Posts by mary.w

Importance of Debt to Income Ratio when Qualifying for a Mortgage

May14
2018 Written by mary.w

If you’re trying to determine whether or not you can qualify for a mortgage, one of the first factors for you to think about is your debt to income ratio (DTI).  This is a % of your total “minimum” (we’ll discuss this further later) monthly debt divided by your “gross” monthly income.

When determining your DTI you will factor in your annual income and monthly payments including your current mortgage/rent payments, credit cards, car loans and other fixed expenses ie: student loans, alimony, child support, personal loans, investment property costs, etc.

Your Annual Income (and your co-borrower’s if applies) will be computed before taxes (Gross) and include your base salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, child support, alimony and income from investments and investment properties.

Payments include: Any mortgage or rent payments you are currently making. This does not include the new mortgage you are qualifying for.  Credit card payments are added in based on what your minimum monthly payments are (you owe $3000 with a minimum monthly payment of $75. Your DTI factors in the $75 not the $3000.  If you have a car loan or lease, your monthly payment will be added in. Then you will add in all the other monthly costs mentioned above. The total will be your Debt which will then be divided by your gross annual income

Sample computation:

Gross monthly income = $3000                                                                                                        Monthly Debt = $1000  (the figure you came up with by adding up all your monthly debts)

1000/3000 = 33%   This is your DTI

Less than 36% is typically considered acceptable and workable toward qualifying for a mortgage. The lower this % the more you can borrow which in turn provides you with more options and negotiating power when searching for that dream home!

Posted in Uncategorized

You Can Reduce the Stress from Moving!

May03
2018 Written by mary.w

Moving and all that entails: choosing a mover, getting quotes, insurance, packing, overpacking, etc. can create a stress level that is anything but fun and exciting.  In our heads we create this fabulous experience yet without some solid planning and due diligence, the result will most likely be “I will never move again!!” Let’s look at a few things you can do to help create the fun move fantasy that lives in your head.

1. Choose your mover wisely.

Yes, there are moving scams so beware and be diligent. Again, remember the cheapest price is rarely the “Best” deal! Moving can be very costly so take the time to do your homework and review both details listed on websites AND random reviews. Check out the name of the company you’re considering on Ripoffreport.com. Not only can you see negative reviews & complaints, but how well the company handled the complaints thru the Better Business Bureau. You can also research your state transportation regulator and the U.S. Department of Transportation to see if your company has been flagged for complaints and misdeeds. Any of your friends, family or co-workers moved recently? Find out who they used and what kind of experience they had.  If they rave, take note and get a quote. If they say, it was ‘ok’ or less than satisfactory, you’ll know what companies to cross off your list hence not wasting your time.

2. Comparison shop and review quotes carefully checking out every ounce of small print or exceptions.

When hiring a moving company, one of the first indicators of their price to value is their willingness to come out to your home and provide you with a professional detailed estimate and not quote you over the phone based on your inexperienced information. Unless you have done this several times before or are in the industry, there are many factors that you just won’t be cognizant of so educate yourself by choosing a company that will walk you fully through the process, pricing and incidental factors that can arise and increase your bottom line dramatically. If they won’t come, tell them no thanks!  Just like any major purchase, it’s best to get multiple quotes and compare not just their price, but how they treated you, advised you and were willing to take time to answer all your questions. An attention to detail at this starting point will usually reflect an attention to detail throughout the process. As nice as the company rep or owner might be and all the extras they say “they’ll throw in”, say thank you and then GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!! Note: If this is a short  move, you might want to compare the costs and headaches of hiring professional movers with doing the job yourself with the help of some wonderful friends and family. Always good to do those old fashioned pros and cons list to determine if this is a feasible option.

3. Schedule your move as early as possible.

Getting quotes and choose a moving company can take time when you do it right, so make sure and leave yourself enough time and do it far enough ahead of when you will be moving so that you don’t get stuck having to use an inferior company simply because they’re the only ones available. Companies with great reputations and minimal complaints will book up quickly so get them out, choose the one you want to use and get on their schedule. Even if it’s months ahead of your actual move, when push comes to shove, this is one thing you won’t have to worry about.

4. Pack with ease and cost in mind.

Do you really need to move baby clothes that your children have outgrown or your grown children don’t want for their children. I get the sentiment…right there with you and this is a tough one but remember each box added to the moving truck adds considerable cost to your bottom line. That goes for nik naks, boxed up ‘treasures’ that you haven’t looked at since you moved them from your last home to this home, books you never plan to read again (this one can really pay off because books make for very heavy boxes), clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, pans you never cook with, etc etc etc.  This is a great time to purge and start fresh in your new home. Go through your bins, boxes, closets and shelves and make piles: Toss….Give away to a friend or family member who will appreciate what you’re sharing with them….Give to charity…..Sell at a garage sale. Sometimes it is very hard to let go but if you’re going to have to pay for a storage place at your new home to accommodate all your ‘extra stuff’, or load up your basement or garage the day you move in, think of the word “Edit” and begin the journey to a less cluttered, less cumbersome and more free lifestyle in your new home!

5. Start packing from the moment you decide to move!

Packing is fun for around the first few hours. After that, well, let’s just say your mood will be less than happy and excited! You can reduce the stress of packing by starting immediately and doing it in small increments of time instead of all at once. Go room by room with a clipboard and make a list of items that can be packed ahead of time and stacked and ready to go…ie: off season clothing, linens, blankets, holiday decor, etc. Remember the most important step, LABEL ALL YOUR BOXES AND BINS not  only with what room they go in but a breakdown of what’s in there. This will be very helpful at the other end so you know which boxes or bins to open first or set aside for later. This will allow you to settle in gracefully instead of pulling out your hair trying to find your utensils or mugs and coffee maker which you want right away.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!!!

We all have those friends and family that will be more than willing to assist us when we need help. It will be much kinder and easier to get them to help if you are doing your packing in spurts. A couple of hours on a Saturday, Sunday or evening here and there is much more palatable than asking someone to give up their entire weekend because you dropped the ball  with planning.

REMEMBER THE ADAGE, IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN YOU PLAN TO FAIL.  This is so true when it comes to something as huge and significant as moving.

Posted in Uncategorized

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

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

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

SPRING IS SPRUNG!! ARE YOU READY?

Apr02
2018 Written by mary.w

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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

You Can Find Your Happily Ever After Home!

Mar23
2018 Written by mary.w

So you’re moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone but want to find a home in a neighborhood that suits your personality, lifestyle and family needs. How do you find your perfect home?

  • Family Friendly:  If you have children and are hoping to find a neighborhood where there are other children close in age and schools that are ranked for excellence then spend some time driving through areas you’re considering on a Saturday or Sunday.  Look for people with strollers, kids on trikes or bikes, parks where kids are playing sports, etc. Also research school districts online. All  pertinent information regarding recognition, class size, or problems are readily available via multiple websites. If you really want your kids to be able to walk to school, remember to do a walk from the home you’re considering to elementary, middle and high school.
  • Community Involvement: If you’re seeking an area where block parties are  common, community parades, events and social activities are the norm then        pumpkincheck out the city’s website. They will have details of recent and upcoming events plus typically include a photo gallery to let you know how much fun it is to live there. If you don’t see any of that on the city’s website, you might want to reconsider your location.
  • Singles Amenities: Check out the area on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Are you seeing active night life in restaurants, bars or clubs? Maybe you want to partylive near a sports stadium…ie: Wrigleyville in Chicago offers night time games, lots of bars and restaurants and lots of into the night activities. So, if that’s what you seek, check it out in the evening or late night. If you’re looking for a quiet night neighborhood, you’ll know this isn’t the place for you even if you like the homes available.
  • Automobile Friendly:  If you’re looking into urban areas and you own a car, you might want to check out included garage or deeded parking spaces. If there’s permit street parking that could be good for you but could be a problem if you like to entertain. Check out accessibility to highways and public transportation if commuting is going to be a factor in your decision.
  • Access to Shopping: Do you want to be able to run to the grocery store in under 5 minutes? Then a rural area is probably not a good fit for you and both suburban and urban areas might offer their own challenges so if you find a neighborhood you like, take the extra time to explore how close you are to stores and malls. Too close because you don’t want the added retail traffic? Or too far because you don’t want to have to run 20 minutes away for some needed milk or bread.
  • Crime: There are numerous sites online where you can simply put in an address with crime rating and you will be able to learn a lot.
  • Walking Score: Typically this is more specific to urban areas and includes neighborhoods agreeable to both families and singles.

Urban vs suburb vs rural vs acreage…..Sit down before you even begin looking and decide what type of area(s) fit you and suit your wants, needs and don’t forget…your budget. Take your time to research both online and in person. Make an educated vs emotional decision and you can live your happily ever after!

Posted in Buying Tips, General Information, Uncategorized

ADVANTAGES TO PURCHASING A BUYOWNER.COM PROPERTY!

Mar16
2018 Written by mary.w

When you’re looking for a new home, you have a lot of options. With online marketing offering the best and fastest way to find a home, stats show that over 92% of all home searches begin online. Why is it to your advantage to purchase a home being sold by owner on BuyOwner.com?

1. View homes throughout the country from the comfort of your couch: It’s no longer unusual to move from one part of the country to another as frequently as people used to move from city to city within their ‘home’ state. But it’s costly to travel to your new location to begin to search for your new home. You may go all the way out there and not find anything and be right where you were before you left. With BuyOwner.com you can search for a home throughout the country, before you ever get on a plane or head out on a road trip. We do not limit our ads by region or state.

2. Easy access to property information: While a seller may be sleeping in New York, you, a buyer in Hawaii or California or anywhere in the world with a different time zone can be actively walking through their property online. This may give you just the advantage you need to be the first to show interest and be the next owner of that home you fell in love with online.

3. Detailed advertising: BuyOwner.com ads offer all the information you need via ample photos and text  regarding the property, community, walking scores, location benefits, area amenities, etc.  After viewing a BuyOwner.com property and reading about its features, you’ll have seen it, learned about it and have a good idea about whether it is or isn’t the type of property you’re seeking. This will save you from wasting your time physically viewing properties that don’t suit your needs or desires. If you’re also a seller, this will be a feature you’ll love as well because it will save you from wasting your time with look-e-loos.

4. No real estate commission: There are many sites you can search and our BuyOwner.com sellers have the advantage of us syndicating them to all the same sites a traditional realtor would BUT without the daunting 5, 6, or 7% commission. Why does that matter to you as a buyer? When that huge amount is eliminated from the seller’s debit column at closing, they are able to price their home more competitively which means you can get more home for less money.

5. Seller Contact Info: The listed phone number on a BuyOwner.com property as well as the email contact form connects you directly with the seller, allowing you to eliminate the middle man from the transaction. You can get all your questions answered quicker and more thoroughly by being able to ask the people who know the answers  first hand. Again, without the middle man costs, the seller will be more agreeable to negotiating a fair price.

So, why should you buy a BuyOwner.com advertised home? To ensure you’re finding and acquiring the home of your dreams that you’ll love for years to come!! And then when you’re ready to move again, you’ll be able to sell it with the same confidence as a BuyOwner.com seller!

Posted in Buying Tips, General Information, Uncategorized

The Sky is NOT Falling!

Mar08
2018 Written by mary.w

So today I was reading an article on the Wall Street Journal that basically was saying that the spring real estate market is going to be slow due to the increase in mortgage rates from 3.92% to an average 4.43%. In what they’re calling an average home that increase would be $55/month. Wow! (That was sarcasm…before you chastise me for that read on!)

I have to be honest and tell all new home buyers who are contemplating buying a home to not get caught up in the trap of wait-wait-wait! When I was 27 (a pretty typical age for a first time home buyer) I bought my first home at the going rate of 17% interest…you read that right!!! Mortgage interest rates in the early 1980’s were upwards of 17-18%. And yet, young first time home buyers like me bought a home. And so can you. Here’s how:

  • Shop realistically. Your first home does not need to be your 4000 sf, two story, fully upgraded forever home in the ‘best status’ neighborhood in town. Figure out your budget, meet with a mortgage broker to see what you can qualify for and shop accordingly.
  • Forget all the hype you see on tv real estate shows. If you don’t like the decor of a home that fits your style and budget, remember you can buy a can of paint for under $20 and create your own pallette. Have a painting party and provide friends with beer and pizza (under $100 for a good size crowd) and have at it! You’ll already be creating memories in your new home that will stay with you forever and cost very little.
  • Buy a fixer upper in that better neighborhood and fix it up to be your perfect dream home! It’s not imperative to only look at move in ready homes especially  if they are out of your price point. If you want a neighborhood and the schools there then research, watch and find that great deal that comes up even if it’s going to take some elbow grease on your part to make it what you hoped it would be the day you moved in. Again, making a home your own has great value!
  • If mortgage interest rates are going up then most likely so are interest rates on savings accounts, cds and other investment opportunities. Maybe spend less on eating out, going to movies, concerts, etc and put that money to work for you in savings or to put toward your monthly payment.  Believe me, once you own your home, you’ll look forward to relaxing there alone or with friends and family.
  • Keep in mind that sellers might be reading that article too and thinking they need to lower their price to be inviting to the dwindling buyers (ok, yes, that was sarcasm too) and now you can get a great deal!

I’m not trying to imply that everyone can buy a home or that $55/month might change someone’s ability to buy a ‘particular’ home. BUT if you know yourself, your money and money habits and decide you want to buy a home, then understand that 4.43% is a pretty good rate compared to continuing to pay rent and pay off someone else’s mortgage. It really does fall back to how badly do you want home ownership and what are you willing to do to get it? If you figure that out without allowing outside ‘sky is falling’ media talk to make the decision for you, you’ll do just fine!

Posted in Uncategorized

Patience Really is a Virtue!

Mar02
2018 Written by mary.w

” A handful of patience is worth more than a barrel of brains” Dutch

It is no surprise that patience helps us make better decisions.  This is a fact that most of us would agree with on the surface but have often pushed out of our thought process. The media continues to tell some of us how dismal the market is in our area or how stagnant the prices are due to a surplus of properties for sale, or that sales are up but prices are down, etc.  Or it could be that they’re saying that your area is doing great and you’re seeing lots of properties get sold…but not yours.  This has caused some people to not even attempt to get what they want for their homes, jump the gun on offers and assume that something is always better than nothing.  And sometimes, it is. BUT sometimes, it is important to realize that just because the market may not be moving as quickly or climbing as high as it was before, that does not mean that your home sale is hopeless.  As we move into spring, there are certainly more sellers to compete with but there are also more buyers. The question is, do you have the patience to wait for your right buyer?

What’s most important is to listen to your gut more than the media. Take an honest walk through your home with a trusted friend or family member and assess what you can do to make it more desirable to your prospective buyers.  A quick coat of paint or a little elbow grease cleaning up fingerprints on your walls and trim can make a world of difference. Before you paint an entire room, check out the trim. Sometimes by simply giving the trim a fresh coat of paint, the entire room looks refreshed. Power wash the exterior walls, deck, patio, sidewalks and driveway. Wash your windows inside and out.  Plant some flowers.  Move all your clutter to a storage bin or have a yard sale and eliminate it all.  And, oh by the way, while you’re having your yard sale, make sure and  have flyers of your home handy to give out (better still, put one in each bag of items that leaves your yard!) You don’t know who your buyer is, you don’t know where they’re coming from and you don’t know when they will arrive. They might be someone’s best friend who is moving into the area.  Also, while you’re having your yard sale, have your spouse or friend ready to take over the sale while you show your home to prospective buyers that might just show up that day thinking they are buying your ‘stuff ‘ and instead buy your home!

Do everything you can to make your home buyer ready. Take advantage of BuyOwner.com to help you reach the most potential buyers in the shortest amount of time, in the most effective way (the Internet!) and also the most cost effective way (No Commission!!) so that you can take your hard earned equity with you. Then, remember the power of patience, realizing that though it might take time to find your buyer, there is a buyer for every home….including yours!

Posted in Uncategorized
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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.

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