Welcome to the official Blog of BuyOwner.com

BuyOwner.com buy sell trade rent

  • Home
  • About BuyOwner.com
  • Popular Posts

Monthly archives for April, 2018

Are Solar Panels Really Worth the Money & Effort?

Apr28
2018
Written by mary.w

You’ve heard the pitch, “Save thousands of dollars by going solar!”. But is that true for you and how can you get through the hype and determine the truth.

Below are a couple of things to consider when considering going solar:

What are you currently paying for your electricity?

This is probably going to be the most important factor that you will be considering since your goal from installing solar is to lower the cost of powering your home. If you look at your current electric bill, you’ll see that your bill is based on the number of kilowatt-hour (kWh) you use. Costs per kWh can vary greatly based on where you live. Make sure when determining your savings you are using your actual cost per kWh and not calculating your savings based on a generalized article or ‘worksheet’ you’ve found online. Obviously those homeowners with the highest electricity rates will most likely save the most by switching to solar power.

What will a switch to a Solar Panel System Cost to Install?

When considering the solar company you will use for this major investment, going with the lowest bid just because it’s the least out of pocket, may cost you far more in the long run. You must consider both your short term and long term gains when choosing equipment and the company that will design and install your system. Take your time. Meet with multiple companies and don’t be afraid to ask very specific questions about them, their installation team, their warranties, etc.  With all the research and details available online, prepare for your meetings with the companies by creating a list of specific questions you need answers to in order to choose. Take notes. Get all your questions answered. If they are trying to rush through your appointment, rush them out your door!

Don’t be afraid to ask about any incentives or discounts they may currently be offering BUT don’t get pushed into making an immediate decision “or else lose today’s special price”. That’s probably the first company you should cross off your list.  note: Odds are pretty high that if you called them the next week and told them you would like to hire them but at the discounted price, they will say yes.

Speaking of incentives….check in your city, county and state to see if there are any energy incentives and rebates available. These can sometimes reduce your net cost by 50% or more. The federal government offers a 30% solar tax credit (search online for details and ask your tax professional for how you personally could benefit). Hard to believe but true…some utility companies even offer rebates to their customers to encourage their switch to solar power. Check your utility company’s website for details.

Only you can determine if the switch to solar offers you enough benefit to outweigh the initial costs. As in any big decision, due diligence is the key!
 

 

Posted in General Information, Green Living, Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

Can You Sell Your Home Yourself? Should You?

Apr15
2018
Written by mary.w

Many people want to sell their home without the cost of using a Realtor. But they question their ability to do so successfully. Let’s address some of the most commonly asked questions and then you decide if the benefits of BuyOwner.com marketing is the best option for you.

Q:  Can I effectively price my home so that it is not too much or too little?                                 A:   Yes. Just like an agent or appraiser can do, you can search the internet for comparable properties that have sold in your area. You can search the average price/sf homes have and are selling for in your area and create a base price for your home. Then, based on what the comps offer (they have granite, you don’t…..you have a 3 car garage, they have 2…etc) and add or subtract for your price. Don’t know what the value of granite upgrades in your area are worth? Again, do an online search for that information. With all the shows on HGTV, DIY Network and many other sites, you will be able to glean that sort of information. Aftr all that, if you still are unsure of where your home should be priced, you might consider having an appraisal done. This may cost a few hundred $$ but will be less than the cost of a listing commission and may help you maximize your profit once sold.

Q:  Should I be afraid of showing my home myself?                                                                     A:   This is a total personal decision. If you are fearful of walking people through your home, then selling on your own is probably not your best option. If you are not fearful but unsure of how to show your home, go to our blog entry, “The Effective Walk Through” and make yourself familiar with the process and then decide if you feel comfortable doing so. Remember, no one knows your home better than you. If you can share the benefits without overwhelming your prospective buyer with your emotions, then go for it!

Q:  Should I expand my exposure into the MLS, realtor.com, and other sites?                     A:  That depends on your own personal goals regarding exposure. BuyOwner.com, due to its 34 years of branding, enjoys a high level of buyers actively searching for their dream homes so you definitely have the chance of finding a buyer who is shopping on their own and this will save you both listing and selling agents commissions. MLS syndication in addition to and available with your BuyOwner.com advertising blasts your home out to hundreds of websites so that no matter where your buyer is searching, if your home matches their search, they will find you. Want to be sold yesterday (like so many sellers do) then maximizing your exposure will be your best option.

Q:  If I do include MLS syndications, do I have to offer buyers agents a commission?        A:  Yes. You are placing your home in the realtors database and therefore must offer buyers agents some compensation for bringing you a buyer. You can decide what that will be, but when deciding, keep in mind that the buyer’s agent will be creating, presenting & negotiating the buyer’s offer to you, making sure their buyer does what they need to do to get their financing locked in, inspections ordered and documents to the Title Company for closing. The buyer’s agent will not be paid unless your deal gets to closing so they will be hopefully do their job professionally and efficiently. Good for you and your buyer. All of that said, you can decide what is fair based on the selling value of your home. You are selling by owner in order to take more of your equity with you vs giving it to an agent at closing.

Q:  Can I use my own photos for the ad?                                                                                         A:   Yes and perhaps, no. If, when you look at your photos, you comment, “They’re ok…they’re fine”  then definitely use the professional photography options available from BuyOwner.com. Or, if you have someone you know who can take excellent photos, then have them do it. Your photos are your first impression on your prospective buyers. If they don’t like your photos, they are moving on to the next home. Photograph your entire home. Buyers are not interested in being teased as was the case a few years back. They want to walk through your home before they will physically walk through your home. Make it such a great online walk through that they can’t help but come and see it in person!  Your BuyOwner.com Marketing Consultant will assist you with creating a great photo portfolio even if you are using your own photos instead of the professional.

Q:  Do I have to hire a lawyer to complete the selling process?                                                   A:   This answer is multi-layered. First, you should check for what the laws are in your state and if they require you to have a lawyer at closing. If so, then, yes you must. If they don’t require it but the Title Company agents do not conduct the closing but rather put you in a room with the buyers and their lawyer and all the documents, then you might definitely want to have your own lawyer there to make sure that you don’t experience any surprises at the closing when your goal is to hand over the keys and move on.  If you are someone who deals with contracts all the time (builder, developer, landlord, paralegal) or many other professions where you are comfortable reviewing and understanding contracts, then you may choose to handle it yourself. This may be one of the most important decisions you make, so consider doing a pros and cons list and then decide.

Q:  How will using BuyOwner.com help me sell my home for maximum profit in minimum time with the least amount of fear?                                                                                                  A:  One of the best advantages of choosing BuyOwner.com vs other for sale by owner companies on the internet is that not only do you have all the benefits of saving money, you have all the advantages of selling on your own but not by yourself. As a full service marketing company with providing customer care agents and Personal Marketing Consultants with extensive real estate experience (averaging 14-20+ years) working with you from start until the property has sold, you can move forward with confidence!

 

Posted in Uncategorized
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS W/HOME OWNERSHIP/RENTAL!

Apr08
2018
Written by mary.w

First, let me state that we, at BuyOwner.com, appreciate and thank our active military and veterans for your service. When you’re ready to get started with your BuyOwner.com advertising, we will gratefully provide you with a Military discount! To help you on your journey to home ownership or leasing options, below you’ll find valuable information that will make your home search more manageable, less stressful and lead you to your new home!

One of the first places to check for eligibility, benefits and assistance is the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Some of their offerings include $0 down payment mortgages, housing grants for disabled veterans (with service related disabilities) and even have help if you’re choosing to rent instead of own. So let’s get started so you can move into your well earned lifestyle!

VA MORTGAGE GUARANTY PROGRAM

Veterans and service members can use this mortgage program if they are wanting to buy a home with no down payment. VA mortgages generally do cost less and provide for more flexible qualification requirements than traditional conventional mortgages.

BENEFIT FOR SERVICE RELATED DISABLED VETS – ADAPTIVE HOUSING GRANTS

If you are a veteran suffering with service related disabilities, you are eligible to receive assistance with the costs of altering your existing home or with building a new home. Visit the VA website to review details regarding 3 possible programs designed to help you live as independently as possible. They are: Special Housing Adaptation, Specially Adapted Housing and Temporary Residence Adaptation.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

Already own a home but suffering from some financial challenges; before you give up and walk away (which will incur more challenges in the future) contact your local VA office or the VA website to speak with counselors specifically focused on helping you avoid foreclosure. You can take advantage of this help even if your mortgage is not a VA loan.

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR HOME STATE

Active duty personnel and veterans can access state assistance with housing related benefits such as the Military Housing Assistance Fund. This provides help with closing costs related to your new mortgage. If you’re disabled, you may qualify for partial or full exemption from property taxes (may not be available in all states).

EMERGENCY AID FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Several local agencies work in tandem with the VA to provide housing vouchers and subsidized rents for vets who are already or in danger of becoming homeless. If you need this help now or fear you may need it in the future, contact your local VA Medical Center via: 877-424-3838. You can also access information and assistance by going to va.gov/homeless.

Again, we at BuyOwner.com, appreciate your service and hope to assist you to the best of our ability with your home ownership/leasing goals!

 

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

SPRING IS SPRUNG!! ARE YOU READY?

Apr02
2018
Written by mary.w

Inline image 2

As we move into Spring, we put away our heavy sweaters and puffy jackets (maybe) and pull on our favorite baseball team’s t-shirt & get outside for a breath of fresh spring air and listen to the wonderful sound of birds singing in the trees. If we update ourselves for the new season, what can we do to roll our marketed home over as well? You don’t want your home to scream, “I’ve been on the market since Christmas (or worse yet fall)” so follow these few steps to reap new blooms of activity toward your home being sold!

  • Remove all your dead tree branches and lingering winter greens and replace them with containers filled with spring flowers that will continue into summer. using the containers to add bursts of spring color until your perennials start          popping will give you early season curb appeal.
  • Replace your winter-ish plaques, wind chimes, doormats, flags and other exterior decor with spring focused items.
  • Don’t break your bank buying ‘special’ spring decor. Use potted tulips, daffodils and other spring beauties to create charming, attractive ‘curb appeal’ near your home’s entryway. For showings around the holiday add some cute Easter items. Be minimal but deliberate.
  • When showing your home, light a couple of fresh spring scented candles or use fragrance plug-ins. It’s been proven that the seasonal scents are very inviting, calming and creates positive sensory reactions.  Nothing feels like home than the smell of spring blooming through ‘finally’ open windows. If you are planning to have cookies out for an open house, make them light sugar cookies with spring colored frosting.
  •  Fresh tulips in a vase and spring colored placemats, napkins, tablecloths (if you display your Dining Room with a set table….always a nice touch!) and lighter clear wine glasses if they are on your set table. Eliminate all the heaviness of winter decor with the light bright feeling of new life that only comes with spring!

See the source image Image result for Spring Table Setting Ideas

Again, don’t break the bank just to change the season. Use simple, colorful decor (great items ie: vases, napkins, napkin rings, etc. can actually be found at the Dollar Tree!). Buy your flowers at the grocery store. See the source imageMany offer 3 bouquets for $10-12. That allows you to spread the beauty around your home.

Think before you spend and then open your windows, catch a sweet breeze and spring into Sold!

Posted in Uncategorized
SHARE THIS Twitter Facebook Delicious StumbleUpon E-mail

About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

Article Archives

Buy Owner Links

  • BuyOwner.com on Facebook
  • BuyOwner.com Testimonials
  • BuyOwner.com Website
  • Twitter: Buy Owner

Blog Roll

Real Estate Top Blogs Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Add to Technorati Favorites Find the best blogs at Blogs.com. Blog Directory Home Improvement Blog Directory

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Tags

31 reasons to sell with buy owner adding value to your home buying a home buying a house buy owner Buy Owner experience curb appeal decorating eco-friendly eco-friendly tips environment florida fsbo Green Living holiday home decorating Home Improvement home improvements home ownership home selling how to sell your home interior decorating interior design kitchen Market News moving real estate real estate market real estate selling real estate tips Regional Info selling selling a home selling a house selling Buy Owner selling by owner selling for sale by owner selling fsbo Selling Tips selling with buy owner selling your home spring staging using buy owner winter

EvoLve theme by Blogatize  •  Powered by WordPress BuyOwner.com Blog
Tips and info for people selling & buying their homes "Buy Owner"