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There’s no denying that a home with mature trees in the yard can be very appealing. They provide shade on a hot summer’s day or beautiful foliage in the fall. Mature trees add a sense of sophistication and permanence to a home and can boost its value. But big trees can also cause major problems. If you’re buying a home with big trees, then this is what you need to consider as per the local tree doctor.

It could be diseased or damaged

Big trees are often decades old, which means they’ve had plenty of time to become diseased or damaged. If you’re looking at a home with mature trees in the yard, then you need to look for indications that it may be having problems which is why we recommend getting some tips at https://njapps.co.uk/.

Check for holes in the trunk, which could be a sign of infestation. Also, look for fractures and be suspicious of any tree that has a pronounced lean — it could topple over soon. Professionals from Alien Tree Service can quickly determine whether a tree is safe or dangerous to keep if you are not comfortable with making the decision yourself.

Big trees can make big messes

Another thing to consider when buying a home with large trees is that they can create big messes. If the tree loses its leaves in the fall, then think about how often you’ll need to rake to keep your yard tidy. Also, research what kinds of trees are in the yard. Do they shed seeds in spring or acorns in the fall? You’ll need to think about how much time you want to invest in looking after the mess that a tree can create. Consider tree trimming and tree pruning services to avoid this.

Branches can be dangerous

The branches of a big tree can also be quite treacherous. Large branches can fall off in a storm. If branches are hanging over your roof or driveway, then they have the potential to cause serious damage or injury. This is especially true for dead branches. You’ll need to invest in having the dead material trimmed from the tree when you move in to avoid serious problems down the line. Tree Trimming Yuma does a great job at this.

Roots can cause problems

Big trees don’t simply consist of what you see above ground. Those mature trees have extensive root systems that can reach three times farther than the foliage itself. Roots can cause lots of problems including growing into pipes, utility lines, pavement, or even the foundation of your home, as well as septic tank damage that might require new septic tank installation. They can make it challenging to plant anything else as new plants will be competing with the established roots of the tree for food. You’ll need to call orlando stump grinding professionals for proper tree removal, you should always read review of the company that your are going to be hiring.

It can impact your garden

Do you have dreams of creating a vegetable garden in your new home? Then consider how much shade those big trees create. A mature tree can cast considerable shade over your yard, making it almost impossible to grow anything underneath except for the most shade-tolerant plants. Mature trees can also kill the grass beneath them. If you have your heart set on a lush, green lawn then a large tree can make that almost impossible without help from the best tree trimmers in Riverside County.

You may need another inspection

Finally, when you’re buying a home with big trees you may need another inspection during the closing process. You should consider hiring a professional arborist to assess the condition of the tree and recommend if you should trim it or remove it altogether. A good arborist can help you decide whether or not that beautiful mature tree in the yard is actually an asset or a liability.

Staging your home gives it an extra edge when you’re selling. It makes it more attractive to potential buyers and easier for them to see how they can live in the space. But it often requires decluttering, depersonalizing, and deep cleaning your home. You may also need to move a large percentage of your belongings into storage during the process. So what do you do when you have to live in your staged home? Here are the best tips we’ve found for surviving this unique experience.

Make a cleaning schedule

Keeping your staged home clean while you’re living in it is probably the biggest challenge you will face. Your home must be spotless pretty much all the time. You never know when a potential buyer will want to see your place on short notice. For this reason, you should create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Before every showing, put away clutter, wipe down all surfaces, dust, and vacuum. It may be worth it to hire a commercial cleaning company for a professional cleaning service for the duration of the time your home is on the market. Furthermore, if there are old rugs in your home, you may have them cleaned by a professional rug cleaning company.

Use bins and totes to your advantage

Of course, you have items that you need to use every day, like your toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. Unfortunately, buyers don’t want to see these everyday items when touring your home. That’s why bins and totes can be used to your advantage. Keep all your regularly used items in containers that can easily be stashed out of sight at a moment’s notice. You may also rent a small self storage unit where you can keep your belongings while you’re showing your home to potential buyers.

Stay on top of smells

Just because you’re living in your staged home doesn’t mean you have to eat out every night. But it does mean you need to stay on top of cooking smells. You can combat these odors by opening windows and using natural deodorizers like stovetop potpourri. Lightly scented candles or an essential oil diffuser can also create pleasant smells when buyers are scheduled to arrive.

Strategically schedule showings

One of the trickiest aspects of living in your staged home is scheduling showings. It will be inconvenient to have buyers dropping in with little notice at any time of the day or night. That’s why you may want to consider creating blocks of time a few days a week that your agent can use to schedule showings. It will help to cut down on those frantic moments when you need to vacate as quickly as possible.

Make arrangements for your pets

Finally, you need to consider what you’ll do with your pets when you’re living in your staged home. If possible, you may want to board your pet or have it live with family or friends during the selling process. Pets should not be left in your home during a showing. You should also eliminate any evidence of your pets when you’re staging — no stinky litter boxes or unsightly crates. This can be a difficult process to negotiate while you’re living in your staged home, but not all buyers are friendly toward pets. Give yourself plenty of time to come up with a plan before buyers start to arrive.

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When you’re buying a home, it’s common practice to include “contingencies” in your sales contract. These are conditions that need to occur for your purchase to move forward. Many different contingencies can be included depending on your unique situation. Let’s take a closer look at the most common contingencies you’ll encounter when buying a home.

Financing contingency

If you’re planning to finance your home purchase with a mortgage, then your contract can contain a financing contingency. This allows you the time you need to apply and get approved for a home loan before you close on the house. When you include a financing contingency, you can get out of the contract if you are unable to secure financing for the home. Remember — just because you are pre-approved for a mortgage doesn’t mean you will ultimately qualify. You will still need to go through the underwriting process to be approved.

Inspection contingency

Getting a home inspection can be a crucial part of the home buying process. After all, you want to have a clear picture of the condition of the home before you agree to buy it. A home inspection will reveal any issues there may be with the home, and you’ll receive a written report on the home’s condition and recommendations about repairs. The inspection contingency gives you the right to negotiate with the seller about these repairs. And if you can’t come to an agreement, you can walk away from the deal.

Appraisal contingency

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will order an appraisal of the home. An appraisal determines the fair market value of the property. If your contract includes an appraisal contingency, then you are protected should the home appraise for less than the agreed-upon price. The mortgage company can only lend you the amount of the fair market price, so an appraisal contingency lets you negotiate with the seller, find additional financing, or back out of the deal if no compromise can be found.

Home sale contingency

Another common contingency with home buyers is the home sale contingency. This gives you a certain amount of time to sell your current home. If you are unable to find a buyer for your home in that time, then you can back out of the deal and get your earnest money deposit back. Be advised that sellers are less enthusiastic about home sale contingencies and including one can make your offer weaker than others.

Title contingency

Finally, you will also commonly encounter a title contingency in a sales contract for a home. The title refers to the record of ownership for a property. It also includes any existing liens or judgments against the home. The title is reviewed during the closing process and steps are taken to resolve any issues if they come up. However, a title contingency can give you the option to cancel the contract should a title issue remain unsolved before closing. This way, you don’t have to pay off someone else’s debts or have your ownership of the home contested down the line.

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When it’s time to sell your home, you must get it ready to put on the market. That means sprucing it up to make it appealing to prospective buyers. But if you’ve become blind to some of the issues in your home and don’t take steps to fix them, then your home could be a real turn-off and you might not even know it. These are the things you want to avoid when you’re selling your home.

Strange smells

You may have gotten used to that vaguely moldy smell in your home, but you can bet that every buyer who walks through your door will take note. As a seller, you need to banish bad smells from your home. This includes smoke, mildew, and pet odors. If needed, hire professional cleaners to remove stubborn smells. And don’t overcompensate with strong fragrances. Buyers will wonder if you’re trying to cover something up.

Dim rooms

Most buyers are looking for bright and spacious homes. Dimly-lit rooms are a big no-no when you’re selling. Replace all burnt-out lightbulbs in your home and fix any broken lighting fixtures. Clean all windows and keep the curtains open for showing. Turn on all the lights when potential buyers are visiting your home. You want it to be as bright and cheerful as possible.

Pets

Not every buyer is someone who loves pets, and you shouldn’t assume that your pet is loved by everyone. You should always remove all pets from your home before buyers visit. Make arrangements to have your pets off-site for all showings. If that is impossible, then your pets need to be contained in crates during the showing.

Clutter

Clutter is one of the biggest turn-offs for potential home buyers. You want people to be able to imagine what it will be like to live in your home. They can’t do that when your home is full of clutter including personal items like family photos. De-clutter and de-personalize your home before you list. If needed, rent a storage unit to store items until you move.

Dirty bathrooms

Dirty bathrooms are a huge turn-off to home buyers. You must do everything you can to remove every inch of dirt and grime from your bathrooms (and your kitchen, too!). Your bathroom needs to sparkle. Paint your bathroom if needed and remove all clutter. We can’t overstate how important it is that your bathroom is as clean as possible.

Outdated decor

While it isn’t necessary to completely renovate an outdated home before you sell it, you should take steps to minimize the amount of outdated decor. Remove busy wallpaper and paint walls a neutral color. Place outdated furniture and accessories in storage.

Wet basement

Damp or wet basements are a red flag! It can signal a huge issue that can be expensive to repair. But most damp basements are the result of rainwater leaking in. Check all gutters and be sure they are clean. If needed, hire a professional to help determine where water is getting in.

No curb appeal

Finally, first impressions matter when you’re selling. If the exterior of your home leaves something to be desired, then invest in sprucing up your curb appeal. Some flowers, a freshly-painted front door, and a new welcome mat can go a long way to making your home look more inviting.

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Is a long-distance move in your future? While packing up to move down the street can feel like a hassle, moving across the country can be a major undertaking. You can hire movers to ensure that nothing is damaged and the process is as smooth as possible. That way, when you get to your new home unpacking will feel much less stressful. Here’s what you need to do when you’re packing for a long-distance move.

Downsize your stuff

Don’t schlep things you don’t need or use hundreds or thousands of miles to your new home. It will cost you both additional time and money to take with you things you no longer want. Before you start packing, sort through your belongings and determine what you can let go of. These items can then be sold or donated. It’s a great way to make a little extra cash to offset the cost of your move.

Make an inventory list

You don’t realize how much stuff you have until it’s time to put it all in boxes. In order to keep track of everything, make an inventory list as you go. That way you’ll know if there are any boxes or items that don’t arrive in your new location.

Invest in quality supplies

Yes, you can save on moving costs if you ask your local market for used boxes to pack your stuff in. But when you’re moving long-distance you need to invest in quality supplies. Your boxes are going to be traveling many miles and may get knocked around a bit in a moving truck. Purchase heavy-duty boxes from a moving supply company, use bubble wrap to cushion delicate items, and wrap furniture and other large pieces in moving blankets. And don’t forget to buy several rolls of packing tape — you’ll need it! In case that you get injured in a truck accident you can hire a lawyer and get a legal compensation for the injuries and damages. However, if you need to repair your truck, including the seat cover, visit a helpful site such as https://www.wetokole.com and get some installation tips for truck seat covers.

To find reliable legal support for any injuries and damages you may have suffered from a truck accident, you can visit https://beachinjurylawyers.com/practice-areas/accidents/truck-accidents/.

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Determine where items will go in your new place

Chances are you won’t be able to set up your new home exactly like you set up your current home. For this reason, you should determine where items will go in your new home. This will help to streamline the process of unpacking and save you time as you get settled in your new place.

Organize as you pack

Since you’ve determined where items will go in your new home, you should organize them that way when you’re packing. Items that go in the same room should be packed together. First, pack the items you don’t regularly use. Label everything clearly so you know exactly what’s in each box. Be sure to write “fragile” on boxes with items that can be easily broken. Make it even easier by color-coding boxes by room. Find the best information about Egypt housing on this site along with a guide to travel.

Pack a survival kit

Finally, you’ll want to pack a survival kit that you can rely on for the first few days in your new home. These are bags or boxes that you will keep with you. Include those things you need every day like a change of clothes, toiletries, phones and laptops (with chargers), bedding, and medications. Include some things to keep you entertained the first few days like board games and movies.

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In some states, you are required to have a real estate attorney in order to buy or sell a house. And while in other states having an attorney is optional, it can actually be a real benefit. Spending money on legal fees can help you avoid breaking the law unintentionally or having your closing delayed. If you’re unsure what a real estate attorney does and how it can help you, then read on.

They prepare documents

One of the most important things that real estate lawyers like the ones from Sibila Law firm do is prepare documents. The real estate process can generate tons of paperwork, and having an attorney available to deal with that avalanche can be a real stress-reliever. They will draw up purchase contracts, financing agreements, and lease agreements. While your real estate agent can help you fill out this paperwork, only a lawyer can actually draft and revise them.

They review transactions

Another service that a real estate law firm can provide is to review transactions and give advice about them. They will look at title issues and examine any documents or contracts that are part of the closing process. A lawyer can help you spot potential problems that may otherwise go unnoticed to an untrained eye. This can help you avoid any unforeseen legal problems down the line.

They help you negotiate a better deal

Negotiating skills are another reason that real estate attorneys can be so helpful. They have expert experience with all types of transactions. A buyer or seller can ask a real estate attorney to negotiate terms for a deal, which often involves working with brokers, developers, or other lawyers. If you feel unsure of your negotiating skills, then having a licensed estate attorney in San Francisco CA on your side can be your ace in the hole.

They handle foreclosures

Dealing with a foreclosure can be a daunting experience. That’s why some real estate attorneys specialize in foreclosures. They can represent either the lender or the borrower in a foreclosure. Those that assist lenders will make sure that they proceed with the process correctly. They also may file a lawsuit on the lender’s behalf. When a lawyer represents a borrower, however, they can challenge mistakes made by the lender. This can make it more difficult for the lender to foreclose. They can also negotiate on your behalf with the lender to try to avoid foreclosure by making a settlement.

They represent you in a lawsuit

Finally, although it may seem obvious, real estate and retail leasing lawyers can represent you in a lawsuit. Unfortunately, not all real estate transactions happen smoothly. Some can end up in court. If you find yourself in this situation, then hiring a real estate attorney is advisable. They will draft legal pleadings that will be filed with the judge. They will also be present at hearings and at trial in front of the judge. Manchester solicitors can also file an appeal on your behalf if necessary. Their negotiating skills also come in handy when they bargain with the other side to try to work out a settlement agreement.

As you can see, while you may not be required to hire a real estate lawyer, having one on your side can ease stress. Having someone on your team who understands all the legal ramifications of your real estate transaction can go a long way toward a successful outcome.

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Buying or selling a home is a huge financial transaction — one of the biggest you’ll make in your lifetime. It can also be one of the most complicated transactions you tackle. That’s why it can be so beneficial to work with a professional residential real estate agent. But not all agents are created equal. That’s why, like any large or important purchase you make, you should shop around. These are the questions you should ask when interviewing agents to find the one that’s right for you and you can find realtors near you that know the area which almost always give you a significant ROI on using them.

How long have you been an agent?

Agents such as these real estate agents near me that have experience are going to be better at anticipating potential problems and will have tried-and-true negotiating skills. But don’t just ask how long they’ve been an agent. Ask them how long they have been working as a full-time real estate agent in your market. Working with someone who has established relationships and expert knowledge of your community will set you up for success.

How many homes do you close a year?

You want to choose an agent who has a proven track record of closing on homes. Look for someone who has closed more homes than the majority of agents in your area. One that can help you find cash house buyers security-widefield quickly.  In most places, that’s about 35 closings a year (representing both buyers and sellers).

What sets you apart from other agents?

Agents who stay current on the market will be dedicated to their ongoing education. That means they’ll likely have certifications and credentials. Ones to look for include being a REALTOR, a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), an Accredited Seller Representative (SRS), or a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Get in touch with Kim Lee – Vancouver realtor today to help you find great investment opportunities.

What’s your commission fee?

Sellers usually foot the bill for commissions, so this is an important question to ask if you’re going to list. The typical commission rate for agents is about six percent of the purchase price, which is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.

How will we communicate?

Real estate transactions can happen quickly, and in some markets you need an agent who is very responsive. Find out how they prefer to communicate and whether or not they’ll be your primary point of contact. Many agents work with a support staff, so find out who you will be dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

Can you provide me with a reference?

Any good agent will have many happy past clients who are willing to speak on their behalf. A good agent will have several people you can contact to get the scoop on what it’s like to work with them. Contact a few of these references before making your final decision.

Will we sign a contract?

Most agents will have you sign an exclusive contract that is good for a specified amount of time. Ask if you’re able to cancel the contract if you aren’t happy with the service you’re getting. And be cautious of an agent who makes it hard for you to get out of the contract, but easy for them. Be aware that some contracts may include a termination fee should you cancel before closing.

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Whether you’re buying or selling a home, an inspection and an appraisal will be part of the closing process. They are both important steps that help to evaluate your home before the transaction is finalized. If you’re new to the real estate process, then it can be unclear how these two steps are different from each other. Let’s break it down. See this blog to learn what a home inspection typically focuses on.

What is a home appraisal?

Let’s begin with the appraisal. When you buy or sell a home, a home appraiser will determine the value of the home. These experts use several pieces of data to arrive at that number. They will look at where the home is located, how big the home and the lot are, and the condition of the property. They will also look at the recent selling prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood. During the appraisal, they’ll be looking for signs of neglect like damaged flooring, broken windows, and cracked walls. While the overall cleanliness of the home is not an issue, underlying problems caused by neglect can affect a home’s value. If a home is appraised for less than the purchase price, it can determine whether or not the transaction can proceed. The seller may need to reduce the price, or the buyer may need to increase their down payment to offset the discrepancy.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is somewhat similar to an appraisal in that it also evaluates the condition of the home. A home inspector will look at various elements of the home including the roofing system, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical work, and sewage. They will also look for signs of fire, water, or insect damage. Home inspectors are hired by the buyer and the buyer receives a written report of the inspector’s findings. The inspector will make suggestions of needed repairs, whether you will need to call residential roofing service to get the roof back in top condition, an hvac contractor to help clean the vents, or any other concerns that they have about the status of the home.

Home inspections are typically conducted after the sales contract has been signed. These contracts will often contain inspection contingencies that give buyers leverage for further negotiations or to cancel the sale if need be.

What are the real differences?

While these two steps in the closing process have many similarities, they also have key differences. An appraiser’s main function is to determine what the value of the home is. It helps the lender evaluate the terms of your loan and to make sure you haven’t agreed to pay more than the home is worth. On the other hand, an inspection helps to educate the buyers about the condition of the home they are purchasing. It lets buyers know what problems currently exist within the home and repairs that may need to happen in the near future. Buyers are often present during a home inspection. However, home appraisals tend to happen behind closed doors.

What’s the bottom line?

When you’re buying or selling a home, the closing process can be confusing — especially if you’re doing it for the first time. That’s what it’s so helpful to work with a real estate professional. Having an expert on your side will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to successfully close on the home. Contact us today!

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Short sales were fairly common during the Great Recession. Although there are fewer short sales on the market today, it is still one strategy for selling a home. If you’re buying or selling a home, then you may be wondering if this is an avenue you should explore. Here we’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions about short sales.

What is a short sale?

In short, a short sale happens when the lender allows the mortgage to be paid off for less than what is owed on the home. The lender then forgives the remaining amount of the loan. It can only happen with the lender’s permission and when the property value has declined and the owner is financially distressed, resulting in negative equity. It often happens as a way to try to avoid foreclosure.

How is a short sale different from a foreclosure?

In a short sale, the owner voluntarily initiates the sale process. However, in a foreclosure, the bank assumes ownership of the home after the owner fails to make payments. The lender then forces the sale process in order to recoup as much of the loan as possible.

Do I qualify for a short sale?

Whether or not you should sell your home through a short sale depends on many factors. If you can’t make your mortgage payments and your home is worth less than what you bought it for, then a short sale may be the best choice. A short sale can help you avoid foreclosure and somewhat preserve your credit.

How long does it take to close on a short sale?

Short sales are complicated transactions. They can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete. While the process is initiated by the seller, the lender must review everything about the agreement, and ultimately they are responsible for deciding whether or not the sale will go through.

What should I know about short sales as a buyer?

It’s important to understand that there are many variables when buying a short sale. While you could score a great deal on a home, you should be aware that these transactions fall through pretty regularly. Much depends on the seller and their financial situation. The lender will also weigh whether or not they’d recoup more of their money through a short sale or a foreclosure. Short sales are sold “as-is” so don’t expect a price reduction if your home inspection uncovers any major problems. While some buyers will purchase a short sale for their primary residence, most buyers of short sales are flippers or developers.

Does a seller make any money on a short sale?

When a lender agrees to a short sale, they will take a loss on the loan. For this reason, unless it is federally sanctioned through a program like HAFA, the seller will not make any money from the sale of the home.

How should I proceed with buying or selling a short sale?

If you think buying or selling a short sale is right for you, then talk to a real estate professional. While this process is typically complex, our experts can help guide you through the process. Contact us today!

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Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the first steps toward homeownership. But a lot happens after that initial pre-approval, and things can derail if you aren’t careful. Staying consistent is important when you’re closing on a home. Changes to your income, debt, credit, or assets during that process can sabotage your mortgage application. Here are the things you need to avoid before closing on your home loan.

Don’t make big purchases

While you may need furniture and appliances for your new home, don’t buy them just yet. Accruing more debt will change your debt-to-income ratio. This can be a red flag for your lender, and they may deny your loan as a result.

Don’t miss payments

Your credit history is an important part of determining whether or not you qualify for a loan. Make sure to keep current on all your payments while you’re waiting to close. Missed payments are another red flag for lenders.

Don’t change accounts

Your lender will be tracking your assets and your bank accounts during the closing process. If you change bank accounts midway through the process, this can make their job much more difficult. If you must change accounts, then talk with your lender before making the switch.

Don’t apply for new credit

Another thing that could sabotage your mortgage application is applying for new credit. Your credit score can take a hit when you apply for new credit, which can change the interest rate you qualify for on your mortgage. It can also affect your eligibility, so don’t apply for a new credit card or take out a loan for a car.

Don’t close lines of credit

In addition to not opening new lines of credit, you should also not close existing lines of credit. While it may seem like you’d be less of a risk if you closed accounts you aren’t using, it actually can hurt you. Your lender will be evaluating your credit history so they can see whether or not you make your payments on time. Keeping these unused accounts open actually helps to establish your creditworthiness.

Don’t get a new job

Your lender wants to know that you’re going to be able to make your monthly payments. Any changes to your employment can set off alarm bells and sabotage your mortgage application. If your income changes during the approval process, it may result in adjustments to how much you’re approved to borrow.

Don’t deposit cash

Lenders need to be able to trace your money. When you make a large cash deposit, there is no way for them to trace where that money came from. They might assume that you took out another line of credit. Any money that is deposited during your loan approval process must have a paper trail and a clear explanation. When in doubt, talk with your lender about how money should be deposited.

Don’t co-sign a loan

Finally, even though you may want to help out a loved one, don’t co-sign any other loans during your approval process. Even though that is not your debt, you are on the hook for the payments should the primary borrower default.

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