Nobody Sells More Real Estate than RE/MAX!

Because there are many components to putting your home on the market, your RE/MAX Properties agent will be there to guide you every step of the way. By providing you and your home with 100% seller representation, your RE/MAX Properties agent will help you sell your home for the right price in the most efficient manner. In addition, your RE/MAX Properties agent will provide detailed information on preparing your home to go on the market and steps to take once your home has sold-all while keeping you informed throughout the entire process.

The Right Selling Price Affects Your Bottom Line

When you’re selling your home, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you’ll receive. That’s why you need a professional evaluation from an experienced real estate professional. Your RE/MAX Realtor can provide you with an honest assessment of your home, based on several factors including:

• Market conditions
  
• Condition of your home
  
• Repairs or improvements
  
• Time frame

In real estate terms, market value is the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell within 30 to 90 days. If the price of your home is too high, several things could happen:

• Limits buyers. Potential buyers may not view your home, because it would be out of their buying range.
  
• Limits showings. Other salespeople may be less reluctant to view your home.
  
• Used as leverage. Other realtors may use this home to sell against homes that are better priced.
  
• Extended stay on the market. When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as defective. Buyers may wonder, “what’s wrong,” or “why hasn’t this sold?”
  
• Lower price. An overpriced home, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead a lower selling price. To sell it, you will have to reduce the price, sometimes, several times. In the end, you’ll probably get less than if it had been properly priced at the start.
  
• Wasted time and energy. A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home.

Realtors have known it for years – Well-kept homes, properly priced in the beginning always get you the fast sale for the best price! And that’s why you need a professional to assist you in the selling of your home.

Tips for 1st Time Home Buyers

YOUR FIRST HOME – Purchasing your first home is a rite of passage that most non-homeowners dream of. The benefits of owning your own home helps you to build equity and is a tax break to most consumers.

1) Pay off your debt. The best approach is using extra cash to eliminate credit-card and other high interest consumer debt – even if that means you can put down less money on your future home. Credit card debt will limit the amount of money you will be able to borrow. Total monthly debt is not to exceed 40% of your gross income. That includes payments for credit cards, student loans, car loans and homeowners insurance, taxes and a mortgage.

2) How much can you afford? There are two things that will determine that. How much you can borrow and how much down payment you have. Rule of thumb – Your annual mortgage payment, taxes and insurance shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross income. Determine how much money you have for a down payment and set aside 3% to 5% for closing costs. Put some money aside for emergency repairs once you move into your new home.

3) Types of Loans. Now you are ready to shop for a house loan. As a first time home buyer you will need a steady job and a good credit history to buy a home with less than 20% down payment. The more money you have for a down payment the more options you will have. If you have a down payment of less than 20% you will be required to pay for private mortgage insurance. Your premiums will depend on how much you put down and the type of loan you decide on.

4) Questionable Credit? Don’t have a perfect credit score? Then you might qualify for loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration also know as FHA. These loans are government insured and are more lenient that other lending companies. You can put have a down payment as little 3.5% cash requirement.

5) Down Payment Assistance Programs. Need help with your down payment? Each year HUD gives states and municipalities money to distribute to low and moderate income families for housing. Some may even offer grants. To qualify for a down payment assistance program, a consumer can earn no more than 80% of a region’s median income.