ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS
2015
0
Comments
Getting a Legitimate Lender and Getting Pre-ApprovedIt used to be that buyers could go house shopping and when they have found their dream home, then they go to get pre-approved. However, in today’s market, that has proven to be one of the least effective methods in landing the dream home.Most le...
04/29/2015
Closing Costs When Buying a HomeThis is a detailed summary of costs you may have to pay when you buy or refinance your home. They are listed in the order that they should appear on a Good Faith Estimate you obtain from a mortgage lender. There are two broad categories of closing costs. Non-recurr...
04/27/2015
Required Reporting to the I.R.S.Sellers of real property will have certain information regarding the sale reported to the Internal Revenue Service.This required reporting is a consequence of the Tax Reform Act of 1986; it is intended to encourage taxpayer compliance and aid in audit and enforceme...
04/27/2015
For Sale By Owner - A Good Idea?FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commissio...
04/24/2015
Finding the Right SellerThe best seller is one who is highly motivated. A highly motivated seller is more likely to sell at a price that is less than his or her house is actually worth. And it matters that you find out why. Learning the reason why can help you get the price you want and help the ...
04/23/2015
Adjustable Rate Mortgages - The BasicsAn adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that fluctuates periodically. This is in contrast to a fixed rate mortgage, which always has the same interest rate.Every ARM has basic components: An index A margin Adjustment Period An interest rate cap...
04/20/2015
Creative FinancingCreative financing: You’ve heard of it, and, as a seller, the idea sounds pretty attractive. But, do you know everything you need to know about carrying back a second; essentially, about becoming a lender? You better know the same things that financial institutions know - you be...
04/19/2015
Finding the Right AgentNot all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid re...
04/16/2015
Build a Plan of Action and Get ReadyBuying a home will probably rank as one of the biggest personal investments one can make. Being organized and in control will contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible with the least amount of stress. It’s important to anticipate the steps...
04/15/2015
Adjustable Rate Mortgages - The PROS & CONSNow that you know what an ARM is and how it works, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are. So let’s explore that issue.Offering adjustable rates allows lenders to transfer part of the interest rate risk from themselves to the borr...
04/14/2015
Rainmaker
1,159,159
1,159,159
Norma J. Elkins
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team