5 Great Tips for Home Buyers

1.  Get Your Credit in Shape  

If you plan to finance your home purchase, check your credit history, especially if you're a first-time buyer.  That way, you can correct any errors, and take measures to boost your credit score.  Order one free credit report a year from Annualcreditreport.com

 

2.  Get Pre-approved For a Mortgage 

Early in your search, meet with a mortgage lender who will take a look at your credit history, your savings and investment statements and your current financial situation.  This will give you a better picture of what you can afford and the financing options available.

 

3.  Establish your Budget

Whether you're financing your purchase of paying cash, it helps to establish a budget.  This will help you focus your search on great homes within your price range.  

 

4.  Make a List

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not a process of selection.  Make a list of your ideal home's must haves and deal breakers.  This will help you to narrow your search so that you can find a home that fits your current and future needs.

 

5.  Think About Resale

 The average homeowner lives in their home for nine years. While you may purchase your home as a long-term investment, keep in mind that you may need to sell it one day.  Consider the home resale value when you're looking at properties.

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA. at Nancy Puder &Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property or a home purchase, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com. Our highly skilled team of agents is always ready to help you with any of your real estate needs, no matter how big or how small.

 

Go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access weekly real estate related articles.

 

 

 

 

 

Rents Are Sky-Rocketing

Since the recession many past or potential homeowners have chosen to rent a home rather than buy.  Because of this scenario, there has been an increased demand for rental homes, creating a shortage of homes available, and as a result, rental rates have sky-rocketed.

 

Some of the reasons people have been choosing to rent rather than buy a home include insecurity about job, the loss of a job, damaged credit, short sale, foreclosure or loss of equity.  Another reason has been an overall loss of confidence in the real estate market.

 

During and immediately after the recession it made sense for some people to rent a home until they could get back on their feet.  With the recent improvement in the overall economy, however, the decision to rent vs. buy should be re-evaluated, and probably be done soon.

 

Several housing studies conducted this year, reinforce the fact that owning a home is still less expensive than renting.  According to Trulia's 2014 Renting vs.Buy Report, this was the case nationally and in each of the 100 metro areas.  Assuming a 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 4.5 percent, buying is 38% cheaper, nationally than renting. These numbers vary according to region.

 

Renters who might mistakenly think that homeownership is out of reach, would benefit from speaking to a real estate professional to get the real facts about where the market is right now and how to begin the process of home ownership. It may be a good idea to ask yourself "why pay someone else's mortgage when you can own your own home?"

 

Take the first step and speak to someone who is knowledgable and interested enough in you to help get you on the right track if you are not ready to buy today.  It is not as hard as you may think it is to buy.  With focus and determination and someone to help guide you along the best path, you would be surprised at what can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time.  Believe me when I tell you that the road to buying will be much shorter with a plan in place.

 

If you are ready to get out of the rental market and become a homeowner, call me at (805)710-2415 or email me Nancy@NancyPuder.com to discuss the benefits of homeownership and to get the facts on today's real estate market.

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA. with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.

Why Now Is A Great Time To Sell

 

A lot has changed in the real estate market over the past several years.  If you are like a lot of other homeowners, you may have postponed the idea of selling your home for various reasons.  Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are thinking of selling.

 

• Has your family situation changed or will it in the near future?

• Do you want to move closer to family and friends?

• Does the area where you live no longer suit your needs?

• Does your home no longer meet your space requirements?

 

• Do you foresee a job relocation?

 

• Do you just want a change?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, now may be an excellent time for you to sell your home.

 

Existing home sales have risen 20% since 2011.  Factors contributing to this rise are increased job growth, lower interest rates on mortgages and small inventory.  It's interesting to note that, historically, the average homeowner stayed in their home for 5 years. Recent statistics show that the average stay in one home has risen to 9 years.

 

Before making the decision to put your home on the market, be sure to speak to a local real estate professional who is actively selling homes and can show you a track record of success.

 

Nancy Puder is a Real Estate Broker in Arroyo Grande, CA at Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.

5 Tips for Sellers

Here are 5 tips for sellers whether you are selling now or in the near future.

 

1.  Clear the Clutter - Before you put your home non the market, clear the clutter that has accumulated over the years.  Tackle one room at a time and divide your items into 3 piles.  One to keep, one to donate and one to toss!  

 

2.  Get Packing - Of course you don't want to pack everything but it helps to start boxing up the items that you want to keep but won't use for awhile, like seasonal clothing or sports equipment. Some personal items make your home feel cozy and like an actual home, however, a little goes a long way with a future buyer.  Pack most of your sentimental and valuable items away so that the buyer can emotionally picture themselves living in your home.

 

3.  Do Your Research - Have an active and experienced agent research your neighborhood so that you know what homes are selling and also to get an estimated time frame on how long it will take to sell your home.

 

4.  Repairs and Improvements - Curb appeal is always very important.  Do minor repairs and improvements inside and outside your home.  Tackle necessary repairs, paint your walls a neutral color and replace light fixtures that are damaged or out of date.  Don't forget to clean as you go.  It's much easier to enjoy the view if the windows are clean!

 

5. Be Realistic - A seller who is realistic about the selling process, experiences much less stress when selling their home.

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA. with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.