.

2)      You Have Made Up Your Mind, Now What Can You Afford?

Once you have decided that owning a home is in your future, you must then decide on just how much home you can afford. This is probably one of the most crucial steps in owning a home. If you overestimate how much home you can afford, foreclosure and even bankruptcy may be in your future.

Thus, it is important that you speak to informed individuals about your income as well as your expenses in order to avoid biting off more than you can chew.

3)      Getting a Loan

After you have determined just how much house you can afford, your next step is to find a lender and obtain a loan. Why is this important? Many buyers will spend days upon days finding the home of their dreams only to be disappointed. Why?

Once the buyer finds the perfect home, he or she wants to own it. However, many individuals do not meet the requirements to receive a loan. Thus, they are left with nothing but a desire to own. It is important to know you are approved for a loan before beginning your home buying search. Another great idea when obtaining a loan is to get a letter of approval by your lender to ensure the approval will still be there once you find your dream home.

4)      Surround Yourself With Professionals You Trust

Your next step in finding your dream home is finding the people who will best serve you. One of the most important decisions you will make in your home buying process is selecting your realtor. What should you look for? Ultimately, your realtor should be in it for you.

He or she should have your best interests at heart, know what you want in a home, and know what you are willing to spend. He or she should not push you past what you are comfortable with regarding prices, and be well informed regarding the housing market, neighborhoods, affordability. Choosing a realtor can make or break your housing experience.

You Are Ready

Finding a home is not easy all the time; however, there are steps you can take in order to ensure that the process runs as smooth as possible. Prepare yourself and your bank account. If you set yourself up for success it will become more difficult to be disappointed with the choices you make.

This article was provided by Jim Klein. You can learn more about Jim on his http://fortcollinshometeam.com/ website where you can check out his recent blog post on knowing if your property taxes are too high. You can also search all Windsor CO real estate using the latest MLS tools.

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What Makes A Luxury Real Estate Property?

by admin on January 26, 2012

What Makes A Luxury Real Estate PropertyWhat makes a property luxurious to you? Close proximity to a golf course? A waterfront view, or a lake behind your property? Maybe living near a “hopping” downtown area is important to you. The definition of “luxury real estate” is a little difficult to pin down because different people enjoy different luxuries.

Are You Looking To Buy Luxury Real Estate?

And, a person cannot classify luxury property based only on the price of the estate. For example, what a person might pay for a particular size of estate in South Dakota differs greatly from what someone might have to pay for the same size of estate in downtown Chicago. So, location does matter and location affects price. We could maybe discuss the value of luxury real estate in terms of perceived value. Its desirability and high-demand makes it qualify as “luxury real estate,” most likely.

In the American luxury real estate property business, there is an expected “starting cost” of one million dollars. Beyond that minimal price tag, Realtors say “you will know luxury real estate when you see it.” If luxury real estate is what you seek with amenities and location specific to your own luxurious taste, you may have to be patient; however, once your Realtor leads you to what you seek, you will have the pleasure of owning a coveted piece of real estate that you can start making your own. This may be your dream come true, and therefore definitely worth waiting for.

Find A Luxury Realtor Specialist

A luxury real estate Realtor works in a different category of business than a traditional realtor. The luxury properties deserve respect and a dignified approach in both the selling and buying process. A luxury real estate agent will network in circles of people who can afford such estates in order to discover potential buyers. If you are looking to sell your luxury property, you will need a Realtor who can network amongst such people; otherwise your chances of selling the property are next to nothing. You or the Realtor (or both) must reach out to people in high places in order to develop a group of potential buyers.

You may want to specifically seek a Realtor who is connected even outside of the United States.  By increasing the circle of potential buyers to customers outside the country, the number of potential buyers increases, and the perceived interest in the property will increase. Buyers from outside the United States often respect the uniqueness of the home, its cultural history, or its entertainment potential even more than Americans.

Is Your Realtor Socially Connected? They Should Be

Further, a real estate agent in the luxury real estate business must be able to use social media as part of his/her marketing strategy. The benefits of getting the word out via LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and such should not be overlooked. Celebrities and people involved with “money” can be found in such forms of social media, and a savvy luxury real estate agent will know how to use that to his/her advantage. Beyond the social media, the realtor should also be able to prove years of experience, and refer you to several high profile clientele with whom they have worked with previously regarding luxury real estate.

Lastly, a successful luxury real estate agent knows what the latest trends are and what is current in luxury homes. Magazines are available that feature only luxury real estate properties and their details, such as:  location, architecture, design, and up-and-coming amenities that are always evolving. The luxury real estate agent must focus his/her business on businessmen and businesswomen, entertainers, smart investors who are in the market for luxury property; and he/ she must immerse himself in what matters to such customers most.

If you’re looking for a luxury Realtor, you can check out Aaron Seekfrod’s Arlington real estate website. Aaron is a professional Realtor who specializes in helping buyers and sellers within the many Arlington VA neighborhoods. You can also search all Arlington MLS listings on his website to get an idea of what’s available.

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Buying Real Estate “Off the Grid”

by admin on January 17, 2012

Buying Real Estate “Off the Grid”I must admit.  I love electricity.  When our power goes off during a storm, I immediately have the urge to fire up the generator out in the garage.  After all, why sit in the dark, burning a single candle and sweltering in the heat if you don’t have to?

That’s why so-called “off the grid living” will never be for me. Sure, I’ll be missing out big time if the economy collapses, money loses its value, and there’s nothing to buy on the grocery shelves at my local store.  But I guess I’ll have to take my chances.  Nonetheless, I can see the appeal that this lifestyle has to others.

And I admire their pioneer spirit (or in some cases, their commitment to living a “greener” existence). Yet again, I’ll take my comfortable central air conditioning, microwave oven, and flat-screen television, thank you very much.  I have met several couples who have moved off the grid, and I have nothing but respect for them.

What is Off the Grid Living? 

For those of you who don’t have a clue what I’m referring to, off the grid living involves living away from the electricity grid or any other public utility, in most instances.  Off the grid living involves living off the land, and is, as such, sometimes called “a return to the land” or the back-to-land movement.  There are some amazing opportunities for properties that are ideal for going off the grid.  And since now is the best time in years to buy real estate, these properties never last long when they hit the market.

Buying Off the Grid Property

When you buy property for beginning an off the grid lifestyle, you need to make sure that it is suitable for the purpose. Your Realtor can help you to make that determination for the most part, but you should also keep your eye out to make sure that you get the right property for your new way of life.

If you are planning to use solar power in your home off the grid, then you need to buy a property that gets a lot of sun from the south. Obviously, one that is shaded for most of the day on its southern side would make it difficult to harness the power of the sun to create solar energy.  You should also check out the property’s water source, and determine if there is an existing well or if you will need to drill one.

Living From the Bounty of the Land

Off the grid living also involves one thing that I am a huge fan of – gardening.  In fact, living off the grid requires that you grow the bulk of your own food.  Some off-the-gridders grow everything that they eat on their own land, including meat, and this is a good way to know what you’re putting in your mouth (minus the pesticides).  Growing your own food means choosing a property with a sufficient garden space that is flat enough to cultivate.

Going Too Far Off the Grid

I always offer this piece of advice for those who want to go for off the grid living.  It’s all fine and good to choose to live off the grid.  But when possible, don’t go so far off the grid that the road you live on is no longer maintained by the county or state.  If you get sick and need to get medical attention quickly, a road that is impassable can be dangerous.

This article was provided by Jolenta Averill of Lake and City Homes Realty. If you’re interested in purchasing a home, you can check out her Madison WI homes search where you can also read about Jolenta’s local market on her news blog.

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Multifamily Property Owners: 10 Things Your 30s and 40s Tenants Want

by admin on January 17, 2012

Multifamily Property Owners 10 Things Your 30s and 40s Tenants WantMultifamily property owners are always assigned with the task of keeping vacancy levels down. One of their top priorities is to keep the cash flow steady by keeping all of the units leased. While doing this, many multifamily property managers find creative ways to attract the market they would like to lease to.

Renters between the late 30s and 40s are adults. They must be catered to as such. If not, this group will adapt an attitude that resembles “sour grapes” around the complex. Here are nine tips for to help multifamily property owners keep their 30s and 40s tenants content:

Convenient Transportation – 30s to 40s renters are finally tired of commuting. They want to live close to their jobs. And, they are open to convenient public transportation to avoid commuting drives if they’re not. Commuter drives are a pet peeve that causes them physical and emotional stress, as they really can’t stand traffic jams.

Safety Issues – These renters are grown ups. They appreciate living in safe areas. They work hard for what they have and don’t want it stolen from them. They are also too mature to be fighting. They like secure buildings, included security guards and gates, video call boxes in their homes, well lit parking areas, etc… This is especially true for those with families.

Quality Schools – Many renters in their late 30s to 40s have kids. These tenants always put the futures of their kids first. That means ensuring that they move their families to areas with quality public scores. Make sure to thing about this when writing your rental listings, as well as public and school district transportation information to and from these schools.

Family-friendly Common Areas – This age group believes in quality family time. They are strict about keeping their kids occupied, which includes entertainment. Multifamily property owners should be sure to market surrounding child and teen entertaining places, the property’s daycare center, recreation room, playground, etc… Make sure prospective tenants know your property is happy to rent to families.

Their Own Space – Your late 30s to 40′s tenants really want their space. They are rarely interested in roommates, and even as bachelors and bachelorettes, they don’t want singles and one-bedroom units. They want space for their home offices or their kids when they come for the weekend. At the end of the day, they want their own private space to retreat to, without lots of mess and clutter.

Elevators – Okay, let’s face it. This group is not as young as they used to be. They just don’t have the energy to walk up four flights of stairs carrying bags of groceries. Plus, they work hard. They believe they deserve certain basic luxuries, especially at home.

Close to Grocery Stores – Many late 30s to 40s are steering away from fast foods. They are falling in love with home cooked, healthy meals again. They are known for craving their favorite meals in treats in the middle of the night. They want to be able to get to the grocery store quickly. They don’t have all night. They have to get up early for work in the morning.

Entertaining – These folks may not party all into the night like they used to. But, these renters do still enjoy dinner parties and hanging out at home with friends and family. Some amenities multifamily complex owners should point out to them would be chef’s kitchens, formal dining rooms and large living rooms that can fit the 60 inch flat panel TVs and accompanying stereo system.

Convenience Appliances – These tenants are more interested in everyday conveniences than anything. They need those appliances that make their lives easier. Be sure to market things like washer and dryer hook-ups or rooms, water saving dishwashers, energy saving refrigerators, stoves with self-cleaning ovens, etc… These things are so important to them.

Internet Access – This age group puts Internet as a priority in life. Many of them conduct business and make money online. They must have hi-speed, DSL, fast internet access, preferably Wi-Fi. Many multifamily units now offer free wi-fi to their tenants. If they don’t provide it to individual units as a courtesy, they will have a common area where it can be accessed. Even if you choose not to provide this free amenity, it would be very wise to make sure they have direct access to all the options in your area. Make sure they know what those options are, because this groups will not live comfortably without Internet.

Market the 30s to 40s Amenities

If you are hoping to rent your multifamily units to tenants between their late 30s and 40s, your property has to cater to their needs. In many cases, your complex already does. You just didn’t know that these were the things they were looking for. Now that you know, be sure to include these features in your rental listings, brochures and online ads. Make sure your potential 30s and 40s renters know that your property has what they want.

You can learn more about property management and investing by visiting Mitch Ribak’s Cocoa Florida real estate website. If you’re looking for a great property to rent as a 40 or 30 year old, you can also see many homes for sale Melbourne on Mitch’s Indian Harbour beach FL real estate page.

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Interior Design Ideas For A Classy Home

by admin on January 14, 2012

Interior Design Ideas For A Classy HomeYou’ve closed escrow and have moved into your new home! How exciting! Now, you should start thinking about the interior design of your home. I’m sure you want to make your home look fabulous and eye popping.

There are so many styles you can choose from, from classical to contemporary designs. Once you decide on your personal styles, you can easily design your home’s interior to suit your taste and personality perfectly.

Designs by Rooms

Living Room – To make the designing process easier, you should keep in mind the specific purpose of each room in your home. The living room is like the focal point of every house. The size of the living room should be considered when purchasing furniture and fixtures. Although most people purchase living room furniture in “sets”, it is more fashionable to get different styled pieces that you have personally picked out. Mixing various styles adds a more customized look to your living room. For example, a modern sofa with antique or classic side chairs can show your old-fashioned style, while providing comfort for seating purposes.

Bedrooms – The bedroom forms a place where people escape to rest or to have some peace of mind. Therefore, the design you choose for your bedroom should make the whole area appear cozy and peaceful. Avoid bright colors, as they do not promote relaxation. Instead, choose between warm, neutral or earth colors for the ceiling, walls and even the bedroom furniture. For your kids’ bedroom, you try to create a fantasy land according to your child’s nature and personality. The theme should be included on the walls, fabrics and bed, to create an exciting room that your children will enjoy spending time in.

Kitchen – When designing your kitchen, the stove, the sink and the refrigerator should create a work triangle. They should be arranged for easier access to each other during food preparation. Avoid dark colored tiles and counter tops in the kitchen, as any residues, particles, even lint, can be easily seen on darker surfaces. Make sure that your appliances, including the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave match each other, if possible. Since it can be very expensive to replace appliances, at least try to make sure they all compliment each other.

Bathroom – For your bathroom, use light colored tiles on the floors and inside the shower stall. Install a mirrored medicine cabinet. You may also want to place a mirror over the bathroom sink. Mirrors give your bathroom a sort of 3-D effect, making it seem larger. Mirrors, along with adequate lighting, make your bathroom more efficient, as this is the room where we apply makeup, shave, comb our hair, etc…

Design for Efficiency

There are people who take designing their home interior as a very daunting task but this is quite easy with the right ideas. There are many designers who provide great tips for free and the easiest way to locate these ideas is to search online. The design you choose should allow easy access to different parts of the house to allow smooth flow of activities. Interior design is not just for cosmetic decorating purposes. It’s also about making your home a more efficient place for you and your family to live.

Article provided by Paula Henry, a Avon Indiana Realtor. If you’re interested in learning more about buying or selling a home in Avon, visit her Indianapolis Real Estate Blog or search homes for sale in Avon Indiana on her website.

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Is it Smart to Buy a Home Together before Marriage?

by admin on January 11, 2012

Is it Smart to Buy a Home Together before MarriageA single friend of mine who is considering buying a home with her live-in boyfriend once asked my opinion on the matter.  There is no easy answer to that question, however, and whether it is a smart choice or not would depend on the couple, and their potential to be amicable to one another should the relationship crumble.  In the case of my friend, she and her boyfriend were planning on getting married, but no date had been set.

Is it Smart to Buy a Home Together before Marriage? 

There are some engaged couples that choose to buy a home together so that they have it set up and ready to move into when they do tie the knot. They simply come home from the honeymoon and have their home in place without having to go through the process and expense of renting while they look for the right home.

I think that either scenario is okay if you are comfortable with it.  Hey, some people don’t even believe in marriage, but that shouldn’t bar them from becoming homeowners, should it?

If you and your special one find a dream home, who’s to say you need wedding rings on in order to own it?  Your real estate agent and lender can help you to understand the different ways that you can hold title together, without being man and wife.  The manner that you title the home will have a lot to do with the legal ownership of the home, and how the home would be transferred, should one of you pass away.

There are some title types come with consequences from a tax perspective.  Some states have restrictions on holding title, however, and one of those is that married couples only can hold community property, like a home.  Other ways to hold a title together without marriage include tenants – in – common, joint tenancy, and sole and separate ownership.

Should You Put A Ring On It Before Buying A Home?

Should You Put A Ring On It Before Buying A HomeThere are other considerations, however, beyond how the property will be titled.  You will also need to discuss making a down payment together, and paying closing costs.  In these situations, most people make a fifty/fifty split of the costs.

It may be a good idea for your transaction to be governed by a home buying partnership agreement.  Sure, your relationship is “all good” now, but no one begins a relationship (or even a marriage) by thinking that it will end.  Couples break up all the time, and marriages end.  For this reason, putting it all in writing can only serve to protect both of you.  A real estate lawyer can help you to draw up such an agreement.

In a nutshell, your agreement should state in advance what will happen if the two of you decide to call it quits.  Will the home go up for sale? Will one party have the option to “buy out” the other party?  There should be no questions, legally at least, if you and your partner decide that it is not working out.  By preparing and signing this agreement, you protect yourself and your partner at the same time.

For more information about the home buying process, you can visit Kimberley Joy Kelly’s website where she talks about buying, selling, and news about the later homes buying trends. You can also search homes on the MLS as well as view some fantastic Golfing Communities in the Southern Desert of California.

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Using A Buyer’s Agent To Buy A Home Is Common Sense

by admin on January 8, 2012

Using A Buyer's Agent To Buy A Home Is Common SenseWhen you are ready to buy a home there are a lot of things to consider. Should you use a realtor, and if you do what type of real estate agent should you be using. Some agents specialize in working with buyers, sellers, commercial sales, land, or property management.

It may be in your best interest to use an agent who specializes in working with buyers. You want an agent with experience, who can help guide you through the process. A common misunderstanding is that a real estate agent will end up costing the buyer any money. The buyer will pay nothing when using a real estate agent. The agent’s commission is paid for by the seller when the transaction is closed.

Using A Buyer’s Agent To Buy A Home Is Common Sense

There can be a variety of benefits to using a buyer specialist to purchase your home. The first thing is buying a new house can be very time consuming. This is especially true if you are a first time home buyer. A real estate agent can save you the hassle of trying to do all the things necessary to purchase a home on your own.

These things include, searching for properties, researching neighborhoods, finding a reputable lender, filling out paperwork, arranging for title insurance and scheduling inspections, negotiating repairs, and finally making it to closing.

Buyer Specialists will have access to their local multiple listing services. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is the most important toll when you are trying to find just the right property.

A knowledgeable real estate agent can help narrow down your search criteria. This is very valuable in saving you a lot of time. It also will help you avoid looking at any homes that do not meet your criteria.

Buyer’s Agents Can Be Skilled Negotiators Saving You Thousands

Buyer's Agents Can Be Skilled Negotiators Saving You ThousandsOnce you have found the perfect house and you are ready to make an offer, an experienced negotiator can be of enormous value. It is always a great to have someone in your corner fighting for your best interests. You will also be able to avoid any awkwardness of negotiating directly with the seller.

With a third party involved the seller is less likely to take your offer personally. It just becomes about business, and trying to come to agreeable terms between the buyer and the seller.

Once you are under contract, your buyer’s specialist should handle the rest of the process for you. They will get all the paperwork to your lender and the title company. Your buyer’s specialist will also help schedule any inspections that need to be done.

Once the inspections are done your real estate agent will be able to go over the reports and help you understand what you can ask the seller to fix. They will also be able to negotiate any price adjustments based on the inspection. The buyer’s specialist will know all the ins and outs of the contract you signed thus protecting you from losing your earnest money.

A buyer’s specialist sole purpose is to represent you, and keep all your interests protected. Picking a qualified and experienced real estate agent is one of the most important pieces when purchasing real estate.

If you’re looking to find a buyer’s specialist to purchase Merritt Island Florida homes for sale, check out the author Linda Hare’s website. You can also find great deals on Mims FL real estate and some pretty fantastic homes in Port St. John Florida.

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Home Inspections More Limited than You Think

by admin on January 6, 2012

Home Inspections More Limited than You ThinkMold…mice…leaking sinks…furnaces that don’t work…ducts in ill repair…termite damage…a leaking basement.  All of these can become a home buyer’s worst nightmare if they aren’t caught during the inspection and the question of who pays for repairs is addressed.

Sometimes A Home Inspection May Not Be Enough

Unexpected problems and unplanned expenses can really put a damper on the excitement of moving into your dream home.  But that is often what home buyers are faced with.  Shouldn’t the inspection have caught some of this?

Well, yes, it should have.  But home inspections aren’t all that they are cracked up to be, at least in some instances.  What the home inspection really looks for is material defects, such as things that create a hazard, aren’t working, or things that are not safe.

The home inspector cannot test for lead paint or other environmental hazards, including radon, although most home inspectors suggest that potential buyers order these tests.

But inspectors may also overlook things that the homeowner needs to be made aware of, like the existence of mold that is hiding under the floorboards, or safety issues that affect children, such as staircases, or cabinets that might be pulled down on top of a child and cause injury.  One of the biggest safety risks for young children, pools, often don’t get the right level of inspection from the home inspector because most are not really trained in that area.

Experienced Inspectors Are Key To A Successful Transaction

Experienced Home InspectorsWhat potential homebuyers need to look for in an inspector is experience.  You real estate agent will likely have a good recommendation or two for you, but ultimately, it is up to you to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth when you order a home inspection.  What you are buying is the inspector’s knowledge.

Not all are equally educated.  Choosing an inspector who has been around the block a time or two is a good idea.  Ask the inspector what they plan to look for, and be present for the inspection so that you can get the feel for the thoroughness of the inspection, for peace of mind, if nothing else.

So what does one do if they realize they’ve purchased a lemon?  Hopefully, you will have also purchased a warranty with your home that will cover the cost of some repairs.  Otherwise, you will likely need to learn how to “make lemonade”.

Remember that fixing anything that poses an immediate danger, or that can cause further damage if not corrected (like leaking pipes), should be addressed right away.  Other repairs or updates to the home can be made over time so that you do not have to deal with all of the expense at once.

If you just bought a home, you are already dealing with many of the standard expenses associated with a new home purchase, including moving costs, window treatments, home insurance, and more.  By balancing out the cost of repairs over the course of a few years, you don’t sink all of your savings into the home, and you don’t end up accumulating high-interest credit card debt.

Article provided by Allison Klein who sells real estate Fort Collins. If you’re interested in more information about buying a home, feel free to visit Allison’s Lovelond CO real estate website where you can also search Windsor CO real estate.

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