Archive for November, 2009

How to score an offer

Friday, November 20th, 2009

You know the house — the nice brick one you drive past every day. The Smith family lives there, and it’s been on the market for months without a buyer.

Yet, there’s the Jones’ house, same model, just around the corner. That yard sign hasn’t been up for more than a few weeks and it already says “under contract.” What do they know that the Smiths don’t?

Real estate is never an exact science, especially in today’s market. But the reality is that sellers who are prepared and ready to sell their home are more likely to accomplish their goals than sellers who don’t make the same commitment to the process.

Here are a few “secrets” that I like to share with my sellers. Whether you’re thinking of selling or buying, I think you’ll agree that these tips can make a big difference.

Professional Staging. Good staging suggests how buyers can make the most out of the home’s area and spaces, and allows them to envision how they can live a clutter-free, ultra-chic lifestyle — even with a family of small children.

Well-maintained landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Everyone wants to view their home as a relaxing retreat. Indulge their fantasy with a lush lawn.

Everything neat as a pin. Minor flaws draw attention away from the finer features of a nice home. Patch, paint, tighten and repair everything before listing your home for sale.

Low price compared to others. If your home is priced lower than others of similar size and quality, you automatically become the buyer’s choice.

Accessible for showing. The more difficult for an agent to show your home, the fewer buyers they will bring. Make your home available on short notice to attract maximum attention.

Great photos on the Web. When your home is entered into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), it is immediately exposed to thousands of agents and their clients. First impressions make a huge difference! Make sure your home is the “shiny red apple” with professional photos, in “show ready” condition from Day One.

Article Courtsey Of: Allen Tate Realtors

Obama Signs Extended Tax Credit into Law

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Expected to contribute approximately $22 billion to the economy, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan measure this week extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to April 30, 2010.

The legislation, which is part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits, was signed into law by President Obama today.

More people are now eligible to take advantage of the law, which includes a $6,500 tax credit for buyers who are current home owners and have lived in their home for five of the past eight years.

Income limits for eligible home buyers were also expanded to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples, up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. Qualifying home prices are capped at $800,000.

NAR’s Government Affairs Division has compiled facts on the changes made to the current tax credit. NAR members sent more than 500,000 letters to leaders in Congress and made nearly 13,000 telephone calls to Senate offices last weekend to encourage support. So far this year, REALTORS® have spent nearly $14 million lobbying Congress, according to federal campaign finance records compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican and a former member of NAR, was key in extending the credit, as well as pushing it through initially. Other prominent boosters include the National Association of Homebuilders and the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Listen to NAR President Charles McMillan’s podcast announcement.

NAR economists estimate that approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year.

Sources: NAR and The Associated Press, Julie Hirschfeld Davis (11/06/2009)

Congress Passes Homebuyer Tax Credit

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Congress Passes Homebuyer Tax Credit

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly this afternoon to pass legislation containing an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit, completing Congressional action and sending the tax credit to President Obama for his signature, possibly as early as tomorrow.

The $8,000 homebuyer tax credit for first-time buyers, due to expire in 25 days, will be extended through April 30 of next year and buyers will have an additional two months, until the end of June, to close.  First-time buyers who are in process of making a purchase will no longer need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline. The new legislation increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in existing law.

For the first time, the new legislation makes buyers who already own a home eligible for a credit.  A $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.  The legislation limits eligibility for the existing homeowner credit  to homes worth $800,000 or less.

Choosing an Agent

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

How to Select the Best Real Estate Agent for YOU.

Once you have decided to list or buy a home, the next step is to find a real estate agent. The process of choosing a real estate agent can be overwhelming and confusing, but read over the following tips and you’ll be ahead of the game!!

Have Choices – Word of mouth and personal references can be an easy and efficient way in finding out who is a good agent in the area, but this may not always be the best way to choose an agent. Just because your neighbor’s house sold in 1 day, doesn’t necessarily mean that agent is right for you. Meeting different agents and conducting interviews is a great way to decide which agent would best suit your needs!

Interviewing Agents –  When making an investment as important as a home purchase, you should get more than one opinion. Interviewing potential agents can be a great way for you to figure out who would work best with you in buying or selling a home. Agents should want the chance to show you how they would work for you and what they would do to buy or sell a home. Don’t be afraid to ask agents how well they know the area and the markets of that area. An agent who is more knowledgeable on the area will be able to market your home better to prospective buyers.

Choosing an Agent – After interviewing several agents, it is time to make a decision on which agent you would like to list or help you purchase a home. Choose an agent that you feel comfortable with, you need to be able to communicate with them exactly what you want and need. This doesn’t necessarily mean your agent has to be your best friend, just someone that you respect and can speak with easily. Also, choose an agent who you feel will give you the upmost attention and works with your schedule, being able to reach an agent is very important when trying to sell or purchase a home.

 At Ruhl&Ruhl we have 10 offices and over 250 agents available to make purchasing or selling a home as easy as possible. Please feel free to browse each offices’ agent roster to help select an agent. If you would like one on one help in choosing the agent that is right for you, please contact Customer Service at 888.441.1776.

 

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Copyright © 2010 Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All content on this blog is my own opinion and should not be treated as fact or relied upon when purchasing or selling real estate.