Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
It’s critical to price your house right in today’s market. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced to sell.
Market Info •
September 6, 2022
Here’s What Housing Experts Forecast for the Rest of 2022
Nationally, home prices are forecast to appreciate, just at a more moderate pace than last year. Let’s connect if you plan to buy or sell a home this year so you have a trusted advisor on your side.
Uncategorized •
September 1, 2022
Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale SHARE Renovations That Add ROI
Looking to make some upgrades and wondering which will have the biggest pay off? If you guessed kitchen and bathrooms, you’re spot on. Another good one is landscaping. Whether they’re big or small, a few upgrades can pay big dividends when it’s time to sell your home. Follow these tips to prioritize and put more money in your pocket when you’re ready to sell.
Before you do anything, make sure you consider the value of your house, the neighborhood, the housing market where you live and how soon you will sell after you make the improvements. If you live in a neighborhood where properties are selling for $300,000, doing a $150,000 renovation may not add as much to your property value as you might think.
Kitchens and Baths
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a remodel is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will give you the best return on investment. Even minor updates can yield a big return. Consider painting, refinishing surfaces and upgrading appliances, which can lead to a big pay out.
Sticking to a budget is always important, and keep in mind that an average, medium-sized kitchen remodel can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, while the average bathroom remodel is $10,000. In most cases, homeowners see a return of a 100% or more with a kitchen or bath remodel, so it’s definitely well worth the investment. Plus, you get to live in a beautiful new space.
A Finished Basement
If finishing your basement is something you’ve been putting off, now might be the perfect time. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, “The average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage and more space for entertaining.” Seems like a sure-fire win, win.
Add Curb Appeal
When buyers see that the outside of the property is taken care of, they’ll be more excited to see the inside. Remember, first impressions make lasting impressions. According to Anji, “Curb appeal can increase your home value by 7%. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor living spaces and an attractive lawn has the biggest ROI at 256%. Trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value and simple landscape maintenance tasks usually pay for themselves.”
Whether you’re in the market to sell your home or just want to make some budget-friendly renovations that you and your family can enjoy, making the right upgrades can help enhance your quality of life and add a few more dollars to your bank account down the road.
Uncategorized •
September 1, 2022
Insider Tips to Buying a Home in Today’s Market
It’s always hard to predict the future, especially with the housing market. But one thing is for sure – real estate remains a sound investment. If you’re looking for your dream home, here are some tips to help set you up for success and guide you through this buying season.
Assess Your Financial Health
Before you fall in love with your dream home, make sure you’re prepared to purchase it. Take a look at your bank accounts along with your monthly spending, so you have a clear and realistic picture of your finances. This will also help you figure out how much you can afford to put toward a down payment. It’s also a good time to check your credit score. Most importantly, you’ll want to meet with a loan officer to get pre-approved, so sellers take you seriously and you’re in a better position to make a strong offer.
Tip: A pre-approval gives you more negotiating power because it tells the seller and real estate agent that your funding is in place and ready to go.
Stay Flexible
Whether it’s time or money, be prepared to give a little more. Say for instance, there’s competition on a house and you’ve been outbid, but you have the flexibility to give the seller the extra time they need to close and move out. That can make a huge difference and could even put you ahead of the competition. Showing the seller that you’re willing to go the extra mile to purchase their home could earn your offer a second glance, especially if it helps make their life easier.
Tip: Try to refrain from asking for favors. This is not the time to ask the seller to give you the refrigerator or washer and dryer, part with playset or paint the front door.
You Found the One
You found a home that meets all or most of your wish list, it’s within your price range and you’ve stalked the neighborhood to make sure it’s right for you. Now’s the time to make an offer. Keep in mind that your opening offer should be based on two things: what you can afford and what you really believe the property is worth. Sure, there’s always a possibility that there will be other offers, regardless of the time of year and the market, but try not to let that influence you to pay more than you should.
Tip: Offer more earnest money. While it’s not always required, it could help you stand out in this competitive housing market. Sellers like buyers that make these good faith deposits because they want assurance that the sale won’t fall through.
Buying a new home is an exciting time and can also be a stressful time, but if you’re prepared and keep these tips in mind, you should find it a much smoother process. And finally getting the keys to your new home makes it all worth it!
Uncategorized •
July 25, 2022
New Texas Law For Homeowners And HOA’S Beginning September 1, 2022
Heads Up for folks who live in an HOA:
NEW TEXAS LAW FOR HOMEOWNERS AND HOA’S BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2022:
• Senate Bill 1588:
• Homeowners anywhere in Texas will be allowed to put up a perimeter fence around their property for added security (front, sides, and/or back of homeowner’s property). The law specifically states that homeowners associations (HOA’s) cannot restrict it (i.e: New fence/gate around homeowner’s front yard/driveway). Homeowners associations are allowed to enforce covenants which mandate the type of fence material that must be used. If required by the HOA, homeowners must obtain prior approval for the material of any new fence being built, but not the fence itself. Replacement of established fences (i.e: backyard fences) with existing material, do not need prior approval.
• Homeowners are allowed to install a perimeter fence around their pool, as well as security cameras and motion sensors on their property without prior approval. HOA’s are allowed to enforce covenants which prohibit homeowners from installing security measures outside of the homeowner’s property.
• HOA’s are prohibited from restricting homeowners who display religious items on their property. HOA’s may only enforce covenants which prohibit religious items that violate a law, contain graphic language, pose a threat to public health/safety, or are offensive to the public (other than its religious content).
• Resale certificate fees are now capped at $375 and updated resale certificate fees at $75. Deadline for HOA to deliver such certificate is now 5 days as opposed to 7. Homeowners are now permitted to seek a judgement against HOA for no more than $5,000 for failure to deliver certificate in a timely manner.
• If your HOA board makes a budget amendment, they must do it now at an open public meeting.
• Any HOA must obtain bids before awarding any contract more than $50,000.
• The bill prohibits a person from serving on an architectural review committee (“ACC”) if the person is: 1) a current board member; 2) a current board member’s spouse; or 3) a person residing in a current board member’s household.
• If you are late paying your HOA dues, your HOA can still report you to a credit reporting agency but they can’t charge you the fee to do that. You now have 45 days instead of 30 days to cure a delinquency. HOA must now send homeowner requisite enforcement action “209” notice prior to reporting to credit agency.
Bill has been passed and goes into effect on September 1, 2022.
5 Comments
4 Shares
Like
Comment
Share
Selling •
July 4, 2022
Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House
- When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional.
- To find the best price, your agent balances current market demand, the values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition.
- Don’t pick just any price for your house. If you’re ready to sell, let’s connect to find the perfect price for your house.
Newsletters •
July 4, 2022
Real Estate Newsletter July 2022
 |
||||||||||
|
Real Estate News July 2022 Your referrals are always appreciated and treated with friendly, professional care. Rising Mortgage Rates May Affect Asking Prices When the Federal Reserve first lowered national interest rates at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers essentially flooded the market. Now that interest rates are increasing, some sellers are lowering their asking prices to make sure that buyer interest doesn’t begin to wane. If you’re searching for your dream home, you may be able to find it at a reasonable price. Dropping Prices In May 2021, 6.2% of homes reduced their listing prices. During May 2022, this number increased to 10.5% of homes. It may seem like a small adjustment, but it’s not the only indicator. Increased Inventory The number of newly listed homes has increased by 6% over last year, which is another sign of possible price drops to come. The national median home price is still up compared to 2021 and 2020, but if more and more sellers start to reduce their asking prices, this points towards the real estate market shifting back to buyers. When market conditions are favorable to buyers, the negotiating power doesn’t remain solely with the seller. Even if a seller hasn’t dropped their asking price, they may be open to doing so during negotiations. Even though interest rates are increasing, now is a great time to buy if you have good financials and access to enough funds for the down payment. Even a small decrease in asking prices and buyer competition should give you a better opportunity to buy a home at the right price. Let’s connect and discuss yoru options! Please allow me to be your “Go To” source for information on the market.
You are welcome to call or email me at any time if I can be of service in any way!You should know the value of your home! Find out what it is worth in the market today. If you would like a complimentary custom evaluation of your home, including comparisons to other homes that have recently sold, are on the market, or to request a market snapshot of your neighborhood please reach out. You can also email me at: dmarett@cbunited.com |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
Featured Listings
|
||||||||||
|
Local Updates
|
||||||||||
|
Uncategorized •
July 1, 2022
Critical Role in any Real Estate Transaction
184 Things I Do for Real Estate Clients.
Your real estate agent play’s a critical role in the real estate transaction.
The general public is not always aware of all the service agents provide to both buyers and sellers during the course of a transaction probably because most of these important services are performed behind the scenes.
Pre-listing activities
1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.
2. Send a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.
3. Review appointment questions.
4. Research all comparable currently listed properties.
5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public databases.
6. Research “average days on market” for properties similar in type, price and location.
7. Download and review property tax roll information.
8. Prepare “comparable market analysis” (CMA) to establish market value.
9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.
10. Research property’s ownership and deed type.
11. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
12. Verify legal description.
13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
14. Research property’s current use and zoning.
15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records.
16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials.
17. Perform exterior “curb appeal assessment” of subject property.
18. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
19. Confirm current public schools and explain their impact on market value.
20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure completion of all tasks.
Listing appointment presentation
21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.
22. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments.
23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.
24. Present CMA results, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.
25. Offer professional pricing strategy based and interpretation of current market conditions.
26. Discuss goals to market effectively.
27. Explain market power and benefits of multiple listing service.
28. Explain market power of Web marketing, IDX, and REALTOR.com.
29. Explain the work the broker and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends.
30. Explain agent’s role in screening qualified buyers to protect against curiosity seekers.
31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.
33. Review all clauses in listing contract and obtain seller’s signature.
After listing agreement is signed
34. Review current title information.
35. Measure overall and heated square footage.
36. Measure interior room sizes.
37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
38. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.
39. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
40. Review house plans, make copy.
41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
42. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time with seller.
43. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and account numbers.
44. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
45. Check assumable loan(s) and any special requirements.
46. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller.
47. Review current appraisal if available.
48. Identify Homeowner Association manager is applicable.
49. Verify Homeowner Association fees with manager–mandatory or optional and current annual fee.
50. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable.
51. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.
52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills.
53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system.
54. Calculate average water system fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.
55. Or confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.
56. Research/verify natural gas availability, supplier’s name and phone number.
57. Verify security system, term of service and whether owned or leased.
58. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond.
59. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
61. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale.”
62. Complete list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
63. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant.
64. Explain benefits of Homeowner Warranty to seller.
65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Homeowner Warranty application.
66. When received, place Homeowner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
67. Have extra key made for lockbox.
68. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
69. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
70. Verify all rents and deposits.
71. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
72. Arrange for yard sign installation.
73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.
74. Complete “new listing checklist.”
75. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and suggest improvements for saleability.
76. Review results of Interior Decor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market.
77. Load listing time into transaction management software.
Entering property in MLS database
78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet–agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.
79. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS listing database.
80. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including property placement in mapping function.
81. Add property to company’s Active Listings.
82. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Data Form within 48 hours.
83. Take more photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography.
Marketing the listing
84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input.
85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants and other agents. Return all calls–weekends included.
86. Install electronic lock box. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows.
87. Prepare mailing and contact list.
88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
89. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.
90. Prepare flyers and feedback forms.
91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.
92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.
93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers.
94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes.
95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet sites, if applicable.
96. Mail “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.
97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing.
98. Provide marketing data to buyers from international relocation networks.
99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
100. Provide “Special Feature” cards from marketing, if applicable.
101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.
102. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.
103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
104. Review and update loan information in MLS as required.
105. Send feedback e-mails/faxes to buyers’ agents after showings.
106. Review weekly Market Study.
107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing.
109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listings database.
The offer and the contract
110. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
111. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare “net sheet” on each for owner to compare.
112. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.
113. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.
114. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.
115. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.
116. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.
117. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.
118. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.
119. Fax copies of contract and all addendum’s to closing attorney or title company.
120. When Offer-to-Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent.
121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s money into escrow account.
122. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests.
123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to sellers.
124. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent.
125. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.
126. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file.
127. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.
128. Change MLS status to “Sale Pending.”
129. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”
130. Review buyer’s credit report results–Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.
131. Provide credit report information to seller if property is to be seller-financed.
132. Assist buyer with obtaining financing and follow up as necessary.
133. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.
134. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.
135. Order septic inspection, if applicable.
136. Receive and review septic system report and access any impact on sale.
137. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to lender and buyer.
138. Deliver well flow test report copies to lender, buyer and listing file.
139. Verify termite inspection ordered.
140. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.
Tracking the loan process
141. Confirm return of verification’s of deposit and buyer’s employment.
142. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
143. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.
144. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.
145. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.
Home inspection
146. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.
147. Review home inspector’s report.
148. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.
149. Explain seller’s responsibilities of loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.
150. Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements.
151. Assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors for required repairs.
152. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.
The Appraisal
153. Schedule appraisal.
154. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.
155. Follow up on appraisal.
156. Enter completion into transaction management program.
157. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low.
Closing preparations and duties
158. Make sure contract is signed by all parties.
159. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.
160. Update closing forms and files.
161. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
162. Select location for closing.
163. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.
164. Solve any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates.
165. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk through prior to closing.
166. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.
167. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).
168. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy.
169. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.
170. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.
171. Confirm the buyer and buyer’s agent received title insurance commitment.
172. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing.
173. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.
174. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.
175. Review documents with closing agent (attorney).
176. Provide earnest money deposit from escrow account to closing agent.
177. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase, resolving timing issues.
178. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.
179. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable.
180. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
181. Close out listing in transaction management program.
Follow-up after closing
182. Answer questions about filing claims with Homeowner Warranty company, if requested.
183. Attempt to clarify and resolve any repair conflicts if buyer is dissatisfied.
184. Respond to any follow-up calls and provide any additional information required from office files.
Courtesy of Adwerx blog.
Buying •
July 1, 2022
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage
Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan.
Below is a list of Things You Shouldn’t Do After Applying for a Mortgage. Some may seem obvious, but some may not.
1. Don’t Change Jobs or the Way You Are Paid at Your Job. Your loan officer must be able to track the source and amount of your annual income. If possible, you’ll want to avoid changing from salary to commission or becoming self-employed during this time as well.
2. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts. Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not really traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer.
3. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car or Furniture for Your New Home. New debt comes with it, including new monthly obligations. New obligations create new qualifications. People with new debt have higher debt to income ratios…higher ratios make for riskier loans…and sometimes qualified borrowers no longer qualify.
4. Don’t Co-Sign Other Loans for Anyone. When you co-sign, you are obligated. As we mentioned, with that obligation comes higher ratios as well. Even if you swear you will not be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you.
5. Don’t Change Bank Accounts. Remember, lenders need to source and track assets. That task is significantly easier when there is consistency among your accounts. Before you even transfer any money, talk to your loan officer.
6. Don’t Apply for New Credit. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car. When you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), your FICO® score will be affected. Lower credit scores can determine your interest rate and maybe even your eligibility for approval.
7. Don’t Close Any Credit Accounts. Many clients erroneously believe that having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. Wrong. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those determinants in your score.
Bottom Line
Any blip in income, assets, or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. The best advice is to fully disclose and discuss your plans with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature. They are there to guide you through the process.
Buying •
July 1, 2022
Six Expert Tips for New Home-buyers
Six Expert Tips for New Home-buyers
People searching for a first home do a lot of homework. Studying everything from amenities to neighborhoods and house types is a common task. Sometimes, people get hung on a few details and may not realize they are overlooking some important factors. This blog covers six crucial things new buyers should remember during the home search and contract process.
Leave Some Cushion in the Price
While it may seem limiting to go with a lower-end option, choosing a home below the maximum budget can be rewarding. This choice gives buyers the chance to get a lower interest rate and monthly payment. Buyers can spend the extra income on home repairs, upgrades, and new decor. By dropping the top dollar below qualification levels, buyers may find more opportunities because the decrease might put the group at the highest end of the next lowest price bracket.
Know that Negotiation Can Continue After the Inspection
Nothing is set in stone when the appraisal and home inspection reports come into the agent’s office. If there are problems with major systems in the home, then it is perfectly acceptable to ask the seller for concessions. Either the seller can fix the problem, or they can lower the asking price to allow the buyer to cover the cost. In a tight market, this tactic may not be productive. It is an excellent idea to study the area closely to see how fast houses are selling and how many offers each one gets before setting a top price.
The Better the School District, the Higher the Home Values
People want the best schools for their children. Homes in areas with excellent school districts and areas with high ratings for education are often in extreme demand. Buying in these areas will give homeowners peace of mind that the house value will remain high. The downside to living in these areas are regular increases in property taxes to maintain these schools. This trend is the same for areas with excellent elementary schools and those with top colleges and universities.
The Bigger the Down Payment, the Lower the Monthly Costs
Saving up a sizable down payment can do wonders for a first-time home-buyer. The more money a person can put down on a property, the less risky they are for securing a loan. The more money one pays upfront, the less the mortgage and interest payment each month. With more money down, lenders will offer a lower interest rate because they can trust the buyer to pay back the money over a riskier borrower. A bigger down payment means the buyer can pay off the loan faster or keep more money for utilities and updates each month.
Always Read the HOA Fine Print
When purchasing a property in a subdivision or master-planned community, there will be fees from the Homeowner’s Association. These costs are a requirement on top of the monthly mortgage and insurance payments. The fees often cover yard work, outdoor maintenance, street repairs, lighting, and community property like clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds in the area. Some of these fees can be hundreds of dollars a month while others require a yearly membership fee. Knowing all of these costs makes it easier for buyers to budget expenses to see if living in the home is affordable.
Save Contractors Fees By Doing Familiar Tasks
Another way for new buyers to save money on the total home cost is to choose a fixer-upper. If the home inspection shows minor damage that the buyer can fix, then it may save them thousands of dollars in contractor’s fees to do the job themselves. Any problems with unfamiliar renovations are easier to afford to contract out when a homeowner takes care of minor issues they know how to repair. Instead of hiring out all the work, a new buyer can save the cost of outsourcing painting and smaller projects. Some things should be left to professional installation such as blown insulation, which is desired because of its high R Value.
New buyers have a lot of research to do before buying a home. Home and Garden Television tells readers to always get a property survey or property line inspection when buying a house. This survey will protect the new buyer from future disputes about boundaries and building fences and other items.
With these six tips, potential property owners can understand the options and think about different ways to use money to leverage a better loan payment. By choosing to investigate a variety of options, buyers do not get set on one style, price, or condition of a home giving them more ideas and opportunities to find the home they want. These tips can help buyers avoid settling for a house that fits the budget by making sure the money fits the buyer’s preferences.
