The Power of Negative Thinking!
Displaying blog entries 1-7 of 7
This month’s featured video discusses the importance of using a Realtor for all of your home buying needs. Realtor's have a great deal of knowledge in the real estate market can provide all of the information you need for the property you are interested in. A Realtor can also help you determine how much home you can comfortably afford and refer you to helpful lenders.
A Realtor will always negotiate on your behalf to get you the best price for your new home and help take care of all of the closing paperwork, and closing procedures.
There is a lot to know about owning a home. A Realtor is always your best source of information for all your real estate needs...
>
If you have not reviewed my monthly Housing Trends Newsletter - you could be missing out. Everywhere I go, people are asking me about the housing market conditions - it's on everyone's mind. Staying abreast of local and national market conditions and factors that can affect the future sale or purchase of your home can make the decision process less daunting. I always tell my clients that in order to make the best decision they need to have all the information they can upfront. My Housing Trends Newsletter is just one of the tools in my arsenal to make sure you keep informed.
The March 2014 Local and National Housing Trends has just been released. This month's newsletter is packed full of local and national housing market statistics and news you need to know to stay current with today's changing housing market.
This month's housing trends issue features:
Existing-Home Sales Drop in January While Prices Continue to Grow
December Pending Home Sales Fall
Boost Your Credit Score to Buy a Home
Odd Moving Tips that Really Work
How Much Mortgage Can I Afford
Experts Predict 2014 Housing Market
You can view the newsletter here.
If you wish to receive FREE Housing Trends eNewsletter e-mailed to you monthly, click here to Subscribe.
If you are considering selling your house or buying a home and need more information, I am never too busy to help, please contact me for more information.
Don't Miss that Busy Street...
And what about the power line hanging over the pool? Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions and accomplishments we make in our lives. It is also one of the most confusing, scary and emotional times. All of these feelings can come into play all at once. Many times I am in the car with buyers looking at several houses and it is not uncommon, for buyers to be excited, nervous, stressed and in some instances not on the same page with their significant other. This is all normal.
The new RE/MAX spotlight video touches on the excitement and energy in buying a home, but also highlights what you could be overlooking in your excitement to find a home.
This video showcases the importance of working with a qualified buyers agent with a proven track record of client satisfaction... Choosing an agent solely on their bragging rights in terms of sold volume and units, may not be in your best interest. Making sure that you have the right 'fit' with your real estate agent / REALTOR is a critical piece in having your best interests looked out for and your needs met when buying a home. Make sure you research and read about any past client experiences before committing to working with a real estate agent.
Lorna Calder is an award winning Real Estate Broker in Kingwood Texas. Lorna's past clients rate her as #1. Lorna Calder has also appeared on HGTV's House Hunters.
Working with a lot of first time home buyers, I get asked a lot of questions. Good questions. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a second time around buyer, make sure that you are well informed of the process and real estate practices in the area that you are purchasing in. Policies, procedures and contract forms vary from state to state. So make sure you keep in the know.
Other things you may want to consider should be, what is the average home price in the area that you are looking in? Why should you know this? Because you should know whether you are purchasing above or below the average price range - this can help you when you are thinking about resale... which by the way - you should be thinking about before you buy... Confused yet?
Is it better to buy a three bedroom or a four bedroom?
What features are you looking for in your home? Are you aware of what some of those features can cost in the area you are looking in ?
What is the typical cost of home improvement projects? Can you afford to update a home after you buy it? Which home improvements gibe the best return on investment?
How much does an inspection cost in the area? Why should I have one?
How much is an appraisal? Survey?
What are closing costs and how much will they be? Who pays the closing costs?
How much is homeowners insurance?
What is title insurance and why do I need it? Who pays for it?
What is an escrow account? Why do I have to have one?
Where is the best place to look for houses?
What are the Steps to Buying your First Home?
How much should I have for a down payment?
How much house can I afford?
How do I get pre-approved? What is the difference between prequalified and pre-approved? Why does it matter?
Many of these questions can be answered by having a first time home buyer consultation with a real estate agent. Looking before you leap into a contract on a home can save headache, heartache, stress and money. Asking your questions early in the process will make you feel very comfortable about what you are doing and the decisions you are making.
Make sure that you are prepared - even if it means waiting a little bit to start looking while you get your affairs sorted out and ready. You have to be in the position where as seller can look at your contract and your pre-approval letter and say yes, this buyer is Ready, Willing and Able to buy my house. You must be all three. Most prospective home buyers are ready, and they are willing, they are just not able... yet.
Ask your real estate professional a lot of questions - they should know the answers, or be able to get the answer quickly or put you in touch with someone that can. If they cannot, you should ask yourself if this is the best person to be working with. If you would like to see the full size infographic - click here.
Seems like a lot to think about and it is, but the whole process can go fairly smoothly when you are working with a Realtor. If you are thinking about purchasing a home, contact the Lorna Calder Team. Lorna and her Team have helped many first time home buyers navigate through the process to become successful home owners.
Lorna Calder is an award winning Real Estate Broker in Kingwood Texas. Lorna's past clients rate her as #1. Lorna Calder has also appeared on HGTV's House Hunters.
The graphic below is an excellent visual on Home Staging or 123 Home Decor.
With Spring almost here, its time to dust the rugs and freshen things up - especially if you are selling your home. Even though the housing market has turned the corner in Houston, it is still important to do everything you can to ensure the highest and best price for your home.
If you are thinking of selling your home and would like more information, please feel free to contact the Lorna Calder Team.
This month’s featured video discusses the rise in interest rates. It is guaranteed that this spring interest rates will be rising. A chart listed shows interest rates since 2000, and other than the last 12 months you can see that two years before that were the lowest interest rates in a decade. Interest rates are now running about 4 and a half percent. It is expected by the end of this year interest rates are going to be about 5-6 percent range.
So what is that going to cost a perspective home buyer? If you get a 30 year fixed rate loan today at 4 and a half percent and interest rates go to 5 and a half percent your monthly payment goes up 61 dollars which is more than 10 percent. A one percent increase in interest rates today will raise your monthly payment on principle interest by more than 10 percent. So if you’re looking for a home this spring is the time! Talk to your local realtor, they know their markets.
There is a lot to know about owning a home. A Realtor is always your best source of information for all your real estate needs...
If you have not reviewed my monthly Housing Trends Newsletter - you could be missing out. Everywhere I go, people are asking me about the housing market conditions - it's on everyone's mind. Staying abreast of local and national market conditions and factors that can affect the future sale or purchase of your home can make the decision process less daunting. I always tell my clients that in order to make the best decision they need to have all the information they can upfront. My Housing Trends Newsletter is just one of the tools in my arsenal to make sure you keep informed.
The February 2014 Local and National Housing Trends has just been released. This month's newsletter is packed full of local and national housing market statistics and news you need to know to stay current with today's changing housing market.
This month's housing trends issue features:
Neighborhood or House? Hot to Set Your Priorities
Rent-to-Own Agreement Can Benefit Buyer and Seller
5 Resolutions for First-Time Home Buyers
Do You Buy or Sell First When You're Ready to Move?
Pros and Cons of Living Within a Homeowners Association
You can view the newsletter here.
If you wish to receive FREE Housing Trends eNewsletter e-mailed to you monthly, click here to Subscribe.
If you are considering selling your house or buying a home and need more information, I am never too busy to help, please contact me for more information.
Displaying blog entries 1-7 of 7