Homebuyer Checklist - Important questions you should be asking
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 12:05 — smarcelinoWhat you should ask the seller or the listing agent when you're interested in a home?
If you know why a seller wants to sell, it can help you negotiate a better offer. The more motivated the seller, the more you can negotiate. It may take some finesse, but see if you can work these questions into conversation with the seller or the listing agent.
Which of these reasons apply to the seller?
These can go either way. You will have to get a sense from your conversation how quickly they want to sell the house if they:
___ Need more space
___ Need less space
___ Want to relocate
Budgeting to buy - By Planning your purchase
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 12:13 — smarcelinoIf you want to buy a house, start by estimating what you can afford and making a budget to buy.
Many prospective buyers find it difficult to accumulate enough cash for a down payment, especially if they are saddled with heavy debt. With some discipline and creative strategies, you can probably come up with more cash than you think.
Check your current finances and investigate ways to save and raise extra funds:
What is a loan-to-value ratio? This is one acronym you had better understand.
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 12:12 — smarcelinoOne of the factors lenders consider before they approve a mortgage is the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). The LTV is the loan amount expressed as a percent of either the purchase price or the appraised value of the property. So, if you make a 20 percent cash down payment on a property you're buying, the LTV is 80 percent. Or, if you're buying a property for $250,000 and the mortgage amount is $200,000, the LTV is 80 percent (the $200,000 loan amount divided by the $250,000 purchase price).
Price it right when selling in today's market
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:53 — smarcelinoBy Dian Hymer
We're in the midst of a challenging home-sale market in many areas. However, soft markets can provide opportunities for some home sellers. The trick is to price your home right for today's market.
The most difficult reality for most sellers to face is that prices in their neighborhood may have dropped during the last year or two. Some sellers will find that it may not make sense to sell if the probable sale price is too low.
No Real Benefit To Paying Off Mortgage
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:38 — smarcelinoBy Benny Kass
Q: Our condominium unit is now worth approximately $350,000, and we owe only $25,000 on our mortgage. We are from the old school, and want to own this property free and clear. We have the money, and are considering paying off the loan. Is this a good idea, and if so, how do we go about making sure that it is done correctly?
How buyers, sellers are closing deals in today's market
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 00:35 — smarcelinoBy Dian Hymer
Negotiation is back in style, and is likely to remain a necessary part of buying or selling a home in today's beleaguered residential housing market. Other key elements to a satisfactory closing are flexibility, perseverance, creativity and diligence.
Needless to say, you need to work with the best real estate professionals you can find in your area. In most cases, it takes a team effort to put a home-sale transaction together and see it through to fruition.
Welcome to My Blog
Mon, 01/21/2008 - 00:32 — smarcelinoWelcome to Samphors Marcelino’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Fullerton.
