Posts for Syndication

Buying a new home can be stressful. But when you have to do it from across the country, it can be doubly so. If you’ve recently gotten a new job, committed to a new relationship or just need a change of pace, you may soon find yourself in the position of house-hunting from another state. Here’s what you need to know so you can survive the process.

Start online

In today’s technological world, much of your home search can be conducted online from the comfort of your current home. Check out real estate websites to see what’s listed in the local market. Post on social media that you’re looking for a house in the area. Get a sense of what prices are like and what you’ll be able to afford. Use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of potential neighborhoods. There is so much you can learn without even visiting.

Interview real estate agents over the phone

Even though you can’t meet them in person, you should still take time to interview potential agents over the phone. Your relationship with your agent is an important part of the process, and you’ll be relying on them even more when moving from a long distance. Working with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the market you’re moving to is important. Try to interview at least three agents to find the one that is most compatible with your needs.

Get clear about your needs

When you’re searching for a home nearby, it’s easy to take an afternoon to look at potential homes, even if you don’t think they’re a perfect fit. Not so if you’re moving far away. In order to maximize the time you have to look at homes, you need to get very clear about what it is you want and what you can afford. Make a list of what you can’t live without and a list of what might be nice to have. Be sure to communicate these desires to your agent so that they can be sure to schedule viewings only for homes that fit your needs.

Take a weekend visit

If possible, you should try to get out to your new city for a couple of days to look at houses in person. If you’ve gotten specific about your needs and communicated them to your agent, you should have enough time to see the homes you would be genuinely interested in. You can also use this time to drive around potential new neighbors and get a feel for them.

Consider short-term housing

If all this sounds too stressful, you might consider simply living in short-term housing when you first arrive. Look online for short-term leases or sublets in the city where you want to move. Taking a few months to get to know a neighborhood can help make your housing choices clearer, and it can relieve some of the stress as you are packing up and getting ready to move.

While buying a home from across the country can be daunting, it isn’t impossible. With a little planning and a trusted agent at your side, you can complete your home purchase more easily and be settled in no time.

Compliments of Virtual Results

While moving can be a real drag, sometimes it’s obvious that it’s time to go. A move can be just the thing you need to jumpstart your life and invite positive change. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re ready to take the plunge, here are 10 signs that now is the time to relocate.

1. You’ve outgrown your space

Have you resorted to renting a storage unit, even after you’ve de-cluttered your home with the KonMari Method? Then it may be time to upgrade to a bigger space. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some room in your closets and cabinets again?

2. Your finances have changed

Are you making significantly more or less money than you were when you moved into your current space? If you find yourself with nothing to spare at the end of the month – or much more than you know what to do with – then you might want to consider moving into a home that is more in line with your current financial situation.

3. Your family is growing

Are your kids getting tired of sharing a room – and there’s another one on the way? Or maybe it’s time to start a family and you’re not happy with your current school district. Either way, a growing brood is a good indication that it could be time to move into a home that is more family-friendly.

4. The house feels empty

Are your kids off to college, or grown with their own families? Do you suddenly find you have more rooms than you know what to do with? Why not downsize so you have less to take care of?

5. The neighborhood has changed

Are crime rates going up?  Are there more empty houses or yards that aren’t being maintained? Sometimes neighborhoods change. If you don’t like the way it’s heading, it could be time to go.

6. You hate the weather

Those snow days were fun – at first. Now hauling out the snow shovel every few days is getting to be a bummer. If you find yourself pining for sunny days and warmer temperatures, it might be time to relocate to a more temperate climate.

7. Your commute is wearing on you

Studies show there is a direct link between commuting time and happiness levels. If you’ve found your good mood waning recently, think about moving closer to your job.

8. You’re in a new relationship

While we wouldn’t recommend moving every time you meet someone you like, there are moments when you know you’ve found the person you’d love to spend the rest of your life with. If your current place is too far away from them, it makes sense to move closer.

9. Your house needs work

Are you getting tired of making trips to the home improvement store every weekend? Is your to-do list getting longer instead of shorter? Then maybe it’s time to give your wallet and your free time a break with a new place that requires less maintenance.

10. You like the idea of a fresh start

Sometimes there aren’t black-and-white reasons to move. Maybe you’ve just gotten the itch to explore a new place, to expand your horizons. And that’s perfectly okay. If your intuition tells you that it could be fun to move on, then now may be the perfect time for a new adventure!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When a buyer decides to make an offer on your home, they usually make the decision with their heart, not their head. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and smart sellers will leverage this information to make the quickest sale for the highest price. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are our best tips for how to make buyers fall in love with your home.

Take great photos for your online listing

In today’s real estate market, most buyers begin their home search online. For this reason, it’s essential that you have great photos for your listing. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What kind of photos would you like to see of a potential new house? Make sure photos are well lit, rooms are clean and all your home’s qualities are emphasized.

Give the exterior a facelift

Once a buyer has browsed through the online listings, they’ll determine which houses they’d like to see in person. But just because they found something they like in the listing, doesn’t mean that feeling will automatically transfer when they show up to your front door. First impressions count. You only have a few seconds when the buyer arrives at your house to make it look inviting. They will assume what they see on the outside will be reflected inside. Take time to give the exterior of your home a facelift so that it has the best possible curb appeal. Clean up the yard, trim trees and bushes, plant annual color, power wash the outside and give the front door a fresh coat of paint. Have a Fire Space Clearance company remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, and trees around your property to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

Furthermore, have your local roofing contractors inspect and repair your roofing before you list your home for sale. If your roof sags in the middle or at any point, something is structurally wrong. This problem requires professional assistance to fix and is best left to trusted roofing companies in Panama City. When a roof repair is done properly, it will help boost your home’s curb appeal and even it’s resale value.

Clean, de-clutter and de-personalize the interior

To make buyers fall in love with your home, you must make it easy for them to imagine living there. That can be difficult if there’s a giant framed photo of your grandmother staring at them, or worse, sports paraphernalia from an opposing team. Give your home a thorough cleaning and remove clutter, including bulky furniture. Take down all family photos and store all personal items. Your home should feel fresh, clean, spacious and neutral.

Appeal to a buyer’s senses

In order to work on a buyer’s emotions, you must appeal to their senses. Fill the air with good scents, like fresh flowers, baking cookies or brewing coffee. Set out some light snacks and drinks. Play some soothing, ambient music. Use fabrics with a variety of colors and soft textures for beds, couches, curtains and tablecloths. You want to make your home feel warm and inviting and leave potential buyers feeling relaxed and happy.

Price it right

One of the most important details that will move a buyer from “like” to “love” is offering your home at just the right price. Do you homework and research comps in the neighborhood. Talk with your real estate agent about how to best price your home to sell – not too low, not too high. You want to hit it right at the sweet spot, which an experienced agent can help you do.

Are you ready to make buyers fall in love with your home for sale? Then follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to closing day.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you find yourself having to choose between two homes that you love? It’s a lucky problem to have. Some buyers struggle to find one home that meets their needs. Nonetheless, your good fortune doesn’t make the choice any easier. If you find yourself torn between two houses, these tips can help you make a decision you’ll feel comfortable with in the end.

Go back to the beginning

When you first began your home search, did you make a list of all your needs and wants? It’s time to pull that list back out. For each home that you’re considering, make a list of all the things about it that you like. Then compare those lists to your original list of needs and wants. If one home seems to match much better than the other, it may make your decision more obvious. You may also build your dream home with the help of a custom home builder and incorporate the best features of each home in your design. If you choose to go this route, your best bet will be to consult with multiple custom home builders before deciding who to work with for best results.

Consider the neighborhood

While you may imagine your future home to be an oasis, it is not a private island. You will be part of a neighborhood, which can impact your overall happiness in the long run. Take time to evaluate each neighborhood and what you like or don’t like about it. How far away is it from your work? Is it in a good school district? Are there amenities nearby like markets and gas stations? What are the crime statistics? Do the neighbors keep their yards maintained? Are there many other homes for sale? These are all questions that can help you determine which neighborhood is more suitable for your individual needs.

Think about future value

Selling your home in the future may not be top of mind, but it’s important to consider its resale value down the road. How does each home stack up to the others in the community? Is it larger or smaller? Is it the nicest house on the block, or does it fall somewhere in the middle? Are property values in the neighborhood going up or down? How long do homes in this neighborhood typically stay on the market before being sold? Are there many foreclosures? If you think that you’ll be selling your home anytime in the future, it’s important to consider what your return on investment will be. You may even think about future renovations with the help of kitchen remodeling contractors to further boost the property’s value.

Ask for feedback

Trying to choose between two homes can be a very emotional decision. But in the end it is also a business transaction. It can be helpful to ask for feedback from someone who is not emotionally connected to either home. If you’ve partnered with a trusted professional real estate agent, they can offer advice and suggestions that will help you make this difficult decision. An agent who has been working in your market for several years will have the knowledge and experience to offer you an educated opinion.

In the end, the best way to decide between two homes you love is to arm yourself with facts and data. While your intuition can help guide you, if you weigh the pros and cons and consider all the pertinent market information, you can feel confident that you’ll be happy with the home you choose.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re buying a fixer-upper or need to make some repairs before moving in, an FHA 203k loan may be what you need.  This type of loan allows you to roll renovation costs into your mortgage so that you’re only dealing with one loan instead of several. This type of financing is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and is available to both buyers and those who are refinancing.

How does a 203k loan work?

A 203k loan allows you to combine both the purchase price and renovation costs so that you are only dealing with one closing and one mortgage payment. The amount of your loan will represent those combined costs and your down payment will be based that combined amount.

There are two types of 203k loans:

• A streamlined or limited 203k loan is capped at $35,000 in renovation costs and is for homes that don’t have major structural issues.
• A regular or standard 203k loan is for homes that need more extensive repairs that could make them uninhabitable during the work.

What types of repairs are covered?

The types of repairs covered for these loans include:

• Structural repairs
• New garage or landscaping
• Energy conservation
• New roofing, siding or plumbing
• Adding a second story to the home
• Bathroom and kitchen remodels
• Decks and patios
• Well or septic system installation
• Eliminating problems that are health or safety hazards

Luxury improvements such as pools or tennis courts are not covered for a 203k loan.

Who can qualify for a 203k loan?

Generally, buyers will need a credit score of at least 640 to qualify for a 203k loan. You’ll be required to provide documentation of assets and income verification that is standard for any FHA loan. You will also need to provide a proposal that details renovation plans as well as the associated costs. After that, an appraiser will estimate the current value of the home as well as what the future value will be after the repairs are completed.

Are there drawbacks?

203k loans are great for homeowners who want to buy properties that are in need of some substantial repairs. It helps to offset renovation costs that you might not otherwise be able to afford. However, these types of loans do require extra paperwork and usually take longer to close, so they may not be ideal if you are on a strict timeline. You’ll be required to pay private mortgage insurance and your monthly mortgage payments will likely be higher than you may have planned for. In addition, 203k loans often have higher interest rates and come with extra fees, such as hiring an independent consultant to prepare your renovation proposal and cost estimate. Not all properties qualify, and the home’s value cannot exceed a certain amount, depending on where it is located.

Ultimately, a qualified real estate professional with experience in helping homeowners with 203k loans can be one of your best assets. They can help you navigate the process and make the best choices based on your personal situation and the local market.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Moving during winter is probably not something you hoped you’d ever do, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, moving in winter has some perks. Since fewer people move during the cold season, you’ll likely get more personalized attention and lower rates from your residential movers.  You’re also likely to enjoy more flexible scheduling.

If you find yourself confronted with a winter move, don’t fret. Follow these tips to make sure your move is as effortless as possible.

Check the weather – and then check again

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and poor weather can wreak havoc on your moving plans. Keep checking the weather in the weeks leading up to the move, and then check every day in the few days before. If it looks like a big storm is going to bear down, it might be better to delay a day or two if possible.

Keep paths clear of snow and ice

Carrying furniture from the truck to the house can be hard, but it’s doubly so when there’s snow and ice. Keep winter supplies like shovels and ice scrapers handy and clear sidewalks and driveways. Make sure there’s a spot cleared in the driveway or street for the moving truck, and that’s there is a clear path to the door.

Protect the floors

Winter weather often churns up mud and debris, and you don’t want to be tracking that into either your old house or your new one. Make sure there are mats in front of the door and cover floors with tarps or heavy cardboard to keep them clean.

Keep sheets and blankets on hand

Sometimes there’s no way to avoid bad weather. Keep sheets and blankets on hand, that way if it begins to rain or snow while you’re moving your belongings inside, you have something to cover them with. This is especially important if you have any antiques or other valuables that could get damaged if they get wet.

Stock up on extra gloves

Your hands will be the first things to get very cold on moving day, and your gloves could easily get wet or dirty before the day is through. Keep spare pairs of gloves on hand so that you can treat your fingers to a warm, dry pair as needed.

Make sure the utilities are on

It may go without saying, but make sure the utilities in your new home are connected when you arrive. However, don’t turn on the heat on moving day. Your furnace will work overtime to keep the house warm, while all that toasty air blows out the front door. Instead, hook up a space heater in the bathroom and keep the door closed. You may also need to check the boiler to determine if it’s working properly or if it needs a boiler repair service with the help of professional boiler repair specialists.

Have plenty of warm drinks at the ready

Nothing warms a chill like fresh coffee or hot chocolate, so be sure to keep warm drinks available all day. Not only will up it warm up your insides (and your hands), it can do a lot to warm your spirit on a busy and sometimes stressful day.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’ve found a house you love and you’re ready to make an offer. Unfortunately, you find out from your real estate agent that the house is under contract – meaning the seller has already accepted another offer. While it can be frustrating to have someone else beat you to the punch, all is not lost. In cases like these, it might make sense to put in a backup offer.

What is a backup offer?

A backup offer is exactly what it sounds like – a fallback should the deal not close with the first buyer. This allows you to submit a contract to the seller with an addendum that states if the first contract should be cancelled for any reason, that your offer is the very next one that will be accepted. The backup offer needs to be signed by both the buyer and seller and will also often include an earnest money deposit.

Why might the first contract fall through?

In most cases, the first contract probably has contingencies. These are certain requirements that must be met before the sale of the house can proceed. Typical contingencies include:

• The buyer selling their current home.
• The home passing inspection.
• The home appraising for the sale price and not lower.
• The buyer securing a loan.

Any one of these contingencies is a potential downfall that could kill the sale. The home would then fall out of contract and the seller would put the property back on the market.

Is a backup offer legally binding?

Just like the first contract, a backup offer is legally binding as long as both parties have signed it. If the primary contract is cancelled for any reason, then the backup offer becomes the purchase agreement. At this point, you will not be able to walk away from the sale without forfeiting your earnest money deposit, unless you specifically allow for that contingency in the contract.

What are the benefits of a backup offer?

In some markets where bidding wars are common, having an accepted backup offer means you will not have to go through a stressful bidding war should the home come back on the market. And if it’s a home you love, having that security can be really important.

Are there any drawbacks to a backup offer?

In some cases, a backup offer can provide extra motivation for the first sale to close quickly. You will also want to consider if you can afford to have your earnest money deposit tied up for any length of time. If you continue to look at other homes while you’re waiting to hear about your backup offer, you may also lose your earnest money should you decide to buy another house.  Waiting on a backup offer can also indefinitely postpone your moving date, and if the first contract falls through on a contingency such as a leaky roof, that’s an issue that you’re going to inherit.

If you’ve found your dream home but it’s already under contract, talk to your real estate agent about making a backup offer. They can discuss the pros and cons with you in detail and help you decide if it’s the right move.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re selling your home, then an open house is likely going to be one of the tools your agent uses to market your property to prospective buyers. An open house is a great way to show your home to as many buyers as possible, so it’s important to take time to prepare. Here’s what you should do in the days leading up to the open house so that you can make the most of the opportunity.

Clean and repair

First impressions count, so be sure that your home is ready to impress. Repair any roofing damages and other items that aren’t functioning, such as loose doorknobs and leaky faucets. Consider giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint. Replace worn items like the mailbox or house numbers. If possible, hire professional cleaners to scrub all the nooks and crannies. This includes power-washing the exterior and cleaning the windows. Your home should be sparkling when prospective buyers finally arrive.

Remove clutter and stage

After you’ve cleaned and repaired, make a thorough sweep of your home to remove clutter. This includes any personal items like family photos and sports memorabilia. You should also remove bulky furniture and clean out the closets. Remember, you want to emphasize how much space your home has. If your furniture is worn or outdated, consider having your home professionally staged. A well staged home allows buyers to imagine what it would be like for them to live there, and can sell your home more quickly and for a better price.

Advertise

The key to hosting a successful open house is to get as many serious buyers there as possible, but they can’t come if they don’t know about it. Make sure your agent is listing your open house in the multiple listing service. Advertise on the major online portals for real estate, including Craigslist. Make flyers and pass them around to your neighbors. Post in your local Nextdoor.com group to let people know, and encourage them to spread the word. Create a Facebook event and encourage your network to share it with their friends. You never know who might be looking for a home in your neighborhood.

Provide refreshments

Don’t be afraid to provide snacks and drinks on the day of the open house. Baking a fresh batch of cookies makes your home smell wonderful, and giving people an opportunity to linger with a drink and a snack makes it easier for them to envision themselves in your home. It also gives buyers the chance to speak with your agent and have some of their questions answered.

Get feedback

Though as a seller you should not attend your own open house, do ask your agent for feedback once it’s over. Your agent spent the day listening to prospective buyers’ impressions of your home, and this can be valuable information. Does the house feel too cramped? Are there any off-putting smells? Is there enough light? Is your asking price on par with what buyers are expecting? Having this information will allow you to make adjustments, so that future buyers are more likely to put in an offer.

By taking a little time to prepare for your upcoming open house, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale!

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’re ready to sell, but you know that your home could use some updates to attract serious buyers. But you don’t want to invest significant time or money, which is understandable. Major remodels don’t always bring a desired return on investment when you’re selling. So what do you do?

Here are some great suggestions to spruce up the rooms in your house when you’re staging for a sale. These ideas require minimal time and effort and will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Turn the office into a bedroom

Does your home have an extra room you’ve been using as an office, an exercise room, or even a storage space? Turn that extra room into a bedroom. Having another bedroom can be a selling point for prospective buyers with growing families. Remove clutter and replace it with a simple bed, or even a set of twin beds. Add simple touches with colorful comforters, throw pillows and art.

Turn the basement into living space

If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, turn that unused space into viable living space. If your basement is unfinished, take time to clean, de-clutter and paint. Or you can transform it into an Edmonton legal basement suite that renters can appreciate. This could include a game room, an office space, a home gym, a man cave or even living quarters for an elderly parent or teen.

Turn the back entry into a mudroom

Do you have extra space near your back door? Then why not turn it into a mudroom of sorts? Every family needs a place that’s a catchall for coats, boots, backpacks and mail. Create a space for that with hooks, a bench and some cubbies for baskets.

Create a laundry room

If your washer and dryer are tucked away in a corner, a closet or the basement, invest time in making that space more inviting. After all, there’s no doubt that most families spend hours a week on laundry chores. First clean and de-clutter the space. Apply a fresh coat of paint to make the space light and bright. Install shelves around the washer and dryer for laundry supplies. Add some personality with stylish baskets and wall art. You want to create a dedicated space that is welcoming and that prospective buyers will actually want to spend time in.

Give the kitchen and bathroom a facelift

Kitchens and bathrooms are big selling points for buyers. They are also expensive to renovate. Consider giving these rooms extra attention with a cosmetic facelift that is much less expensive than a complete overhaul. Paint walls and cabinets with a fresh coat of neutral colored paint. Switch out hardware to something simple and contemporary or consider a tub to shower conversion. If countertops are damaged or outdated, consider getting a new kitchen countertop installation and choose something clean and modern. Enhance the lighting by switching out fixtures. You can even update appliances with paint that is specifically formulated for them. Changing the plumbing fixtures with the help of residential plumbing contractors is also a great idea to reinvent your bathroom or kitchen.

If you’re getting ready to sell and want to refresh your home without spending a fortune, consider one or all of the options above. That little bit of extra time and energy could pay off big in the end!

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re in the market for a new home, perhaps you’ve browsed listings and come across a foreclosure or two that you like. Maybe you’ve even noticed that some of these homes have listing prices that are below the typical market value in your area.

Buying a foreclosed home can be a great investment – but it also comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about purchasing a foreclosure.

What is a foreclosure?

First, it makes sense to understand exactly what a foreclosure is. A foreclosure is a property that has been repossessed by a lender because of nonpayment. These lenders, typically banks, then sell off the property to recoup their losses.

Pros of buying a foreclosure

One of the biggest reasons that homebuyers purchase foreclosures is the potential to score a great home at a discounted price. Generally, banks are eager to get these properties off their books and are willing to let the home go for a price below comps in the area. Other potential advantages to buying a foreclosure include:

• Potential to get a better house for the price – Since lenders often price foreclosures for a quick sale, buyers may be able to score a larger or nicer house than they otherwise would be able to afford. Foreclosures can be found at every price point, from starter homes to luxury mansions.
• Upgrades can pay off big – If you’re willing to put some sweat equity into your foreclosure, the return you’ll see on the property’s value could be significant.

Cons of buying a foreclosure

While scoring a great house at a low price seems like enough motivation to buy a foreclosure, there are certainly some disadvantages you should consider. These include:

• You may have to pay cash – Some foreclosures are sold at auction to the highest bidder. If you want to guarantee you win the bid, be prepared to pay all cash on the spot.
• You may not get to inspect the house – Most foreclosures are sold as-is, meaning that the buyer absorbs any responsibility for repairs, liens or back payments on utilities. You may not have an opportunity to inspect the home before the purchase, so you will assume the risk for whatever you may find once you get inside.
• You may not qualify for a loan – Some lenders have restrictions on distressed properties, making financing a foreclosure a challenge.
• The property may need serious repair – If the home has been vacant for any period of time, serious issues could have occurred. It’s possible that the property has been vandalized or looted. The previous owner may not have kept up maintenance because of financial hardship. With the utilities shut off, pipes could have frozen, pests could have invaded and cracks may have formed in the walls and foundation, which would then need necessary foundation repair service. If you see a mouse scurry under your sink, you know you’re dealing with a rodent infestation and it’s time to call a home pest control company that offers different types of pest control services or search online for an exterminator near me immediately. It might be unpleasant to deal with, but leaving the issue untreated will only exacerbate the damage.
• If you live near Minnesota and you seek for the top pest control company, you can check them out online now.

Is a foreclosure right for you?

The pros and cons listed above are just some of the issues you should consider when buying a foreclosure. If you’re serious about purchasing a distressed property, make sure to do your research and prepare for a closing process that can be more stressful and complex than a traditional sale.

Compliments of Virtual Results