Digital Upgrades to help you sell – In our latest addition of “Insights on Real Estate” it describes technologies that can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. Experts say these digital upgrades could give you a leg up on other sellers. Smart door bells – These door bells are equipped with microphones or cameras that are activated when someone approaches the door or rings the bell. With the use of your smartphone you can hear or see who is at the door. And respond to them – even if you’re not home! Smart locks – These locks can be opened with a tap of your phone. Or just close proximity to the door via a Bluetooth connection. They are convenient and eliminate the need to pass out extra keys to house guests or regular house workers such as cleaning services or contractors. Smart lighting – Light bulbs tied to smartphones can give homeowners a feeling of luxury. With many options available such as synchronizing the lights to … [Read more...]
Thinking About selling a home with Tenants still living inside
Thinking about selling a home with tenants still living inside – A condo or a house you have rented out for some additional revenue? If so, you're likely trying to discern how to best inform the current tenants and conduct the sales process in a way that works well for all of the parties involved. In today's blog post we'll explore how to sell your home while you're renting it out to tenants and share three tips that can make the process a bit easier. #1: Review Local Laws and Your Tenancy Agreement First, you'll want to break out your tenancy agreement and download any state, provincial or municipal laws that apply to landlord-tenant relations. Selling a home with renters living in it can result in a number of sticky situations. You'll want to ensure that you conduct yourself in accordance with the rule of law in your local area or you may end up in court if the process goes sour. #2: Communication is a Vital Part of the Process Next, you'll need to … [Read more...]
How Home Equity Works – Buying a Home can be Your Best Investment
How home equity works - buying a home can be your best investment... When delving into the world of real estate and investment property, there are many terms that will come up that require further explanation. Whether you've never heard the phrase 'home equity' before or you have a little familiarity, here are the ins and out of what it means and how this asset can help your financial outlook. All About Home Equity Essentially, home equity refers to your portion of the value of your home. The dollar amount of this figure is important because it is included among your assets when determining your net worth. If this sounds confusing, think of it this way: if you have completely paid off the cost of your home, the value of your home equity is this total amount. Of course, because most people seek a lender to borrow money from when they purchase a home, their home equity would consist of their down payment and whatever amount they've paid down on the mortgage since … [Read more...]
Home Modifications that can Lessen Your Home’s Value
Home modifications that can lessen your home’s value - Renovations to Avoid: Whether or not you've been thinking about selling your house for a while, there's a good chance you've heard the buzzword 'renovation' and considered how it can positively impact the value of your home. From upgrading your kitchen to painting, there are plenty of renovations that will do wonders in terms of your property's price on the market. There are a few modifications that can actually have the opposite effect so you'll want to be leery of the following fix-ups Cool Colored Tile If, at some point, you installed a bunch of brightly colored tile into your living room or kitchen to add a bit more life to your home, it's possible this is the type of renovation you may come to regret upon resale. Often times, when it comes to purchasing a home, buyers will be looking for something they won't have to renovate right off the bat, so a flashy feature can have a marked effect on the selling potential of your … [Read more...]
Home Sales Tips – How to Market Your Community to Prospective Buyers!
Home Sales Tips – How to market your community to prospective buyers! Selling a home is more than a real estate listing - make the home appealing to potential buyers. One factor buyers take into account when buying a home is its location, meaning the community that surrounds the home. For sellers as well as buyers, it's important to highlight the benefits of living in a particular community. After all, neighborhoods will have an enormous impact on the future buyer’s living experience. It’s All About Walkable Neighborhoods According to a Portland - Oregon-based company, City Observatory, there’s a growing demand for homes located in walk-able neighborhood. Decades - long love affair with commuting from suburban areas to work in the city has greatly lost its appeal. Also, the growing demand for walk-able neighborhoods is fueled by people desiring convenient access good schools as well as entertainment options like movie theaters, restaurants, and shopping. There’s also an … [Read more...]
Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program
WHAT IS MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE (MHA) ALL ABOUT? Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program is a critical part of the Administration's broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and stabilize the nation's housing market. Eligible homeowners can lower their monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today's low interest rates. And for those homeowners for whom ownership is no longer affordable or desirable, the program can provide a way out that avoids foreclosure. There are also options for unemployed homeowners and homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. ABOUT SERVICERS HOME AFFORDABLE REFINANCE PROGRAM (HARP) I'm current on my mortgage. Is it possible to refinance my loan under HARP? Yes. Eligible homeowners, who are current on their mortgages but have been unable to take advantage of lower interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may have the opportunity to refinance. Through HARP, Fannie Mae and … [Read more...]
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA)
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA) HAFA® provides homeowners the opportunity to exit their homes and be relieved of their remaining mortgage debt through a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL). It also provides homeowners with $10,000 in relocation assistance. Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 FEATURES AND BENEFITS Through HAFA, you can get help with your primary residence or rental property. If a HAFA short sale doesn’t work, you may be able to give the title back to your mortgage company in a HAFA deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL). Once you complete a HAFA short sale or DIL, there is a waiver of deficiency, meaning you are released from any remaining mortgage debt. HAFA offers $10,000 in relocation assistance for you or your tenant. In some cases, HAFA has a less negative effect on your credit score than a foreclosure, which allows for a faster financial recovery. ELIGIBILITY You may be eligible for HAFA if you meet … [Read more...]
Selling Home
Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI File these six upgrades under wish fulfillment, not value investment. Read 7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling Follow these seven strategies to get the most financial gain on your kitchen remodel. Read 10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths A New York City designer shares secrets to making a small bath both functional and beautiful. Read How to Pick Paint Colors Paint has remodeling power when you use it to emphasize a room’s best features or play down the flaws. Read Smart Options: Basement Flooring Keeping your basement dry and free of condensation is key to installing the basement flooring of your choice. Read Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® … [Read more...]
Selling a Home
Selling a home seems to be a major undertaking….. Question: We are ready to list our house for sale. We would like a quick sale, want to make a reasonable profit on our investment, and save as much as possible on the commissions. Do you have any advice on how to set a fair asking price to attract buyers? Ask the Experts: Selling a home - Deciding on the right asking price is one of the most important factors when selling your home. A price that’s too high can dissuade potential buyers, while a below-market price will reduce the return on your investment. And, may cause buyers to think something’s wrong with the house. Selling a home can be tricky endeavor – To start the process consult with a real estate professional who will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on your home’s fine features, recent upgrades and location. The CMA will compare your home features with similar homes with similar features that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Usually, within 180 … [Read more...]
Selling a Home with Feng Shui
Selling a home with Feng Shui in mind may lead to a fast sale! Reducing clutter in a room can be an overwhelming task for many sellers. Many Realtors recommend the traditional Chinese practice of Feng Shui. The basis of Feng Shui is to arrange items to harmonize with surrounding spiritual forces. The ancient practice hit mainstream sellers several years ago,and now real estate professionals are joining in on the harmonizing bandwagon. The idea is that potential buyers may feel more comfortable and happy in a home that is arranged a’la Feng Shui. Selling your home involves creating a feeling that buyers will have about the home space…..Don’t be alarmed if your home’s front door faces west instead of east or is more southwestern than Asian. Creating a little Zen in your den will help raise its chi – and the possibility of a sale. Here are a few tips to bring a bit of Feng Shui into your home and life. > Simplicity Sells. Remove excess clutter and knick knacks from the room. … [Read more...]