Typically you should expect to provide the amount of the cash down payment you have available. The larger the down payment as a percentage of the purchase price, the greater the likelihood that the buyer will be able to obtain financing. This is because a large down payment provides added security for the lender and makes the transaction more attractive and subject to less scrutiny than might otherwise be required. Large down payments can additionally assist a buyer in overcoming challenges in credit history or current income.

However, including financing contingencies in an offer also serves to protect the buyer, as well as the lender. For example, the inclusion of a maximum allowable interest rate allows the buyer to back out of a transaction if an acceptable mortgage offer cannot be obtained. Factors which could cause an interest rate to be higher than the buyer is willing to pay include market fluctuations, credit challenges, and other risk factors as determined by the lender.

However, the seller will also want some “wiggle room” with regards to the interest rate. Insistence on a low or unreasonable interest rate, or an interest rate that does not allow for normal market fluctuations, might not serve to provide adequate assurance for the seller to take his or her home off the market. It is important for all parties to be reasonable. The purpose of defining a maximum allowable interest rate is to prevent a transaction from occuring in the event of some abnormal condition. It is not intended to force unrealistic terms into a transaction.

Other financial details may be included as well, which may come in the form of seller incentives. These can range from the seller paying a portion of the closing costs, to the seller providing additional monies for a down payment, to improvements in the property prior to its transfer. Whether or not a seller is willing to make these concessions is, of course, up to each individual seller. However, as with any negotiation, a concession in one area makes it less likely to achieve concessions in other areas, such as price. If you are in need of some assistance at the time of the transaction, and are willing to pay for it in the long run, this is perfectly acceptable, and all such terms should be included in the offer and agreed to by the parties.

Any terms involving seller financing and mortgage insurance should also be included. Seller financing in the form of a second mortgage on the house may be able to avert the need for mortgage insurance. In such a scenario, the terms of the second mortgage should also be clearly spelled out in the offering document. This would include whether or not payments are interest only or also involve principle amounts, and the duration of any interest only payments.

Cash offers should be tendered with proof of liquid assets demonstrative of the fact that you are in possession of liquid capital sufficient to purchase the property.

Other mortgage terms should also be included, such as whether or not the mortgage is a fixed rate or variable rate. Special financing programs, such as first time buyer’s programs, FHA loans, and the like, should also be mentioned.

About the Author:

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estate and has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX.

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estate and has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX.

Some things to consider when buying a home:

- Time

It can take time to find a great home. If you’ve only begun your search today, don’t expect to find a home tomorrow. Buying a home is like working on a large project. You’ll need plenty of time. But if you feel that you’ve gathered enough information and resources within your available time frame, so be it.

- Money

Consider your financial status, before deciding to buy a home. You should check your credit situation by getting a copy of your most recent credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report a year. You should also know exactly how much money you have available and how much you can afford to spend on a home. Most mortgage lenders will help you in this process. At the very least you should ask a mortgage lender or broker to pre-qualify you, but being pre-approved for a mortgage is even better. A pre-qualification will be based only upon what you tell the lender is your financial situation, nothing will be double-checked. A pre-approval will actually start the loan approval process and will tell you exactly how much you can borrow. If you have been pre-approved, it will also speed up the loan process and you will be able to close on the loan earlier.

Your mortgage qualifications may also be a factor in your negotiations with a home owner. Being pre-approved is a strong point for you. The seller won’t have to worry about your mortgage being approved and about having to show the home all over again.

- A Good Lawyer

You should have a good real estate lawyer working for you. The few hundred dollars you spend may save you thousands in the long run. Don’t just take the advice of your real estate agent, remember he is looking for the best deal for the seller, not for you. Also, don’t just hire any lawyer. You want an experienced real estate attorney, not just someone you know who is a divorce or a personal injury lawyer. They won’t know the in and outs of real estate contracts and you don’t want to be billed more just so that they can learn them.

- The Right Agent

To locate a reliable agent and one that you trust and get along with, you will need to be able to compare experiences, backgrounds and referrals from people that you trust and get along with. In most areas of the country any agent can sell any property that is available in the area. Don’t settle for an agent that you just don’t like. Drop him and find another one.

- Needs vs. Wants

Unless you will be building a new home, it is much easier to decide what you want based upon the features that are in the homes are available for purchase in your area.

- Take Notes and Pictures

You don’t want to forget even a single detail about the homes you’ve been looking at. If you have a digital camera take lots of pictures of the properties you’ve been looking at. You should also carry a small note pad with you in which you write down what you liked and didn’t like about the property and the surrounding area.

- Words and Terms Confusion

You should familiarize your self with the terms and words used during the dealing and negotiating with your agent and contractor. Also, try to keep a list of the questions you have that need further clarification. You should also familiarize yourself with the common abbreviations used in property listings and ads and there local meaning. A half bath isn’t always what you may think it is. Sometimes it means a toilet and only a shower, sometimes it’s just a toilet.

- Points and Plus

You should learn how to bargain and deal to get the best possible terms for your purchase. Don’t feel pressured by your agent, remember he probably is working on the best possible deal for the seller, not you and there are always other houses available.

- Insurance

If you will be taking out a mortgage to finance the purchase of the home you will need a homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition if the property is in a flood plain, you will be required to get flood insurance too. In some areas of the country common perils may not be covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy or if they are covered there will be a large deductible, for example in Florida, damaged caused by hurricanes will not be fully covered and as another example, in California damage caused by earthquakes may not be covered. To get more extensive coverage for excluded perils maybe cost prohibitive. Also note many policies no longer cover mold infestation. If you won’t be financing the house, it is still wise to get at least a basic policy to cover any damage to the home. You can also lower the cost of insurance by getting a policy with a larger deductible, a$1000 or more.

- Final Walk Through

Before you sign the papers to finalize the purchase of the home, you should do a final inspection or walk-through of the house. Make sure the house is clean and that everything that you agreed to in the contract is still present in the home and to make sure that nothing you don’t want is still there. Remember once the contracts are signed, the home is yours anything still there becomes your responsibility.

Remember to plan ahead and avoid the common mistakes that most home buyers make and you might actually enjoy the experience.

Matthew McDonough is a real estate investor and former real estate agent in New York. He owns property throughout the USA. He wants to share is knowledge and operates the website Inside Real Estate Info

If you are thinking about buying a home after bankruptcy, the first thing you will want to do is determine how long it has been since you filed. The longer you wait, the easier it will be to secure financing. Though most lenders recommend waiting at least two years, it may be possible get a mortgage loan sooner.

Buying a Home 1 Year After Bankruptcy

When buying a home after bankruptcy, you need to show that you have a positive credit history. This is especially true if you do not wait at least two years before applying for a mortgage loan. It is very important that all of the payments you were expected to pay in the last 12 months were paid. Late installment payments could make it difficult to get approved. You may also need a down payment of 3-10 percent to secure the loan.

Buying a Home 2 Years After Bankruptcy

Buying a home after bankruptcy will be much easier if you wait for at least two years after your bankruptcy was discharged. This will give you time to build new credit and show that you can make your payments on time. After a two-year period has ended, financing and reasonable interest rates will be relatively easy to secure. If you have a good payment history and the lender is able to verify your income, you may even be able to get 100% financing.

For a list of recommended After Bankruptcy Mortgage Lenders Online, visit www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans.

I’m speaking from experience. I built a cabin up in the mountains among the Ponderosa pines with redwood deck that allowed us to enjoy the bordering national forest and all it had to offer. We had views of mountains and tall pines. Elk, javalinas, coyotes, and deer, were plentiful. The home was a simple two bedroom, two bathroom, wooden-floored, single-level cabin covered in redwood siding and containing all the basic luxuries. Satellite tv, air conditioning, a gas fireplace, laundry room, and two car garage. I even had a workshop and extra storage.

We totally furnished it with new appliances, furniture, and everything needed for day-to-day living. We bought some mountain bikes, had a barbeque off the deck and a large patio set with lounge chairs galore. I even had the obligatory hammock tied between two fir trees. Yep, it was the ideal setup for leaving the city life behind. What made it even better was the location: minutes from a Wal-Mart, Ace hardware and a few supermarkets. It had city water and sewers with newly paved roads. And the best part was is was an hour and a half from home, so we could go up anytime we wanted. What more could a boomer want?

So why did I sell it just two years later? Here are some things I never considered. My daughter hated going there because, as a teenager, there was nothing to do. Communing with nature or just relaxing wasn’t her idea of fun. So she dreaded going up, even though she had she own room with a tv. For us, my wife and I went up to escape the summer heat, but rarely made the short trip in the winter because it was too cold. We liked the occasional snowfall, but then couldn’t enjoy the deck.

And then there was the maintenance. We still had to clean, cook, do laundry, and take care of the trees, plants and bushes we had used for landscaping the property. I had installed a watering system that had to be turned off over winter so it wouldn’t freeze. We both worked and, therefore, usually went up on summer weekends, so the rest of the time it remained unused. And that was the major issue. We were paying for all the utilities, mortgage, and taxes for just a few weekends a year. Logic said, it didn’t make financial sense. So we sold it in a singe day and invested the profit instead.

Now, if we need to get away, we get a hotel room. We can travel for a lot less money than we had tied up in the cabin and choose a different place to stay each time, so we don’t get bored. The money we had invested would have paid for decades worth of travel. So, my advice to those considering the same type of getaway: think about the actual usage factor. For us, it just didn’t make sense, but for you, it might. Yet I have a feeling there are a lot of folks out there in a similar situation. To you, I say, myth busted!

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, “Pursuit of the Phoenix.” His latest book is, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, www.poweradbook.com. Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

But aside from its looks, what makes a good horse farm? If you’re planning on buying or building a horse farm, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The house

It might seem like an obvious thing, but be certain that if a house is on the farm, that it will fulfill your needs for a house. It wouldn’t make sense to buy a farm and have to build a new house.

The barn

Once again, make sure that the barn fits your needs. Two main things you should consider are size and convenience. Does it have enough space? Is it convenient to the house, the road or driveway, and the pastures?

Water supply

Anther item to consider is water supply. If you have a drought, an ample water supply could be the difference between your farm going under or surviving. Ideally, you should have at least two sources of water – a well and a creek, for example. Be sure that you have pipes carrying the water to key locations, such as the water trough and the barn.

The pastures

How much pasture does the farm have? Is it steep? Is it good quality? Would any of it be suitable for hay fields? All of these are questions you should ask yourself.

Of course, these factors are only the very basics. Before buying a horse farm, you should take many factors into consideration to ensure that not only are you getting what you need, but you’re also making a sound financial decision.

Visit Horse Farms & Estate Properties for Sale in North Carolina to find your dream farm

1. The first thing you want to do after deciding to buy a home is to shop and compare home mortgage companies. Getting pre-approved or pre-qualified helps you determine what you can afford and what the banks are willing to lend you. By doing this you are able to know how much house you can afford and it will save you and the seller stress down the road.

2. Know what types of features you want in your home. Make a list of features that you must have; 2 car garage, 3 bedroom, AC, fenced yard, you get the point. By having a list of features you can narrow down the homes in your desired area. That way you only look at the homes that meet your criteria and you don’t waste time and energy on those homes that don’t.

3. Find a good real estate agent that is familiar with the area you wish to buy your home. Real estate agents are quite useful in screening potential homes that meet your requirements and setting up appointments for you to view the home. They also handle the paperwork for the transaction. When using a real estate agent to buy a home the seller typically pays the realtor’s fees. If you are not sure if this is the case, ask your agent.

4. Get rid of clutter. As you begin to narrow down your home search, get rid of any flyers and paperwork for homes that you did not like. By doing so you are able to stay focused on homes that you are interested in. Don’t waste your time and attention on homes that didn’t make the cut.

5. Once you have decided the home which you want to purchase, let your real estate agent know immediately. Don’t switch real estates agents at the end for the simple fact that your agent was not with you when you found a home. Remember, they work off of commission and they have spent time and money trying to find the right home for you. Be patient and give them a call. If you can’t get a hold of your real estate agent, call their broker. They can usually assist you in getting the paperwork started. 9 out of 10 times your real estate agent is just a phone call away.

Jason Deines writes for an informational website, MyInfoSource.biz. Visit MyInfoSource for additional information on Boise Real Estate.

Here are some simple, common sense tips to help you when buying at a property auction.

Visit any property you are interested in before the auction. People do buy with out viewing but they run a real risk of financial disaster. Any problems with a building are costly and some of them can double or triple your costs. Even better, get a survey done.

If you’ve never bought from auction before you really should attend at least one property auction prior to your first attempt at bidding. That way you can get used to the heady atmosphere that surrounds the spending of large amounts of money. Even seemingly quiet, slow moving auctions can feel very tense as bidders try not to give away their intentions.

The greatest danger at auction is, of course, getting carried away. If you’re bidding on a house for your own personal use this is especially likely, in which case know your limit and take someone neutral along with you to tell you to stop if the worst happens. Even better if you suspect you may keep bidding over your limit get a friend to bid on your behalf. A sensible, level headed friend of course!

And remember that lovely, smiling auctioneer is not your friend! Part of their skill is to persuade bidders in the most silkily way that if they bid “just” another £1000 that house will be theirs. They can sound very convincing but they’re really only interested in increasing their commission.

Always make sure that you have the necessary finance in place to complete the sale within 30 days. Don’t just assume you’ll easily get a mortgage within that time period. Properties that end up in an auction often have problems that make mortgage companies reluctant to lend on them. If you can’t come up with the money you will lose your 10% deposit and, even worse, could be sued for breach of contract. You could find yourself thousands of pounds out of pocket.

With the new money laundering legislation that’s recently come into force make sure you have the relevant pieces of documentation with you to prove your identity if you’re planning to bid. Check with auctioneers as to what they want as proof. And remember to bring it with you. You don’t want to lose out just because you’ve forgot to bring along a utility bill!

Alice Williams runs www.property-auction-database.co.uk which provides information about property auctions held within the UK, along with a selection of property articles to help developers.

How do you know if you are ready?

First, you need to be familiar with the market in your area. You have a realistic idea of what a house will cost you. If you have no idea, you might want to spend some time flipping threw the classifieds and looking at a few real estate pamplets. Spend the time to become familiar with what houses are going for in your area.

You will need to have saved up enough money for a down payment and closing costs. The down payment is often determined by the type of mortgage you choose. Traditionally, the down payment is 20% of the purchase price. But there are many options available today for borrowers. Most lenders recognize that it is difficult to save up enough for a down payment of that level. You can find down payments as low as 3%. But you need to put as much as possible in order to start out with some equity in the home. The more you put down, the lower your interest rate will be.

You will also need to have enough money to pay for closing costs. These include points, taxes, title insurance, financing fees and other items that must be escrowed. The closing costs will range between two and seven percent of the property’s purchase price. Borrowers should receive an estimate from the lender when applying for a mortgage in the form of a good faith estimate.

Your down payment savings and your monthly income will help you determine how much you can afford. Most people say that the mortgage payment should be less than 25% of your gross monthly income. I say that the only way you can establish how much you can truly afford is to look at your budget. If you are struggling to pay a rent of $1,000, it would be foolish to take on a mortgage of $1,200.

You need to remember that you are purchasing a home and all the things that come with it. You will find that there are many expenses in owning a home. They include maintenance costs, utilities, homeowners’ insurance, roofing, repairs and other responsibilites.

Your credit must be in good shape if you want to get the best rates possible. Take the time to check your credit report to make sure it is accurate. If it isn’t, you need to correct it before you apply for a loan. Taking the time now can save you a lot of money in interest over the years of your mortgage.

If you are ready, you will know it. There are many advantages to owning your own home. Enjoy.

Martin Lukac represents www.RateEmpire.com and www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Here is a short primer on buying a home and getting a mortgage:

1. You don’t need 20% downpayment to purchase a home. There are a number of mortgage products tthat offer a no-down payment option as well. These programs are often designed for those with excellent credit. Take the time to shop around and compare mortgage products.

2. Housing lenders are not required to give you a good rate. So many people assume that they will get their lowest possible rate when applying for a mortgage. Each lender offers a rate based on their organization’s standards and the type of loan. Rates often change daily. In order to find the best rates, you should shop around through various lenders in your area. But don’t forget to compare the same mortgage products to each other for fair comparison.

3. You can be in a new job and still purchase a home. So many believe that you must be in the same job for two to five years to be considered for a mortgage. This simply isn’t true. There are even mortgage products out there fo the self-employed. But expect to need good credit to find these products.

4. Your credit isn’t permanent and forever. It changes after many years. If you don’t have good credit, all you have to do is pay things off, pay things on time and be dedicated to a better financial help. If you find that you are unable to find your way to the top on your own, you can easily hire a professional to assist you.

Martin Lukac represents www.RateEmpire.com and www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

The main key to making your way through escrow and into your new home is to make sure that every piece of paperwork is correct. You want to read everything thoroughly. Don’t sign anythign you don’t understand. If you are confused, have your lawyer sit in and represent you and your best interests throughout the transaction process.

Do not sign escrow papers until you understand what responsibilites they bring and what the transaction will cost.

In real estate, the escrow is an important part of the transaction. Because buying a home is a big deal, escrow can seem a little scary. You have to be prepared for it. It provides for a fair transfer of the property from one owner to another.

However, real estate transactions can often become quite complicated. Escrow is not always a step-by-step process. It can actually be quite confusing. It is often considered the most complicated part of the transaction.

In order to make things easier on all involved, I suggest that you work with a certified escrow professional who works for an escrow, title company, legal firm or other agency that is licensed by the state to conduct escrow proceedings. Talk with your friends and family for recommendations to companies that have provided excellent escrow services.

Buying a home is the time to be honest. Be upfront about everything. If you have uncertain credit, let the lender know that ahead of time. They will assist you in getting everything in order. If you are a seller, you need to tell the escrow officers about any known judgements or liens on the proeprty.

While in the escrow process you need to be accessible. Make sure that the transaction parties are able to reach you when they need to. Be timely in answering messages and fulfilling the requests of the escrow agents.

Make sure that you have homeowners’ insurance coverage secured when you open the escrow process. It should take affect the day you close on the home.

Getting through escrow is a wonderful feeling. Many of us often forget what it is like to buy a new home. That is until we get to the waiting part of escrow.

Martin Lukac represents www.RateEmpire.com and www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

The age and condition of the windows is a important part of the home-buying decision. If the windows are new and fit the style of the home,t hen you don’t have to worry about it.

However, if the windows are old and need to be refurbished in order to use them, you will need to add this cost into the decision to buy the home or not.

If there are only a few windows of small to normal size, you will not spend a whole lot of money.

A recent study indicated that the cost of replacing five double-hung wood windows with new wood windows was $2,500, or $500 a window.

If the home is quite old, replacing the old windows may require an often-expensive customization. The new window must fit perfectly and blend with the indoor and outdoor appearance of the house.

For optimum savings (and more money when you sell the home) you sould look at purchasing energy efficient windows. When buying a new or old house, you may find that some windows need replacing. Don’t wait until winter tells you that these windows aren’t doing their job of keeping the elements outside.

In new homes, sometimes the windows are installed incorrectly and are too tight. They simply won’t open and close well.

In older homes, you will often find windows that are painted shut and not working well at all. Many people have simply caulked the windows to help keep the air out. This often renders you unable to open them in the spring and fall.

New windows are a good investment. If you sell your home within a year of completing the new windows, you will probably see a 96 cent return on each dollar you put into the windows. Depending on where you live, the return could be much higher.

Martin Lukac represents www.RateEmpire.com and www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Any prospective investor would do well to heed to this advice. Land has out performed shares, mutual funds, unit trusts and property, with lower volatility and also many so called higher risk investments such as managed futures and currencies.

In an era of rising interest rates and shooting oil prices land is one of the safest investment option providing great returns on investments at the same time.

So where should you buy land? The secret of investors worldwide is to buy land in the UK for capital growth, here’s why:

• Recent volatility in equity and bullion markets world-over and underdeveloped real estate markets in developing countries makes UK land for sale market only safe heaven to park investments for common investors, expecting decent returns on there investments

• Land Investment market in UK is very well regulated and is comparatively safe for common investors in comparison to markets in developing countries

Following types of plots of land for sale are available across London -

Brownfield Land: Brownfield Land is the common term used for previously developed land i.e. land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure. This land is often smaller, resulting in High Rise Development e.g. old petrol station and factories.

Greenfield Land: Greenfield Land simply refers to land that has never been used for development eg Farmland.

Greenbelt Land: Greenbelt Land is largely undeveloped or sparsely occupied land, which historically has been set aside to contain development, prevent towns merging and provide open space. Greenbelt boundaries can change in response to the requirements for additional housing in a controlled manner. Investment in UK Land for Sale markets provides perfect bang for your bucks at very low risk. Incase planning permission is granted by local councils land for sale investors could reap returns of up to 10 times there original investments but even otherwise undeveloped land tends to increase historically in price anyway over the longer term with increasingly acute shortage of housing in allover UK and impending Olympic games.

Buying land for sale in the UK has been made affordable to foreign and UK investors by a number of specialist land companies, who are allowing investors to buy UK land with as little as $10,000.

Thus astute investors can reap fair gains by investing in UK property market.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale in the UK

Secondly, one should bear the task of finding the right Tampa real estate agent to solicit guidance and assistance from. With the help of an experienced Tampa real estate professional, purchase of a home is guaranteed to run more smoothly than otherwise. Tampa real estate professional can contribute: (a) In depth knowledge about available Tampa real estate properties; (b) The knowledge and skill to match needs with available Tampa neighborhoods and properties; (c) Experience in price negotiation and deal closure details; (d) Experience in Tampa real estate closure procedures.

Thirdly, one should make sure that the property one chooses is able to cater as much needs as possible. Investing a large amount of money is most beneficial if placed in something that satisfies one’s needs and preferences. With that in mind, investments are made as worthy as possible. Nevertheless, the chances of meeting all these needs in one deal is quite low, albeit finding a Tampa real estate property at the right price situated in the right location. However, one should still consider the type of property that fits one’s lifestyle as well as the most suitable location for the whole family.

Finally, one should have to devout some time, without the assistance of a real estate professional in finding, for a Tampa real estate property. A considerable amount of research effort can reveal a more factual basis of the information that a real estate agent would be presenting. In this manner, one would find an easier time trusting a real estate agent.

Moving to a new city really does involve a lot of setup and planning. However, none of the planning does any good if one does not actually have a place to live. To move to Tampa, Florida it is imperative to search for a Tampa real estate property listed for sale (home or condo) that meets most of one’s needs. The Internet can also be a very reliable information resource. But no matter what method one uses just make certain that one is confident about the whole process of buying in Tampa real estate market.

Earl Juanico - tampa-bay-realestate.line.us

It is a good idea to get the property inspected by a neutral party. A property inspector will see things that you might miss, as you are “used” to them and see them every day. Your acclimation with your property can actually serve to work against you in these situations. A property inspection done early on can also avoid surprises come closing time, as any prudent buyer will have their own inspection performed.

Properties that are well maintained command both a higher selling price and quicker selling time.

Start with the outside. Nice landscaping and a well manicured lawn go a long way. Weed any beds, rid the area of unwanted grasses. Remember, first impressions are hard to overcome!

If your home is painted, consider a fresh coat of paint. If you are going to do this, be sure it is done correctly and by a professional. Existing paint that is peeling and blistered should be removed. A coat of primer should be applied and then the top coat professionally applied, so as to avoid overspray on eaves and window frames.

Repair gutters, shutters, and other outdoor accessories. Clear them of leaves and debris.

Consider replacing your front door. Have the door frame nicely painted or maintained. Remember, we are still working on a first impression here. The front entry way, porch, or sidewalk should also be in tip top condition. This may require a fresh coat of paint or water sealant, concrete treatment, or whatever is applicable to your particular situation.

Replace an unsightly mailbox and put out a fresh doormat. Polish or replace metal door fixtures or brass, and ensure the doorbell is in good condition and in working order.

Ensure all concrete and asphalt is in good condition. This would include the driveway, garage, and carport. Oil stains from crankshafts should be removed. Badly cracked or potted asphault may need to be torn up and replaced. The same would go for badly cracked sidewalks or other concrete groundcover, that may have been disturbed by tree roots, water, or time.

Air conditioners should not be rusted or otherwise unattractive. Paint all exposed surfaces.

Any outdoor living areas such as patios or decks should be populated with attractive furnishings, and perhaps accented with potted plants. Pools should be clean, sparkling, and the filtration equipment should be attractive and in good working order. It might be necessary to drain the pool to repair any cracks or have the surface repainted.

Pay particular attention to windows. Panes should be well maintained and freshly painted. Windows should slide open and closed smoothly and without much effort. Broken glass should be replaced, all screens should be free of rust, holes, and tears. No window should be without a screen. Prune flora near windows so as to allow the free flow of sunlight into the home. A bright home will be more attractive to a buyer than a dark, gloomy home. Windows should be sparkly clean.

Doors should also open easily, and not make loud noises. Oil squeaky parts and polish or replace metal accessories such as hinges, knobs, and locks. Screen doors should be in as good condition as possible. Sliding glass doors should be clean and slide easily, and have locking mechanisms that are functional.

Walls should be clean and freshly painted. Wallpaper should not be peeling or faded.

Carpets should be cleaned or replaced, especially if pets have lived in the home. Nobody wants to move into a home that smells of a barn. Hardwood floors should be in good condition, and any ceramic tile floors should be clean and not cracked.

All light bulbs should be working. Fixtures should be updated and fit with the decor of the home. Consider adding some halogen lighting here and there. Switches and plugs should be cleaned or replaced.

Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. They should be squeaky clean. All porcelin should be clean and shiny. Bathrooms should be well lit and free of odors. Woodwork and cabinetry should be freshly painted or stained. All fixtures and mirrors should be polished. Toilet and floors and appliances should be cleaned and in working order.

Surface coverings, such as linoleum countertops, may need to be updated.

Remove excess furnishings to avoid overcrowding of your home. While you may love that stack of National Geographics on the floor of your living room, all debris should be removed. Give the place a bright, airy feel. Put excess furnishings in storage if necessary. Closets should be uncrowded so as to give a feeling of space.

A cottage industry of “home enhancement” professionals has emerged in recent years. These people will come into your home and “redecorate” it for you, mostly using existing furnishings. Such services are generally more affordable than interior design fees, and can put your existing furnishings to work for you.

About the Author:

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estate and has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX.

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estate and has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX.

No two homes are alike.

Some pricing variables are subjective. For example, what’s a nice view worth?

The real estate market is relatively inefficient compared to other markets like the stock market. Consequently, it’s not always immediately obvious where the market is.

There’s also an emotional component on both the seller and buyer’s part that can influence prices. If someone falls in love with your home they are probably willing to pay top dollar.

For all of above reasons, and more, determining the proper asking price of a home boils down to an educated guess. The components of that educated guess should be (1) historical sale prices of similar homes in the neighborhood, (2) current market conditions and (3) the goals and objectives of the sellers. If you didn’t factor in these components, especially one and two, then your price may be nothing more than wishful thinking. Revisit your price in light of these variables and adjust as needed. On the other hand, if you were careful in the selection of your asking price and you have been getting traffic don’t fight the market. If 10 - 15 buyers have seen your home with no offer, then the market is telling you, quite loudly, that you need to lower your price.

Lots of sellers like to start out with a very ambitious price with the intention of lowering the price later on. This is OK if you can reasonably justify the price based on historical pricing and market conditions. But, keep in mind that days-on-market is a bad thing. Once a home sits on the market for an extended period it gets stigmatized. Buyers begin to ask “why hasn’t the home sold?” This is not a question you want buyers to ask about your home. Therefore, be sensitive to what the market is telling you and lower your price if you’re not seeing offers.

In summary, if you’re getting traffic and no offers, there’s a very good chance your home is overpriced. 10 - 15 showings with no offers is a good point to step back and reevaluate all aspects of the home sale. If everything checks out, then the market is telling you loud and clear that you need to reduce your price.

Ed Chaparro is a licensed New Jersey real estate agent with Prudential New Jersey Properties servicing Middlesex, Union and Somerset Counties.

Ed Chaparro has over twenty years of experience working with technology and putting it to use to help people and businesses. Ed Chaparro mixes traditional real estate marketing (MLS, signs, direct mail) with a very aggressive Internet marketing plan that maximizes the number of buyers reached.

For buyers, Ed Chaparro provides methods and communications that enable them to view their options in manner that is efficient, informative and free of any hard-sell tactics. This approach has garnered Ed Chaparro a great deal of buyer loyalty.

For more details and information please visit www.EdChaparro.com

Estate agents valuations - too high because they are greedy, or stupidly low because they need a higher turnover of property and want the commission fast. People traipsing through your home, making silly offers. Buyers making offers then backing out at the last minute. Buyers saying how great your house is and getting your hopes up, but either they put in a silly low offer, or don’t bother putting in an offer at all. Then there are the ones that try and get a reduction in price just before completion.

Note I am saying house & not home. This is because when you decide to sell your house, you need to stop looking it as your home and start looking at it as a house you want someone else to buy.

Too many people make the mistake of saying ‘well if they don’t like my bright purple walls, that’s their problem!’ Actually it’s YOUR problem if you want your buyer to be able to imagine themselves in this house because they won’t be able to do this if the colours are too bright. Also, bear in mind, people don’t want to come into a house & see themselves having to decorate straight away.

If you really can’t be bothered to change things to make your house appeal to others, your house could still sell fast, but you will have to be prepared to accept a lower offer. But there really is no excuse as there are an awful lot of really simple things (often cost free) you can do to tidy up a house and sell it quickly.

Briefly, you will need to:
Tidy up the front garden and the approach to the house - first impressions count!
Clear all clutter, and this includes kids toys, trinkets, your collection of cute hedgehogs. Clutter can make a room look very small as well as messy, so make sure all surfaces are clear, including the floor.
De-personalise by removing almost all photographs, people need to be able to imagine themselves in your house.
Try and colour co-ordinate a little, if you have a green sofa and a pink fluffy rug, remove the rug (and anything with colours that clash).
Clean and then clean again and if you have time, clean a bit more! The two most important rooms are the kitchen and bathroom, so both need to be spotlessly clean. If you can make your bathroom look as unused as possible then so much the better.
People like to see rooms with a clearly defined purpose, so if you have a study that is a childs playroom containing a dining table and a television, decide what the room actually is and remove anything that causes conflict.

You can sell your house fast if it is fairly priced and any prospective buyers can see themselves living in the property. So it is up to you clear the clutter and clean that house.

Julie Ashman. For other excellent lifestyle, business and financial information visit www.e-information.co.uk

The structured sale of real estate concept is exciting many sellers of appreciated real estate because it delivers the desired results without the risks of other deferral methods.

A structured sale of real estate is a combination of two concepts; installment sales and structured settlements.

Under an installment sale, a taxpayer has long been permitted by section 453 of the IRS code to arrange a sale of property so the proceeds are taxable as received across several years, without fear that the stream of payments will be accelerated and taxed in the year of sale.

While the installment sale method is tax friendly to the seller, it has not been with out risk:

Credit risk or reliance on the buyer’s performance of timely payments over time. Repossession risk which is an outcome of credit risk.
The seller may be forced to reclaim the property at a reduced value. Prepayment risk due to early note disposition.
Early repayment by the buyer accelerates taxation and possibly forces reinvestment under less favorable conditions.
Design limitations.

Due to risks noted above, it is important to not to stretch out payments (defer taxes) for too long. To mitigate this risk, some clever folks came up with the idea of marrying to the concept of a “structured settlement”. This concept came in existence in the 1970’s because of Internal Revenue Service rulings that said that periodic payments to claimants in personal physical injury cases were free of federal taxation as long as certain conditions were met. This IRS acknowledgment made the concept of using periodic payments to help injured parties and defendants resolve claims popular. Before this time, U.S. common law promoted lump sum payments to claimants.

To bring these two concepts together for a structured sale of real estate, the seller and buyer have to agree to the terms of a document called the settlement agreement and release. This document specifies the terms of the periodic payments the buyer will make to the seller. This document is carefully drafted and any monies that subsequently flow are carefully handled to assure that the seller does not spoil the intended tax benefits under either of the separate installment sale or structured settlement tax provisions.

If you are looking to sell your real estate and defer taxes on the sale of that property, this new concept of a structured sale may provide another viable option for you.

Staging your home can be a confusing subject. Not because the act of staging is a complex art but simply because so many people are unaware of what this action can provide. Do we all need to stage our properties before placing them on the market? Do we all want top dollar, a quick sale and less stress? The answer is obviously yes. Fortune magazine recently came out with an article stating that staging is an absolute must due to the changes we are seeing in different real estate markets across the country. The points that we need to address are very easy to understand. Always stay neutral, get organized packing away thing you don’t use everyday, be sure to keep your home clean, and finally how to make some subtle changes. These four things must be addressed when offering your home to buyers. The tools need to achieve these goals are easy to master and for the most part free. If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next few months, now is as good a time as any to get prepared. These are things that are mandatory to a successful campaign. A race to get the best monetary gain possible, less time on the market equaling less stress and an outcome that you will be satisfied with.

The key to staging your home is making everything neutral. A neutral home is an organized home. Both go hand in hand. Plastic bins and toys boxes are a great way to help your kids learn that items they are not using need to be kept out of sight.

Another issue that must be addressed deals with holiday decor. Please do not leave your Merry Christmas mat on display after New Years. Knocking on your door in July to find Santa greeting me is not an option (this actually happened just last week).

Keeping items in storage can help keep your home tidy. Pack away the items you never use. Appliances that are not used daily can be stored in cabinets or closets. If you have too many items on display this can create clutter in the buyers mind. Once you have boxed up items in the home put them into your garage or storage areas. Running short on storage? Consider (keeping in mind your budget) renting a small storage area until the move .You should never to show a home that has boxes just lying around. Look at this task by realizing the extra benefits. You can use this time to get things packed for your pending move. A garage sale is a great way to get rid of some items you no longer need. You can use the profit for any staging expense.

Please remember if you do nothing else this next issue is simple and a MUST when selling your home. Your home needs to be clean and remain this way the entire time you have it listed. Research shows that 83% of the information we take in is through our sense of site. Also keep in mind that smells can be an issue for many buyers. Make sure the home smells inviting and not overpowering. If you are a smoker, please keep in mind that some people are not and this could be an issue. Just a little bit of smell prevention goes a long way.

I want to mention one last aspect of staging that can be fun. We all love to add a little something new to our home from time to time. Now is your chance to pamper yourself and your home. Show your love for fresh flowers by visiting your local grocer for a nice bouquet. The smell can also be very inviting. You may also want to add some decorative touches to the home. Something you feel will give it that extra appeal. Keep in mind that these items should stay NEUTRAL. Many of us are working with a budget. You never know what treasures you can find at a resale shop, the dollar store, or an area garage sale.

As a Realtor, it is my job to let you know what my training and experience has taught me. A good agent should speak up and recommend changes that will help you achieve your home selling goals. The levels of home staging vary.. Some homes may require a bit of cosmetic work or advanced staging to help improve the value of your home. The information I have talked about is very basic, inexpensive, yet they are some of the MOST IMPORTANT issues that are mandatory when selling your home.

Christina Stevens
REALTOR Licensed in Texas and Nevada.

Thanks for Fortune Magazine Visit www.money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune

The easiest answer to this question is to ask your real estate agent what he or she thinks. Your real estate agent will have experience in local market trends and the effects various upgrades have on final sale price.

However, here are some general guidelines, to assist you as you ponder the dilemma.

Generally speaking, if a home is 20 years old or younger, it does not make financial sense to redo your kitchen. If you spend $20,000.00 on kitchen and appliance improvements, you may only make a portion of that back in increased value, or at best break even. However, if the loss is nominal, it might make sense to you if you need to sell quickly. Modern appliances and kitchen fixtures will decrease the time a home is on the market. If it is important to you that the sale be completed as quickly as possible, and you don’t mind taking a bit of a loss in the process, an upgrade may be in your best interest.

The argument in favor of upgrading is much stronger with older homes containing outdated or antiquated appliances and decor. The effect of an outdated kitchen can dramatically reduce the selling price of a property when compared to what it might otherwise command. In such a case, a major upgrade will almost certainly be worth every penny you put into it, not to mention accelerating the time it takes to sell the home. Not only could you expect to recover all of the money you put into the upgrade, you will likely make a profit on the sale in the form of a value increase greater than the amount expended on the upgrade.

Low cost, cosmetic upgrades, however, may be worth the cost even in newer homes. Replacing countertops, painting cabinets, and the like will make your home more “showable”, and the nominal amount of money spent on the project can usually be recouped. However, be sure to avoid unecessary expenditures for which there is little or no hope of recovering your costs. An example would be the replacement of an older yet functional garbage disposal with a newer, more powerful one. This type of an expenditure will do absolutely nothing to increase your home’s value.

Remember, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

About the Author:

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estateand has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX. For more information, please visit www.dallasrr.com.

Catherine Nguyen was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a licensed real estate agent. Ms. Nguyen specializes in Dallas real estate and has a career with Renowned Realty Group – Dallas/Ft. Worth RE/MAX. For more information, please visit www.dallasrr.com.

Let’s start out with the hours of availability. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, make your home available seven days a week. The hours of availability should also be generous. 10:00 or 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM should work well. The early evening hours will be needed for those buyers that can only view homes after their work day. If making your home available during these hours means installing a lockbox then do so. Whatever you decide, make sure you are consistent. Don’t change the availability of your home on a daily or weekly basis. Buyer agents don’t like it when they make an appointment to take their buyers out to see homes only to discover that certain homes of interest are not available to see at the appointed day or hour. When this happens the buyer agent may not give your home a second chance.

You’ll need to decide how you wish to be notified when a buyer agent requests an appointment. You should know when an appointment is made to show your home. But, don’t require appointments to be personally confirmed. Provide your agent with one or two telephone numbers and tell them that if you can’t be reached directly leave a message and let the buyer agent go ahead with the appointment. The problem with requiring all appointments to be personally confirmed is that if you can’t be reached the buyer agent can’t proceed to show the home. If a buyer agent is trying to schedule a series of appointments and they’re unsure if they’ll be able to see a home it makes it harder to schedule other homes in their itinerary. Now, some of you may be wondering why we should care. The short answer is that buyer agents are valuable assets. If you’re trying to sell your home, you definitely want to accommodate these agents. Most buyers work with real estate agents. These agents have a great deal of influence and can make or break your home sale.

When you decide to sell your home in many respects it stops being a home. This is because a home sale can change how you live in a home. This can be bothersome. But buyers and their agents have choices and must be accommodated if you’re truly interested in selling your home. Your showing instructions should make the home available for presentation at reasonable and predictable hours and make it easy for agents to schedule appointments. Selling a home in many respects is a numbers game. Convenient and easy showing instructions results in more traffic through your home and increases the odds of getting an offer.

Ed Chaparro is a licensed New Jersey real estate agent with Prudential New Jersey Properties servicing Middlesex, Union and Somerset Counties.

Ed Chaparro has over twenty years of experience working with technology and putting it to use to help people and businesses. Ed Chaparro mixes traditional real estate marketing (MLS, signs, direct mail) with a very aggressive Internet marketing plan that maximizes the number of buyers reached.

For buyers, Ed Chaparro provides methods and communications that enable them to view their options in manner that is efficient, informative and free of any hard-sell tactics. This approach has garnered Ed Chaparro a great deal of buyer loyalty.

For more details and information please visit www.EdChaparro.com