We all hope our homes will hold their value over time, but in the short-term, home values often fluctuate up or down depending on a myriad of factors. Much of the value of a home correlates with the neighborhood and surrounding area in which it is located. Find out 5 ways that the area in which you buy has an affect on your home’s value.
Posts Tagged ‘home buying’
5 Ways the Neighborhood You Buy in Matters
October 28, 2011Buyer Beware: Home Staging May Be Hiding Big Problems
October 21, 2011Selling a home these days is no easy business. Many sellers are learning home staging techniques or enlisting the help of professionals to position their homes in the best light. As a home seller, staging can be a very smart investment, often rewarding you in a faster sale or even a higher selling price.
As a home buyer, however, beware of falling prey to “model home syndrome,” which may distract you from the truly important characteristics – or warning signs – of a home. We explain.
Dangers of Over-Pricing Your Home
October 14, 2011You’ve decided to put your house on the market. You’ve given it a lot of thought, weighed the pros and cons. You’ve talked with your family and together you’ve determined that now is the time.
Before the “For Sale” sign is placed in your front yard, you have some more decisions to make. Possibly the most important is the list price of your house. How much are you hoping to get for your home? What’s fair and reasonable in this market? And what are the risks of pricing your home too high?
8 Tips For Making a Lowball Offer on a House
October 11, 2011Hoping to take advantage of the distressed real estate market and get a great deal on a new home? In many parts of the country, there are more homes for sale than there are potential buyers, putting you squarely in the driver’s seat when looking to purchase a house. There is no precise definition of a “lowball” offer, but it is generally understood to mean a price that is substantially below the asking price or even market value.
To help you find your dream home at a discount, consider the following tips for making a lowball offer.
Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for a Home
September 20, 2011Considering paying cash for your dream home? So are more and more people. The number of all-cash deals has risen 25 percent from a year ago, making up 30 percent of May 2011 home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors. These all-cash buyers are typically either trading down for retirement, investors or wealthy folks. Learn the pros and cons of paying cash for a home, and where this is an option for you.
Home Buying: Get Your Priorities in Order
September 16, 2011Finding and viewing houses during the home buying process can be dizzying, especially for first-time home buyers. Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to set your housing priorities. We give you a few items that should make your list so finding the right home is a breeze.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy a Home?
September 8, 2011There is no doubt that the prices of houses are making it a highly attractive time for people to buy a home. This is not the case for everyone, however. Just because the prices of homes are right does not mean that it’s the right time to buy. Renting may be the better option, depending on your own personal financial situation and a few other factors.
Sell Your Home Faster by Making It FHA-Friendly
September 2, 2011To qualify for a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) home loan, the property you are buying has to meet certain standards. While the FHA does not fund the mortgage directly, the government agency does insure the lenders that offer FHA loans to homebuyers. Find out how to make your home a best friend of the FHA, so it’s easier and faster to find a buyer.
Home Inspection: Don’t Buy a House without One
August 31, 2011The cost of homeownership certainly doesn’t start and end with the monthly mortgage payment. When it comes to buying a home, the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” applies.
A home inspection is a small expense to pay upfront for a thorough inspection of your new home. It will identify any existing problems with plumbing, electrical, roofing and other home improvement matters, or what issues may arise in the near future. Learn more about home inspections and how to ensure you’re buying the home of your dreams and not a money pit.
Your House Is Your Home, Your Castle and Your Refuge
May 10, 2011Your home may be your castle, but when it comes time to sell it, you have to learn to emotionally detach yourself from it. Otherwise, you may be stuck wondering why potential buyers are walking away and deals are falling apart. Certified Financial Planner, Rick Kahler, explains how to detach yourself emotionally and make the sale happen.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home?
April 26, 2011Since the housing bubble burst more than two years ago, families all across America have been holding onto to their houses. Many who considered selling decided to wait, which is good because many who considered buying decided to wait, too. But there are some indications the real estate market is beginning to recover. Depending on where you live, now may be a good time to think about buying (or selling) a home.
