10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor about Selling a House
1. Are you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have you worked full time in real estate? How long have you been representing buyers? What professional designations do you have?
Knowing whether or not your agent practices full time can help you determine potential scheduling conflicts and his or her commitment to your transaction. As with any profession, the number of years a person has been in the business does not necessarily reflect the level of service you can expect, but it is a good starting point for your discussion. The same issue can apply to professional designations.
2. Do you have a personal assistant, team or staff to handle different parts of the purchase? What are their names and how will each of them help me in my transaction? How do I communicate with them?
It is not uncommon for agents who sell a lot of houses to hire people to work with them. As their businesses grow, they must be able to deliver the same or higher quality service to more people.
You may want to know who on the team will take part in your transaction, and what role each person will play. You may even want to meet the other team members before you decide to work with the team. If you have a question about fees on your closing statement, who would handle that? Who will show up to your closing?
3.Do you have a Website that will list my home? Can I have your URL address? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What's your email address?
Many buyers prefer to search online for homes because it's available 24 hours a day and can be done at home. So you want to make sure your home is listed online, either on the agent's Website or on their company's site. By searching your agent's Website you will get a clear picture of how much information is available online.
4. How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often?
Some agents may email, fax or call you daily to tell you that visitors have toured your home, while others will keep in touch weekly. Asking this question can help you to reconcile your needs with your agent's systems.
5. What do you do that other agents don't that ensures I'm getting top dollar for my home? What is your average market time versus other agents' average market time?
Marketing skills are learned, and sometimes a real estate professional's unique method of research and delivery make the difference between whether or not a home sells quickly. For example, an agent might research the demographics of your neighborhood and present you a target market list for direct marketing purposes.
6. Will you give me names of past clients?
Interviewing an agent can be similar to interviewing someone to work in your office. Contacting references can be a reliable way for you to understand how he or she works, and whether or not this style is compatible with your own.
7. Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our listing agreement?
In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult for an agent to offer a performance guarantee. If your agent does not have a guarantee, it does not mean they are not committed to high standards. Typically, he or she will verbally outline what you can expect from their performance. Keller Williams® Realty understands the importance of win-win business relationships: the agent does not benefit if the client does not also benefit.
8. How will you get paid? How are your fees structured? May I have that in writing?
In many areas, the seller pays all agent commissions. Sometimes, agents will have other small fees, such as administrative or special service fees, that are charged to clients, regardless of whether they are buying or selling. Be aware of the big picture before you sign any agreements. Ask for an estimate of costs from any agent you contemplate employing.
9. How would you develop pricing strategies for our home?
Although location and condition affect the selling process, price is the primary factor in determining if a home sells quickly, or at all. Access to current property information is essential, and sometimes a pre-appraisal will help. Ask your agent how they created the market analysis, and whether your agent included For Sale by Owner homes, foreclosed homes and bank-owned sales in that list.
10. What will you do to sell my home? Who determines where and when my home is marketed/ promoted? Who pays for your advertising?
Ask your real estate agent to present to you a clear plan of how marketing and advertising dollars will be spent. If there are other forms of marketing available but not specified in the plan ask who pays for those. Request samples or case studies of the types of marketing strategies that your agent proposes (such as Internet Websites, print magazines, open houses, and local publications).
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Increasing your home's appeal
Increasing your home's appeal
Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression.
Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal.
Exterior
* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Powerwash home's exterior.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door.
Interior
* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Shampoo carpets.
* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
* Fix or replace discolored grout.
* Replace broken tiles.
* Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings
* Turn on all the lights.
* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
* Keep pets secured outdoors.
* Buy new towels for bathrooms.
* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
* Replace old lamps or lampshades.
* Play quiet background music.
* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
* Vacate the property while it is being shown.
Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression.
Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal.
Exterior
* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Powerwash home's exterior.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door.
Interior
* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Shampoo carpets.
* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
* Fix or replace discolored grout.
* Replace broken tiles.
* Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings
* Turn on all the lights.
* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
* Keep pets secured outdoors.
* Buy new towels for bathrooms.
* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
* Replace old lamps or lampshades.
* Play quiet background music.
* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
* Vacate the property while it is being shown.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Preparing to buy in 2008
NEWS, TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE HOMEBUYER/SELLER 1/6/08
By Greg Hrabcak,
President
Columbus Board
of REALTORS®
For many of you, 2008 will be the year to buy a new home. For some of you,this will be your first home ever. Financial preparedness, getting organized and gaining knowledge about where you will be living will help make this process go more smoothly.
Here are some things you can do to prepare…
By Greg Hrabcak,
President
Columbus Board
of REALTORS®
For many of you, 2008 will be the year to buy a new home. For some of you,this will be your first home ever. Financial preparedness, getting organized and gaining knowledge about where you will be living will help make this process go more smoothly.
Here are some things you can do to prepare…
Get a detailed credit history report.
This will also give you a better idea of what kind of mortgage
rate you will be able to get. Often, a mortgage company will
accept the letter from the credit bureau as enough assurance to
offer you a lower interest rate until the report shows the actual
correction.
This will also give you a better idea of what kind of mortgage
rate you will be able to get. Often, a mortgage company will
accept the letter from the credit bureau as enough assurance to
offer you a lower interest rate until the report shows the actual
correction.
Research real estate web sites.
Many real estate companies are developing elaborate web
sites with options for keeping track of what houses you like,
neighborhood research and statistics and a variety of other tools.
Perusing their web sites will give you an idea of which company
you will feel most comfortable working with. Also, ask friends,
coworkers and family about which REALTORS® or real estate
companies they felt were the most efficient and professional.
However, until you are ready to really start looking at houses,
don’t feel like you have to commit to an agent.
Many real estate companies are developing elaborate web
sites with options for keeping track of what houses you like,
neighborhood research and statistics and a variety of other tools.
Perusing their web sites will give you an idea of which company
you will feel most comfortable working with. Also, ask friends,
coworkers and family about which REALTORS® or real estate
companies they felt were the most efficient and professional.
However, until you are ready to really start looking at houses,
don’t feel like you have to commit to an agent.
Start tracking your budget.
This will help you get a more accurate idea of what you
can afford to pay for a new mortgage. Along the same
note, your budget will help you put away more money
for the down payment. Find ways to save more money by
noting any extraneous spending that you can cut out.
This will help you get a more accurate idea of what you
can afford to pay for a new mortgage. Along the same
note, your budget will help you put away more money
for the down payment. Find ways to save more money by
noting any extraneous spending that you can cut out.
Get a feel for neighborhoods and schools.
Perhaps you are just moving across town so you already
have a good idea the town you’ll be living in, but it still
doesn’t hurt to find out as much as you can about the
school districts, traffic patterns, amenities and styles of
different areas. Through this process, you might even be
able to narrow where you want to live down to two or
three neighborhoods.
Now is a great time to buy!
Perhaps you are just moving across town so you already
have a good idea the town you’ll be living in, but it still
doesn’t hurt to find out as much as you can about the
school districts, traffic patterns, amenities and styles of
different areas. Through this process, you might even be
able to narrow where you want to live down to two or
three neighborhoods.
Now is a great time to buy!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bank of America confirms plans to purchase Countrywide
Breaking News - Bank of America Confirms Plans to Purchase Countrywide
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bank of America (BofA) confirmed Friday that the banking platform has agreed to acquire mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. in a transaction that will make BofA the nation's largest mortgage lender and servicer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bank of America (BofA) confirmed Friday that the banking platform has agreed to acquire mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. in a transaction that will make BofA the nation's largest mortgage lender and servicer.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Ohio Home Rescue Fund
Ohio Home Rescue Fund
Low- and moderate-income households that are in danger of losing their homes should contact:
1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
This toll-free hotline managed by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Callers will be connected to a nonprofit counselor who will provide telephone-based budget counseling assistance, customer triage and negotiation with lenders, when appropriate. If more assistance is needed, callers will be referred to a local nonprofit organization whose employees are certified to provide intensive financial counseling and direct consumers to local services and resources, including possible assistance through the Ohio Home Rescue Fund.
Background
In July 2006, the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships awarded a $1 million grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, in partnership with 11 other nonprofit organizations, to create the Ohio Home Rescue Fund, a statewide foreclosure prevention fund. The partner agencies are: Columbus Housing Partnership; Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development; East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation; Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati; Neighborhood Conservation Services of Barberton; Neighborhood Development Services; Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield; Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton; Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo; Rural Opportunities, Inc. Ohio; and St. Mary Development Corporation.
The Ohio Home Rescue Fund is part of a larger foreclosure prevention initiative that includes a public education campaign, marketing and outreach efforts, telephone and face-to-face counseling, loss mitigation for the community, lenders and homeowners, and training for nonprofit counselors and consumers.
The Fund is expected to leverage more than $1.6 million of other public and private funds and provide financial assistance to an estimated 333 low- and moderate-income families in Ohio (up to $3,000 per household) that are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure.
The Ohio Home Rescue Fund is funded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund Discretionary Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible organizations to create housing opportunities, expand housing services and improve housing conditions for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Low- and moderate-income households that are in danger of losing their homes should contact:
1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
This toll-free hotline managed by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Callers will be connected to a nonprofit counselor who will provide telephone-based budget counseling assistance, customer triage and negotiation with lenders, when appropriate. If more assistance is needed, callers will be referred to a local nonprofit organization whose employees are certified to provide intensive financial counseling and direct consumers to local services and resources, including possible assistance through the Ohio Home Rescue Fund.
Background
In July 2006, the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships awarded a $1 million grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, in partnership with 11 other nonprofit organizations, to create the Ohio Home Rescue Fund, a statewide foreclosure prevention fund. The partner agencies are: Columbus Housing Partnership; Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development; East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation; Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati; Neighborhood Conservation Services of Barberton; Neighborhood Development Services; Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield; Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton; Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo; Rural Opportunities, Inc. Ohio; and St. Mary Development Corporation.
The Ohio Home Rescue Fund is part of a larger foreclosure prevention initiative that includes a public education campaign, marketing and outreach efforts, telephone and face-to-face counseling, loss mitigation for the community, lenders and homeowners, and training for nonprofit counselors and consumers.
The Fund is expected to leverage more than $1.6 million of other public and private funds and provide financial assistance to an estimated 333 low- and moderate-income families in Ohio (up to $3,000 per household) that are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure.
The Ohio Home Rescue Fund is funded through the Ohio Housing Trust Fund Discretionary Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible organizations to create housing opportunities, expand housing services and improve housing conditions for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Tips on avoiding Foreclosure from HUD
HUD RELEASES TIPS FOR AVOIDING FORECLOSURE Information aimed at helping more homeowners stay in their home
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its top 10 tips for homeowners who are facing foreclosure.
"These guidelines will assist homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage and could be threatened with foreclosure," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "We want to encourage homeowners to take action and use every resource available so that they can get control of their finances and stay in their home."
If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:
1. Don't ignore the problem.The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.
2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
4. Know your mortgage rights.Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.
5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov.
6. Contact a non-profit housing counselor.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance.
7. Prioritize your spending.After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.
8. Use your assets. Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.
9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate a loan work out with your lender. While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide for free if you contact them. You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead.
10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a HUD approved housing counselor or trusted real estate professional.
To find out more about HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and their services, please visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call toll free (800) 569-4287 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time). The same number can give you an automated referral to the three housing counseling agencies located closest to you.
-###-
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its top 10 tips for homeowners who are facing foreclosure.
"These guidelines will assist homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage and could be threatened with foreclosure," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "We want to encourage homeowners to take action and use every resource available so that they can get control of their finances and stay in their home."
If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:
1. Don't ignore the problem.The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.
2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
4. Know your mortgage rights.Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.
5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov.
6. Contact a non-profit housing counselor.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance.
7. Prioritize your spending.After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.
8. Use your assets. Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.
9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate a loan work out with your lender. While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide for free if you contact them. You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead.
10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a HUD approved housing counselor or trusted real estate professional.
To find out more about HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and their services, please visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call toll free (800) 569-4287 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time). The same number can give you an automated referral to the three housing counseling agencies located closest to you.
-###-
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
SOLD! 3939 Karl Road! Condo
Rare opportunity to own a 1st floor unit, in this 55+ community! 1 Bedroom with 2 full bathrooms! Newer laminate flooring! All appliances including the washer and dryer! Common area for spending time with friends! Additional storage available on site! Exercise equipment for residents! Some planned activities such as Bingo and cards.
Contact me for more information 614-562-0844
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