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Monthly archives for July, 2008

The Benefits of Selling FSBO

Jul31
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

Buy Owner SignNow more than ever, the “For Sale by Owner” industry makes a lot of sense for today’s buyers and sellers. Less money to an agent means more money in your pocket. More money in your pocket means greater profit, more freedom and incredible flexibility.

That’s why so many homeowners today are saying goodbye to hefty commissions and hello to the Buy Owner way.

Think about it:

Reason #1 to Go Buy Owner: No Commissions, No Kidding
Six percent of a $300,000 home is $18,000. Multiply these numbers by greater home values, and the savings only increase. At sometimes six percent a pop, real estate commissions literally amount to tens of thousands of dollars per home sale.

Cut out commissions, and you take back your money.

Reason #2 to Go Buy Owner: Unbeatable Advertising
The first thing many people think of with home selling is a sign in the front yard. But whether you’re a home buyer or a home seller, you know, in today’s market, a sign isn’t going to cut it. Buy Owner gives sellers the tools to showcase their homes to their fullest (from photographs and virtual tours to quality ad copy and customized photo captions). All of these marketing strategies highlight for-sale homes on Buy Owner’s high-traffic Web site, connecting buyers and sellers through one easy-to-find location.

Reason #3 to Go Buy Owner: Loads of Information and Resources
The hard part of selling on your own is knowing what to do and getting all the information to make good decisions. At Buy Owner, putting that information in your hands is our mission. From the best mortgage rates through our partner Guaranteed Rate to title assistance through our title department, we exist to make this home-buying and -selling process more affordable and simple. We even created our company blog to better assist you.

In today’s market, now more than ever, using Buy Owner makes good sense. But don’t just take our word for it: listen to what our clients have had to say! Visit the testimonial page on our Web site for more info.

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Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buy owner, fsbo, reasons to sell by owner
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Getting Clean while Going Green!

Jul29
2008
2 Comments Written by Allegra

mop it upWhen preparing your home to be sold, one of the easiest things you can do to make sure it’s in top-notch showing condition is to…clean it!

Simple, yes. But full of impact. A clean home can make a big difference to potential buyers. It shows that you are motivated enough to use a little, good ol’ fashioned elbow grease and that you care about the home you’ve been living in.

You’ll want to clean everything from the windows to ceiling fans and everything in between. With all of this going on, typical cleaners can let a lot of harmful toxins into the air and cause pollution. Consider using green products for this chore or even homemade products.

Traditional products are typically petroleum-based and have negative effects on both your health and the environment. These products also contain harmful chemicals that you don’t actually need to clean your home. Watch out for anything with corrosives, chlorine bleach, ammonia or phosphates. These chemicals cause skin irritations, burns, inflammation and vomiting, and they release toxins into the atmosphere. Doesn’t really sound like something you want in your home, does it? Especially when you need your whole house to be spick-and-span for a showing. 

Alternatively, green products are non-toxic and biodegradable, and they are just as effective at getting your home clean enough to show off to potential buyers! The best way to get a totally green product is to buy one that lists all of the ingredients and specific information.

Quality green cleaning products include Soap Works products, Earth Rite products, Clorox Green Works products and Weiman products, just to name a few. 

To take it a step further, use natural fiber sponges and rags instead of paper towels to reduce paper waste.

You can also make your own cleaning products with these simple recipes that are completely green and work great! The basic ingredients of most home recipes are white vinegar, baking soda and borax.

Home recipes for green cleaning products:

Countertop and Cabinet Cleaner: Mix warm water with dish soap and baking soda. Dip cloth in mix and rub on surfaces.

Glass Cleaner: Mix one cup each of rubbing alcohol, water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

Carpet Freshener/Rug Cleaner: Sprinkle on borax or baking soda over the area and vacuum or repeatedly blot the stain with a mixture of vinegar and soapy water.

Furniture Polish: Mix one cup of olive oil with half a cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Use a rag to clean.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Make a solution of half a cup of borax with a gallon of water and use to scrub, or you can put a fourth of a cup of borax in the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Scrub it the next day.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix one quart warm water, one teaspoon liquid soap, one teaspoon borax and a quarter cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use it on counters, floors, walls, carpets, upholstery or wherever else you need in it your home. It is all-purpose after all!

Remember, when using your new green products, test each mix on a small part of what’s being cleaned to make sure the cleaner is compatible with the surface. Also, clean from top to bottom since loose dirt tends to fall from ceilings and walls to lower surfaces like the floor.

Now get out to the store to pick up your eco-friendly products or start mixing up your own. By using the green-cleaning method, you’ll get your home green clean!

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Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged green cleaning
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The Importance of a Presale Home Inspection

Jul27
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Allegra

HomeThere are many reasons people sell their homes, but one thing is always the same: if you are selling your house, you want to do it as quickly as possible for the best price possible.

One way to ensure that your home is in top condition is to do a presale home inspection. Typically, it seems, home inspections are done on the buyer’s end, but, in fact, getting a home inspection is one of the smartest moves a seller can make.

Why Do You Need a Home Inspection?
By knowing what your home’s issues are ahead of time, you can figure out what you want to deal with and fix. You want your house to be as marketable as it can be, and getting these concerns in order is one way to do so. It also shows the buyer that you are committed and motivated to sell. Getting this home inspection can also result in fewer price negotiations at the time of sale, and it increases the chances that the deal will close.

What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an examination of your home done by a professional home inspector using professional standards to discover the condition of how your home’s systems appear and operate. You will most likely want to be around when the inspection is taking place so you can discuss any questions you have with the inspector and see what areas of your home will need work. After the inspection, the inspector will give you a written report.

What Is a Home Inspector?
A common misconception is what a home inspector actually is. The inspector does not appraise your house; that’s what a real estate appraiser does. The home inspector objectively determines your home’s current state. Your home cannot fail a home inspection, and no score is given.

How Long Will It Take?
A typical home inspection will last, on average, 2-3 hours or longer. It really depends on the size and square footage of your home. Inspections usually cost $200-$400, with the average for Americans running about $316. The price can increase if you have additional inspections done.

What Will Be Inspected?
During the inspection, the structural components, the exterior components, the heating system, the air-conditioning system, the roof, the plumbing, the interior, the electrical, the insulation and the ventilation will all be looked over.

Some companies offer additional inspections for pools and spas, fences and gates, barns, docks, lawn sprinkler systems and wood-destroying insects.

You may also be able to get water, lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide and septic inspections done.

What Will You Have to Do afterwards?
Most issues the inspector finds will be minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, such as chipped paint, dirty filters, or doors and windows that stick. However there are serious issues that could arise that you may want to consider dealing with before selling. These issues include health and safety issues, roofs in poor condition, deficiencies in the foundation, heating or air-conditioning malfunctions or moisture and drainage problems.

It’s up to you to fix these issues or not, but if you don’t, you must disclose the information to all potential buyers. Some states even make this mandatory. Even if you don’t, it could still be less stressful for the buyers to know what the issues are upfront rather than being shocked further on in the process after their own inspection.

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the Buy Owner Blog!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home, inspection, selling a home, selling advice, Selling Tips, what to expect
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12 Steps to Prepare for a Summer Open House

Jul25
2008
2 Comments Written by Shanna

red doorLonger daylight hours. Sun-filled afternoons. Green grass and blooming flowers. These are just a few of the reasons summer is a great time to host an open house, inviting potential buyers to walk through your home’s interior and see it at its finest.

In preparing for your open house, you’ll want to do everything you can to make the showing a success. Remember, putting in the prep work now can pay off with big rewards later. One visitor to your open house could be the buyer you’ve been waiting for!

Here are some tips for getting your home ready for a showing. Follow them, and you’re sure to wow potential buyers at your open house!

1. Decorate your entryway: First impressions are of first importance. Buyers will walk up to the entrance before you even meet them; you don’t want to scare them away! Sweep the front steps/walkway. Place potted flowers next to the door, or plant colorful flowers nearby. Other ideas worth considering: repaint/replace the doorway, add a new light fixture or shine/replace house numbers.

2. Manicure your lawn/landscaping: Before your scheduled open house, cut the grass, trim your hedges and pull weeds. Get all your outdoor foliage looking its best, so it can complement your home most beautifully.

3. Spruce up the exterior: Repainting or power-washing your home’s siding might be a smart investment, especially if it’s been a while since you last did so. Remember, the goal at your open house is to showcase your home when it’s looking its best. Buyers should only be thinking how nice it would be to live there, not how much work would be required to get it looking good.

4. Clean, clean, clean: Every nook and cranny of your home should be absolutely spotless. Take out the trash. Wash the windows. Vacuum, mop and sweep up floors. Wash down the walls. Organize your things.

5. Depersonalize: Take down personal mementos, including diplomas, photos and other knick-knacks. All of these items will detract from the buyer’s ability to see him- or herself living in your home. On the flip side, consider displaying photos of your home in other seasons: surrounding by fall foliage or covered in fluffy winter snow. Showcasing your home throughout the year helps the buyer see potential.

6. Make any necessary repairs: This should be obvious, but it is worth saying—if anything is broken, fix it before the open house! Have you been waiting to replace the broken window in the bathroom, or were you putting off cleaning or replacing the stained carpeting in the living areas? Now’s the time!

7. Prepare and print out fact sheets/brochures to give visitors: You can use your Buy Owner tools to do this, and you can customize them to your liking. Set these out in plain sight, on a coffee table or in the kitchen, and tell people to help themselves. This way, interested buyers have something to take with them when they leave.

ON THE DAY OF THE OPEN HOUSE:

10. Make sure the air-conditioning is on: You want guests to feel totally comfortable inside your home, and hot, humid weather is not the way to accomplish this. Make sure the air-conditioning is on, set to a cool temperature.

11. Bake something: Before guests arrive, put some baked good in the oven. As people are mingling through your home, they’ll smell the fresh aroma of home-baked goodies, which is sure to help them see your place as a cozy retreat. Extra bonus: offering snacks can help buyers feel comfortable enough to linger, allowing you to answer questions.

12. Be upbeat & cheerful: Greet every person who enters, and be available to talk, without seeming pushy. Be sure to provide contact info for buyers to contact you, and ask them for feedback, accepting whatever criticism is offered.

For more information on open houses, take a look at these Buy Owner Blog articles:

• Have You Held an Open House Yet?
• Preparing for a Showing
• Smile for the Camera: Staging Your Home
• 25 Extra Tricks for Drawing Buyers

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the Buy Owner Blog!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged checklist, cleaning, open house, seasonal advice, selling Buy Owner, Selling Tips, summer
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Green Idea: Uses for Old Furnishings

Jul23
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Allegra

So you’ve just remodeled a room, or many rooms, in your house. The updated spaces now showcase your personal style mixed with modern flair while all old furniture has been kicked to the curb, figuratively speaking.

But on that subject, what do you do with that old furniture you’ve replaced?

The first thought in your head may be to just trash the old stuff. But with global climate issues, overflowing landfills and the Go Green! trends, you may want to consider your other options first. There may be more to do with that “trash” than you think. Take a look at these possibilities:

Old Furniture

You can recycle your furniture. Check around your area for recycling centers that take such items. Furniture can take a very long time to decompose in a landfill. Plus, a lot of the materials can be reused, such as the wood and the stuffing in couches. They may charge you a small pick-up fee but it’s worth it if it means you’re doing your part economically. Also, some plastic furniture can be melted down and reused. Children’s furniture, for example, can be put out with your milk jugs to be recycled into something new.

Depending on what type of furniture it is, you can scrap it. If it’s made out of steel or aluminum, like outdoor furniture for example, it can be sold for scrap parts.

You can repurpose your furniture. If the piece is still in good condition, give it some serious thought before you write it off as useless. Can it be used in a different part of your home? Get your creative juices flowing and think about how to reuse the piece. By simply reupholstering or repainting, the item can be like new again. Or if you’re really creative you can find a way to turn it into something totally new. There’s no wrong way to go about this, so whatever you come up with can work!

The furniture can also be donated if it’s still is good condition and only gently used. There are several ways to go about donating items like this. You can call your local high school drama departments or community theaters and see if they could use the items for set pieces.

Check in the phone books for thrift stores and charity shops that accept furniture donations. Don’t forget to also call Goodwill and the Salvation Army while you’re at it. Ask these places if they pick up the furniture. Most charities will send someone to pick up your items, which is especially important if you can’t transport them yourself.

An added bonus of donating these items is that it’s a tax write-off, so keep all of the receipts. It’s a great way to help people in need with a little extra incentive for you.

So remember, after that fabulous room make over, don’t immediately trash the old furniture. There are so many better, more sustainable options!

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the Buy Owner Blog!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged eco-friendly home, Green Living, real estate, remodeling home
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The Secret to Selling Buy Owner

Jul21
2008
2 Comments Written by Shanna

Secret to SellingYou hear about satisfied Buy Owner customers all the time: on television commercials, on Buy Owner’s Web site, maybe around your neighborhood. The value of selling on your own, using Buy Owner, is spreading throughout the nation. Yet, as with anything, there are some Buy Owner sellers who are more successful than others.

What makes the difference? Is there a secret to making a successful home sale in today’s market?

In a word, yes. The secret is… are you ready?… work.

Selling Buy Owner adds incredible power to your home’s marketing plan, through virtual tours, professional ad copy, flyers, quality photo captions, online e-Catalogs and worldwide exposure through our aggressive marketing plan.

But you can add significantly to this plan by doing a little work of your own, thinking outside the box with selling strategies, reading up on tips and tricks for selling and making the most of your Buy Owner advertising package.

The effort will more than pay off in the end. Just look at what successful sellers have to say about their Buy Owner experience:

  • “I can’t imagine paying an agent 6% to do the same thing!”
  • “The selling process went well!  I took people on tours, and then we took out a bridge loan so we could move more quickly. That allowed us to move everything, and our house sold in less than three months after that.”
  • “The results of the sale were exactly what we were hoping for.”
Posted in From Buy Owner Customers, Tips and Ideas - Tagged fsbo homes, how to sell buy owner, how to sell your home, real estate market, real estate tips, selling Buy Owner, selling by owner, selling fsbo, selling your home
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Going Green with Flooring

Jul19
2008
5 Comments Written by Allegra

Bamboo FlooringWhile sustainable living does seem to be the trendy thing to do today, it really goes beyond the fad. With the global climate crisis weighing down on us, it’s smart to consider your options, especially when it comes to your home.

Sustainable flooring is one option. If you’re looking to redo the flooring in your home, think about using cork or bamboo flooring instead of the traditional options of hardwood, laminate or carpet.

Bamboo Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Bamboo flooring resembles traditional hardwood, but it is generally less expensive. It’s also harder, and therefore more durable, than traditional hardwood flooring.
  • Where Does It Come From?
    Bamboo is actually a grass that is harvested, split-flattened and then laminated. Once made into flooring it comes in planks, tiles or hand-scraped versions. Bamboo flooring comes in many colors, both natural and stained, to suit any room in your home.
  • What Makes It Green?
    Bamboo is environmentally friendly because it matures every 5-7 years, and once it’s harvested the root continues to grow. That produces more stock.
  • How Do You Maintain Bamboo?
    Maintenance of bamboo flooring is simple. Just sweep vacuum like any other floor to keep away dust and dirt.

Cork Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Cork flooring is made from cork oak bark. It takes 25 years for the plant to mature, and when it’s harvested, the tree is not harmed. It stays alive while the bark redevelops.
  • How Is It Sold?
    Cork flooring comes in tiles that are glued down or in planks that are floated. (Floating floors are floors that are not adhered to the subfloor.) Cork flooring comes in a variety of natural and stained colors, but it can only be stained if the surface is unfinished.
  • Some Perks about Cork
    Cork flooring is known for its softness. Cork’s cell structure is made of millions of air pockets, meaning you don’t get sore standing on it for long periods of time. It’s not spongy, though; it retains a solid feeling.
  • Cork flooring makes a natural noise reducer. The air pockets also absorb vibrations, so cork floors are especially great for rooms like a recording studio, a child’s playroom or an area for entertaining.
  • Cork is also anti-allergenic because it produces a waxy substance known as Suberin that repels bugs, mold, mites and termites. If you suffer from allergies but don’t want to suffer from a cold, unwelcoming floor, this is your answer!
  • How Do You Maintain Cork?
    Cork floor maintenance is simple. Like most other flooring, just sweep, mop and vacuum regularly.

Both bamboo and cork flooring can be used in any room throughout your house. They look sleek and stylish, with the added bonus of being green!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged building a home, eco-friendly decisions, floor options, Green Living, home improvements, remodeling
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10 Simple Steps to Go Green This Summer

Jul17
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

Go Green This SummerSummer is a great time for you and your home to go green! The days are longer, the weather’s warmer and it’s fun to enjoy the outdoors. So, this season, what steps can you take to make a positive impact on the world around you?

Try going green with these eco-friendly summer tips!

  1. Raise your temperature.

Changing your thermostat from 72 to 73 degrees is a simple change that will take you less than a minute. Yet its impact is big: you’ll save approximately 40 pounds of CO2 each month. Bonus? A lower A/C bill.

  1. Make the most of windows.

During the day, when the temperature’s warmer, keep windows tightly shut and draw the shades in order to keep your home naturally cooler. At night, if possible, turn off your air-conditioning, and let the cool outdoor air inside.

  1. Install more fans.

Exhaust fans can pull heat and humidity out of your living spaces, and ceiling fans can help reduce your need to crank up the A/C.

  1. Use a clothes line.

Taking advantage of summer sunshine means not needing to use your dryer. This can save you approximately 60 pounds of CO2 each month. Bonus? Air-drying actually helps clothes last longer.

  1. Plug nearby appliances and/or electronics into a power strip; turn it off when not in use.

Plugged-in appliances emit small amounts of heat, even when not in use. A simple flip of the switch on your power strip will help conserve energy.

  1. Avoid the oven.

Summer barbeques aren’t just fun; they are the greener alternative to cooking indoors. If you must cook inside, consider using a toaster oven or the microwave rather than the main oven.

  1. Control your fridge.

Did you know refrigerators can be responsible for as much as 20% of household energy use? Try setting your fridge temp to 37 degrees and your freezer to 3 degrees for maximized use/savings.

  1. Recycle!

Do you pay your bills online? If all Americans did, millions of trees and countless forests could be preserved. Look for ways to trim your trash, making your home greener in the process.

  1. Create organic compost.

Along the lines of recycling, creating your own organic compost out of scraps and waste is an excellent way to make the most of your garbage. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for more tips on what to do.

10. Grow your garden green.

There’s no doubt that outdoor plants add incredible appeal to homes. When choosing plants, you’ll want to look for long-living perennials rather than annuals. Think of it this way: every plant you keep is a plant you don’t have to replace later.

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged environment, green homes, Home Improvement, home ownership, investing, landscaping, summer
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Hosting a Summer Yard Sale

Jul15
2008
1 Comment Written by Allegra

Garage Sale

Summer’s here. And that means it’s time to break out the swimsuits, the flip flops, the shorts, the tank top and….. the yard sale signs! Yard sale signs?

Yes, that’s right. It’s yard sale season, which is good news for anyone selling their home. Anyone who has ever had to pack up and move to a new home understands that you don’t know how much stuff you actually own until you have to compile it into boxes.

Call them what you will–yard sale, garage sale, rummage sale—but know that these events can help with the frustration of packing up and moving because you can sell everything (or almost) everything you don’t want to take with you and make a little extra cash while you’re at it!

By following these tips, you can have a successful yard sale–and a lighter moving day!

  1. Find out your community’s restrictions and laws for yard sales. Before you start planning, do a little research to find out if there are restrictions on sign postings, times, size of sale and things of that nature. You don’t want to have to shut down because some rule was overlooked.
  2. Go through your entire house and collect sale items. Look at everything you have and decide if you really need it in the next house. This can be tougher than it sounds. Don’t let sentimentality get in the way. It may have meant something to you at one point, but if the item has been sitting in the back of your closet since 2005 it’s time to let go. Also, you’ll regret not getting rid of something once you go to pack, and you realize you don’t actually care as much about the item as you thought you did.
  3. Once you’ve got all of your yard sale items collected, it’s time to set a date. Weekends are usually the best time of the week with Saturday being the most popular. Try not to schedule your yard sale around a holiday weekend or an important community event. Check the weather forecast too. Then, based on your community’s rules, decide on the times of your yard sale and how long it will run for. Will it be an all-weekend event or just one day?
  4. You’ll want to start your sale early. People expect yard sales to begin early-to-mid morning so make sure you’re on par with others. Seasoned shoppers sometimes even like to show up early to scope out the goods. If you don’t mind this, then don’t worry, but if you don’t want anyone around until the time you open, you can mention no early birds in your advertising.
  5. Once all the details are set, you’ll need to advertise. No one will come if they don’t know it exists right? You can list your sale online, take an ad out in the local paper and post the details on free community bulletin boards. Use word of mouth by telling friends and neighbors to tell their friends and neighbors. Of course, still use signs too. Don’t overdress them and make them out a durable material. You’ll want people to be able to read your sign clearly and you’ll also want the sign to last.
  6. Make sure the items you’re going to sell are in decent condition. If something is dirty, wrinkly or just plain gross, it’s going to stop people from buy it. To ensure this doesn’t happen, wash all clothes you plan to sell, put any dishware through the dishwasher, clean off dirt and grime from things that have been sitting in a corner collecting dust and just give everything a general once over. Just remember, appearance can be a deal-breaker.
  7. Set the stage for your sale. It will look more organized and inviting this way. Anything antique put out on front; it will attract people. Set like items together. For example, group all clothes together and organize them by age and/or gender. Baby clothes, teenage girl clothes, men’s clothes, etc. Other groups can include movies, books, toys, shoes or household items. Use plastic baggies to organize small items like jewelry. Remember to put a price on every item and price it fairly because you want it to sell. Again, don’t let sentimentality for an item cause you to price it higher than it ought to be priced.
  8. Make sure you have enough change on hand to give back to people. You don’t want to look silly if you can’t make change for someone who’s willing to buy something. Head to the bank before your sale and get about $50 worth of coins and small bills.
  9. Although you mean business, you also want your yard sale to be fun. The more fun people are having, the happier they’ll be. And the happier they are, the more willing they are to buy! Bring out a stereo and turn up the tunes. Put some balloons out front on your mailbox. Make small talk with customers who stop by.
  10. Start a “to donate” pile. Most likely, you will not sell everything you set out. In this case, every hour or so, take the items that don’t seem to gain any interest and put them in a separate pile. You can call the Salvation Army to pick up the items or donate the items to different charities.
  11. Don’t host a yard sale alone. Unfortunately there are people out their who like to pull yard-sale scams so it’s always a good idea to have someone run the sale with you to keep an eye on things and keep you company.

Remember, your trash is someone else’s treasure. So get out those flashy, yet readable, yard sale signs, make some extra moving money and get rid of extra baggage before the big move!

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home ownership, moving, summer, yard sale
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Who’s Buying Houses?

Jul13
2008
1 Comment Written by Shanna

New home

Even in today’s tougher market, people are still starting out, moving, transferring and upgrading, selling and buying homes as they do. In fact, there are all kinds of different, still-common reasons that prompt browsers to become buyers, whether a first-timer or someone who has to sell and buy.

Whether you’re one of these buyers, a seller or just someone looking for some perspective on the real estate market, consider these circumstances that make people buy.

    1. FIRST-TIME PURCHASE: It’s the American dream to own your own home, and many renters nationwide work toward that eventual goal. When it comes time to buy, these future homeowners start their hunt, looking for their first places.
    2. NEED MORE SPACE: There’s a reason they call your first place your “starter home.” You start out with it, and, as your household and its possessions grow, you move. It’s probably the most common situation that makes people relocate. Lack of space prompts homeowners to start looking for something bigger, better equipped to meet personal needs.
    3. WANT A NICER PLACE: Americans are known for wanting the biggest and best of things, and this is especially true of houses. Sometimes moving can mean getting a fancier kitchen or a larger closet, without the hassle of renovating.
    4. RELOCATION/JOB TRANSFER: With today’s work force changing jobs several times throughout their careers, relocations are a part of life. Whether moving within the area, to be closer to work, or transitioning to a new state where a job is located, homeowners find themselves packing up and starting over.
    5. LOCATION/NEIGHBORHOOD: Sometimes, moving can mean being closer to friends/family or nearer local conveniences. Alternatively, moving can give you a location further out from busy cities and out in the country. Similarly, as time goes on, neighborhoods change. For people who aren’t thrilled with the changes, moving may be the way to find an area they do like.
    6. FINANCIAL ISSUES: Sometimes, a buyer may wish to relocate to downsize current mortgage payments. A growing problem nationwide, variable-rate mortgages and high interest rates have forced some homeowners to change living situations.
    7. COMBINING LIVES: Shared living arrangements often go hand-in-hand with serious relationships and marriages. This can often mean one or both parties will choose to leave their current home(s) and find one together.
    8. DIVORCE: Divorce is a reality today, and with it come the complications of home selling. Often, a couple will sell the home to arrange for the division of the proceeds.
    9. DOWNSIZING: It can become increasingly difficult to maintain a large home, and different seasons of life prompt homeowners to downsize to condos, townhomes and smaller places.
    10. RETIREMENT: As older age approaches, people want to retire to new locations or more easy-to-maintain residences. With so many adult communities popping up across the nation, the options abound!

What about you? Are you looking for your next place? Head over to Buyowner.com to see what’s available!

And if you’re also selling a home, consider using Buy Owner, the leading FSBO company in the nation, to help you market your home best!

Posted in General Information, Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, buying buy owner, home buying, home ownership
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