Homebuyer – Tips for Negotiating

Of course, negotiating is a huge part of the homebuying process.  There are some principles that are universal, though.

You’re in a strong bargaining position if:

• You’re an all-cash buyer

• You’re already preapproved for a mortgage

• You don’t have a home that needs to be sold before you can buy

These circumstances give you a little more leeway in negotiating. However, even if you are in a strong position, in a “hot” market, you may want to make your offer more desirable by offering more than asking price. When the market is “soft,” homes tend to sell more slowly, creating a larger pool of homes from which to choose. On the other hand, when the market is “hot,” there may be a limited number of homes to visit and the demand for them may be high.

Overall, here are some suggestions:

• Enter into negotiations with the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the property firmly in mind.

• Keep in mind (and add to the contract) some terms you can live without – then you can make concessions without compromising the items that are important to you.

• Always have a few alternative homes in mind – knowing you have other options will help you stay objective during bargaining and may encourage the seller to be more reasonable.

• Try to ascertain what the seller wants and needs. If, for example, the seller’s new home is not ready by the closing date, you might consider allowing the seller to rent back the home for a short time, provided your schedule permits.

• Terms may be negotiated as well as price, and the changes can result in financial savings.

A Checklist for Showing Your Home

Fully preparing your home for sale can make considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it. You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and improvements, some of which are suggested below.
Outdoors
__ Spruce up gardens and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants.
__ Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape.
__ Clean or paint your front door – remember first impressions last longest!
__ Manicure your front yard, driveway and entry – you can’t sell what you can’t see.

Exterior
__ Check that door numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good repair.
__ Touch up with fresh paint as needed.
__ Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage.
__ Repair loose trim, drainpipes and fencing.
__ Clean stains; clean window screens.

Garage
__ Remove clutter; tidy up shelves.
__ Wash floor so it looks clean and spacious.

Living Areas
__ Apply fresh paint as needed…brighten your interiors with neutral-toned paint.
__ Clean draperies and carpets.
__ Replace burned out light bulbs.
__ Clean fireplace, remove smoke stains from wall and mantle.

Kitchen
__ Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle without any clutter.
__ Wax the floor.
__ Clean oven, range and other appliances.
__ Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.

Bathrooms
__ Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces.
__ Replace shower curtain if necessary.
__ Fix any faucet drips or leaks.
__ Clean tile, grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

Closets
__ Doors and drawers should open and close easily.
__ Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks.
__ Shoes and clothes should be neatly arranged.

Overall
__ Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose.
__ Clean your furnace & water heater, so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.

Renting vs Buying A Home in Florida

There’s nothing quite like a home that you can truly call your own. A place where you can have the gleaming hardwood floors you’ve always dreamed of, a space to cultivate your own vine-lined patio, a way to provide a good neighborhood for your kids to grow up in, and a freedom from the whims of your landlord. These are the images that immediately come to mind, for many of us.

Yet some of the biggest advantages of owning a home are less romantic and more practical – in fact, there are financial advantages to owning a home:

* Tax Deductibility You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your state and federal income taxes. Since interest generally will account for most of your payment during the first half of your mortgage, the savings can be significant. Some of your costs at the time of closing (including prepaid mortgage interest) can be taken as deductions on that year’s income tax return, and points paid up front at the time of closing represent additional mortgage interest and may be taken as a deduction.
* Tax Deductibility of Property Taxes You can deduct all of the property taxes you pay.
* Appreciation Potential Real estate is considered a good long-term investment because it usually appreciates in value. The effects of borrowing potential can increase as the value of the home appreciates.
* Capital Gains Exclusion When it’s time to sell your home the amount of capital gains you have to pay is reduced. A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 per couple if married and filing jointly, or $250,000 if single or filing separately for homes that have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for the previous two years.
* Capital Gain Treatment Congress allows preferential tax treatment on gains from capital assets held for more than one year. This would be important for a homeowner who has gains in excess of the allowable exclusion.
* Principal Accumulation Mortgages are designed to pay the interest for the time that the money has been used, as well as to retire the principal debt over a period of time. This payment plan means that part of the payment each month is for principal accumulation.
* Personal Enjoyment Pride of ownership is a valid reason for wanting to own a home. You can personalize your home while enjoying the financial benefits.

For the best evaluation of your financial situation, consult your financial advisor. He/she will be the most qualified to discuss the financial consequences of a home purchase decision, as well as help you to establish a plan that will achieve your home ownership goals.

Examining Your Credit History

Your credit report and history are key to obtaining your home loan. We encourage you to view your credit report yourself, prior to the lender’s viewing of it, by contacting one or all three of the major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All you have to do is call and request it. Once you receive it, check the “high credit limit,” “total loan,” and “past due” columns. It is a good idea to get copies from all three companies to assure there are no mistakes since any of the three could be providing a report to your lender. Fees, ranging from $5-$20, are usually charged to issue credit reports.

Credit reporting companies:

•    Experian (800) 682-7954 www.experian.com
•    Equifax (800) 685-1111 www.equifax.com
•    TransUnion (800) 888-4213 www.transunion.com

You can also get a copy of your credit history at the following online locations:

www.freecreditreport.com

www.creditreports.com

What if I find a mistake in my credit history?

You can correct simple mistakes by writing to the reporting company, pointing out the error, and providing proof of the mistake. You can also request to have your own comments added to explain problems. For example, if you made a payment late due to illness, explain that for the record. Lenders usually understand about legitimate problems.

What about my overall (or FICO) score? What does it mean?

Prior to the late 1990s, credit scoring had little to do with mortgage lending. When reviewing your credit worthiness, an underwriter would make a subjective decision based on past payment history. Then things changed.

Lenders studied the relationship between credit scores and mortgage delinquencies and found a definite relationship. Almost half of those borrowers with FICO scores below 550 became ninety days delinquent at least once during their mortgage. On the other hand, only two out of every 10,000 borrowers with FICO scores above eight hundred became delinquent.

When can I stretch the percentages?

Depending on your area’s housing market, lenders sometimes will allow you to stretch their allowable debt ratios. One of the best ways to encourage your lender to do so is to increase your down payment.
Allowable Monthly Housing Expense

Underwriters sometimes also will stretch the ratios for other “compensating factors,” including:

•    Strong cash reserves after close of escrow
•    A new payment that’s only slightly higher than current rent or mortgage payment
•    A history of increasing earning capabilities
•    A history of an ability to save money
•    A large cash down payment

Options for fencing

There are many reasons to add a fence on your property, you may want privacy, to keep your children and pets safe as well as add value and appeal to your home. If you do decide to install a fence, it is important to ensure that you are erecting it on your property only. You should not assume that a prior fence or market was located on the property boundary, and reference should be made to property deeds and legal surveys. You may find evidence of survey stakes to help you determine the boundary lines.

There are many different types of fences to choose from to best suit your budget and situation. Visit the fence project estimator to get an idea of cost and how to find a quality fence company in your area.

Types Of Fences

Wood Fences. A popular and cost effective choice, wood fences can be made out of Western red cedar, cypress, or treated pine. When maintained properly, wood fences can endure the harshest weather and provide you with several years of serviceability. Wood fences can come in privacy, picket or rail style. Visit the FAQ for more information on wood fencing.

Vinyl (PVC) Fencing. Vinyl fences are strong and highly durable – retaining their shape, color and structural integrity. In addition to their attractive appearance, this style of fencing offers many benefits. It is fireproof, wont rust or rot, termite resistant and is virtually maintenance free. While this type of fencing is more costly than wood, you will not need to replace the fence in a few years, they are built to last a lifetime. There are many styles of vinyl fencing available to suit your needs from privacy to picket.

Chain Link Fencing. Chain link fences are an economical way to provide years of maintenance-free security and access control. These types of fences are extremely versatile; they can be made in a variety of heights, and can handle anything from a simple boundary marker for a homeowner to perimeter security. You can also get vinyl coated chain link fences in different colors for added versatility.

Wrought Iron Fences. This style of fencing is extremely durable and has a classic look. They are available in different colors, patterns and heights. This style of fencing can be used for walkways, porches, and perimeter and driveway gates as well.

You may have heard the old saying that good fences make for good neighbors,  while this may be true adding a fence to your home can be a significant investment. It is a good idea to shop around and consider all your options. Some things to consider: what is the primary purpose your fence? Will it provide security, satisfy municipal codes, retain children or pets, secure a pool or spa? There as many reasons for investing in a fence as there are  options!

Are You Considering A Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage provides a way for seniors to borrow against the equity in their home with no repayment due until the homeowner dies, moves or sells. Any remaining equity after repayment goes to the borrower or the estate.

A reverse mortgage may be of benefit if:

You need cash assets or income and have no other source available.

You are unable or unwilling to sell your house.

You do not care what the costs are to get the income or assets you need. (Recent law has helped limit the outrageous costs of reverse mortgages.)

You have no concern about which assets are left to your heirs.Make sure you thoroughly scrutinize all costs and provisions.Other possible solutions to increase income or get to assets are selling the home to family members or establishing a home-equity credit line on the house.

— Drew Tignanelli, president of the Financial Consulate in Lutherville, Md.

Yes, if your sources of retirement income (savings, investments, pensions, Social Security) no longer cover your spending. But using the equity in your home should be a last resort after all other resources have been exhausted.

The payments to the homeowner from a reverse mortgage can be received in the form of a monthly annuity, lump sum or revolving line of credit. Compared with a typical home-equity line of credit, establishing a reverse mortgage carries significant fees, so the decision to obtain one should be extensively evaluated.You should make sure it is a reverse mortgage under the Federal Housing Administration Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program so that mortgage insurance will cover the lender if the proceeds from the eventual sale of the home are not sufficient to pay the amount owed.

The History of Columbus Day

In observance of a very special holiday, we celebrate by closing all government offices, schools, etc, but do you know that the first recorded celebration honoring the discovery of America by Europeans took place on October 12, 1792 in New York City. The event, which celebrated the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the New World, was organized by The Society of St. Tammany (also known as the Columbian Order).

San Francisco’s Italian community held their first Columbus Day celebration in 1869. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison urged citizens to participate in the the 400th anniversary celebration of Columbus’ first voyage. It was during this event that the Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy, was recited publically for the first time.

Colorado was the first state to observe the holiday in 1905.

In 1937, President Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 as “Columbus Day” and in 1971, President Nixon declared the second Monday of October a national holiday.

Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008

 As a first time home buyer you can now take advantage of the new tax credit being offered.  This is called the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.  This Act includes a number of provisions that will help prevent foreclosures and reinvigorate the housing market as well as strenghten the nations economy.

If you feel the time is not right for you to buy your first home you might be interested in learning more about this Tax Credit that was created just for you.  And, then look at your credit then the interest rates available.  This might be a great time for you afterall.

Now is the Time to Invest in Real Estate in Sebring, Avon Park & Lake Placid

I just finished two full days at the Allen Hainge Cyber Star Summit in Orlando, July 21-22.  My head is on overload with all the great ideas, latest tech tools, and best marketing ideas for selling real estate.  Some of the top selling agents from around the country attended this event.  Along with all these good tips and talk about the negative media on foreclosures, short sales, high gas prices etc., one of the points agents from around the country kept making is there are great deals just waiting for buyer!  The stock market may be bad.  But now is the best time to invest in real estate for those with money to invest.  Pick up good properties at rock bottom prices.  Invest in your future.

To find out the best deals in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid, give the Cool Team of Maureen and Carl Cool a call today at 863 873-7243 or 1-888-243-2665.  We will be happy to provide a free list of foreclosures and short sales in the Highlands County area by email.   You can request this by emailing me at maureen@ACoolRealtor.com.

June 1 – July 15, 2008 Real Estate Update: Sebring, Avon Park & Lake Placid

June 1 – July 15, 2008  Real estate sales in Highlands County are down a little, but this tends to happen during the summer.  Our real season is January through March with summer being the slowest.  The greatest amount of sales are short sales or bank forclosures.  There are some really good deals out there.  I just saw a home go into the MLS close to Florida Hospital that is a foreclosure for $69,900.  It is a four bedroom home (the garage was converted to the fourth bedroom).  For an investor or first time home buyer, this is a steal.  RE/MAX continues to lead our county with number of sales.  I am fortunate enough to continue being one of the top selling agents in Highlands County.  Finding good buyers to qualify continues to be an issue.  But, the buyers are there!
 
This is the recap of activity for the past six weeks June 1 – July 15, 2008 in Highlands County.
 
Single Family Homes
 
Currently Listed                      1,578
Contingent or Pending             116
Sold   6/1 – 7/15                     77
       Sebring                           42
        Avon Park                      11
        Lake Placid                     23
 
Condos, Villas, Duplex
 
Active                                   357
Contingent or Pending            15
Sold                                     9
 
Mobile Homes – Owned Land

Active                                    134
Contingent or Pending             9
Sold                                      7
 
The majority of the sales were under $125,000, 15 sales were over $250,000 and 5 sales were over $400,000.  The houses that are price to sell are selling.   With all the media about short sales and foreclosure sometimes really good deal of great homes that are in the best condition are missed.  Work with an experienced agent…Call Maureen Cool to find the best deals.  Maureen keeps up with listing daily and knows what is new on the market that is prices right.  Let Maureen help you find your next home.  Now is the time to buy!.  Let the next great deal be yours!  Call Maureen Cool today at 863- 873-7243.