Grant monies are back! The Federal Home Loan Bank replenished their funds for 2016. They are limited though and will go very fast because the grant is very popular and easy to obtain for buyers. Federal Home Loan Bank offers $5,000 to first time home buyers if they contribute a minimum of $1,250 into buying their home. And those monies can actually be gifted as well. Buyers can actually contribute less monies but their grant will be reduced because it is based on a 4:1 ratio. For example, if a buyer wanted to obtain $2,500 of grant monies then they would only have to contribute $625 or half of the $1,250. And the fees they pay upfront can be used to meet their contribution so the earnest money deposit and appraisal fee can be used towards their minimum contribution. Here are some other reasons to consider this grant over the other grant programs if a buyer's income qualifies under it. The grant is forgivable after 5 years entirely. If a buyer vacates … [Read more...]
New Home Buyers Due Diligence and Vigilance
New Home buyers due diligence and vigilance should be addressed by buyers or their agent prior to a successful closing especially when purchasing a newly constructed home. The following points of interest should be on your agents’ radar:Ask for a sample of the builder’s contract. Most builders have their own distinct forms and contracts contrary from company to company. Ask for clarification on the mortgage processing options and discounts. Determine whether you have the option to select your own mortgage company. And, what are the consequences if you decide to seek financing elsewhere. Ask for clarification of home warranty coverage. Home warranty contract are often issued by several third party companies, e.g. HMS and AHS. Obtain a list of costs. Determine what is standard versus upgrade. And, the cost of each upgrade. Inspection for defects. New homes are not flawless. The builder may offer a final walk through inspection with the staff. Request an inspection from a … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Spring Real Estate Market
Victoria Falls Spring real estate market is slowly gaining momentum moving into 2014….Although, the lack of inventory combined with few sales in the VF community have left market values lingering below an acceptable level considering similar properties in the area. The single family homes in the Victoria Falls community usually remain on the market for a long listing period - say 90 - 180 days or more. The Days on the Market (DOM) indicator should improve as the inventory and sales picks up in the peak of the spring buying season. Considering the unique space and style of homes the community home owners should see and increase in values in the coming months. Especially, with the amenities that this community offer VF's residents. Fannie Mae, a government controlled mortgage funding organization recently listed a two bedroom, two full baths Craftsman style villa home with a stone exterior for$252,900. This property sit idle for over three years! Now, it’s listed for sale under the … [Read more...]
Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
Down payment assistance for first time home buyers are available to purchase a home…… Why rent? Now is the time to plan to purchase that dream home in Laurel, MD, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel or Howard, or Montgomery counties...... If you are a first time home buyer or returning buyer and thinking about purchasing a home this spring take some time to ask a Realtor for a referral to a veteran loan officer who is knowledgeable about the many county grant programs available to assist you with your down payment. There are many grant programs available to assist buyers with their down payment assistance for first time home buyers and/or offer closing cost assistance. The grants are funded by the federal government and ready for immediate use by buyers.For instance, the Federal Home Loan Bank offers $5,000 to buyers for down payment assistance for first time home buyers based on certain income limits. The income limits are not that low and the funds are available for buyers … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls 55+ Active Adult Community
Victoria Falls 55+ active adult community is one of the premier active adult communities in Prince Georges County. The community offers a variety of housing styles that include single family homes built by Michael Harris; Villas built by Craftstar and Drees; and condos. In addition, there is a Resort Club that includes a great hall, billiard room, card room, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts and a basketball court.Residents at Victoria Falls are anxiously watching the market to see if the value of their homes will increase in value with the increase in national averages. Most real estate analysts predict that the housing market will improve and homeowners should see a modest gain in home values between 3-5% in 2013. Any increase in property values will be greatly accepted and highly appreciated…….However, after working with several mortgage companies and their appraisers it appears that VF is still recovering from the previous market conditions. I was somewhat … [Read more...]
Living in Laurel MD
Living in Laurel MD has been a true joy and provide us with a feeling of home! My wife and I relocated to Laurel after raising our daughters in the nearby Adelphi, MD community. Since moving to Laurel,MD we have truly enjoyed the Victoria Falls community where we live, but also its great location to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, Columbia, MD, and Northern Virginia. Living in Laurel, MD is like living in a small town with city amenities. Especially, town that the new Laurel Town Center is under construction. I can see all types of commercial develop underway. Laurel is conveniently located within a short commute to Columbia and Annapolis Shopping malls, many restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and bike trails. As one would say in the real estate business, Laurel typifies a typical slogan..... location....location……location!Living in Laurel, MD offers a variety of housing choices with neighborly communities consisting of detached or townhouse style home with varied price … [Read more...]
Adolphus Hawkes Realtors Launched New Website – www.ahawkesrealtors.com
Adolphus Hawkes Realtors launched new website www.ahawkesrealtors - After months of research, discussion, planning and consultation with Agent Image our web site developer, design staff and marketing experts we finally launched our new website. We have a dream of making this website a major hub for real estate information. With this information buyers, sellers and the general public will have better insights into the real estate market process. And, offer search functionality that is linked to the MRIS - Real Estate in Real Time. The site offers unlimited searches on great places to live and to raise a family within the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas (DMV). Also, valuable information on communities in school information that is important to a family. The site have been active for a couple of years and have received incredible positive feedback from visitors. We feel that our website will greatly enhance our brand and ability to attract clients moving into or out of … [Read more...]
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