What do you make of a market where pending home sales drop, as they did in the latest monthly survey, but many other real estate and mortgage indicators are trending positive at the same time? Read more

With the summer months pushing temperatures over 100 degrees in some areas and humidity leaving drips of perspiration on people’s brows, it might be time to consider a water feature to help enhance your home’s appeal.

I’m writing this from the desert and everywhere you look, flowing, glistening, and pleasant-sounding water pours from fountains on commercial and home properties. It’s alluring, welcoming, and calming. When it comes to selling your home, a water fountain can help to create a peaceful and enjoyable experience. It can also help to drown out noisy children playing nearby. Read more

I usually write about the things you should do when you want to sell or buy a home. Sometimes there are suggestions mixed in about what not to do and that’s the foundation of this week’s column. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in looking forward to where you’re going to relocate next when your home sells. However, let’s not put the cart before the horse-Most of the time sellers-need or want to sell their current home in order to make that transition into the new one. Read more

Market value is the main concept you must understand when determining the value of your home. But what is it and how can it help you price your home?

What is market value?

Market value is the amount prospective buyers are willing to pay at the time homeowners are ready to sell. The best way to find out the market value of your home is to ask me for help.  You will be able to decide what the best price for your home is by allowing me to provide and discuss with you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

What is a CMA?

The CMA will include homes in your area that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale and already sold within the last three to six months. Of course, the best indicator of your home’s value is the price for similar homes in your area that have already been sold. The comparison is based on the proximity to your home and the similarity of characteristics such as lot size, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, etc. Read more

Nothing is certain in the home-buying process until the keys are in your hand. There are still hurdles to jump before it’s yours, and your actions from start to closing can create slowdowns and even halt the sale. If you’re thinking of buying a home soon, here are the top five things not to do before closing on a home:

1. Don’t make a major purchase. While you might be imagining a new car to fit nicely in your garage, hold off. If you’re depending on a mortgage to move in, it’d be smart to wait until after closing for that car. An increase in your debt to income ratio reduces the amount of monthly income available for your mortgage payment.

2. Don’t change jobs unless it’s necessary. Lenders like to see a consistent job history. They aren’t usually as nervous if you change jobs within the same field, but it’s better to stay put until the new home is yours.

3. Don’t let your emotions take over. Keep a cool head during the entire home-buying process, especially during and after a home inspection. Be realistic. No home is perfect, especially older homes. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle and then stick with the decision.

4. Don’t become best friends with the seller. It’s important to be friendly, but don’t get into too many long discussions with the sellers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments. Remember, this is their home. A casual statement about ugly carpet might be enough to keep the seller from negotiating with you about repairs or other issues that crop up.

5. Don’t ignore lender requirements. Know what is expected of you and take care of it. That’s something you must handle yourself. Answer lender questions and provide required paperwork as quickly as possible — moving into a new home depends on it.

For more information on how you can make the buying process a seamless transaction, contact me today.

Joan Byrnes, SRES
Realty One Group
joan_byrnesmartin@msn.com
www.SunLakesLiving.com