Saturday, July 29, 2006

Develop A Systematic Plan If Selling Your Own Home FSBO

Selling your own home FSBO is not like selling some goods at a flea market or holding a garage sale. Your home is more important than that, so the FSBO sale deserves far more attention to planning for the right outcome. Unlike a garage sale, your house will have a higher price ticket and it’s not going to sell in a few hours.

The key to selling FSBO is to be organized and to have a systematic plan for reaching your goal. One of the advantages of having a plan is that it helps you keep your eye on the ball.

It is easy to get distracted by what might be happening on the sidelines. Don’t be put off by a neighbouring property suddenly coming on the market. Be aware of what they are doing and understand their strategies and tactics (if they have any). Know their strengths and their weaknesses. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. Don’t be put off your game...just run your own race.

The key to successfully selling FSBO is to have a road map. That way you’ll know you’re doing everything you possibly can to get your house sold FSBO.

So, don’t just put an ad in the newspaper and expect to sell your house... there’s more to it than that. Have a plan, because it can be your road map to help you get were you want to go.

Friday, July 28, 2006

How Busy And How Capable Is The Real Estate Agent?

Having a lot of listings is often a sign of competent real estate agent, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the agent will best represent your needs.

Many real estate agents keenly boast of the number of successful transactions they've completed, or how many buyers they are currently working with, but does the agent have the time to devote to your needs? Will you be delegated to an assistant?

Working with a successful real estate agent can be extremely beneficial as long as you get the full service treatment. If the agent is working with several buyers, or has lots of listings, make sure you're comfortable with the time he or she will allocate working for you.

If on the other hand, the agent has few listings or sales, you might want to ask some questions to find out why. If the agent is new and lacks experience, then you will need to be reassured that he or she can tap into the resources and experience of others in the office.

Above all, it is really important to be comfortable with the real estate agent you are working with, and be confident of his or her ability to get the job done successfully. If you explain your requirements carefully, most real estate agents will do what it takes to achieve a satisfactory conclusion.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Home Buying Tip - What Is Real Estate Worth?

Get a feel for how much properties are worth by checking recent real estate sales statistics. Also search through MLS listings, real estate newspaper ads, real estate internet sites, drive around your preferred area and look for "FOR SALE" and "OPEN HOUSE" signs.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

How A Real Estate Agent Can Help You Find A House

A good real estate agent will have a detailed plan and strategies to help a buyer find the right house. The real estate agent will have access to objective information about each property. He or she will also have access to professionals who can help with mortgage financing and home inspections, possibly legal matters etc. However, with that said, sometimes it is best to source your own support professionals.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Find Foreclosures And You Could Make A Fortune In Property

Having a property foreclosured on you is not a pleasant experience for anyone to go through. Unfortunately, we live in the "real world" and foreclosures happen daily. Sometimes, it can be the unfortunate result of changed circumstances and other times it should just be put down to bad financial management.

Regardless of the reasons behind the foreclosure proceedings, finding foreclosure properties to buy can be a profitable and common ways to make a fortune in real estate. Like it or not, finding foreclosures is a way to profit from someone's misfortune and it is happening a lot.

Foreclosure (Delinquent Mortgage) is the legal process by which an owner's right to a property is terminated, usually when the borrower gets behind in payments. If the borrower fails to bring the payments up to date within a specified period, the lender (mortgagee) may begin foreclosure proceedings. A property foreclosure typically involves a forced sale of the property at public auction, with the proceeds being applied to the mortgage debt.

If you want to invest in real estate then buying a foreclosed property can be a good place to start, but you need to follow some basic rules to avoid getting your fingers burnt too. The first step is to find foreclosures and then do some homework on the foreclosed property and research the local property market too. Research can make or break the fortune to be made on a foreclosed property. The important thing is to know the true market value of the foreclosed property and NOT over bidding on the foreclosed property.

Find foreclosures and then know the value and fix up costs of the foreclosed property under the hammer and don't over bid.

Monday, July 24, 2006

Home Inspector's Report: What It Could Include - Part 7

Kitchens and Bathrooms

These two well used areas of the house will come under close inspection noting the condition and signs of wear and tear. The home inspection report will likely mention special features and highlight any problems like staining and rot under the counter-tops, caulking in the tub or shower area, leaking or faulty faucets, poor water pressure and cracks in floors, walls or fixtures.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Home Inspector's Report: What It Could Include - Part 6

Home Inspection Reports can vary in quality (thoroughness) and what is included. Although the home inspector will have a list of guidelines to follow, the report will only be as good as the person writing it. So, if the home inspector fails to notice problems they won't show on the report.

1. Doors and Windows

The home inspector should look for problems with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components (leaks). The home inspector will be able to tell how old they are and have a guess at whether they are the originals instaled when the house was built. The home inspector might randomly check that the windows and doors work.

2. Floors

The report will include details of the flooring. It may mention: the general condition, signs of uneven levels, water staining, or other damage like cracked ceramics.

3. Walls and Ceiling

The home inspector will look to see if the walls are level, check for any drywall seams or nails showing, look for cracks or loose plaster, stains, physical damage or signs of earlier repairs. The ceilings will be viewed for signs of leaks and cracks in the plaster.

The exterior walls will be checked too. The home inspector will most likely look for: bowed or leaning walls, missing mortar, loose, missing or rotten siding, deteriorating paintwork and flaking or cracking brickwork.

4. Foundations

They are integral to and building so the home inspector will check for bowing, bulging or other irregularities like cracks, flaking or damaged masonry or soft mortar. The report would usually point out any water markings and efflorescence (a white crystalline, powdery substance on the surface of concrete, brick clay tile etc).