Selling Your Home This Fall: Take Time to Prep Your Yard
January 23rd, 2010 by adminWith the weather turning cooler and gardens showing their less vibrant side, it is a good idea to prep your yard for prospective buyers so that they look well maintained and easy to take care of.
One of the most important things to take care of in the fall, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation is gutter maintenance. Well-functioning gutters that aren’t all clogged with leaves will decrease your chances of a basement flood or gutter damage later in the winter. Make sure that your gutters are clean of any leafy debris and are securely attached to the house. Even if it’s not particularly raining where you live, melting snow later in the year can cause drainage issues.
To minimize damage to your trees and shrubs while supporting their general heath it is a good idea to prune or trim your trees, shrubs, and bushes usually in the late fall after they are finished with their growing season. Each individual type of plant will require a slightly different handling, so make sure you look up the pruning requirements for your specific plants.
In areas that receive a great deal of winter winds or accumulations of snow, you may want to prepare your shrubs for rougher weather. Some delicate shrubs may require a shelter to keep the snow off of it; you can wait until closer to the time that snow is expected to do this, but try not to push the envelope too far and have the first snow hit before you’ve taken care of these plants. Evergreen shrubs may require wrapping to keep them from breaking under the weight of a snowfall; usually these plants are wrapped with a mesh or burlap to keep the branches supported.
Your lawn is a fairly easy area of the yard to winterize; mow the lawn until the growth slows for the cooler season. This will vary from area to area due to climate. Use a weed & feed product on your lawn to control plant pests as well as encourage grass growth in the spring. To encourage better aeration, use a thatching rake to remove the dead grass from your lawn. Keep dropped leaves off the lawn as well to keep it healthy.
If you have a vegetable garden then you should turn the soil and add some compost to it to nurture the soil for the spring. Don’t get stuck thinking that you’re selling your home so you don’t need to do these steps; if your home doesn’t sell you will want your garden ready for you to plant. Also, taking care of your entire yard makes prospective buyers look more favorably on your whole property.
Now is the Time to Buy a Home in Austin
January 12th, 2010 by adminAustin Homes are a great investment. Even though there have been a lot of issues with the current economic situation and severe problems with the mortgage and real estate markets, now is still a good time to buy. You can take advantage of lower housing prices and falling interest rates. Think about what is best for you, and consider the following reasons to buy real estate in Austin.
One of the biggest reasons to buy Austin homes is the great selection. You can find housing in any part of the city, and the price ranges are varied. There are many nice houses on the market, so you can select the perfect home. It used to be quite a competitive market, but with the current economic situation, buyers now have plenty of options and time to choose. One piece of wisdom is to remember that the best time to buy real estate is when people want to sell. This has never been truer than it is now. You can make your money go much further these days, and the power to negotiate is in your hands.
As was mentioned previously, real estate is becoming more affordable and this is especially true with Austin Homes. The market was much more expensive a few years ago. Now that things have opened up, the possibilities are much greater, especially for people looking to become first-time home owners. On top of this, mortgage interest rates are extremely low right now. Taking advantage of this fact is critical. You can get a great rate now before this trend breaks. Don’t forget that buying Homes in Austin is also a good way to save money on taxes. Your mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible. Investing in a home can be a smart move instead of paying rent every month. Rent rates are projected to rise around the country this year, so consider this aspect carefully.
Many of the Austin homes are move-in ready. Sellers are going the extra mile to get buyers to purchase property. It is a tough market, and this benefits people looking to buy real estate. Many sellers are willing to do extra painting, landscaping, and repairs to make the house the best it can be. They want to sell you an attractive home, and you reap the rewards of the market conditions. Again, it should be noted that this is a buyer’s market, and that gives you the dominant position of you are interested in buying a home in Austin. The time to make a move is now.
One of the biggest reasons to buy Austin homes is the great selection. You can find housing in any part of the city, and the price ranges are varied. There are many nice houses on the market, so you can select the perfect home. It used to be quite a competitive market, but with the current economic situation, buyers now have plenty of options and time to choose. One piece of wisdom is to remember that the best time to buy real estate is when people want to sell. This has never been truer than it is now. You can make your money go much further these days, and the power to negotiate is in your hands.
Author: Aniruddha Badola
Is Now a Good Time to Refinance a Home in Virginia Beach, VA?
January 11th, 2010 by adminFor many, the economy has made 2009 a tough year. Many people have lost their jobs and how have house payments that are simply too high to pay. However, for anyone who has been in their house for a few years and built up some equity, now is the perfect time to refinance and possibly lower your mortgage payment or increase the amount of cash in your pocket.
With Virginia’s interest rates in the low 4%’s, many homeowners will see an immediate drop in their monthly mortgage payments, easing up on the financial burdens that many families face today. By using a specialized mortgage banker, homeowners can see a savings of thousands of dollars in interest and refinance fees. But what about those who do not own their own home yet?
If you are looking to buy, the timing is great. The housing market has just about bottomed out and is starting to pick back up, meaning that home prices are about as low as they can possibly be. Anyone with decent credit should be able to get an affordable mortgage, especially if using a smaller mortgage banker, specializing in the Virginia Beach region.
Furthermore, the new first time homebuyer stimulus packages should be more than enough incentive for potential new homebuyers who are on the fence about getting locked into a mortgage. The $8,000 tax credit is usually more than enough to cover the costs of moving from your apartment or rental home into your new home.
The housing market in Virginia Beach is definitely turning around as the year progresses. Although most banks, as stated earlier, are more stringent with their lending practices, there are still specialized mortgage banks that can provide great refinance rates if your credit is good enough. There is a lot of hope and potential for those interested in buying a home in this market or even those looking to refinance their home. The selection is the largest it’s been in years, interest rates are improving, and the prices of homes have just about bottomed out. Although the time to refinance might still be many months away, the time to purchase a new home is today!
Home Loan Modification Myths Circulating During This Time of Economical Difficulty
January 10th, 2010 by adminEveryone is talking about home loan modification. Even though this has always been a option for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages, the process of renegotiating the terms of your loan and having it adjusted by the bank or lending institution, is much more commonplace today. Even so, there are still many myths and misconceptions about home loan modification.
Since the President’s new Making Home Affordable (MHA) plan has been introduced, there is now an understandable series of steps lenders must follow before granting home modification loans. There is $75 billion set aside for the Homeowner Stability Initiative that is to be used for loan modifications between March 4, 2009 and December 31, 2012
Lenders participating in this program are paid money to adjust your loan and this incentive makes a modified loan a much better deal than foreclosure or something else. Through this method, the MHA hopes to help 4-5 million homeowners get back on their feet financially and keep their homes.
There is still a lot of false information about the MHA plan. Some people think that participation is mandatory and lenders are being forced into the plan. This is not true, there is a clean set of procedures for modifying loans and the plan does give lenders incentives to work out modifications, but no lender must participate.
The bank has to decide if a modified loan will be more profitable than foreclosing and they will choose the option that gives them the most profit. Foreclosure is a very expensive, lengthy, unprofitable process for lenders. With the recent incentive payments offered by the MHA plan, lenders usually decide that they would rather modify a loan than proceed with foreclosure.
Another common misunderstanding is that the Homeowner Stability Initiative plan will help speculators and house flippers. This is also false. To qualify for a loan modification in the MHA plan, the homeowner must be living in the home to which the mortgage applies. This will be checked. Vacant, condemned, investment properties and second homes are not eligible.
There are a lot of home loan modification myths circulating during this time of economical difficulty. The MHA plan is new and people have yet to learn about it. Learn the facts and understand this loan modification plan.
Learn all you can about home loan modifications and don’t let false information keep you from applying for this new program. You can avoid foreclosure and lower your mortgage payments
It’s a Good Time to Buy in Canada
December 31st, 2009 by adminThe Canadian Real Estate Association has come out with figures alarming to home sellers, but great for home buyers. With sales tumbling by 17 per cent in 2008, the market has been primed, but the prediction of another near-17 per cent tumble in 2009 indicates that the buyer’s market isn’t changing any time soon. Recent drops uphold the prediction of falling sales and the subsequent falling home prices that make Canadian homes a great buy for the real estate buyer.
In February of 2009, resale home prices dropped an average of 9.6 per cent in Canada alone. This summer, there has been an increasing amount of home purchases, but the market isn’t rallying. Even new homes have experienced a slowdown, with new home prices down 3.3 per cent in June, from June 2008. Western Canada is currently experiencing the largest price drops.
All these statistics mean that it’s a great time to buy for the Canadian home seeker. The market always turns around and by the time you are ready to move or sell, your home could be worth significantly more than you bought it for, especially in hot markets like Calgary, AB. This is potentially a long-term investment, but while you are waiting to realize it, you will have your own property to live on or rent out.
Real estate is the first best investment. Stocks will fluctuate, mines run out and popular items fall out of vogue, but people always need a place to live. With sensible investment in a good piece of property, you may not get rich, but you will be putting your money into something that can keep you financially stable, help with your taxes and solidify your position in the community. However, many Canadian millionaires made their money from careful real estate investment, so if you start on the road to multiple property ownership, you may realize financial success in ensuing years.
One important aspect of falling home sales is the corresponding fall in interest prices. Interest rates are at significant lows these days; something just as, if not more important than your actual home price. With low interest rates, you can lock in a rate that will take you through your entire mortgage with a payment cheaper than rent for a comparable property.
Now is the time to invest in Canadian real estate. Your investment now will be realized in the long term with equity and rising home values. You must have patience to realize your investment, but you will find that real estate is one of the most stable financial investments you can own and the one most calculated to bring you financial security.
It’s a Good Time to Buy in Canada
December 29th, 2009 by adminThe Canadian Real Estate Association has come out with figures alarming to home sellers, but great for home buyers. With sales tumbling by 17 per cent in 2008, the market has been primed, but the prediction of another near-17 per cent tumble in 2009 indicates that the buyer’s market isn’t changing any time soon. Recent drops uphold the prediction of falling sales and the subsequent falling home prices that make Canadian homes a great buy for the real estate buyer.
In February of 2009, resale home prices dropped an average of 9.6 per cent in Canada alone. This summer, there has been an increasing amount of home purchases, but the market isn’t rallying. Even new homes have experienced a slowdown, with new home prices down 3.3 per cent in June, from June 2008. Western Canada is currently experiencing the largest price drops.
All these statistics mean that it’s a great time to buy for the Canadian home seeker. The market always turns around and by the time you are ready to move or sell, your home could be worth significantly more than you bought it for, especially in hot markets like Calgary, AB. This is potentially a long-term investment, but while you are waiting to realize it, you will have your own property to live on or rent out.
Real estate is the first best investment. Stocks will fluctuate, mines run out and popular items fall out of vogue, but people always need a place to live. With sensible investment in a good piece of property, you may not get rich, but you will be putting your money into something that can keep you financially stable, help with your taxes and solidify your position in the community. However, many Canadian millionaires made their money from careful real estate investment, so if you start on the road to multiple property ownership, you may realize financial success in ensuing years.
One important aspect of falling home sales is the corresponding fall in interest prices. Interest rates are at significant lows these days; something just as, if not more important than your actual home price. With low interest rates, you can lock in a rate that will take you through your entire mortgage with a payment cheaper than rent for a comparable property.
Now is the time to invest in Canadian real estate. Your investment now will be realized in the long term with equity and rising home values. You must have patience to realize your investment, but you will find that real estate is one of the most stable financial investments you can own and the one most calculated to bring you financial security.
It’s a Good Time to Buy in Canada
December 27th, 2009 by adminThe Canadian Real Estate Association has come out with figures alarming to home sellers, but great for home buyers. With sales tumbling by 17 per cent in 2008, the market has been primed, but the prediction of another near-17 per cent tumble in 2009 indicates that the buyer’s market isn’t changing any time soon. Recent drops uphold the prediction of falling sales and the subsequent falling home prices that make Canadian homes a great buy for the real estate buyer.
In February of 2009, resale home prices dropped an average of 9.6 per cent in Canada alone. This summer, there has been an increasing amount of home purchases, but the market isn’t rallying. Even new homes have experienced a slowdown, with new home prices down 3.3 per cent in June, from June 2008. Western Canada is currently experiencing the largest price drops.
All these statistics mean that it’s a great time to buy for the Canadian home seeker. The market always turns around and by the time you are ready to move or sell, your home could be worth significantly more than you bought it for, especially in hot markets like Calgary, AB. This is potentially a long-term investment, but while you are waiting to realize it, you will have your own property to live on or rent out.
Real estate is the first best investment. Stocks will fluctuate, mines run out and popular items fall out of vogue, but people always need a place to live. With sensible investment in a good piece of property, you may not get rich, but you will be putting your money into something that can keep you financially stable, help with your taxes and solidify your position in the community. However, many Canadian millionaires made their money from careful real estate investment, so if you start on the road to multiple property ownership, you may realize financial success in ensuing years.
One important aspect of falling home sales is the corresponding fall in interest prices. Interest rates are at significant lows these days; something just as, if not more important than your actual home price. With low interest rates, you can lock in a rate that will take you through your entire mortgage with a payment cheaper than rent for a comparable property.
Now is the time to invest in Canadian real estate. Your investment now will be realized in the long term with equity and rising home values. You must have patience to realize your investment, but you will find that real estate is one of the most stable financial investments you can own and the one most calculated to bring you financial security.
Over $10,000 in Unsecured Debt? – Why There’s Never Been a Better Time For Debt Settlement
December 18th, 2009 by adminFear of loss of job combined with more than ten thousand dollars to credit card issuers and other unsecured lenders may sound like a terrible thing. However, this can actually work to your benefit. You can actually save a lot of money if you owe money to credit card issuers and other lenders. Reason? Debt settlement!
The large number of bankruptcies has forced credit card issuers and unsecured lenders to change their approach. Lenders realized that they could not simply intimidate their customers into repayment. They realized that those who owe more than a particular amount would prefer declaring bankruptcy than struggling to repay the debt in full. Consumer confidence is low and people are scared of doing anything that may hit their savings and affect their cash flow. Hence, lenders decided to offer debt waivers and other debt relief assistance to those who owed beyond a particular limit.
Today, if you owe more than ten thousand dollars to your credit card issuer, chances are high that you will be offered a waiver. The original offer may range for 30% to 40% of the original amount owed. If this is not high enough, you can negotiate and bargain for a higher waiver. If the issuer does not agree, you can always opt for a bankruptcy.
The time for obtaining a waiver has never been better because credit card issuers
- have the support of the government in the form of the stimulus package
- Have suffered huge losses and are not ready to push the customers beyond a certain limit
- Are interested in being assured of returns rather than risky and uncertain high returns
- Are in a position where shareholders and investors are ready to condone losses provided there are no further bankruptcies.
The fantastic combination of circumstances will never come again. Hence, if you owe excess debts, then you should take the initiative and make use of debt settlement companies to seek a settlement. If you are still not convinced, just make use of the World Wide Web to know more about settlement and settlement companies. Visit the website of TASC for authentic information.
If you are over $10,000 in unsecured debt it would be wise to utilize a debt relief network instead of going directly to a debt settlement company. Using a debt relief network guarantees that the debt settlement company you choose has been certified and has established success in negotiating settlements. They are free to use and a good starting point to begin your debt relief process.
Free Debt Advice (href=’http://www.freedebtsettlementadvice.com/)
It’s a Good Time to Buy in Canada
December 16th, 2009 by adminThe Canadian Real Estate Association has come out with figures alarming to home sellers, but great for home buyers. With sales tumbling by 17 per cent in 2008, the market has been primed, but the prediction of another near-17 per cent tumble in 2009 indicates that the buyer’s market isn’t changing any time soon. Recent drops uphold the prediction of falling sales and the subsequent falling home prices that make Canadian homes a great buy for the real estate buyer.
In February of 2009, resale home prices dropped an average of 9.6 per cent in Canada alone. This summer, there has been an increasing amount of home purchases, but the market isn’t rallying. Even new homes have experienced a slowdown, with new home prices down 3.3 per cent in June, from June 2008. Western Canada is currently experiencing the largest price drops.
All these statistics mean that it’s a great time to buy for the Canadian home seeker. The market always turns around and by the time you are ready to move or sell, your home could be worth significantly more than you bought it for, especially in hot markets like Calgary, AB. This is potentially a long-term investment, but while you are waiting to realize it, you will have your own property to live on or rent out.
Real estate is the first best investment. Stocks will fluctuate, mines run out and popular items fall out of vogue, but people always need a place to live. With sensible investment in a good piece of property, you may not get rich, but you will be putting your money into something that can keep you financially stable, help with your taxes and solidify your position in the community. However, many Canadian millionaires made their money from careful real estate investment, so if you start on the road to multiple property ownership, you may realize financial success in ensuing years.
One important aspect of falling home sales is the corresponding fall in interest prices. Interest rates are at significant lows these days; something just as, if not more important than your actual home price. With low interest rates, you can lock in a rate that will take you through your entire mortgage with a payment cheaper than rent for a comparable property.
Now is the time to invest in Canadian real estate. Your investment now will be realized in the long term with equity and rising home values. You must have patience to realize your investment, but you will find that real estate is one of the most stable financial investments you can own and the one most calculated to bring you financial security.
It’s a Real Estate Boom for First Time Home Buyers
October 16th, 2009 by adminThe subprime mortgage real estate fiasco has created a glut of residential real estate in the real estate market. Foreclosures are on the rise and it doesn’t look like the end is in sight for at least another year. Thousands of home owners are losing their homes because adjustable mortgage rates have adjusted upward and caused increases of monthly mortgage payments so high that the affected home owners just can’t make the payments. It is inevitable, under these circumstances that many homes go into foreclosure and banks have to take them back.
While it is unfortunate that many home owners are losing their homes, the opposite and upside effect is that the real estate market is now a boom for the first time home buyer.
Mortgage interest rates are still low and banks and real estate lending institutions have 30-40 year fixed loans for home buyers. With home values in many areas around the country, such as California, plummeting anywhere from 30-50 percent of what they were a year ago, the market is wide open for buyers who have never owed a home and would like to do so now.
Lending institutions and sellers are very motivated now and are readily lending their ears to home buyers saying “lets make a deal” and deal they will. Here are some of the innovative and sensible ways home buyers can now acquire a home of their own when they are armed with some real estate homebuyer education.
1. Use government grants and loans for down payment assistance.
The federal government in 2003 established the American Dream Down Payment Act. This federal law has allocated $200 Million a year since 2003 to assist with arranging down payments for first time home buyers. This is a good indication of just how serious the government is about helping Americans make the American dream of home ownership come true.
Fannie Mae, one of the many federally supported programs for home buyers has programs such as the MyCommunity Fixed Rate Mortgage. This unique program is ideally suited for the first time home buyer. It provides for low down payment, high loan to value with broad flexibility, including nontraditional credit considerations allowing for the buyer to qualify for the loan. It also has special financial options to serve public servant professions such as teachers, police officers, firefighters and health care workers, and people with disabilities.100% financing is available with 30-40 year fixed rates. Check out the details at http://www.efannie.com.
These funds, in addition to other government funding sources, are made available through federal, state and local government agencies that provide down payment assistance to their citizens on a case by case basis.
Every major city and county has one of these programs. One need only exercise a little initiative and these funds can be acquired. Contact your local housing authority, city managers office or county administration department to find out about them and how to apply.
2. Use non-profit agency down payment assistance
Another little known, but long existing opportunity for first time home buyers to acquire help with down payment assistance is the numerous numbers of non-profit agencies around the country that provide free down payment assistance to home buyers. The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, enacted by Congress in 1977 and revised in 1995, requires banks located within identified communities to make loans and reinvest the depositors’ deposits within that community.
For decades now and continuing into the future banks have been making huge amounts of funds available to invest in targeted communities. However, the availability of the funds was not publicized in a significant way and many people did not and still do not know about these funds. Many non-profit agencies became aware that they could help in the community revitalization effort by creating a means whereby the banks could channel the funds through various home assistance programs that non-profits created. The non-profits that specialize in this type of program have grown over the years. Some are very large and are nation wide such as the Nehemiah Corporation – www.nehemiahcorp.org.
They get funding from the banks via the Community Reinvestment Act and other funding sources and then provide for down payment assistance and other housing assistance to persons desiring to own a home.
One of the high points of these programs is that the funding is often times not limited to first time home buyers and certainly is not limited to only low income home buyers. This creates yet another source of down payment assistance for the prospective home buyer. Given the numerous avenues of funding to assist in buying a home and the present market swing in favor of home buyers, buyers are now firmly in the driver’s seat.
How much time do I have to move after my home has been sold at a foreclosure sale?
October 16th, 2009 by adminHow much time do I have to move after my home has been sold at a foreclosure sale?
After the foreclosure sale there is a 10 day upset bid period before the sale becomes final. After that time has passed and there have been no upset bids the sale then becomes final. At that point the third party buyer, the lender, or the foreclosure trustee who purchases the property or represents the purchaser of the property at the foreclosure sale will then send you a letter, probably via certified mail, stating that you have 10 days to voluntarily vacate the home. Once the ten days period in the letter has expired the third party buyer or lender will apply to the Clerk of Superior Court for an Order for Possession. If the Clerk allows the Order for Possession
First Time Home Buyer? Hip, Hip Hooray for Thda!
October 10th, 2009 by admin“In order to promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low, low and moderate income individuals and families in the state, to promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for such persons, and to bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units?”
Many times, people have heard of THDA and are confused, thinking that THDA is a certain loan type. In fact, it?s lending agency. All THDA mortgages must be insured by private mortgage insurance, FHA, VA or RECD And as these loans are intended for low to moderate income families or individuals, there is a income limit and acquisition cost limit. Also, you must be a first time homebuyer unless your home is in a targeted area.
Why is THDA so fantastic for a first time homebuyer? Well, it comes down to money. THDA offers a below market rate and will allow up to 100% financing. Have you been reading the papers lately? It?s not so easy to find 100% financing these days. Unless, that is, you?re a first time homebuyer. It also has programs that allow for down payment assistance via grants from certain approved agencies (if your loan type requires a down payment). If you have satisfactory credit and the home you wish to buy meets THDA?s standards, then you?re in business.
All THDA mortgages are 30 year fixed rate loans, so you needn?t worry about finding yourself with an ARM loan (adjustable rate mortgage) and a new payment you can?t afford in 3 years. And THDA allows lenders to only charge customers a standard 1% origination and .25% discount fee. It also closely monitors fees associated with the loan. THDA really looks out for the best interest of the first time homebuyer. If you are eligible for a THDA loan, you can feel pretty certain that an unscrupulous lender can?t take advantage of you because THDA won?t let them. For so many people, buying a home is pretty intimidating. THDA takes away the uncertainties a buyer faces with its guidelines and lending practices.
If you do apply for a THDA loan, be prepared to document your credit worthiness. THDA loans require slightly more documentation than your average loans because of the uniqueness of its product. In order to offer more, THDA asks for more ? ensuring you qualify for its pretty awesome program. Sounds like a fair trade, if you ask me.
What are the disadvantages of a THDA loan? Not many. They do have a federal recapture tax if you sell your home within the first nine years of owning it. But it sounds scarier than it really is. I?ve heard that only about 1% of THDA customers actually pay this tax. That?s because a bunch of really great things have to happen to you in order for it to actually apply to you. And if those great things happen to you, paying the recapture tax won?t matter much to you anyway. I?ve been in the business for 16 years and have only heard of one person actually having to pay one. He graduated from medical school and his income when through the roof. His property was sold above market value than for the area because it was adjacent to some property that a huge retailer wanted to purchase. Again, good things have to happen to pay the recapture tax. So, you shouldn?t be afraid of it.
More people need to hear about and take advantage of the THDA loan programs. It?s such a great product and really helps the community and the housing industry. If you?re a first time homebuyer or think you?re in a targeted area, make sure you ask about THDA to see if you would qualify for a loan. You won?t regret it!
