Tagged : Relocation 
There are currently 7 blog entries matching this tag.
Built for Military Home Sellers
Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 2:00pm. 31680 Views, 0 Comments.
Since the height of the market in the summer of 2006, homes prices across the United States have fallen a great deal. Many homeowners who purchased prior to that summer, and now have orders to move, are faced with the prospect of selling a home that may now be half the value it was when purchased. Fortunately, there is hope.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded the Housing Assistance Program (HAP) to provide benefits to service members who are moving (in military jargon, PCSing – Permanent Change of Station), among others.
To be eligible for HAP, military members must have, 1) Purchased their home prior to 1 Jul, 2006, and 2) Have PCS orders dated 1 Feb 2006 thru 30…
How Did You Determine That Listing Price?
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 3:04pm. 30314 Views, 1 Comments.
Successfully selling homes isn’t rocket science. Or, is it?
Does a home sell itself, or is smart marketing the key? Or, is it a little of both?
While most of us realize that targeted marketing is a sound sales strategy, it is tough to sell a lemon in any market. But most would agree, rarely is a buyer willing to pay more than an item is worth, unless of course, there’s more to the item than meets the eye. But, that is seldom, if ever the case. Wouldn’t you agree?
Attempting to accurately price homes requires consideration of various factors including:
1. Home Inventory
2. Current Market Conditions
3. Recent Comparable Property Sales
4. Condition of the Property
As many who provide valuations of property will tell you, any good…
Burn Your Mortgage?
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 6:12am. 2428 Views, 0 Comments.
Recently, I came across an article on AOL’s Real Estate page highlighting an article in the blog DailyKos. For those not familiar with the ‘Kos, it is devoted mainly to political and social commentary, along liberal lines. In the article AOL cited, the ‘Kos urged those homeowners struggling with their mortgage to, walk away from their unpaid mortgages. In their words:
“The real risk to the banks and investors is that the people in those homes might just decide to walk away. And that’s what we must do. Doesn’t have to be everybody, of course; but anyone who finds themselves seriously underwater with no hope of ever recouping their investment….just walk away Renee. Morality has nothing to do with it. You are a cog in the wheel of a machine that is…
What is Your Must Have Home Feature?
Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 3:52pm. 529 Views, 0 Comments.
The Avid Ratings Co., which conducts an annual survey of home buyer preferences, has published its most recent findings. According to their survey, there are 10 “must have” features in new homes. These features include.
1. Large kitchens with an Island.
For many, the kitchen serves as much more than just a place to cook. It’s also, more often than not, used for relaxing and socializing as well.
2. Energy efficient appliances, high efficiency insulation and high window efficiency.
Energy concerns are growing in importance.
3. Home office or study.
The internet has made working from home much easier.
4. Main floor master suite.
Not just for “empty nesters” any longer.
5. Outdoor living room.
Many find spending more time outside a…
Appraisal Changes Come Due
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 10:19am. 552 Views, 0 Comments.
In September of last year, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) announced a change to FHA appraisal validity periods. The announcement was met with unanimous approval from all sectors; lenders, home owners & buyers, and yes, even appraisers.
The change to appraisal periods involved decreasing the validity time for FHA appraisals from six to four months for both existing homes and those under construction. Since the first of this calendar year, 2010, the new standard has been in effect. Why does the change matter?
For those of us that have faced selling properties, only to encounter difficulties with the appraisal, this reduced turn around time, or reduction of validity time, couldn’t have come sooner. Because, no matter…
Can You Separate Fact From Fiction?
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 4:07pm. 426 Views, 1 Comments.
As I was skimming this morning’s New York Times headlines, when a piece on “Mega Content” sites caught my eye. The article’s emphasis centered on the the quality, or lack thereof, of ”Content Sites” like Answers.com The bottom line is, that while these sites are rich with content, and are quickly attracting viewers, maybe we need to consider what the quality of the material found there is? In other words, there’s mounds of information, but is it any good? Is it worthwhile? Is it TRUE?
During the past year or so, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a reoccurring Real Estate Technology class. The class briefly reviews the shift we’ve seen in the methods, tools and practices in our profession during the past few years, and examines how Realtors, by…
Please Read the Real Estate Fine Print
Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 6:35pm. 178 Views, 0 Comments.
”IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS”
Unknown
This morning’s Boston Globe ran a story of a real estate investment venture gone bad. Sound familiar?
In this case, a young Virginia Beach couple, among others, were sold “a bill of goods”, left high and dry, broke, and are facing a lengthy legal battle to simply try and reclaim their good name. If there ever was a real estate swindle that exemplifies the worst aspects of the buying and selling of real estate, for profit or not, it’s this one. It has all the necessary elements:
1. The Promise of Easy Money
2. The Smooth Talker
3. Fraudulent Loans
4. Fabricated Appraisal Figures
5. A Gross Lack of Due Diligence
This is but one of the many tragedies left as a result…
Beware The Shadow
For months, we’ve been expecting the next wave of foreclosures to hit the market. With a record number of homeown... 1Comments Read MoreBuilt for Military Home Sellers
Since the height of the market in the summer of 2006, homes prices across the United States have fallen a great deal. ... Add Comment Read MoreHow Did You Determine That Listing Price?
Successfully selling homes isn’t rocket science. Or, is it? Does a home sell itself, or is smart market... 1Comments Read MoreWe're always on the lookout for talented real estate agents to join our growing team.
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