BRICKS BEAT PAPER!Yes, there’s been trouble in real estate paradise, and no matter the causes, the dramatic results have been experienced across the country.  Before assuming that housing is a risky investment, please understand that owning a home offers countless advantages over stocks and other securities.

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SEEING GREEN?With global climate change and rising fuel prices, more people are growing interested in boosting energy efficiency, and homebuyers are among them.  What improvements might you consider in order to make your home more marketable in the Environmental Age?

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KEEP THE CART BEHIND THE HORSE!It’s probably no surprise that nearly all buyers require financing for their home purchase.  The real challenge is not so much in getting the loan as it is in finding the loan that’s right for you.

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READY TO OPEN UP?There’s been discussion among professionals in the real estate business for years now regarding the value of holding open houses.  The National Association of REALTORS® conducted a survey last year that revealed 80 percent of buyers used the Internet for property searches, but only 42 percent visited open houses.  What gives, and are open houses a waste of everyone’s time?

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HELLO, FICO!You’d have to be living on another planet if you haven’t heard reports of subprime mortgages and their effect on the real estate industry.  If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s apparent that loan qualification these days is more challenging.  Sellers also feel the effect from fewer qualified buyers who can make a confident, full price offer.

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TURNING RENT INTO EQUITY!Larger home inventories coupled with tougher financing requirements have made it difficult for both sellers and buyers to achieve their respective goals.  In the search for creative solutions, one has recently begun catching on - Rent To Own.

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CERTIFY THAT PRE-OWNED HOME!

If you’re looking for a competitive edge in the sale of your home, your real estate agent may have an unexpected suggestion.  Although many sellers assume that it is the responsibility of the buyers to pay for an inspection, having one performed before you even list your home can go a long way towards attracting a full price offer from confident buyers.

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TURNING RENT INTO EQUITY!Larger home inventories coupled with tougher financing requirements have made it difficult for both sellers and buyers to achieve their respective goals.  In the search for creative solutions, one has recently begun catching on - Rent To Own.

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BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!Foreclosure is forcing the sale of many homes, putting homeowners in a very stressful and challenging position.  While most people think of real estate agents as mediators between buyers and sellers, realty professionals also work with lenders, who are likewise facing challenges.

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PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEA!While many areas around the country are experiencing a “buyer’s market,” you need to exercise caution when offering to purchase at below asking price.  Bargaining is indeed an art, and the last thing you want to do is to insult the sellers.

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