Archives of real estate blog entries for March 01, 2015

Featured blog posts


By Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert, Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com
(Zion Realty)
I'm not one of those who thinks that it's necessary for a licensed real estate professional to hire someone other than themselves to sell their own home. I have represented myself in the sale of my own home multiple times. There are plenty of disclosure laws that we must follow but as long as we do business according to the rules there should be no issues.  However, with that being said, I don't trust owner/agent sales for a number of reasons. The first reason is that there are a lot of bad agents out there. A part of me wishes it wasn't so easy to become a licensed real estate agent. In as little as a 9-week crash course and with the passing of a few tests any person can lay claim to being a real estate agent. But that doesn't mean they have any business being one and it certainly doe...
Comments 55
By Beth Atalay, Cam Realty of Clermont FL
(Cam Realty and Property Management)
  You Are NOT Ready To Sell Your House Yet!!Homeowners decide to sell their house for number of reasons. Regardless of the reason, the sale price of their house is dictated by local market conditions. Homes are worth as much as buyers are willing to pay! Nothing more, nothing less. In some parts of the country, homes are selling over their list price after receiving multiple offers, keep in mind real estate is very local. Uncle Bob’s house in Los Angeles CA might have sold $20,000 more than asking price within two days of listing, however, California real estate market can not be compared to Central Florida, you can’t even compare it to South Florida..real estate is local!Before you get sucked into all the advice friends and family are freely offering, various internet sites are showing...
Comments 53
By Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730
(Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)
Can You Have Too Many Counter Offers? A counteroffer is actually a rejection of the offer from the other party and a counter proposal back to them. Some sellers and buyers go back and forth many times. As an agent in Clarksville TN it is my job to help keep all this negotiating straight and to advise my client on the pros and cons of each count offer. The goal is to reach a "Meeting of the Minds". There is a risk to counter offer at all. Since it is a rejection of the offer, you do not know how a counter offer will be received. This gives the other party an out as there is no requirement to respond favorably to a counter offer. Counter offering does keep negotiations open without saying an absolute no but it can be interpreted as a buyer or seller being unreasonable too.Agreement can be...
Comments 68
By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
In a housing market where interest rates are low, existing homeowners will look to lower their monthly mortgage payment by refinancing their existing mortgage into a lower interest rate.  Such is the housing market we are in today, and homeowners have been taking advantage of the lower interest rates.  However, in many cases these homeowners have a second lien on the property which has to be subordinated before or at the same time they refinance.   So What Is A Loan or Mortgage Subordination?  A Loan or Mortgage subordination in its simplest definition, simply means a Loan or Mortgage such as a: 2nd Mortgage Home Equity Line of Credit, or Any Lender with a 2nd Loan or Mortgage Lien against a property The holder of the 2nd Loan or Mortgage agrees to stay in the same position it is presen...
Comments 25
By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
As I stated Monday in the first blog of this two blog series on Mortgage Assumption Options, with more and more predictions of the interest rates rising later this year, it is important Borrowers are aware of the different features associated with the mortgage program they are applying for.  One such feature Borrowers need to be aware of in a rising interest rate market is if the mortgage program they are applying for has a Mortgage Assumption Option. A Mortgage Assumption is a term most Borrowers are not familiar with because of the declining interest market we have been in for a number of years now, and it is an option normally not worth doing unless interest rates are rising.  So what is a Mortgage Assumption?  In its simplest form a "Assumption of a Mortgage" is: An agreement betwe...
Comments 20
By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
With more and more predictions of the interest rates rising later this year, it is important Borrowers are aware of the different features associated with the mortgage program they are applying for.  One such feature Borrowers need to be aware of in a rising interest rate market is if the mortgage program they are applying for has a Mortgage Assumption Option.  A Mortgage Assumption is a term most Borrowers are not familiar with because of the declining interest market we have been in for a number of years now, and it is an option normally not worth doing unless interest rates are rising.  So what is a Mortgage Assumption?  In its simplest form an "Assumption of a Mortgage" is: An agreement between the Buyer and Seller where a Buyer takes over a Seller's mortgage and becomes responsible...
Comments 22
By Andrea Swiedler, Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties)
When it's the neighbors house. Bada bing, bada boom. Joke time is over. Agents see these homes come on the market, those eye roll listings. Where on earth did the price come from?  These listings don't just sit there and not sell, they can make an agents job harder. As potential sellers see these overpriced listings come on, they feel the market MUST be getting better, proof positive by higher list prices!  Of course recent sales tell an entirely different story altogether.  I know, I did just write about the kiss of death, the moment when you give a seller a realistic price, and you realize they are 2 steps away from poking you with a fork because in their eyes, you are done.  I just can't say it enough, at least not for the Southern Litchfield County CT real estate market. A home must...
Comments 51

Blog posts


By Jeana Cowie, Broker Associate, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES
(RE/MAX Real Estate Limited)
Paramus home for sale ~  Perfect for Extended Family $689,900 Paramus real estate update presented by your Paramus real estate specialist, Jeana Cowie of RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LTD. Paramus home for sale listing is proudly presented by Jeana Cowie cell 201-982-2200 Paramus home for sale Expanded & updated Offered at $689,900 Paramus home for sale Expanded 6 Bedrooms 4 Full baths This spacious Bi Level is on a dead end street clsoe to NYC transportation List price $689,900 Presented by your Paramus real estate agent & expert Jeana Cowie Perfect for extended families Near Elementary School & NYC bus Beautifully expanded MEIK with breakfast bar Dining room addition right off kitchen area EXPANDED & RENOVATED 6 BR 4 BTH BI-LEVEL DEAD END STREET. APPROX. 3,204 square feet PERFECT FOR EXTENDED F...
Comments 7
By Edward & Celia Maddox, EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
(The Celtic Connection Realty)
New Study Finds Surprising Home Formation Results A new study from the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate concludes that new household formation, a key driver of housing demand, has recovered after the job losses that accompanied the recession. While it was known that negative economic shocks such as major drops in employment reduce household ...Read More > Source: RIS Media   Edward & Celia Maddox "We Take the High Road" We specialize and market in the Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Florence, Casa Grande, Coolidge and Maricopa areas and have been multi-million dollar producers the last eleven years.  We are knowlegeable in all aspects of residential real estate. Check Out our home search web site at: http://edward.sreagent.com For Analyzing your property value...
Comments 1
By Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert, Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com
(Zion Realty)
  This post should have a thousand comments on it by now. It is a little long but packed full of great information that I think every agent should be aware of if you weren't already. I think this ruling regarding the Truth In Lending Act has huge future implications if homeowners are allowed to simply rescind their loans.  Hi again, this post provides general legal information that every real estate broker and agent in the United States should be aware of.  I will be discussing the recent UNANIMOUS United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Jesinoski v. C0untrywide Home Loans  If you are the kind of person that likes your infomration in VIDEO format, click on one of the two pictures posted in this blog to go to parts 1 and 2 of the video.       Introduction All real estate agen...
Comments 4
By Toni Weidman, 20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL
(Sailwinds Realty)
Hudson, FL Home Sales Jan-Feb 2015   Hudson, FL is north of New Port Richey, FL and west of Tampa, FL. The area has lovely waterfront views on the Gulf of Mexico. Hudson Beach is a public park with picnic areas and a playground for the children. There are several restaurants in this area: notably Inn On The Gulf and Sunset Sam’s. (below).   There are lovely homes on the canals and on the Gulf. And, Hudson spreads out to the east with lots of subdivisions and ranches.   Hudson, FL Home Sales Year To Date 2015 total 107. Lowest Sold: $18,000 in Gulfside Estates. 640 sf. Highest Sold: $399,500 for 2,436 sf on Orwell Road.   Pending and Active With Contract 110. That is all the information I can give you until these close.   Active on the Market today: 384 Lowest listed price: $30,000 for 1...
Comments 8
By Lottie Kendall, Helping make your real estate dreams a reality
(Compass)
868 Stonegate Drive, South San Francisco This 3-bedroom, 2-bath end unit townhouse at 868 Stonegate Drive in South San Francisco will soon have a new owner. Here's the time-line of success: 2/20/15 - showings began 2/21/15 - first open house - we attracted about 36 groups through in the 3 hours 2/22/15 - first Sunday open house - about 25 groups came 2/24/15 - open for broker tour 2/26/15 - 6 offers were received and reviewed, all over the list price 2/27/15 - contract signed; a back up offer is in the works What the time-line doesn't show is what goes into the preparation and marketing to achieve this type of result. A myriad of details add up successes like this, so be sure you're well represented when it's time to sell your home. Curious? Let's talk.
Comments 21
By Paul F. Stillwaggon Warren NJ, NJ Estates Real Estate Group, Weichert Realtors
(Weichert Realtors)
    NJ Estates Real Estate Group of Weichert Realtors WarrenReal Estate Update March 2015http://www3.realtytimes.com/c/stillwaggoncornish     Information Blogs Daily News And Advice Sellers' Advice Buyers' Advice NJ Estates - Active Rain NJ Estates Testimonials Click for All NJ Listings ...  Click for Current NJ Estates Listings ...       
Comments 1
By 1~Judi Barrett, BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK
(Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745)
  Cucu is my rescue cat, I've had her for several years and her eyes have always been like this.. just about everyone that meets Cucu notices it right away.  When I walk, she follows.  She'll make a couple of rounds with me 1/2 mile or so before she decides she's had enough.  She's the best walking partner I have!  
Comments 6
By Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD, REALTORS® in Clark County, WA
(ViewHomes™- by eXp Realty )
Sunday Dinners - Time For Family Gatherings Bernie, my husband, takes over the blog today to share one of his recipes. If you live in a multi-generational household, or regularly cook for a lot of people, you know that it can be a challenge to come up with recipes that satisfy all palates. On most evenings we include Debb's parents for dinner, and we know what they like, so it is fairly predictable. But on Sundays, almost anyone can show up, so we prepare meals that are flavorful, but can satisfy most tastes in food.  Here's one of our favorites that is relatively easy to fix, and can be expanded to accommodate more people.  Roast Chicken with Sun-Died Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts This is a versatile dish that can be made with a whole chicken, butterflied so it will cook faster. You ca...
Comments 35
Client Focused, Service-Oriented, Results Driven Prescott, AZ Realtors know what to say when asked "What do you do?"     The Alward Team of client-focused, service oriented, results driven Realtors serves Prescott, Arizona and the greater Prescott area of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Skull Valley, Williamson Valley and other Yavapai County areas.  We specialize in residential real estate and in providing a WOW level of laser focus and service to accomplish YOUR realty goals.   We have listed and sold homes and land of every type all throughout Prescott and the Quad Cities of Arizona: -Williamson Valley horse properties in Crossroads Ranch, North Arrow Ranch, Blackjack Ridge, near Inscription Canyon -Homes with acreage in Blackjack Ridge -Homes in gated communities such...
Comments 0
By Svetlana Stolyarova, Local-n-Global Realty, Broker 216-548-4663
(Local-n-Global Realty, Cleveland and International Real Estate Solution)
Solon real estate update for the week of 02/23/15-03/01/15 - During this week, there was a lot of activity in the Solon area real estate market, 10 new listings,  3 properties put back on market, 5 contingent listings, price change occurred in 5 listings,  and 3 properties were sold. NEW LISTINGS House listed with Michelle Sues and     House listed with william J. Penney, Allyson M. Sahl,                                            Penney Real Estate Co. Howard Hanna Realty 37520 Delamere Ct, Solon, OH 44139, house for sale, $500,000 7356 Cromwell Dr, Solon, OH 44139, house for sale, $169,900 37860 Aurora Rd, Solon, OH 44139, house for sale, $225,000 7475 Capilano Dr, Solon, OH 44139, house for sale, $647,500 34910 Forest Ln, Solon, OH 44139, house for sale, $529,000 31698 Sedgefield Ova...
Comments 2
By Lee Morof, Associate Broker, Attorney, CDPE
(RE/MAX Showcase Homes)
To get top dollar for your Southeast Michigan real estate home, renovations may be necessary. However, some renovations can prove costly and they don't always add value to your home. Here are three inexpensive renovations that are sure to improve the resale value of your home. First Impressions Matter Your Southeast Michigan home needs to have curb appeal. If the potential buyer doesn't see that, it will be difficult to get the price you want. Spend money and time landscaping your yard. Pressure wash your driveway. Paint your front door. Make your porch look welcoming. If you do all of this yourself or with the help of family and friends, the costs will be reasonable. After a prospective buyer is impressed by your nicely kept lawn, you will want to continue impressing him/her with your ...
Comments 0
By Terkel Sørensen, Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales
(Real Estate Places)
Welcome to March - We are almost to the time when it I get itchy to make soe improvements to my house - I'm thinking you might too. And I'm not just talking about some new seed on the lawn. UPDATED 9/3/2015 - Additional HERO program info and benefits added. So, over the past few years, sales people have likely been banging your door in trying to sell you anything from solar to windows to siding, on this magical new program called the HERO program. No down payment, no payments at all - it's all in your property taxes... Hmm, don't know about you, but my dad said something about things that sound too good to be true... Let's define what the HERO program is - how does it work?What does “HERO” mean anyway?HERO stands for: Home Energy Renovation OpportunityIt provides financing for any energ...
Comments 100
By Lee Morof, Associate Broker, Attorney, CDPE
(RE/MAX Showcase Homes)
There's a whole lot to learn when buying one's first Royal Oak, Michigan home, an investment that can bring joy, but sometimes, grief. A competent real estate agent can assist in locating those homes that meet the home buyer's needs and can advise on factors such as market value of the home and neighborhood services. The agent will help the buyer through the negotiation and purchase process. But the buyer should take responsibility to make sure that the steps below are taken. Home Inspection Contingency Included in Purchase Offer At the point where the buyer finds a Royal Oak, Michigan home and decides to make an offer, the contract should be written contingent on an acceptable inspection. If serious issues are found, the buyer has the options of requesting certain items to be fixed, to...
Comments 2
By Teresa Cooper, SC Lowcountry - Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley
(Home Solution Real Estate Services)
What HOME BUYERS want to know  -  What every home buyer wants to know can't be found in the MLS.   Our MLS databases are FULL of all sorts of wonderful information! Square feet, prior real estate taxes, how many bedrooms/bathrooms, what school district, who provides water / sewer / electricity, and more. But they contain, in the famous words attributed to Sgt Joe Friday, "just the facts, m'am."  Just the facts.  That's all.   How many times have you shown a home, and your buyer client has asked a dozen questions you can't answer! "What does the electric bill run each month?" "Which cable company has service out here?" "What day is trash pickup?"  "Do they have recycling?" "Why are they selling?" "What's the neighborhood like?" "Why did they do (fill in the blank)?" - - and countless mor...
Comments 5
By Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker, Put 40 years of experience to work for you
(Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker)
Many agents follow the principle of asking a Sacramento home seller how much the seller desires to receive from selling a home. It's a natural question in many people's minds but it doesn't belong there. Of course, good luck trying to pry that question out of their heads. Real estate agents are taught to question the seller when taking a listing, and they are taught that the first person who speaks generally loses. Many agents talk about pricing and what the seller hopes to achieve from the sale. I am very different that way. It's not really a discussion I engage in unless the home seller wants to bring it up. In fact, it's not really any of my business. You can read more about this in my personal blog today about Why the Sales Price a Sacramento Home Seller Wants Does Not Matter.
Comments 10
By Lee Morof, Associate Broker, Attorney, CDPE
(RE/MAX Showcase Homes)
Homeowner's insurance is an incredibly valuable and beneficial policy for homeowners to have, but it is necessary to understand what traditional policies do and do not cover. Once you familiarize yourself with the intricacies of various plans you will be better educated to make the proper decision when selecting your desired level of coverage for your Bloomfield Hills real estate. What's Covered In Homeowner's Insurance? The majority of homeowner's insurance plans will cover dwelling and other structure protection, personal property protection, natural disaster protection, and bodily injury liability protection. Dwelling and other structure protection plans cover damage to your Bloomfield Hills real estate and other structures that are directly connected to the home, such as the garage....
Comments 0
By Raymond Edler, #1 Real Estate Office in DFW
(Keller Williams Realty Dallas Fort Worth 214-552-2091)
Stop Paying Rent! Whether you are renting or buying you ARE paying a mortgage DON'T DELAY, VERY HIGH INTEREST IN THIS HOME    Don't miss out on this one Little Elm home. This better than nice 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath house has an open floor plan and plenty of natural light. The Island Kitchen features stainless appliances and granite counter tops with lots of storage. The second living area could be used as a Children's Retreat or an Office. Master bath has his & her sinks, a garden tub and separate shower. The covered patio will be great for entertaining. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING DETAILS       CALL 214-552-2091 FOR CURRENT STATUS Want to find out how to get your closing costs paid for?APPLY ONLINE NOW to see which program you qualify for or call Donnie Walton Mortgage Express 214-280-5716    SI...
Comments 2
By Robert Bob Gilbert, Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties)
Health & Fitness #4 - Yoga Class at Katy Branch Library       The Katy Branch Library is holding a Yoga class ( you read this correctly.. Yoga) on Saturday March 7, 2015. The Yoga class starts at 2:30 PM and lasts until 4:30 PM. The class will be taught by a volunteer instructor. Its purpose is to teach relaxing and stretching plus i am guessing this class is a beginners session. This class will be held in the Library’s Meeting Room. All participants need to bring their own yoga mat and water. Adults only are invited to attend. The Library suggests you do not eat for 2-3 hours prior to the class starting.   I have never heard of a Yoga class being held at a local Library before and the class is free of charge. Life Time Fitness where we belong charges a fee per person for every introduc...
Comments 12
By Temple Callahan, Search Ventura County Homes For Sale CA
(Connect Real Estate - REALTOR / BROKER)
  Excellent news for Short Sale candidates in 2015... For homeowners who qualify for a HAFA Short Sale, as of February 1, 2015 the relocation incentive available to the occupant/borrower increased from $3,000.00... to $10,000.00!!   Yes - you may be elligible for $10,000.00 at escrow closing, for moving from your property once the HAFA Short Sale is completed.  Note: The relocation money is given to the OCCUPANT of the property even if they are not the owner/borrower.   So... Stay in your property while we go through the HAFA Short Sale transaction...    You may be eligible for a HAFA Short Sale if you meet all of the following criteria:   You have a documented financial hardship. You have not purchased a new house within the last 12 months. Your first mortgage is less than $729,750. Yo...
Comments 7
By Lee Morof, Associate Broker, Attorney, CDPE
(RE/MAX Showcase Homes)
Size matters when you are buying a new Royal Oak, Michigan home. Whether you plan to expand your family, need more room for your stuff, or are concerned with resale value, you want to get the most space for your money. Also, if you want to add a feel of luxury to your home, one of the best ways to do it is to create open spaces rather than cramming all your furniture in rooms so tiny you can barely walk around without knocking something over. Traditionally speaking, the larger a home is, the more it costs. If there are two newly built houses side by side in a subdivision, the bigger one is likely to cost more. However, there are some tricks to finding spacious houses that are affordable. Choose Emerging Neighborhoods Houses in this year's trending neighborhood are at their peak prices. ...
Comments 0
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