On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Most of us make our resolutions or goals at the first of each year, only to realize in late summer that the year has gotten away from us. Where does the time go, we ask each other with looks of genuine bewilderment.
If this sounds familiar to you and one of your goals was to buy or sell some real estate in 2015, I have some good news for you. It is not too late! Continue reading Winning Strategy To Buy or Sell
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Now is the ideal time to jump into the real estate market, whether you want to buy a home or if you are thinking of selling one. This is especially true if you have been renting. Have a property to sell? Now is the time to put it on the market. Here are important reasons as to why right now is the time to buy or sell your home.
Skyrocketing Rents
With low interest rates and increasingly more reasonable mortgage guidelines, your monthly payment to buy a new home may be equal to or even less than what you are currently paying for rent. If you are worried about coming up with a down payment, it’s important to check out some of the newer first time home buyer programs that can assist you.
Continue reading Ideal Time to Jump Into The Market
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
There is a rising demand for multi-generational homes that will provide a private living area for parents in addition to your own family. Here are the top 5 reasons why buyers are looking for a home that will provide additional living quarters for parents or additional family members.
1. Families with children sometimes need help with child care, especially if mom and dad work outside the home. While older parents may not need to provide full-time child care, they might be more available on occasion to “help out” or in the event of an emergency. Continue reading Finding a Home That Works For You and Mom & Dad Too
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Are you a first time home-buyer or perhaps you want to re-enter the real estate market after renting the past few years? Whatever your situation is, it may be time to pick up the pace and take steps to move your plan along.
Most homes on the Central Coast have returned to “pre-bubble” value. As the job market becomes stronger and mortgage guidelines become more reasonable, more buying opportunities are available to those seeking homeownership. This increase in demand will continue to push home prices upward. Continue reading Time to Pick Up the Pace?
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Mortgage credit availability increased in March, according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) a report issued by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) which analyzes critical data generated by the mortgage industry.
This latest report indicates that the Mortgage Credit Availability Index increased in March by 2.3 percent showing yet another move forward in the healing of the housing market. The loosening of mortgage credit guidelines is welcome news because more realistic guidelines are needed to bring into balance the “over-corrected” mortgage rules which emerged as a result of the crash of the mortgage market. Continue reading Mortgage Credit Guidelines Easier
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Buying a home is an emotional decision which is later rationalized by the parties concerned. Sometimes a buyer can self-sabotage when caught up in the transaction. Here are some ways that buyers might turn-off a seller.
1. Unjustified low-ball offer –
The market has turned around and is up! The days of low-ball offers being accepted are behind us. Buyers should ask themselves why someone would give their house away when someone else may and probably will be willing to pay market price? Continue reading Top 3 Things That Turn Sellers Off
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Spending a lot of money to improve your home is not always feasible. Homeowners often find a challenge to put money aside for that anticipated remodel because «life» continually gets in the way.
Here are some things, however, that will make your home more lovely and also help you to possibly save more towards the big remodel you hope to do someday. Continue reading 5 Tips to Improve Your Home For Less Than $500
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Here is a great «moving checklist» which will help you plan your move step-by-step beginning 2 months ahead. Ready? Let the count down begin. Important tip: Schedule regular intervals to relax. It will all get done.
Eight weeks
If you are using a professional moving company, research moving companies with the Better Business Bureau and get recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved
Talk to your insurance agent about extra insurance coverage you may need for your move. Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners’ policy to see what it covers.
If you are moving to a new area, research banks, doctors, and schools. Gather all the proper paperwork you need to set up new accounts.
Moving is less of a chore when you break down the tasks into weekly to-do lists. Keep this list on your refrigerator. It will help you feel calm and more in control. Continue reading 8-Week Moving Checklist
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Reality shows about how to buy and sell real estate are fun to watch and can offer some great tips when buying or selling a property. Typically, these shows will portray a potential homebuyer or a real estate agent walking through someone’s home and making rude (sometimes nice) comments about different features of the property. The seller then shows slight dismay and gets to work to fix up their home so that it will sell.
While I agree that these shows can be insightful and assist homeowners on how to make their home attractive to a potential buyer, I feel that it is also important to remember these are TV shows and designed to keep us entertained. Sellers and buyers should understand that these shows do not represent a blueprint for selling or buying a home. Sensible options can be boring and not really good for entertainment, but they may be the right option for you. Continue reading Real Estate Reality Shows..True or False?
On The Market
By Nancy Puder
When someone in our family passes away, the last thing we want to think about is the disposition or retention of real estate. It is important, however, to follow a few guidelines. Here is the advice that I often give to my clients and which I hope provides some peace of mind when making real estate decisions upon the death of a loved one. Continue reading Real Estate Decisions Upon Loss of Loved One