The City of Laurel recently passed legislation adopting a tax credit program for purchasers of foreclosed homes within the City of Laurel, Maryland. Home buyers tax credit to purchase Laurel foreclosures - Now in effect, the legislation offers a five-year descending City tax credit of up to $3500 for buyers purchasing their primary residence within Laurel City limits. Under the program, eligible buyers will receive credit for 100% of their City property taxes up to $3500 for two years following purchase. In subsequent years, three to five, the credit will decrease to 75%, 50%, and 25% respectively. Home buyers tax credit to purchase Laurel foreclosures is now available if the property is deemed to be a "distressed property" the purchaser may be eligible for an extended credit. As with similar programs, the credit terminates when the initial purchaser ceases to occupy the home as their primary residence. To learn more and obtain application forms please visit: City of Laurel 8103 … [Read more...]
Deciding to Rent or Buy
Deciding whether to rent or buy is a big decision for many Washington, D.C. and Maryland area residents. If you are frustrated paying high rent, now is the right time to purchase that dream home. With interest rates at an all- time low and many mortgage programs available there is no reason not to buy now. Although there are many pros and cons that may help persuade you to start the process to homeownership. If the family budget and overall financial position looks good or you are thinking about the future outlook for your family….. Now is the time to decide to rent or buy! One positive sign to consider when renting is the benefit of being able to move… whenever you want for various reasons such as, a job opportunity in another part of the country or one in a different location within the DMV area. Renting eliminates the expense of having to make needed repairs, performing maintenance or making any replacements, e.g. the heating and air conditioning unit, plumbing systems, or … [Read more...]
How to Select a Neighborhood
“How to select a neighborhood......” When most buyers start their home search they usually think about the school district, commuting distance to work, resale value, and overall condition of the property being considered. Selecting a neighborhood based on a school district should ensure a reasonable resale value sometime in the future. Another significant issue is neighborhood crime statistics. The local police department can provide you with the statistics to determine the level of crime, types of crime, and any other trends that may affect your decision to purchase there. When selecting a neighborhood you may prefer a specific type of lot, e.g., corner, semi-private or a cul-de-sac. Also, the traffic flow surrounding your dream home could be an issue….. All of these factors will affect your future resale value. When you have narrowed down your selection to 1-2 neighborhoods, take some time to re-visit each neighborhood at different times of the day. Look for a well maintained lawn, … [Read more...]
Should I Sell my Home Now
Ask the expert – Adolphus Hawkes Realtors -“Should I sell my home now… or wait until spring?” Many sellers feel the spring is the best time to list their house for sale. Definitely there are more buyers in the spring market and houses have greater curb appeal with plush green lawns and flowering gardens. This question "Should I sell my home now" is a big concern to prospective sellers before listing their home for sale. There are several reasons why you should sell now: Serious Buyers are out – During this time of the year, the majority of buyers out looking are serious about buying a home. The lookers will be out in the spring…. Inventory of Homes are Fewer – The inventory of houses are at the lowest levels during this time of year. Therefore, your home will stand out among a shadow inventory of homes. In the spring there are more homes…and more competition! December’s housing inventory of 4.9 months’ supply is below a normal market of 6 months of inventory or supply. Any time … [Read more...]
Veteran Buyers
Veteran buyers or active-duty service members are in the drivers sit when it comes to purchasing a home. Besides…….sellers should welcome the experience of helping a veteran buyer purchase a home. Veteran buyers have everything working on their behalf to purchase a home. Check out the following points: Veteran buyers requires no money down The seller can pay any or all of the buyer’s closing costs Most lenders can help pay some of the veteran’s closing costs with just a small increase in the interest rate A veteran can get all of their needed cash as a gift A veteran can even borrow the money that they need for closing, as long as they qualify carrying that loan payment. A veteran does not need a first-time buyer program…so a VA loan can be approved and closed in 30 days A veteran does not pay any monthly mortgage insurance Veteran buyers are the most sought after buyers out there because a VA mortgage is the easiest type of mortgage to process…And, no down payment is … [Read more...]
Veteran Buyers
Veteran buyers and active-duty service members are in the driver’s seat when it comes to purchasing a home. Besides, what seller would not enjoy the experience of helping a veteran buyer purchase a home? Veteran buyers have everything working on their behalf when it comes times to purchase a home. Check out these following points: • VA loans requires no money down • The seller can pay any or all of the buyer’s closing costs • Most lenders can help pay some of the veteran’s closing costs with just a small increase in the interest rate • A veteran can get all of their needed cash as a gift • A veteran can even borrow the money that they need for closing, as long as they qualify carrying that loan payment. • A veteran does not need a first-time home buyer program…so a VA loan can be approved and closed in 30 days • A veteran does not pay any monthly mortgage insurance Veteran buyers are the sought after buyer out there because a VA mortgage is the easiest type of mortgage to process…and … [Read more...]
Price It Right
Price it right! Yes, this explosive term means a lot when you are getting ready to list your house for sale. Arriving at the right price is no sales secret to ensure a successful sale. Pricing your home too high increases the chances that the home may not sell within a designated time frame. Although you may have tastefully decorated or extensively renovated your home to your lifestyle, some buyers may not see the home as a place they can call home. Consider that your improvements may or may not have an effect on the market value of the home. In fact, personalized decorating can even slow down the activity unless the style appeals to a wider population. Real estate agents are now able to upload multiple photos, virtual tours, property banners and headlines of your property features. And, buyers can sit at home in their PJ’s to preview your property. To price it right, the sales price must be based on several factors: • Size of the house and its special features and … [Read more...]
Reduce Closing Costs
Reduce closing costs by having a basic understanding of title insurance which could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars at settlement. What is title insurance? Title insurance protects the homeowners from unforeseen or unknown events or circumstances that adversely affect the title or their beneficial use and enjoyment of their new property. A standard title insurance policy covers claims that arise from events that existed at the time you bought your home. These events can include forged documents and documents signed by persons posing as another, or who lack the mental competency, capacity or legal authority to sign. These standard policies also cover you if claims are made by persons who should have been included in a deed but were not, such as co-owners, heirs, spouses, corporate officers or business partners. An enhanced policy may be bought at the time you settle on your purchase. This policy is referred to as a “homeowner’s” title policy. This policy protects you … [Read more...]
Home Staging
Home staging prepares a home to sell while maximizing the home’s appeal to potential buyers. It can be considered a form of advertising, i.e., the process highlights a home’s positive features while minimizing any negatives. Statistically speaking, Home Staging has proven to be an effective marketing tool to sell a home faster and at top market value. There are many benefits to sellers to stage their homes. Obtaining the best sales price is one benefit that’s at the top of the list when presenting Home Staging to sellers. Just imagine how the Home Staging process can increase your final sales price. We know that a buyer’s emotions play a big role in their decision to purchase a particular home. Besides, sellers can write off the fees from the Home Staging services as an “Advertising Fee” which can influence a seller’s capital gain or loss on a property that has been sold. Staged homes look better than non-staged homes in the same price range and neighborhood. In addition, … [Read more...]
Buyers Closing Cost Rebates
Buyers closing cost rebates are becoming more prominent with mortgage broker for the various types of mortgage sources -- with different rules to consider for each type. Mortgage brokers have started advertising substantial credits to entice potential customers. Buyer’s closing cost rebates or credits could range from $2,000 to $5,000 per loan, but sometimes the rebates can go as high as $10,000 or more to help reduce borrower’s closing costs. In Kenneth R. Harney’s article in last Saturday’s Washington Post editorial under “The Nation’s Housing”, he provided the results of a survey of 164 member firms of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. The survey found that mortgage companies provided more than $69 million in closing cost credits to buyers during last year, and on track to pay out the same amount or more this year. Mr. Harney noted that the Mortgage Brokers’ group estimated that brokers nationwide rebated upwards of $2 billion in 2012. Buyers closing cost rebates vary, … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- Next Page »