Finding A Loan

There are two important steps preliminary to becoming a homeowner. First you must find the right home and negotiate the price and terms with the sellers. Then you come to one of the most difficult parts of the transaction--finding the perfect loan.You should do some comparison shopping among lenders. Your real estate agent can refer you to several reputable lending institutions which should be able to complete the loan process before your proposed financial approval date. The loan officer will take your application and have you sign all the necessary papers to authorize credit and employment verifications. You and the real estate agent should get periodic progress reports to make sure that all of the details are taken care of. Such reports will help to ensure that any potential problems are discovered and addressed before they can hinder the transaction.

Playing It Safe

Conduct a thorough check for any safety hazards when you are getting your house ready to put on the market. You may be accustomed to the worn tread on the stairs, toys in the hallway, or closets that deposit their contents at your feet when the door is opened, but strangers won't be as intuitive as you are. They will be vulnerable to those little "hazards" as they walk through your home, turning on the faucets, opening closet doors, and going up and down the stairs.The stairs are a good place to begin your safety check. Could someone tall accidentally bang their head on a beam, pipe or the ceiling as they go up or down? Is the carpeting on the stairs securely fastened? An area rug should have a non-slip mat underneath.Safety is important because someone who is injured in your home could sue you for damages. This doesn't happen often, but if it does, it can be extremely unpleasant. "Better safe than sorry" applies to homes as well--especially when they are for sale and open to visits from potential buyers.
For more helpful ideas for getting your home ready to sell call me at 919-303-3588 or visit my real estate web site at www.AnneCain.com for all your real estate needs. I can help you sell!

Why Is It Not Selling

If you are selling your home and it has been on the market for several months, you might start to wonder why it just isn't moving. How can you introduce some extra energy into the sale?

The first thing you should do is have a frank talk with your real estate agent in order to get feedback from prospective buyers who have seen your home, and other agents who have shown it. Does your home look its best? Is it accessible for agents to show on short notice? Is the price in line with the rest of the market? Do you need to consider neutralizing any strong decorating features that may not have wide appeal?

Getting your home sold is a collaborative effort between you and your real estate agent. It is important for your agent to market your property aggressively, but you must do your part to ensure that buyers see a home that is as appealing as it can be. Ask your agent for any new ideas that will create results.

Selling Your Kitchen

Most buyers rate an attractive kitchen very high on their priority list when they are looking for a new home. The layout of the kitchen, the amount of counter space and storage, and the age and overall condition of the appliances are all important to them. The kitchen area is basically viewed as the center of nourishment and an important place of family interaction.Take a discriminating look at your kitchen and consider what you can do to make it a real asset. Repair any plumbing leaks or broken appliances. Scrub the room thoroughly, paying special attention to the range and oven. Clean the refrigerator and place a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. Simple improvements can sometimes work wonders. Hang some colorful pot holders over the stove. Brighten the windows with new curtains and clear all clutter off the countertops.You don't need a brand new, high-tech kitchen to impress buyers, but do whatever you can to make your kitchen look as efficient and well-maintained as possible.
For more help in getting your home ready to sell call Anne at 919-303-3588.

Beneficial Brokers

Homebuyers who use the Internet to start their home search may be lured by the promises of realty companies advertising "one-stop shopping" guaranteed to meet all your housing needs. But before you sign up with an online company, consider the benefits of meeting personally with a real estate agent or broker who can represent your best interests in the transaction.A full service real estate broker will be informed about the current trends in your local market. He or she will personally show you properties that satisfy your unique requirements. When you want to discuss your options for a home mortgage loan, your broker will refer you to a reputable mortgage professional who can help you choose a loan that meets your specific needs. Your broker will have a working relationship with home inspectors and homeowner's insurance companies whose professional integrity they can vouch for. Online "one-stop" companies profit from handling all aspects of a transaction, but the homebuyer may not receive adequate personal attention or get the best deal. It is to your advantage to engage the services of a real estate agent or broker, because their sole motive is to protect and guide you during the complex process of buying property.

Tax Breaks

Most homeowners are keenly aware of the interest tax deduction on their home loan, but there are many other tax breaks which are often overlooked at income tax time. Pro-rated property taxes and mortgage interest in the year of sale are deductible. You will find these amounts listed on your closing settlement statement. If you paid off your mortgage and had to pay a pre-payment penalty, it qualifies as tax deductible interest. If you paid an "acquisition mortgage loan fee" on a home loan, this fee can be deducted as itemized interest. Home improvement loan fees are also deductible. Any remaining loan fees from re-financed or paid-off mortgages are fully deductible at the time of the mortgage payoff.Certain items don't qualify as deductions, but can be added to the cost basis of your home, such as transfer taxes, recording and title fees, and special local property tax assessments for new sidewalks, streets, or sewers.Don't be intimidated by the tax code! A little research or consultation with an expert can help you maximize your real estate tax advantages.