12 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR®
Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.
2. What designations do you hold? Designations require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training.
3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.
4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.
5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.
6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.
7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.
8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.
9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.
10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.
11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, text, or???
12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.
These are great questions, and my next series of blogs will answer them... from me to you.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
First Time Home Buyers and Credit History
I work with many first time home buyers... twentysomethings who get it that with mortgage rates so low and prices so low, it must be a great time to buy a home. And they are right, it is a great time to buy a home.
Many of these twentysomethings have done the right thing and steered away from racking up a lot of debt. That, too is fantastic.
So what's the problem?
Big problem... many can't qualify for a mortgage loan... Even if they have good steady employment and money in the bank.
Why? Because they have been so careful to not have a bunch of debt, they also don't have a credit history!
No one can get a mortgage loan without a credit history.
While it's true that you can get an FHA loan using "alternative" credit sources such as rent history, cell phone bills, car insurance payments, etc., you need to have two years worth of receipts for these types of sources. Do you have that?
It's far easier to open a gas card, a department store card, and a Visa or MasterCard (you need three lines). Use each judiciously and pay them off and on time monthly, for about a year, and you'll build the credit history you need.
Just be very careful not to rack up debt! Debt is not good. Credit history is good.
Many of these twentysomethings have done the right thing and steered away from racking up a lot of debt. That, too is fantastic.
So what's the problem?
Big problem... many can't qualify for a mortgage loan... Even if they have good steady employment and money in the bank.
Why? Because they have been so careful to not have a bunch of debt, they also don't have a credit history!
No one can get a mortgage loan without a credit history.
While it's true that you can get an FHA loan using "alternative" credit sources such as rent history, cell phone bills, car insurance payments, etc., you need to have two years worth of receipts for these types of sources. Do you have that?
It's far easier to open a gas card, a department store card, and a Visa or MasterCard (you need three lines). Use each judiciously and pay them off and on time monthly, for about a year, and you'll build the credit history you need.
Just be very careful not to rack up debt! Debt is not good. Credit history is good.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Moving Season: Book Early & Be Prepared
The van line community lost a lot of drivers during the economic downturn, and that is creating a backlog this summer as van lines are unable to keep up with demand. In some cases, families are being put on wait lists for up to two months.
That can be a pretty stressful situation ... especially if a deal can fall through because the homeowners weren't able to vacate by close date.
To ensure that you have a stress-free move, and you have a stress-free closing, take our advice:
• Get quotes now. Know options so you are ready to book when you receive an offer.
• Set a date. Schedule with chosen van line as soon as possible.
• Be prepared. See the below tips to get ahead of the game and tie up loose ends.
Create a Household Inventory
One of the great benefit’s when planning a move is the opportunity it provides to take stock of the items you have acquired over the years.
This can be done by creating a household inventory, a detailed descriptive list of household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
In addition to ensuring all belongings arrive at their destination, the inventory list is invaluable in the event of natural disasters, fire or theft.
An up to date, accurate record of all important documents and household goods goes a long way to providing peace of mind on moving day – and beyond.
Important Documents
Get all critical documents together and have copies made. Keep all original documents with you throughout the move, including:
• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Social Security Cards
• Insurance Policies & Wills
• Deeds & Titles
• Stock & Bonds Certificates
• Household inventory list
Record Belongings
Make a record of your belongings. Use a video camera and a digital camera to create an accurate visual record of goods and their condition.
• Record total paid for an item and where it was purchased (this is where saving receipts comes in handy).
• Record serial numbers and brand names for all electronics.
• Record any distinct features regarding the items being recorded.
• Record expensive pieces of clothing, kitchen items, tools, and anything else of value.
• Make copies of your inventory list when completed. And, give copies to your insurance agent.
This inventory can be used in the event of a fire or other disaster. Serial numbers, values, where they were purchased, and photos of said items can help you in the event of a recovery need.
Save a copy in a secure location online, or give to a friend or relative in case you lose the original.
Be sure to keep the originals with you on moving day with your other important papers.
... And Don't Forget...
Houseplants
Decide what you want to do with houseplants. You can either move them yourself (look into rules and regulations regarding transport of houseplants across state lines first!) or you can give them as gifts to friends or family.
Pets
Take your pets to the vet and make sure that all of their shots are up to date. Carry all appropriate documentation with you and your pets on move day. Ensure that rabies tags are attached to your pet’s collars along with contact information in the event your pet gets away from you in unfamiliar surroundings.
Retrieve & Return
Retrieve your items from the cleaners and from storage. Return all library books and rented movies.
Return items you have borrowed and collect items that have been borrowed. Get items from safety deposit boxes and close accounts and arrange for new accounts at your destination.
Source: www.moveadvocate.com
The van line community lost a lot of drivers during the economic downturn, and that is creating a backlog this summer as van lines are unable to keep up with demand. In some cases, families are being put on wait lists for up to two months.
That can be a pretty stressful situation ... especially if a deal can fall through because the homeowners weren't able to vacate by close date.
To ensure that you have a stress-free move, and you have a stress-free closing, take our advice:
• Get quotes now. Know options so you are ready to book when you receive an offer.
• Set a date. Schedule with chosen van line as soon as possible.
• Be prepared. See the below tips to get ahead of the game and tie up loose ends.
Create a Household Inventory
One of the great benefit’s when planning a move is the opportunity it provides to take stock of the items you have acquired over the years.
This can be done by creating a household inventory, a detailed descriptive list of household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
In addition to ensuring all belongings arrive at their destination, the inventory list is invaluable in the event of natural disasters, fire or theft.
An up to date, accurate record of all important documents and household goods goes a long way to providing peace of mind on moving day – and beyond.
Important Documents
Get all critical documents together and have copies made. Keep all original documents with you throughout the move, including:
• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Social Security Cards
• Insurance Policies & Wills
• Deeds & Titles
• Stock & Bonds Certificates
• Household inventory list
Record Belongings
Make a record of your belongings. Use a video camera and a digital camera to create an accurate visual record of goods and their condition.
• Record total paid for an item and where it was purchased (this is where saving receipts comes in handy).
• Record serial numbers and brand names for all electronics.
• Record any distinct features regarding the items being recorded.
• Record expensive pieces of clothing, kitchen items, tools, and anything else of value.
• Make copies of your inventory list when completed. And, give copies to your insurance agent.
This inventory can be used in the event of a fire or other disaster. Serial numbers, values, where they were purchased, and photos of said items can help you in the event of a recovery need.
Save a copy in a secure location online, or give to a friend or relative in case you lose the original.
Be sure to keep the originals with you on moving day with your other important papers.
... And Don't Forget...
Houseplants
Decide what you want to do with houseplants. You can either move them yourself (look into rules and regulations regarding transport of houseplants across state lines first!) or you can give them as gifts to friends or family.
Pets
Take your pets to the vet and make sure that all of their shots are up to date. Carry all appropriate documentation with you and your pets on move day. Ensure that rabies tags are attached to your pet’s collars along with contact information in the event your pet gets away from you in unfamiliar surroundings.
Retrieve & Return
Retrieve your items from the cleaners and from storage. Return all library books and rented movies.
Return items you have borrowed and collect items that have been borrowed. Get items from safety deposit boxes and close accounts and arrange for new accounts at your destination.
Source: www.moveadvocate.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ten Facts about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness
IRS TAX TIP 2010-44
If your mortgage debt is partly or entirely forgiven during tax years 2007 through 2012, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income. Here are 10 facts the IRS wants you to know about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness.
1. Normally, debt forgiveness results in taxable income. However, under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, you may be able to exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on your principal residence.
2. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return.
3. You may exclude debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in a foreclosure.
4. To qualify, the debt must have been used to buy, build or substantially improve your principal residence and be secured by that residence.
5. Refinanced debt proceeds used for the purpose of substantially improving your principal residence also qualify for the exclusion.
6. Proceeds of refinanced debt used for other purposes – for example, to pay off credit card debt – do not qualify for the exclusion.
7. If you qualify, claim the special exclusion by filling out Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness, and attach it to your federal income tax return for the tax year in which the qualified debt was forgiven.
8. Debt forgiven on second homes, rental property, business property, credit cards or car loans does not qualify for the tax relief provision. In some cases, however, other tax relief provisions – such as insolvency – may be applicable. IRS Form 982 provides more details about these provisions.
9. If your debt is reduced or eliminated you normally will receive a year-end statement, Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. By law, this form must show the amount of debt forgiven and the fair market value of any property foreclosed.
10. Examine the Form 1099-C carefully. Notify the lender immediately if any of the information shown is incorrect. You should pay particular attention to the amount of debt forgiven in Box 2 as well as the value listed for your home in Box 7.
For more information about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, visit IRS.gov. A good resource is IRS Publication 4681, Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments. Taxpayers may obtain a copy of this publication and Form 982 either by downloading them from IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Source: www.irs.gov
IRS TAX TIP 2010-44
If your mortgage debt is partly or entirely forgiven during tax years 2007 through 2012, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income. Here are 10 facts the IRS wants you to know about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness.
1. Normally, debt forgiveness results in taxable income. However, under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, you may be able to exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on your principal residence.
2. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return.
3. You may exclude debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in a foreclosure.
4. To qualify, the debt must have been used to buy, build or substantially improve your principal residence and be secured by that residence.
5. Refinanced debt proceeds used for the purpose of substantially improving your principal residence also qualify for the exclusion.
6. Proceeds of refinanced debt used for other purposes – for example, to pay off credit card debt – do not qualify for the exclusion.
7. If you qualify, claim the special exclusion by filling out Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness, and attach it to your federal income tax return for the tax year in which the qualified debt was forgiven.
8. Debt forgiven on second homes, rental property, business property, credit cards or car loans does not qualify for the tax relief provision. In some cases, however, other tax relief provisions – such as insolvency – may be applicable. IRS Form 982 provides more details about these provisions.
9. If your debt is reduced or eliminated you normally will receive a year-end statement, Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. By law, this form must show the amount of debt forgiven and the fair market value of any property foreclosed.
10. Examine the Form 1099-C carefully. Notify the lender immediately if any of the information shown is incorrect. You should pay particular attention to the amount of debt forgiven in Box 2 as well as the value listed for your home in Box 7.
For more information about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, visit IRS.gov. A good resource is IRS Publication 4681, Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments. Taxpayers may obtain a copy of this publication and Form 982 either by downloading them from IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Source: www.irs.gov
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
This Month in Real Estate, January 2010
Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation. The aim of the consumer-oriented segments is to provide real information on real estate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86KKIRA4gXg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86KKIRA4gXg
Monday, January 11, 2010
Mortgage Interest Rates Expected to Rise in Spring
An expected rise in mortgage interest rates beginning in April may make it more difficult for some to qualify for a mortgage, or to qualify for the amount you need. Existing homeowners who want to take advantage of, and qualify for, the home buyer tax credit do not need to sell their current home right away, or at all. If you are financially ready, this is a great time to buy a home. Click the link or copy and paste it into your browser to read the article about interest rates.
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2010011102?OpenDocument
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2010011102?OpenDocument
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Pre-Auction Open House in Parker
Pre-Auction Open House Sunday, January 10 11 AM - 4 PM at 11202 Glenmoor Circle in Parker. This is a potentially awesome opportunity to own a home near Canterbury Golf in Parker for pennies on the dollar. 2640 square feet, 3 or 4 bedroom, loft, 3 bath, full unfinished basement, backs to open space with horses grazing... in the pasture behind the property. Starting bid is $149,000. Non-distress comps range from $310k - $379k. For property details, click the link. Could use some updating, but this property is clean and move in ready.
http://tinyurl.com/y9g7wne
http://tinyurl.com/y9g7wne
Friday, January 8, 2010
TAX CREDIT GUIDLINES
The IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property.
If you are single and buy a first-time home as a part owner, you can claim the full credit as long as you qualify for the credit.
For example: If you are a single person who qualifies for the credit and you have a co-signer or co-owner, such as a parent who does not qualify, you can still claim 100% of the credit says the IRS.
The IRS says the parent doesn’t qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn’t owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit.
When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer.
Source: Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov
If you are single and buy a first-time home as a part owner, you can claim the full credit as long as you qualify for the credit.
For example: If you are a single person who qualifies for the credit and you have a co-signer or co-owner, such as a parent who does not qualify, you can still claim 100% of the credit says the IRS.
The IRS says the parent doesn’t qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn’t owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit.
When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer.
Source: Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"As the Denver-area housing market moves toward the end of its prime selling season, August sales were down year over year, but selling prices were relatively stable."
To read the entire article, please click on the link.
http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/othercities/denver/stories/2009/09/07/daily32.html
To read the entire article, please click on the link.
http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/othercities/denver/stories/2009/09/07/daily32.html
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Denver Business Journal reports that the First Time Homebuyer tax credit is helping the housing market. Currently slated to end on December 1, 2009, there is a push by the National Association of Realtors and the National Home Builders Association to extend it into next year and expand it to all buyers. The housing market is still lagging the rest of the economy. Click the link to read the entire story.
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/31/story15.html?t=email_story
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/31/story15.html?t=email_story
Friday, September 11, 2009
10 Housing Markets Likely to Rebound Soon
Real estate forecasting service Local Market Monitor, which predicts housing market trends for investors and banks, forecasts that housing prices will decline an average of 5 percent through 2010. This prediction includes double-digit decreases in Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas.
But then the worst could be over, says CEO Ingo Winzer. As the recession eases, “We’ll see good price increases in many markets,” he reports.
In the following markets, home values are expected to remain level this year but increase in value next year:
Baton Rouge, La.
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas
Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Ark.
Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Pittsburgh, Pa.
San Antonio, Texas
Syracuse, N.Y.
Here are the 10 largest markets where prices are expected to continue to decline through 2010:
Fresno, Calif.
Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev.
Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla.
Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla.
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
Stockton, Calif.
Tacoma, Wash.
Tucson, Ariz.
Sources: Local Market Monitor (09/09/2009) and Realtor.org (09/11/09)
Real estate forecasting service Local Market Monitor, which predicts housing market trends for investors and banks, forecasts that housing prices will decline an average of 5 percent through 2010. This prediction includes double-digit decreases in Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas.
But then the worst could be over, says CEO Ingo Winzer. As the recession eases, “We’ll see good price increases in many markets,” he reports.
In the following markets, home values are expected to remain level this year but increase in value next year:
Baton Rouge, La.
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas
Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Ark.
Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Pittsburgh, Pa.
San Antonio, Texas
Syracuse, N.Y.
Here are the 10 largest markets where prices are expected to continue to decline through 2010:
Fresno, Calif.
Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev.
Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla.
Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla.
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
Stockton, Calif.
Tacoma, Wash.
Tucson, Ariz.
Sources: Local Market Monitor (09/09/2009) and Realtor.org (09/11/09)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Denver Home Prices on the Rise
The Denver Business Journal reported today that prices of existing homes in the Denver area climbed a tenth of a percent in March from the previous month. This makes Denver one of just two US cities out of 20 in a Standard and Poors survey to see a month to month price rise.
To read the entire article, go to:
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/05/25/daily15.html?surround=elf
Just another piece of good news for the Denver housing market, and added incentive to those of you on the fence waiting to buy.
Later,
Allison
To read the entire article, go to:
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/05/25/daily15.html?surround=elf
Just another piece of good news for the Denver housing market, and added incentive to those of you on the fence waiting to buy.
Later,
Allison
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Denver - Top City on the Verge of Real Estate Turnaround
May 19, 2009 - Barbara Corcoran, a regular contributor and Real Estate expert for the "Today" show, named Denver as her top pick city on the verge of a Real Estate turnaround.
Click here to watch Corcoran's "Today" show segment on cities on the verge of real estate recovery.
http://www.gawkk.com/housing-markets-most-likely-to-rebound-fail/discuss
Later,
Allison
Click here to watch Corcoran's "Today" show segment on cities on the verge of real estate recovery.
http://www.gawkk.com/housing-markets-most-likely-to-rebound-fail/discuss
Later,
Allison
Friday, May 15, 2009
Big Improvement to First Time Homebuyer Credit
On Tuesday, May 12, Shaun Donovan, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced a major improvement to the first time buyer tax credit program. The FHA is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the up to $8000 tax credit as a down payment.
He says FHA's approved lenders will be allowed to "monetize" the tax credit through the use of short term "bridge loans". This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
To read the complete article, please click on this link:
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009051202?OpenDocument
On Tuesday, May 12, Shaun Donovan, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced a major improvement to the first time buyer tax credit program. The FHA is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the up to $8000 tax credit as a down payment.
He says FHA's approved lenders will be allowed to "monetize" the tax credit through the use of short term "bridge loans". This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
To read the complete article, please click on this link:
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009051202?OpenDocument
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Denver Business Journal reported today that Colorado home foreclosure filings and sales both dropped in the first quarter from a year earlier, a positive sign for the state's economy.
To read the full story, go to: http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/05/11/daily5.html?surrounmd=elf
Later.
Allison
To read the full story, go to: http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/05/11/daily5.html?surrounmd=elf
Later.
Allison
Friday, May 1, 2009
On March 24, 2009, Governor Bill Ritter signed House Bill 09-1091. The new law requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in the sale and rental of dwelling units with fuel fired heat or appliances, fireplaces or attached garages. The detectors must be installed if a property is offered for sale or if a change of tenant occupancy occurs after July 1, 2009. If you are planning to list your home after July 1, 2009, or if you own rental units that will change occupancy after July 1, 2009, you should be planning to comply with this new law.
Later,
Allison
Later,
Allison
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Things to do if you get behind on your payments and/or are already in foreclosure:
- Talk to your lender. Explain your situation. Ask for a temporary forebearance or a loan modification to make your mortgage more affordable. Do this BEFORE you are in foreclosure for best results.
- Check out this HUD website for troubled homeowners: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/ The site contains a wealth of information.
- Call the Homeowners Hope(tm) Hotline: 1-888-995-HOPE and speak with a HUD-approved Housing Counselor
- Help is FREE! Please Beware of Foreclosure Help SCAMS. If someone asks you for a fee - DO NOT PAY - RUN AWAY! There is never a fee to speak with your lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor.
Later!
Allison
Saturday, April 25, 2009
OK. I have to add this link. If you, or someone you know, is on the brink of foreclosure, please click on this link. There's a lot of help out there for you, and you may be able to keep your home.
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009042203?OpenDocument
The management and all the agents at Keller Williams Realty @ Southlands are committed to helping people stay in their homes. Please contact me if you are unsure where to go or what to do. We can help. And our preference is to help you stay in your home, not sell it short or see it go into foreclosure.
Later...
Allison
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009042203?OpenDocument
The management and all the agents at Keller Williams Realty @ Southlands are committed to helping people stay in their homes. Please contact me if you are unsure where to go or what to do. We can help. And our preference is to help you stay in your home, not sell it short or see it go into foreclosure.
Later...
Allison
We are moving into the prime selling/buying season of late spring/early summer. Buyers with school age children, especially, want to be out of the old house after school's out, but into the new house before school begins. With that in mind, Realtor(r) Magazine, offers hints for sellers on how to stage their homes for the best selling result. Best of all, the hints are budget conscious.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Use ice cubes to remove those "furniture dents" from your carpets
- Use an inexpensive inflatable bed to make that extra-bedroom-converted-to-office look like a bedroom again
- Close the toilet lids and closet doors
- Light it up! Open draperies and blinds; turn on all the lamps. Replace lower wattage light bulbs with higher wattage ones. Buyers like light and bright.
- Go Green. If you have bamboo floors, a high efficiency furnace, energy efficient windows or other "green" features, be sure to make them known to buyers.
- Declutter. Remove personal photos, collections and mementos. You're moving, so pack it up and store it elsewhere. Make all your closets only 1/2 full. Take all the off-season clothing and store it off site.
- If you don't already have it, create curb appeal. If buyers don't see curb appeal, they may just decide to cruise on by and not even go in.
- Write a letter about why you loved living here. Display the letter in a prominent place where buyers will see it. The community Easter Egg hunt, ice cream social, dumpster day, great neighbors, great schools, whatever you loved... all reasons why someone else would also love living here.
To read the entire article, and to see more great budget friendly staging ideas, check out the following link: http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/2009/0904_home_stagingtips
Later...
Allison
Friday, April 17, 2009
Great Times for First Time Home Buyers in Colorado
Hi! Well, this is my first blog, and I'm a bit nervous. But the news is so good for first time home buyers in Colorado, I just had to share!
CHFA has just announced it's new program, "Jump Start". This program will allow qualified Colorado first time home buyers to leverage the first time home buyer tax credit allowed under American Reinvestment and Recovery Act into dollars needed now to buy that first home. Combined with interest rates that are in some cases as low as 4.875%, and the Denver real estate market that is stabilizing, right now is the best time to buy your first home. To read the complete Denver Business Journal story, please click on this link: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/04/13/daily22.html
To qualify for the up to $8000 federal income tax credit, you must close on your home by December 1, 2009.
To take advantage of this fantastic program, the first step is to meet with a CHFA approved lender. There is a list of approved lenders, as well as descriptions of other CHFA loan programs, at the CHFA website: http://www.chfainfo.com/
I can also refer you to approved CHFA lenders with whom I have worked and trust.
Whether you plan to buy soon or later this year, meeting with a lender as soon as possible is so important. You really need to have your loan figured out first, then find the house, not the other way around. Plus, if your credit needs some help, a good lender can point you in the right direction to get it fixed so you can qualify.
So don't delay! Time is of the essence! You must close on your home by December 1, 2009 to qualify for the income tax credit and the CHFA Jump Start loan. Unless the tax credit is extended by Congress into next year, this incredible opportunity for first time home ownership will be gone!
CHFA has just announced it's new program, "Jump Start". This program will allow qualified Colorado first time home buyers to leverage the first time home buyer tax credit allowed under American Reinvestment and Recovery Act into dollars needed now to buy that first home. Combined with interest rates that are in some cases as low as 4.875%, and the Denver real estate market that is stabilizing, right now is the best time to buy your first home. To read the complete Denver Business Journal story, please click on this link: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/04/13/daily22.html
To qualify for the up to $8000 federal income tax credit, you must close on your home by December 1, 2009.
To take advantage of this fantastic program, the first step is to meet with a CHFA approved lender. There is a list of approved lenders, as well as descriptions of other CHFA loan programs, at the CHFA website: http://www.chfainfo.com/
I can also refer you to approved CHFA lenders with whom I have worked and trust.
Whether you plan to buy soon or later this year, meeting with a lender as soon as possible is so important. You really need to have your loan figured out first, then find the house, not the other way around. Plus, if your credit needs some help, a good lender can point you in the right direction to get it fixed so you can qualify.
So don't delay! Time is of the essence! You must close on your home by December 1, 2009 to qualify for the income tax credit and the CHFA Jump Start loan. Unless the tax credit is extended by Congress into next year, this incredible opportunity for first time home ownership will be gone!
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