Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog

I am a do-it-myselfer.  I enjoy the challenge of fixing what's broken on my own, of discovering something new, and of finding a good bargain.  So I have to admit I get it when people tell me they think they don't need an agent for buying a house.  Between being able to search our MLS online, internet postings about open houses, and virtual tours, buyers have so many tools at their disposal, it's easy to start believing you can do it yourself.  Too easy . . . because there's a lot more to buying a house than simply finding a pretty one on the Internet.

We are seeing a real trend - buyers researching properties on the Internet, attending open houses, and then trying to put in offers on their own in an attempt to save on some commission.  Sometimes it works.  But more often than not, the buyers' attempt to save a buck ends in disappointment.  A couple of weekends ago I saw the perfect example of why you can't always do it yourself.  I hosted an open house at an extremely well-priced townhome in a popular subdivision in Boulder.  People were literally waiting at the door for me to open it, saying they'd seen it come up on the MLS and couldn't wait to check it out.  Unfortunately, their ship had already sailed.  Other buyers had already jumped on the property, having had early notice of its being on the market and having seen it before the open house.  How could these open house visitors have avoided this disappointment?  By having their agent alert them of the new listing and get them into the property as soon as possible to check it out.

Your agent alerting you to new interesting listings is just one small example of how working with a buyers' agent can pay off.  There are so many other benefits: the agent's knowledge of the market and sales prices, which can help you avoid overpaying; the agent's experience with contracts once you make an offer; the agent's experience in bringing in qualified inspectors and professionals to evaluate the property you're buying . . . the list goes on and on.

All things said and done, after negotiating an offer, inspections, appraisals, and mortgage issues, working with an agent will often save you more than you will pay out in commission.  It also avoids countless evenings filled with stress and worry over the pending transaction.  Buying a house is just not the time to be a do-it-yourselfer - save that for the new kitchen remodel!

Boulder County REALTOR

www.oconnellhomes.com

303-868-3957

What is an Appraisal ?

 

Recently appraisals have hit the spotlight  because of the increased restrictions / guidelines / expectations placed on them. In fact, appraisals can often be the make or break step of a deal right now. 

If an appraisal summizes a home value to be lower than the projected loan amount the lending company will usually deny the loan. The reason being that the home is their collateral against the money they are lending. So should the borrower default, or stop paying their mortgage, the lending company wants to be sure they can sell the home for enough to cover their loan amount.

This video at the link below provides a great insight into 'Understanding Appraisals" - critical for all Buyers and Sellers to know these days, as it can greatly affect both parties.

 

 

Understanding Appraisals

 

 

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>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

 

Sheldon Neal is a Full Time Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in Central and Northern Bergen County, NJ.

Sheldon is also a proud Bergen County resident !

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County
Buying & Selling needs !
Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LTD.
cell: 201-481-2891
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

 

Thinking outside the box

Writing a personal letter to a prospective landlord isn't common in my area, but it's something I have every one of my prospective tenants do.

Why? A personal letter is just that, personal, an introduction to who they are.

How many landlords base their decision solely on credit reports and deposits? I can tell you a lot.

So how is a person with horrible credit and/or little money suppose to find a home? Over the years I've placed countless clients into a rental home due in part to the personal letter they wrote.

A letter that introduced them, a letter that explained why their credit wasn't perfect, a letter explaining why they short saled their home or claimed bankruptcy.

I have found landlords will look past the numbers on the paper and focus more on the person, IF the person takes the time to introduce themselves.

If you are working with a prospective tenant regardless of how they appear on paper I highly recommend including a personal letter with their offer, it can go along way.

Michelle Gibson REALTOR®
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc.
561.333.0446

Wellington FL Real Estate

Wellington FL Real Estate Blog
©2010 All Rights Reserved

A short while ago, Mr. Jason Crouch wrote a post about his diet. If you have kept up with his posts or twitter updates, you may know that he has already lost 30+ pounds. Well, we were talking about 2 weeks ago about what he was doing and the different iPhone Applications that helped him acheive this goal (and he is not done yet).

Well, after talking with him about it and talking with my friend about an infomercial I was watching (P90X), I decided I needed to do something about my weight as well. As it turns out, my friend has this system in his house and only lasted the first week. He claimed it was a tough program and his schedule just became too busy.

I did a little research and asked if I could borrower it for at least 30 days (its a 90 day workout program for those of you that are not familiar). If after 30 days, I have stuck with it (which I COMPLETELY intend on doing) then I will purchase my own.

To keep me honest, I am stealing Jason's idea about going PUBLIC with my weight loss goal. This will keep me focused and accountable for my goal. My goal is to be around 205 pounds. As I get closer to this goal I may adjust it accordingly, which will depend on my muscle mass compared to fat percentage.

So, on Sunday morning I jumped on the scale. Although I was not happy with the initial reading, I was not surprised by it either... in other words, the scale was not kind to me...

Sunday evening I started the first day of my P90X program. As I mentioned, its a 90 day program, which for me will run from August 1st to October 30th. In addition to the workout program, you have to watch your diet. They have a recommendation, but I am currently watching what I eat, how much I eat, and ultimately counting my calories like a modified Weight Watches program.

Today is Day #4 ... YOGA. :-)  I  have not completed this exercise yet, but can imagine it will be tough. Its 92 minutes long. In previous years I have teased my wife about how easy Yoga is... although I had never taken a class. So, I imagine she will get a good laugh at me after this evenings workout.

The program is designed to have a 'Weight Lifting' day, then a 'Cardio' day. What do you think about Yoga? Is it tougher than it looks? I'll know for myself in about 4 hours, but wondered what you thought and how many AR members are Yoga fans.

To date, I have lost 3 pounds... and Im sore ALL over. Seems like a small number, but its only been 3 days. I dont expect to lost a pound a day, but a few pounds per week would be great.

If you have ever thought about P90X, I would certainly consider it. The only time I would not suggest investing your money is if you have back or knee problems. Some exercises may irritate an existing injury you have in those areas. It can be tough, but feels well worth it so far. I'm sure I'll keep you posted with the results as I go.

p.s. Did I mention that some how I got Jason Crouch to do it as well? It works out really well because we compare notes on the exercises and push each other. Besides going public with my weigh loss goal, one of the biggest motivators is that I have an accountabiity partner that checks in on me to keeps me honest.

See you later in the Rain!

 

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Are you are looking to buy or sell a home in Frisco Texas or another city in North Texas?  Perhaps you love your home but would be interested in refinancing to a lower interest rate?  If so, then I can help.  

I'll help you get pre-approved for your a new home loan in Texas and even suggest some very knowledgeable and professional Real Estate Agents in your area of choice.  If you are available to talk, I am available to listen.  Give me a call any time or visit my website for more details.

Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage  p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

      

The views expressed on this site are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.