Adding Value to Your Home : Improving Your Garden

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Having a nice garden in your yard can increase home value, enhance your home’s appearance to neighbors, and provide a nice retreat for those busy days. Of course planting and maintaining a garden in Central Texas can be quite the challenge. If you are looking for a great way to add a garden to your home why not consider a shade garden.

Shade gardens incorporate plants that grow really well in little to no sun. If you have a number of large trees or if your home throws shade over a large part of your yard during the day then you have the perfect setting for a shade garden.

A few plants that are proven to grow well in Texas shade are fern acacia, Widows tears, Turk’s cap and frog fruit. Fern acacia is a small shrub that grows two to three feet tall. During the summertime small fuzzy white flowers bloom, adding a nice soft color to your garden.

Widow’s tears are normally used as groundcover, and will bloom from spring until fall. Flowers bloom in a large range of blue shades. This plant can be aggressive and can overtake other plants in your garden if you don’t trim it back.

Growing well in nearly any soil typo found in the Texas panhandle, Turk’s cap normally grows to three feet tall, but can grow larger. During the summer bright red flowers bloom and are then followed by red berries in the fall. This shrub will attract birds to your home.

Frog fruit is another groundcover that produces lovely white flowers. Butterflies love the small flower. Frog fruit will grow well in almost any type of soil, but this plant can grow rather aggressively, and should be trimmed back.

 Featured Homes for Sale in Bryan, Texas

I am a seasoned realtor in College Station, TX affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. I offer a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Please visit my website for a complete list of real properties for sale in Bryan College Station - you just might find the home you have been dreaming of! Or Call today (979) 255-7010 

Curb Appeal

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The first sight any potential buyer is going to see of your home is the outside. That is why curb appeal is so important. While every buyer will have a different idea on what they would like the outside of a house to look like, there are a number of things that are universal.

Fixing up the exterior and yard of your home can go a long way towards selling it. To improve your home’s curb appeal step out to the road, and look at your home. Take note of maintenance that needs to be done. Ask yourself if the shrubs need to be trimmed or if the porch railing is in good repair. Here are a few things to check on while improving curb appeal:

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         Does your home need a fresh coat of paint? Maybe just the porch or garage? You should at least power wash the outside of your home. If paint is chipping away it would be a good idea to paint. Make sure to check the window frames. Often the paint on these will chip before it will in other places.

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     Cleaning and repairing the gutters as needed can go a long way to improving the look of the house. When not properly cleaned leaves and debris can build up in gutters. This will lead to water overflowing into the yard away from drainage areas, which can stunt grass and leave erosion marks. The same can happen with damaged gutters.

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     Do your best to keep the grass cut. Tall, unruly grass can be a turn off to buyers. Try to keep grass height under control and keep it trimmed away from walkways and driveways.

 Bryan- College Station Featured Home Listings

for more information please visit my site and get access to featured luxury properties in Bryan-College Station.

When you are trying to sell your home you need it to look its best. Your local RE/MAX agent, 

Lisa Jones, can tell you that a nice looking home is more likely to sell faster and at a higher price.

Spring Cleaning To Sell Your Home

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Spring really says "Welcome to the New Year!" It's a time for change, and that best change is a new home. If you are serious about selling your home in Bryan College Station this year, now is the perfect time. Spring and summer are the best seasons to sell your home.

For one, the days are warmer. No one likes to tread through the cold to visit homes. Home buyers who are viewing prospective homes during the weekdays benefit from viewing homes in natural lighting, especially if they are an outdoor enthusiast.

If your home might appear to the family buying market, this is also a good time of year because they have been waiting for their children to get out of school. And one final honorable mention is spring is tax season. Buyers often use their refund checks to help with their down payment.

There's a reason you hear so much about  spring cleaning. It's not just because it's spring, but it's a perfect time to open curtains and windows to let the sunlight and fresh air in. This is the time to do light redecorating projects.

You've had your chore list all last year sitting to the side, and now is the time to take advantage. Homes sell best when they are light and airy. A cluttered home is not inviting. You don't need to spend a fortune to prepare your home for the spring market. Simple things you can do are:

·         Clean out closets
·         Put bulky and/or personal items away in storage. Help the buyer picture themselves in  their new home.
·         Change the linens, couch covers, kitchen, and bath towels to pastel colors or floral items for an inviting feel.
·         Take notice and fix any outdoor issues such as a clogged gutter or weeds.
·         Add flowers throughout the house and along the yard walking path.

By all means get quotes from professional home stagers if you feel your home needs more work than you can attend to. This is a perfect time to contact your local RE/MAX Realtor, Lisa Jones, to start planning the successful sale of your home.

I am a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. I offer a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Please visit my website for a complete list of real properties for sale in Bryan College Station - you just might find the home you have been dreaming of! Or Call today (979) 255-7010

Coinciding Settlements Clauses - Moving Issues

People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a "coinciding settlements" clause into their contract offer on the new home. One reason for doing this is so they can move from one home to the other at the same time.

Coinciding Moving Day?

One reason people want coinciding settlements is so they can move out of one house and into the other the same day. Sometimes this works out. Sometimes not. If it doesn't work out, don't freak out. 

For example, if the house you're buying is a new one, it may not be completed and have an occupancy permit by the date specified. Are you going to risk losing the sale of your old home by insisting that settlement be delayed? Not if you're smart and you really want to make this change. You might explore delaying settlement, or the option of a "lease back" period. If those ideas don't fly, it's time to cope.

Depending on your budget and the length of time between moving out of your old home and moving into your new one, you could:

1) Have the moving company store your furniture and household goods, or

2) Rent a "smart box," pack your household items into it, and leave it parked in front of your old home, or park it in front of your new one (depending on who grants permission), or

3) Store your things in the basement or garage of your new home (with permission), or

4) Rent a storage unit by the month, or

5) Store your things in the basement or garage of a relative or friend, AND

A) Stay in a hotel or motel for a few nights, or

B) Stay in an extended-stay hotel or motel suite, or

C) Stay with family or friends, or

D) Go camping, or

E) Some combination of the above.

The point is to act like a mature adult. Be flexible. You're making a big change. The chances it'll go off without a hitch are slim. Keep things in perspective. Practice creative problem solving. You'll be proud of yourself and have a smile on your face when moving day comes.

 Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

 

 

How To Make Money Renting

Although the residential real estate market has hit the skids, it is not as gloomy as it appears.  The market may be down, but it is not out.  And it never will be as people will always need a place to live.  You just have to be prepared for a long term investment in real estate and not panic.
If you own property or want to make money in the market today, the way to go is to rent out property.  We have always been a nation of renters.  Over the past 50 years, however, we gradually moved towards home ownership.  There are still many people, however, who rent and some people who prefer to rent.  Home ownership is a responsibility that not everyone wants to take on.
You can make money in the real estate market today by renting out property to individuals.  You can rent out your own home instead of selling it if you are planning on moving, or even purchasing property to rent to people.  If you are looking for a rental investment to buy, there has never been a better time.  Housing prices are lower than ever as are mortgage rates.  You can purchase a home or a condominium to rent to others and also be a long term investment for you.
Be careful if you purchase a condominium unit with the intent of renting that there is nothing in the bylaws that prohibits renters.  You should also make sure that you do your own market study of the area.  How much are other homes or condominiums being rented for each month?  You need to find out whether the rent will cover not only the mortgage payment, but also the taxes and insurance.
Do your homework carefully before purchasing property to rent to others. This can be an ideal way to make money in real estate today, but you have to make sure that you understand the market as well as the tenant laws.  Tenant laws usually favor the tenant, so make sure that you screen any applicants carefully. You should also take a good security deposit, especially if you are renting a single family home out.  The security deposit should be returned when the house is vacated and in the order as agreed to in the lease.
If you buy property now, you can take advantage of the low housing prices as well as low lending rates.  You can then hold onto the property for several years while renting it to tenants who will, essentially, pay your mortgage.  When the real estate market moves towards a sellers market, which it eventually will, you can have the property appraised.  Chances are that it will be worth a lot more than for what you pay now and by selling, you will get a sizeable return.
Making money in the real estate market today is not difficult if you are patient and willing to look for the long term investment.  Always look to the best locations in which to invest in property as they will tend to gain in value quicker than any other locations. 

·         Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

What Happens In A Real Estate Recession

The residential real estate market is in a recession.  Arguably, it can also be called a depression.  The market has hit rock bottom.  There are many more homes on the market than there are buyers.  People are panicking and not making any investments because of the economy.  This will trickle down into every aspect of the economy until the entire nation is in a full blow recession. 

Real estate investors who were really raking in the money during the high times are now seeing the market at rock bottom.  Many real estate investors have given up real estate investing and have turned to other investments.  However, there has actually never been a better time to invest in real estate than right now, for two reasons.

The first reason is that a real estate recession causes homes to plummet in value.  They will rise again, but it will take a few years.  In the meantime, a smart investor who is looking for a long term investment, can purchase real estate and either rent it out to other individuals who need a place to live or live in the property.  If the property is vacant land, it can just be left alone.  There is much more real estate for sale than there are buyers.  This means the prices are lower than if there were more buyers than homes.  Take advantage of this fact and buy something. 

The second reason why this is such a great time to purchase real estate is because of the low interest rates.  The interest rates for mortgages have never been lower than they are right now.  And because people are not buying homes and have pretty much saturated the refinance market, lenders are desperate to make loans.  If lenders cannot make home loans, they go out of business, plain and simple.  They are willing to make a lot of deals that they were not willing to make 20 years ago.  Even people with less than stellar credit can get home loans, so if you think your poor credit is going to stop you from getting a home, think again. 

Smart investors are thinking of this market as a reason to buy.  Real estate is a tangible asset and something that everyone needs.  We all need shelter.  If you do not want to live in the home yourself, you can rent the property to other individuals.  If you choose to rent to tenants, you might want to institute a rent to own policy in which part of the rent the tenant pays you goes towards the down payment of the property when the tenant is able to purchase the home.  There is a time limit on this and this gives a tenant more of an incentive to pay their rent on time as well as take care of the property.

If you are looking for a home in which to live, this is a great time to buy.  You can get a lot more bang for your buck, especially in upscale neighborhoods that were hit hard by the recession.  And because the interest rates are so low, you will be surprised at how much you are able to afford.  A real estate recession is tough, but this is a good time for smart investors to buy low and wait out their investment for the long term.

Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

 

What To Look For In Real Estate Investment Today

You have probably already figured out that the real estate market is in a little bit more than a slump.  Some call it a recession while others call it a full fledged real estate depression.  Housing starts are lower than they have been since the early 1970s and foreclosures are at an all time high.  There are many more sellers than buyers and housing prices in some areas has actually plummeted. 

There are some people who purchased their homes at the height of the boom when everything climbing sky high that actually owe more on their homes than the value of their home.  Because of this, many people have opted for foreclosure rather than pay for something that is not worth the money at the current time.  The crash in the real estate market is not new.  In the 1970s, it was also a very bad market for quite a few years and many people, especially those in the trades, were out of work.

The difference between then and now, however, is the interest rates.  Back in the 1970s, the interest rates for home mortgages were at 18 percent.  People not only could not afford to buy homes because of the bad economy, but also because  of the fact that the rates were so high.  In  the early 1980s,  when the interest rates dropped to 12 percent, people went wild.  New housing was booming as was everything else.  If someone put their home up on the market at noon, they would have it sold by 4 p.m.  It was a sellers market through and through and remained that way for a few years.  A lot of people made money on real estate investing during those times, especially new home builders. 

The real estate market is always fluctuating, just like the stock market.  You should not be frightened to own real estate.  To the contrary, you should be frightened not to own real estate.  Real estate is not only a solid long term investment that usually always pays off big, but also something that you actually need.  As you need a place to live, it is better to pay your own mortgage than that of someone else. 

If you are looking for real estate investments today, look for foreclosures.  Better yet, look for short sales that have not yet reached foreclosure.  In a short sale, you can save the owner from going into foreclosure and usually pick the property up for a lot less money than it is worth.  You can offer low and even offer to allow the seller to stay in the home, for rent, for a while longer so that they can get their bearings. 

You can find short sales by looking on the docket of the county clerk court list.  A judge has to issue an eviction notice in order for a foreclosure to commence.  This means the bank has already gone through the court system.  You can find this information out at the county courthouse.  Anything that goes through the court is public record.  The judge issues an order for the sheriff to serve eviction papers through the court system. 

Another way to find out about foreclosures is to contact banks and mortgage lenders for foreclosure listings.  You will only find out about already foreclosed upon property.  You can also put an ad in the paper stating that you are looking for people going into foreclosure and work with them in this manner.  The short sale is one of  the things you should look for when investing in the real estate market today.  

Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

Banks Profit Big Killing Real Estate Values

Everyone is aware now of the slow housing market and the fact that many people are losing their homes.  There is, however, another segment of the housing market that is seldom spoken of, but which is also being hard-hit by the current situation.  And the banks - who started the whole "tumble" - and who "profited greatly" in creating the "tumble" - are still profiting BIG !

First, let's talk about the homeowner.  In the 1990's, banks developed a GOLDMINE in the housing industry...the equity loan.  They began a huge marketing program to encourage people to take their money (savings) out of their homes and spend it.  They touted that the homeowner could "use the money for anything you want - a vacation, home improvements, college tuition, new car, whatever".  The banks then proceeded to appraise the home over the home's actual value and loan people equity up to 125% of the home's value.  This meant that people would no longer have any savings in their home - they would owe the whole value of the home at that time.  Anyone who didn't take out the money and spend it, was considered foolish - to have credit cards or pay interest on anything else, when they had money available in their home that they could pull out. People used their homes like an ATM.  Anytime the bills got too big, they just refinanced and took cash out or borrowed on an equity loan. Who made the most with interest and fees? The banks.

Who made the most money on these loans?  Yes, the banks. The homeowners didn't care about the fees the banks charged or the closing costs. The only thing they looked at was the big fat amount of money they could pull out and spend - as if it were the lottery. Who profited big? The banks.

As times were good and home values steadily increased, another segment of the housing market developed.  In times of affluence, ordinary people became investors, buying homes and condos to offer as rental property.  This is an intelligent way to save money on taxes and serve those who cannot afford to buy their own home, by providing a nice place to live for a reasonable monthly rent.  The other advantage, of course, was the appreciation on the property and having someone else help you pay the mortgage on the loan. The problem, however, was that much of the money they used to invest, came from home equity loans that they had taken out on their primary residences. The banks made this easier by providing "second mortgages", with high fees of course, and added prepayment fees and penalties to ensure they made a high profit, regardless of the life of the loan and with second mortgages, you could buy a 2nd or 3rd or 4th house or condo with very little down. But when the market values slipped and the appreciation never came, people lost money on the rentals and it resulted in losing on their personal residences also, because of the home equity loans we talked about above.   The only ones still guaranteed to make money? The banks.

Now, that people have spent all of their savings in their homes and they owe more than the home could be sold for, many homeowners are letting the house go back to the bank...in foreclosure.  As many foreclosures as there are, it's still a small percentage of the total market.  Because it is such a small percentage, the banks can "dump" the houses for half of what would be the real value.  This further devalues the market price of the other homes that are for sale.  It's peanuts to the banks, but to the other homeowners out there that have to sell for one reason or another - it's devastating.

Worst part, when the crisis hit, the government instituted programs to bail out whom?  The banks !

Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

 

 

 

Bankruptcy And Buying A House - Is It Smart To Buy A House After Bankruptcy?

Each year, millions of people file bankruptcy as a means of erasing their consumer debts. While this approach may relieve stress, a bankruptcy is damaging, and will hang over your head for the next ten years. Still, it is possible to overcome bankruptcy. The key is making smarter financial and credit decisions. With this said, some people choose to purchase a home after a bankruptcy. Here are a few pointers to consider when buying a home.

Reasons to Delay the Buying Process after Bankruptcy

If you consult with mortgage or financial experts, they will likely discourage you from buying a home following a bankruptcy. After your bankruptcy is discharged, there is a black cloud that looms over your credit report.

When any prospective lender reviews your report, they will be notified of your recent or past bankruptcy. In some instances, this justifies an immediate denial. On the other hand, there are lenders eager to help you establish or rebuild your credit. Thus, they will approve a loan request. Nonetheless, the penalties are steep.

Higher mortgage rates can be anticipated when purchasing a home after bankruptcy, especially if you have not established other credit accounts. Mortgage lenders consider two factors: credit scores and credit reports.

Although a bankruptcy appears on your credit report, having a high credit score will increase your odds of getting a comparable rate. Unfortunately, if you buy immediately following a bankruptcy, you will not have the opportunity to boost your score.

Reasons to Buy a Home after Bankruptcy

Lenders will approve mortgage loan applications one day following a discharge. Therefore, it is possible to get a home after a bankruptcy. Buying a home is perfect for rebuilding credit. Moreover, it is the quickest way to increase your credit score.

 

After a bankruptcy, the average person has a credit score below 600. Good credit consist of credit scores 650 and above. Maintaining current mortgage payments will gradually increase your score. After two years of regular payments, you will have established a good payment history. Hence, you may qualify for a low rate refinancing, which may lower your mortgage payments. 

 

Lisa Jonesis a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

 

 

 

Contingency Clauses

Just because you have a contract does not mean a real estate deal will always go through as expected.  There are many things to look out for when it comes to contingency clauses in contracts.  These were, at one time, called weasel clauses.  The reason for this was because a buyer or seller could weasel out of a deal because of one contingency or another. 

There are many contingency clauses in place now to protect both the buyer and the seller.  Here are some of the more common ones being used in the real estate market today. 

1)      Loan contingency.  If the buyer can not get funding in a certain amount of time he or she can back out of the deal.

2)      Sale of another home contingency.  The buyer has made an offer but it is contingent upon whether the home he now has will sell.  If it does not sell within a set time, the buyer is not held accountable for the purchase offer.

3)      Home inspection.  The sale is contingent on whether the property will pass the home inspection. The buyer has the right to inspect the home for any unforeseen damage which may not have been disclosed.

4)      Appraisal.  If the property does not meet the appraisal guidelines set forth by the lender, the buyer does not have to uphold his end of the purchase agreement.

5)      Lead based paint inspection.  When a home has been built prior to 1978, the buyer can have a lead base paint inspection.  If there is evidence of lead based paint, this lets the buyer out of the contract.  The house would be considered hazardous.

6)      Water inspection.  Many times the home is in a rural area where there is no access to city water. The supply is by a well. The well must be inspected.  If it does not pass a health inspection, the buyer does not have to buy the property.

7)      Wood boring insects.  A termite inspection is mandatory so there is no chance of hidden damage.  Although this is a problem which can easily be rectified, many buyers will not buy a home which has had evidence of termites.

8)      Hazardous material contingency.  This is similar to the lead paint inspection.  During the home inspection, the contractor may come into contact with black mold or asbestos.  Unless there is an agreement between the buyer and seller to have this taken care of the buyer can walk away from the deal.

9)      Owners association acceptance. In some condos and town houses, the buyer must qualify for the home owners association.  If they do not get accepted, they will be allowed to back out of the deal.

10)  Title report.  The title report will let the parties know about any liens, encumbrances, or easements on the property.  If these are not acceptable to the buyer, they can walk away and not be held accountable.  Something simple like the seller forgetting to mention the oil company holds the mineral rights to the property and can drill anywhere it wants, may make a buyer think twice about buying the property.

 These are just some of the many contingencies which can be listed in a purchase agreement.  It is up to the buyer and seller to work out as many of them as they can to seal the deal.  Sometimes this just does not happen.  Each party must then move on to the next house or buyer.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

 

 

The maze of real estate contracts.

First time home buyers, and sellers, can become overwhelmed with all the legal aspects of buying or selling a house.  The paperwork can make anyone's head swim.  It is extremely easy to familiarize yourself with the real estate contracts with some simple research. 

The first contract you may run into as the seller is the listing agreement.  This is the real estate contract you will sign with the agent who is going to put your house on the market.  This agreement will state the name, address, and other important information about the seller and the property.  It will also list the terms of the listing.  For instance, how much the brokerage is charging for their services, how much you are selling the house for, how long the house will stay with the broker, and what is included in the sale. 

You will also see a lead paint disclosure form if your home was built before 1978. This form simply states when the home was built and that the seller either does or does not have documentation or information pertaining to the lead paint.  If there is documentation, the seller is required to turn it over for inspection.  If there is no known documentation, the buyer has a certain amount of time to have a risk assessment done to see if a hazardous condition exists. 

Along with the lead paint disclosure is the seller's disclosure.  This is the form which allows the seller to tell about the property.  For instance, if the property is in good repair this can be stated.  The seller is responsible for releasing information on any damage which may have occurred due to flooding or other problems.  If there was an infestation of any kind which had to be professionally treated, the seller will put it on this form. 

The seller will also see another form the real estate agent must present.  This is the agency disclosure form. This is the form which states the agent is working for the seller.  It is important to have this one because some agents work for the buyer, while others are dual agents who work for both.  The seller needs to know who his agent is working for. 

The buyer has an entirely different set of real estate contracts they will encounter.  The mortgage contract will be used to determine the loan amount for purchasing the property.  This will list the details of the purchase.  It will tell how much the buyer will put up and how much the lender will contribute.  There will also be an appraisal done so the property can be properly assessed. 

The purchase agreement is a contract both the buyer and seller will be using.  This is the form the buyer will use to make an offer on the property.  This will also include the amount the buyer is borrowing, any closing costs they are asking the seller to pay, and the amount of earnest money put down.  The purchase agreement will also list what else the buyer would like.  For instance, the window treatments or appliances may be requested in the purchase of the home. 

One of the last forms both parties will see is the title disclosure.  This is the paperwork which states the title is free and clear from all encumbrances.  It also states the seller is the property holder and is allowed to sell the home. 

One final contract is the mortgage paperwork at closing.  This is where the title will change hands, the money will exchange hands, and the property now belongs to the new buyer.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

The Mover's Checklist

Every one dreads moving.  Even if you are moving into the dream home you have pictured all your life, the move is still a pain.  Changing over the utilities, forwarding the mail, notifying creditors, and the packing can all be one big hassle.  With a mover's checklist you can make the process quite a bit easier. 

One month before the move:

Whether you are moving across town or across the country there are certain things you must do.  The first one is to take an inventory of what you own.  You will need to decide what you are going to keep and what can be donated to local charity or sold at a garage sale.  It is easiest to do this on a room by room basis.  Go through each room and box up what you will not be taking with you to the new house.  If you are donating to the charity call to arrange a pick up time.  If you are having a garage sale, plan it for the next weekend.

For parents with school age children, if there will be a change in schools, notify both the old school and the new one so that transcripts can be sent ahead.  This will make it easier to sign the kids into the new school.

Locate the new pharmacy and have your prescriptions transferred. 

Contact the utility companies to make arrangements for disconnecting and/or transferring to the new address.  You will want to contact the new companies to have the utilities turned on the day you arrive in your new home.

Draw out your new floor plan.  This will enable you to know which pieces of furniture will go where in the new house.  You can also determine what will fit and what will not.

Notify the post office with an address change card they provide.  The kit the U.S. Postal Service has will allow you to notify friends, family, and creditors about the new address.

Talk with your bank to have them change the address on your accounts and credit cards. 

Three weeks before the move:

Start using cleaning supplies and foods you will not want to move.  Downsizing the kitchen can be easy during a move. It can be a hassle to move if you do not do this.

Start packing uncommon items you do not use that often.  Labeling the boxes for the new house make it easier to unpack and get settled in.  Many times it is easier to start with things like the off season clothes.

Retrieve items out on loan.  Get any items in the repair shop out.  Make sure all dry cleaning has been picked up.

Notify the newspaper of any cancellations.

Now is when you want to have that garage sale. 

Two weeks before the move:

If you are using professional movers, find an alternative way to move your pets and plants.  These are things the movers can not take on the truck.

Pack as much of the home up as you can.  Remembering to check the attic and basement for stored seasonal items.

Have a moving folder.  This is where you would keep important items you do not want to get lost or misplaced during the move.  Insurance cards, birth certificates, titles, and other things can go in this folder.  Put it someplace safe.

Walk around the outside of the house to make sure you got everything you are taking.  The garden hose, the wind chimes, and even the lawn ornaments can sometimes be left behind without thinking. 

The week before the move:

Pack up anything else you possibly can.

Double check to make sure the utilities will be taken care of and you know what is happening with any deposits you are owed.

Order the new paper delivery service at the new house. 

The day of the move:

Pack up everything you have not gotten to at this point.

When the entire house is empty, do a complete walk through checking closets and drawers as you go.  Make sure to look in the basement and garage as well.  Close each door before you walk out of  the room.  There have been many things left behind doors. 

This is just a small checklist of some of the things you will want to do before you move.  There are other things you may put on your mover's checklist.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

Tips to ensure a safe move.

Everyone gets excited when they are about to move.  It can be a fun and tiring experience all at the same time.  There are certain things you should do to ensure you have a safe move. 

The first thing you need to do is determine what day you are going to be moving.  The people who should know about it are the ones who will be helping you move.  Many times you will have people you only know as distant acquaintances show up to help with the big day.  The best response is to let them know you have enough people already.  Thank them for the offer and send them on their way.  You may think everyone can be trusted, but this is not the case.  Moving is a hard job and very few people volunteer just to be nice.  The ones who did offer are your friends and family.  It goes without saying they will expect the same from you one day.  Taking help from someone you hardly know can lead to things missing when you start to unpack. 

You will also want to make sure you have the proper moving equipment when you are moving.  Things like a cart dolly or two wheeled truck, as they are sometimes called, will be needed to move heavy things like the refrigerator, freezer, washer, and dryer.  Even if you have ten men ready and willing, you do not want someone hurting themselves because of your move. 

Before everyone arrives to help with the move, make sure every thing is packed up, or at least almost every thing.  This will ensure no one is standing around waiting to grab a box.  Having every thing ready to go and waiting on them will make the entire process so much easier for everyone. 

You will want to make sure the walk ways and stair ways are completely cleared.  You do not want anyone tripping and falling.  This is something which should be done periodically throughout the day to keep everyone safe.  People will ask for help from someone carrying a box down the steps. The person will put the box on the steps and help with what ever needs done, completely forgetting about the box.  The next thing you know someone is coming down with a chair or another box and does not see the first one.  Accidents happen like this all the time. 

It is advisable to have a cooler located somewhere which has a supply of ice and cold water in it. This is especially good if you are moving during the summer months.  People will get extremely hot during the moving process.  You want to keep everyone safe by keeping them hydrated. 

One last tip when it comes to having a safe moving experience.  Keep the doors and windows locked.  There are two reasons for this.  The first is obvious.  You do not want any unwanted guests helping themselves to what ever has been moved or still needs moved.  The other is the weather factor.  It never fails that when you are in one house, it will be raining at the other or vice versa.  You can keep floors dry and slip proof by keeping the windows shut when you leave one house for the other. 

You can also divide your help into teams.  Locate one in the new house and keep the other one at the old house.  As the trucks show up to the new place, the second team can unload. This gives the first team a needed break.  When the first team comes back to load up again, the second team is taking their break.  They can also help start to unpack.  

 

You can have a safe, enjoyable day of moving if you just follow the hints and tips suggested here. 

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

The Inspection Process

When buying any piece of real estate there are many details of the process that may come as a shock to you. One of these details is the inspection of the real estate that you are interested in buying. If you think that you are ready to buy a new home you will have to go through this process before you actually make a purchase. This will allow you to learn everything there is to know about a home. After all, do you want to purchase a home that has a cracked foundation? Of course you don’t! But if you do not go through the inspection process you may never find out about a lot of the things that could be wrong.

 As a potential buyer it is your job to pay for the inspection of the real estate property that you are interested in. While this is not a huge expense it is one that you will have to take on. So make sure that you budget for this before you ever start to search for a new home, or any other piece of real estate for that matter. Also, make sure that your home inspection is completed by somebody who has experience with this process. You do not want your inspector to miss a potential problem. If they do this may come back on you many years down the road.

 After your inspector checks out the real estate that you are interested in buying, they will provide you with a detailed list of what is wrong with the home. It is at this time that you must look over each issue, and then address it separately. There is a very good chance that if there is a lot wrong with the home that you may not want to buy it. And even if you do want to move forward in the process you will probably want to negotiate the price based on the issues that your inspector has found. You should never pay full price for a home that did not pass inspection with flying colors.

 Now can you see why the inspection process is so important? If you do not take this seriously you may end up with a piece of real estate that needs more repairs than you had initially thought. And of course if this happens you will get stuck paying a lot of money out of your own pocket. 

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Using a Down Payment to Better your Situation

There are many ways that you can manipulate your cash in order to get into the home you are interested in buying. But with that being said there are some ways that are more beneficial for others. One thing that you will definitely want to consider is using a down payment in order to get things off to a good start. Although you may not think that you have the money for a down payment, chances are that you do and you are just a bit lost on where to get started. No, you do not necessarily need to have a down payment, but you might as well use one so that you can get a better deal for yourself.

 The number one reason to use a down payment is because it will lower your monthly payment. The more money that you put down on a home the cheaper your payments are going to be; there is no denying this. So obviously, you should consider doing whatever it takes to get a good amount of money together for a down payment. It may take you a little while to do this, but over time you should be able to accumulate the money that you need.

 There are many places that you can look if you are in need of a down payment. First and foremost, consider the money that you have in your bank account. Although you may not want to use all of the money that you have, it is a good idea to look here first if you are searching for a down payment. Additionally, you may want to ask your parents or another family member for assistance. Some people do not think that this is a good idea, but if you are close with your family and they trust you to pay them back this is a viable option.

 If you do not have enough money for a down payment at the time that you want to make a purchase you have one of two options available. You can either move forward with the amount that you have, or you can wait a few months or more to see how much money you can scrape together. In most cases you will be better off waiting so that you can use the down payment to lower your monthly mortgage.

 As you can see, having a nice down payment is a great way to get off on the right foot when buying a home. 

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

Should you buy in a Plan?

Over the past few years there have been many trends to hit the housing industry. One of the most common is people who are interested in buying plan homes. These homes are nothing more than properties that are located in a plan with others that look the same, and are located on similarly sized lots. But just because plan homes have become so popular does not mean that you should necessarily buy one. This is just one option that you can consider if you are in the market for a new home.

 So why have plan homes become so popular over the last few years? There is no set reason for this since each buyer has their own agenda. But with that being said there are some generalizations that probably stand to be correct. For instance, most plan homes are relatively new which means that you will not have to deal with costly repairs for the time being. For a lot of people this is reason enough to looking into buying one of these plan homes.

 Another reason for their popularity is the way that they offer great neighborhoods. Generally speaking, these plan homes are more or less secluded from the rest of the world. This does not mean that they are miles away from civilization, but it does mean that they have their own “separate” neighborhood. Most home buyers like this because it gives them the sense of safety and security.

 And finally, since plan homes have just taken off they are all pretty modern to say the least. Not only are the outsides of these homes modern, but the interiors also have a lot to offer in the way of upscale décor. If you are looking for a home that is new both inside and out you may want to consider buying one of the many plan homes that are for sale all over the country.

 Overall, plan homes have a lot to offer. If you are in the market you should at least consider the benefits of one of these homes. You may find out that a home in a plan is perfect for you and your family.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

 

Tips for Making a Land Purchase

 There is a much greater risk in purchasing land than there is in purchasing a home.  This is primarily due to the number of factors influencing a land purchase.  If you’ve never mad ea land purchase before, it’s only natural that you would not be aware of these factors much less the difference between them and other forms of real estate.  You should become familiar with the process of purchasing land before making the actual land purchase.

 Consider hiring an attorney to help you in the land purchase.  When it’s time to negotiate the contract, the attorney will be especially helpful.   Choose an attorney that has previous experience in real estate transactions that deal with land.  This is the best kind of professional to assist you in the process.  You can find an attorney using a directory or by asking for references from people you know.

 You should never assume that you will be able to obtain a building permit for the land.  Don’t make your land purchase under this assumption.  You can be denied a building permit for several different reasons.  The sales contract regarding your land purchase should include a clause that will let you out of the purchase if, unfortunately, you cannot obtain a building permit.  If you don’t include such a clause, you will end up with a piece of land that you can only resale.  Chances are if the land cannot be constructed upon, you will have making a land purchase to someone else.

 Check with the local utility companies to be sure that you can have electric, gas and water services at the site.  Do this before the land purchase.  The last thing you want is to find out this information after you have signed the contract.

 Find out if public sewer lines are available for the land.  The local city hall can assist you in finding out this information.  If you find out that there is not a public sewer line accessible to the land, you will need to install a septic tank.  As you think about the purchase price of the land, keep this cost in mind.

 The city’s building department can let you know if the land is zoned for what you plan to use it for.  Different lots of land are zoned for different purposes.  Also check for any restrictions regarding construction and other uses of the land.

 In some instances, the topography of the land can influence the cost of the work that must be completed.  Have your contractor look over the property to check for any costs that may come up because of the landscape.  It is best to do this check now than to have to pay later.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

 

Tips for Home Builders

 The next best thing to buying your dream home is building a home it yourself.  Building a home provides many advantages over purchasing one that has already been built.  When you build your own home, your only limitations are space and money.  You have complete control over the design of the home and the finished product.  Building a home can be a rewarding process culminating in the home that you’ve dreamt of.

 One of the primary reasons that people build their own homes is so they can customize the home to their own specifications.  As you think about the kind of home you want to build, keep in mind that there is a strong possibility that the home will need to be sold at some point or another.  You might reason that once your home has been built you will live in it forever.  That’s impossible considering that you, yourself, will not live forever.  The way you build your home will have an affect on the ability to resell it.  Some of the features you would love to include in your home may keep it on the market for a longer period of time than expected.

 You should build your home along the lines of those that are already in your neighborhood.  It’s not uncommon for people to want to build in the area that they already live.  These people tend to build homes that are bigger than what is already there.  This makes selling the home a tricky process.  You’ll find that buyers for that neighborhood aren’t looking to pay the price of your home.

 Choose your contractor wisely.  This is the person who is responsible for executing the building a home.  The keys to your new home are in the contractor’s hand.  You should interview several contractors.  The best way to find a contractor is through a referral from a family member or friend that a positive experience.  When you find a contractor you like ask for references.  Be sure to actually interview the references to make an educated decision about the contractor you choose.

 Prepare for delays in the process.  It’s not a good idea to lock in a specific move-in date because it will likely change several times as process of building a home progresses.  When it comes to building a home one delay can cause another which causes another.  Before you know it, the plan is a few weeks off schedule.  Make sure you have a contingency plan in the event that construction goes longer than expected.  Avoid rushing the process of building a home as it will surely have an effect on the final product.

Educate yourself as much as you can on the entire process of building a home from start to finish.  Talk to people who’ve built houses.  Use the internet.  Visit the library.  Information is your best tool in an unfamiliar process such as building a home.  You will have many decisions to make as your home is being built.  Equipping yourself with information about building a home helps you make the best decisions about your home.

 

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding.

 

Six Things You Shouldn’t Do Before Purchasing A Home

Just because you’re buying a home doesn’t mean that life has to stop, or does it?  You never know what affect actions you take today will have on the mortgage you apply for in three or even six months.  Even something as simple as transferring money from your savings to your checking account can create hassle in the mortgage process.  Read on to find out what things you should avoid doing before buying a home.

 Purchase a Car.  Many people are inclined to improve their social standing by purchasing a car and buying a home at the same time.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  Purchasing the car before buying a home will have an effect on what the mortgage lender determines you can afford for a home.  Since a car is such a big ticket item, it can greatly raise your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders use to determine how much of a mortgage you can afford.  Ultimately, the car purchase will decrease the amount you can afford to pay for a home.

 Move Money Between Accounts.  When the lender does the work to determine your eligibility for a loan, they will request statements from all of your accounts that contain liquid assets.  When you move money around between these amounts, especially if they are large amounts, you will have withdrawals in some and deposits in others.  The lender will request the documentation for these.  Unless you want to keep up with all this paperwork, it’s much easier to leave the money where it is until after you have completed buying a home.

 Change Banks.  This can easily be coupled with moving money between accounts.  It just creates additional paperwork for you and the lender.  To make it easier on yourself and the lender, stay with your current bank until the mortgage is complete.

 Become Self-Employed or change jobs if you are employed part-time.  Either of these could have a negative affect on your mortgage approval.  In most cases, lenders want to see at least two years of self-employment they will approve you for a loan.  Wait until after buying a home to become self-employed.

 For part-time workers changing jobs creates unpredictability in the number of hours that you will work from one week to the next.  As such, the lender cannot determine your gross income to qualify you for a loan.  Stay with your current job until you have the loan, then change.

 Apply For a Credit Card.  Even though the inquiry won’t hurt your credit too badly if you already have a good credit score, the additional credit card will cause the lender to question your financial stability for buying a home.

 Make a Large Purchase.  Of course you are going to need furniture when buying a home.  Resist the urge to purchases a new sofa set until after you have obtained the mortgage.  Big ticket items purchased before buying a home can cause the lender to take a second look at your financial situation.

 When you are buying a home, it is best to stay away from anything that will make it look as though you don’t your finances under control.

Contact Lisa Jones and get a better understanding of how your property can benefit from above.

 

First Step, Real Estate Agent

If only more home buyers put as much thought and time into choosing their real estate as they did into choosing their home.  Perhaps the overall home buying experience would go a lot more smoothly.  It seems like it should go without saying that if you want to purchase the home of your dreams you should first choose the real estate agent of your dreams.  However, it doesn’t always happen that way.

Many home buyers are so eager to get to the home search that they rush through the real estate agent selection process.  Keep in mind that the real estate agent you choose is the person that you will be working with throughout the real estate transaction.  While it is possible to “fire” your real estate agent and start over with a new one, you will lose a lot or ground this way.

You have the right to interview as many real estate agents as you would like to make a decision on the professional that you would like to work with.  There are many real estate agents on the market to assist you.  Each of these agents has a different level of experience and training.  They also have different personalities and styles of working with you.  Each of these has a factor on the experience you will have.

Don’t choose an agent just because he or she was conducting an open house that you attended.  A real estate agent you meet in this way should be interviewed and referenced just like an agent that you cold-called or received as a reference from a family member or friend.  Avoid making the assumption that just because a real estate agent is working an open house that the agent has experience.  This is not always the case.

The best way to find a real estate agent is by asking for references from people you know who have recently purchased a home.  This way you can find out a lot of valuable information about the agent before ever contacting him or her.  Ask questions about the real estate agent.  How did he or she handle the process?  What things did the buyer not like about the agent?  Did the agent listen to the buyer’s needs?  These are just a few of the questions you need to have answered about a prospective real estate agent.

Once you have the contact information for a few real estate agents, you should begin interviewing them to inquire about their services.  Ask about their specialties.  Let the agent know what you are looking for in a home and ask how the agent can help you.  Does the agent have experience in working with buyers that are looking for similar houses to you?  What is the real estate agent’s success rate?  Finding out this pertinent information about a real estate agent helps ensure you make the best decision.

After you have settled on a single real estate agent, enter an agreement that the agent will work with you exclusively.  This prevents the agent from working as the seller’s agent in the even that the seller does not use an agent.