It’s that time of year again, and some of you should be expecting your property tax bill for the first half of 2011. If that’s the case, then you’ll probably be wondering just how the government calculates property tax rates and why your bill seems to change every year. Well, here’s an answer to your [...]
Fannie Mae launched WaysHome, a free, interactive multi-media tool designed to educate homeowners about their options to avoid foreclosure, empower them to make informed decisions, and motivate them to take action and seek help in 2011. The WaysHome video uses innovative technology to allow homeowners to put themselves in real-life situations, make informed choices, and [...]
It is always good advice to review your homeowners insurance policy each year before it’s time to renew to be sure it still covers your property accurately. Any changes you’ve made over the year could require more or less coverage. In addition to that, consider these tips when trying to save money: Consider raising your [...]
Price reductions are pretty much a regular occurence in today’s market. Realtors advise that you list your home at a price that buyers will preceive as being a good value. Yet, some sellers aren’t content unless they start at a higher price despite what comparable sales data shows. Overpriced listings, though, sit on the market [...]
How can buyers find their way in the current marketplace, with its shifting home prices and an extensive inventory that includes many distressed properties? Here is some advice from real estate professionals. Each market has it own look and personality. Be sure to adjust your expectations so they are in line with the area in [...]
The prospect of buying a home, particularly in today’s market, can seem daunting. To help, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have created three how-to videos focusing on a part of the homebuying process, including shopping for your home, shopping for a loan, and closing [...]
Probably the last thought on someone’s mind during the holidays is to put a home up for sale, but actually the holiday season is not such a bad time to enter the real estate market. Consider this … those who are house hunting around the holidays are usually serious about buying. They’ve usually taken a bit [...]
For Sellers Do Be Flexible: Sometimes it’s the little things that win a buyer over. If the buyer raves about your wine cooler, throw it in. If the closing date has been pushed up, make an effort to pack the moving van a little faster. Do Clean: Stash away any personal collections that not only [...]
The Home Affordable Unemployment Program (HAUP) provides homeowners a forbearance of monthly mortgage payments, either reducing them or suspending them for at least three months. Servicers can extend the timeline depending on regulatory guidelines. Homeowners who qualify for the program have a first-lien mortgage oriented on or before January 1, 2009. The unpaid principal balance [...]
Money isn’t everything. Surprised? When it comes to making an offer on a house, the biggest offers don’t always win. Here are some ways to craft an offer a seller can’t refuse. Have a loan commitment in place. Don’t just get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Ask your lender to write a letter that shows sellers [...]
