Buying A Home Long Distance

The process of purchasing a home can be a complicated and stressful experience, but if you have to purchase a new home in another city the experience can become even more complicated.  Whether you are relocating for a job, retiring to a dream location, or are just looking for a change, purchasing a home long distance has a whole separate to-do list on top of the already long list of things that need to be done to purchase a new home.  Here are some tips to make purchasing a home long distance a little easier, and still get the home of your dreams!

The Internet Is A Powerful Tool!

The internet is a powerful research tool for learning more about virtually any topic, and purchasing a home is no exception.  From finding a REALTOR® to searching properties, the internet is a great aid in finding a home.  It is also a great resource for finding information about potential lenders, home inspectors, and all the other extras involved in buying a home.  Though the internet is a great resource in the real estate market, like any information you find online, it is always important to be sure it is coming from a reputable source.  Finding Web sites that are run by professional REALTORS® or real estate organizations is your best bet for reliable information.

Hire A Local REALTOR®

Your best approach is to be sure you have an agent in your prospective area on your team early on.  They can certainly direct you to some great online resources and help you determine which are accurate and up-to-date.  They are also a great resource for finding out which neighborhoods would be a good fit for you and your family, and the local amenities that are available to you.

In general, buying a home long distance can have its obstacles, but with a little research on your part and the help of a professional REALTOR®, you can make the transition to both a new home and a new city easier and stress free.

 

Sell Your Home Fast: Five Tips To Get A Fast Sale!

The process of selling your home can be a stressful and time-consuming event.  Getting a quick sale at the right price is the goal of any homeowner.  Here are a few simple tips to getting that sale fast and at the price you want.

Hire A Real Estate Expert—This may be obvious, but many people still need to be convinced that hiring a professional to handle the sale of their most valuable asset is important.

Get The Price Right—Knowing the fair market value of your home and getting advice on pricing it right will pique buyers’ interest will net you a faster sale.  Again, a qualified agent can help make this determination.
Have A Marketing Plan—Knowing how to effectively market your property means more people will see your home, and so you increase the potential of attracting that perfect buyer.

Consider Offering Incentives—Offering incentives can be just the drive a potential buyer needs to select your property over the competition.  Incentives may include major appliances, an allowance for worn carpet or paint, or paying some of the buyer’s closing costs.

Clear the Clutter—A neat, tidy, and well-presented home is always more appealing to buyers.  It is also a great way to get rid of items you don’t want to take with you to your new home.

These simple tips can get your home sold quickly, easily, and at the right price.  A real estate professional can help you with each one of these tips and can make the process of selling your home a more pleasurable one.

Buying A Fixer-Upper: Are You Ready For The Work

Always dreamed of renovating a home exactly to your specifications, or have you found an older house that is structurally sound but needs a lot of work inside?  Perhaps the price is right and you can’t resist all that house you can get for your money.  Whatever the reason, buying a fixer-upper can be both an exciting and rewarding purchase or a financial and time consuming disaster, depending on whether you are prepared for what you have gotten yourself into.  So what should you know before buying a home that requires a little or a lot of tender loving care?

The Benefits

The benefits of purchasing a fixer-upper are obvious.  The price is usually right, and if the seller wants a quick sale because of decreased interest in the home, you may be able to negotiate a really great price.  Also, if you intend to flip the home after the renovations, the profit for the money and time you have invested can be quite considerable.  The trick to getting these benefits, however, is knowing what type of property to look for, as well as having an accurate idea of the associated costs, and realistic expectations of the time and labor it will take.

What Makes A Great Fixer-Upper?

There are several features that may make for a great fixer-upper.

Location—Buying a home in a desirable neighborhood is always a smart idea, particularly with homes that require a lot of work. Purchasing a house in a sought after area can mean a greater profit margin for resale value.

Layout And Configuration—This is especially important if you plan to sell the home after the renovations are finished.  Selecting a home that will appeal to the greatest number of buyers will get you the best price.  Also, choosing a home with a layout that flows may save you a considerable amount on the actual renovation costs because you are less likely to need custom installations and work.

Condition—Ultimately the most important consideration is the actual condition of the home. Choosing a fixer-upper with only cosmetic problems such as damaged flooring or old fixtures and appliances, and in need of only a new paint job, can often have the greatest profit margin and require much less money and time.

Overall, when purchasing a home that needs work, getting a qualified home inspector’s advice and getting estimates of the cost of work to be done before making your offer can make all the difference.