Kristi Soligo & Associates

September Sales 2010

2010-10-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

September Sales 2010

*Under $100,000 = 13

*$100,000-$150,000 = 25

*$150,000-$200,000 = 6

*$200,000-$250,000 = 6

*$250,000-$300,000 = 3

*$300,000-$400,000 = 3

*$400,000-$$500,000 = 2

*$550,000 = 1

59 Units = Over 10 Million in Sales!

Liberty RAN Stats for July 2010

2010-08-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Under $100,000 - 11 Units
$100,000 - $150,000 - 11 Units
$150,000 - $200,000 - 8 Units
$200,000 - $250,000 - 10 Units
$250,000 - $300,000 - 4 Units
$300,000 - $350,000 - 1 Unit
$350,000 - $400,000 - 3 Units
$400,000 - $450,000 - 3 Units
$500,000 & Up - 2 Units

A Total of 53 Homes Sold in the Liberty Reece & Nichols office in July 2010!

More Time for Tax-Credit Deals?

2010-07-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Slow-moving short sales have made it impossible for many buyers to meet the June 30 closing deadline to qualify for the government tax credit.

So it was a relief when a bill was introduced in the Senate in June to extend the closing deadline to Sept. 30 for contracts that were already in place.

As many as 180,000 households could benefit if the bill passes, NAR estimates.

Meanwhile, members of the military, intelligence agencies, and the Foreign Service who spent at least 90 days overseas last year have until the end of April 2011 to get a contract in writing in order to qualify for the tax credit.

Source: www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

Liberty RAN Office stats June 2010

2010-07-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Below are the number of units and their price ranges. We had a good month considering no more tax credit. : ) We sold 69 units! Go Liberty office!

$0 - $100,000 16 units

$100,000 - $150,000 12 units

$150,000 - $200,000 11 units

$200,000 - $250,000 8 units

$250,000 - $300,000 7 units

$300,000 - $350,000 6 units

$350,000 - $400,000 1 units

$400,000 - $450,000 2 unit

$550,000 - $600,000 3 units

$750,000 - $800,000 2 unit

$1,075,000 1 unit

Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended

2010-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

After a close brush with the deadline, Congress has passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension the new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There is will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law. NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact this important legislation.

How to Spruce up your Home so it Sells for MORE!

2010-06-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Before selling your home you should take a fix-it inventory of your house to see what needs to be done to prepare the house for sale. After all, you may be okay with the worn spot in the carpet in the den, but your buyer may not.

Fix-ups don't have to be expensive. Below are a couple suggestions that you can handle when you're pressed for time and money. It’s always best to take care of these as soon as possible, before you’re ever considering the sale of your home.

* BATHROOM: This room is the one that can be rejuvenated for the least amount of money. A new medicine cabinet, for instance, with better lighting and larger storage capacity can give your bathroom a complete new look. Cost:$150 or less.

The shower is for more than just keeping the dirt off. It also provides a wake-up call, gives you relaxation and a place for pure, hot satisfaction. A new shower head can do wonders. You may find that in one house the water pressure is so high that it can literally throw you up against the wall. Or, perhaps worse yet, a water pressure so low that you have to run around in the shower to get wet. A replacement shower head complete with four settings) may cost $39 or less and takes less than 10 minutes to install.

If you're in a 25 to 30-year-old home, more than likely you have those pseudo-chrome-plated towel racks that are more fitting to a gymnasium than a home bathroom. Towel racks run as low as $10 and can help you refit the whole look.

With these few changes in the bathroom, this part of the house is ready for when you want to sell, and you'll even get a chance to enjoy the new look before you hand over the keys to new owners.

* PAINTING: Applying anew coat of paint to the interior can do wonders for the look and feel of your house. Painting is one of the most inexpensive makeovers, yet one of the most effective. A couple of cans of good paint run about $50. Additional equipment (brushes, rollers, drop-cloths, etc.) will cost between $30 and $50, and, in a day, you've given one of your rooms a complete new look.

Every homeowner ought to budget the time and money to paint the exterior on a regular basis. Painting your house every two to three years keeps the exterior in good condition and provides you with the opportunity to inspect more closely the parts of the house you normally would not get access to on a regular basis, such as the eaves and overhangs.

While it would be difficult to paint the whole house for under $200, try attacking the trim first. With a couple of cans of paint, you could probably take care of the shutters and door. A fresh coat of paint on these items does wonders for the look of the rest of your house. In addition, who says you have to paint the whole house at once, anyway?

These are just a couple of things you can to spruce up your house. You’ll be surprised at how a quick fix here and there will make your house look almost new again!

Liberty RAN Office stats - May 2010

2010-06-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Below are the number of units and their price ranges. We had an incredible month! We sold 106 units, Over $18 Million! Go Liberty Office!

$0 - $100,000 21 units

$100,000 - $150,000 30 units

$150,000 - $200,000 22 units

$200,000 - $250,000 18 units

$250,000 - $300,000 4 units

$300,000 - $350,000 5 units

$350,000 - $400,000 2 units

$400,000 - $466,000 1 unit

$466,000 - $470,000 2 units

$470,000 - $570,000 1 unit

FHA Appraisals vs. Conventional Appraisals

2010-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

What makes FHA appraisals different than conventional?
FHA loans have become popular again so it is important to understand the increased scrutiny in the FHA appraisal process compared to convention loans.

FHA appraisals are good for three months and stay with the house regardless of the Lender or the borrower. There is no "retyping" necessary for an FHA appraisal.The appraiser must be on the FHA roster and an FHA case number must be issued BEFORE the appraisal can be scheduled.

One of the major differences between a regular inspection and an FHA inspection is that a property inspection will involve and in-depth visual inspection of all areas of the subject property, including the attic. It is always advisable for the lender to inform the homeowner of this requirement. The appraiser must inspect the attic, even if access is available only through a scuttle.

Another major difference from a conventional loan appraisal is that for an FHA appraisal, the appraiser must report any deficiencies noted during the inspection. Required FHA repairs (deficiencies) are those that impact the safety of the occupants, the security of the property or the soundness of the structure. In cases where such items are identified, it is the appraiser's responsibility to make the value opinion of the property "subject to" the repair of the item. Such appraisals that mandate a repair item will then require a compliance inspection to ensure the deficiency has been corrected.

While potential repairs do cause a delay to the transaction, they are essential in order to eliminate conditions that threaten the physical security of the property. FHA appraisals, however, are no guarantee that the property is free from defects; the appraisal only establishes the value of the property for mortgage insurance purposes. In fact, buyers are generally encouraged to engage a qualified home inspector to obtain a more detailed physical (rather than visual) property inspection.

A general list of additional checks for an FHA appraisal are:

***Identify any chipping, peeling or cracked lead-based paint - interior and exterior
***Verify there are no issues with water damage or drainage
***Insure proper ingress and egress (18") from all buildings to the lot line.
***Test for a properly working heater and, if present, air conditioner
***Test for adequate water pressure and no water leaks
***Validate every bedroom has exterior access
***Test for a working oven hood/fan (carbon monoxide danger)
***Verify a minimum 60 amp electric box
***Test for working electric outlets in every room
***Identify any exposed wiring or missing electric box cover plates
***Verify roof vents are screened and a maximum of three layers of roofing material
***Complete a head and shoulder inspection of attic and crawl space

Thanks to Platte Valley Bank for providing this useful information today!

Tax Credit extended for Military Families

2010-06-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Military service is a tough job, but it comes with privileges at tax time.
By Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger.com

Service members get a tax-free housing allowance, can qualify for tax-free pay while serving in a combat zone and have an extended tax-filing deadline while deployed -- giving them up to 180 days after returning from a combat zone to file their tax return.
They can also stockpile extra money for retirement in tax-deferred accounts. Not only can military personnel stash up to $16,500 in the federal Thrift Savings Plan in 2010, but they can also contribute all of their tax-exempt combat-zone pay (as long as total TSP contributions for the year don't exceed $49,000). Tax-exempt pay that goes into the TSP comes out tax-free in retirement. At the same time, they can contribute up to $5,000 to an IRA ($6,000 if 50 or older), even if their entire yearly income is tax-exempt combat pay.
Homeowner breaks. And now service members serving outside the U.S. for at least 90 days between December 31, 2008, and May 1, 2010, have an extra year to qualify for the $8,000 first-time home-buyer credit or the $6,500 credit for current homeowners. They have until April 30, 2011, to sign a contract and until June 30, 2011, to close on the new house. Normally, if homeowners don't live in the new house for at least three years, they have to repay the tax credit. But there's an exception for members of the military who have to relocate because of government orders.
Military families also get a special break when they sell their homes. Most homeowners need to live in a house for at least two of the five years leading up to the sale in order to claim tax-free profits of up to $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly). But because they move frequently, military families need to live in the house for only two of the preceding ten years in order to qualify if they are on qualified official extended duty, which means living at least 50 miles from home or in government quarters.
For more details, see Kiplinger's Money Guide for Military Families at Military Families. Or see IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents © 2010 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com

TV Interview around Parents As Teachers Program

2010-06-04T09:40:00.001-07:00

I got the call! To be on TV advocating for our Parents As Teachers program! Here is the link to the video. It's all of 1 1/2 minutes.

http://www.fox4kc.com/videobeta/502f23f4-8a32-4ffc-b28c-ae12fe8feafe/News/Parents-as-Teachers-Programs-Face-Budget-Crunch

Thank you to Becky Gossett for allowing me the opportunity to voice my concerns and opinions!

Sold at the Court House Steps

2010-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Those are words that I never want to hear. I have represented Sellers who have been close, but never as close as today.

This business is more than a sign in the yard. It's a people business. Lives are affected when a home sells. Some times there are cheers, and other times there are tears.

Today, one of our listings was to be sold at the court house steps at noon today. I did everything that I possibly knew to do to keep my Sellers in their home. My job was to help keep a roof over their head and buy them time. We knew that the end result was that they would have to move out of their home, the question was when.

With the help of an interested Buyer, we were able to help put together an offer and submit it to the bank within TWENTY MINUTES of noon today. In TWENTY MINUTES the house was to be sold in the court house steps for a fraction of what the market value is. Even after we were told yesterday that it was a waste of our time, we pushed forward. We got the offer written, all parties to sign, and submitted the offer within TWENTY MINUTES of the foreclosure date/time.

We prevailed! The foreclosure was stopped today and the lender is reviewing our offer. It was an emotional phone call to the Seller. After days of intense conversation, strategy and planning, my Sellers are sleeping in their home tonight.

Liberty RAN Office stats - April 2010

2010-05-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Below are the number of units and their price ranges. We had an incredible month! We sold 155 units...Go Liberty Office! We ranked 4th in the company!

$0 - $100,000 30 units

$100,000 - $150,000 42 units

$150,000 - $200,000 39 units

$200,000 - $250,000 16 units

$250,000 - $300,000 12 units

$300,000 - $350,000 7 units

$350,000 - $400,000 3 units

$400,000 - $500,000 1 unit

$500,000 - $600,000 4 units

$600,000 - $700,000 1 unit

Grant for First Time Homebuyers

2010-04-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Clay County Savings Bank was one of two financial institutions in the State of Missouri to be awarded a grant for first-time homebuyers through the Federal Home Loan Bank. Grants totaling $1.0 million were recently awarded to 20 financial institutions in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota an South Dakota to assist individuals and families in purchaing a home for the first-time. The grants are part of the FHLB Urban First-Time Homebuyer Fund which supports efforts to provide permanent housing to families and individuals in communities with a population of 25,000 or more. The grants can be used to provide assistance of up to $5,000 for down payment, closing costs, counseling or rehabilitation assistance. For information as to how the program can be used to assist you or your buyer, please contact Kathy Varnon at 816-781-4500.

Curb Appeal Sells!

2010-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

According to Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University, 71% of buyers choose the house they look at based on curb appeal! A statistic I had never heard of before!

Here is a link that will help you with ideas on what to do. Even if you choose a few select ones, this could really improve your foot traffic!

http://homebuying.about.com/cs/sellerarticles/a/curb_appeal.htm

Volunteering

2010-04-22T19:53:00.001-07:00

I had the greatest moment working with a 2nd grader recently. She's a bright girl and has struggled with telling time. As we went through the flash cards, I could tell that she was confusing the big hand with the little hand. So, I said to her, "Right now you're a little girl who will grow up to be a big girl, right?" and she nodded. "So, you are a little girl first, and then a big girl. So, look at the little hand first, remember that number and then look at the big hand next and you will be telling time." You know when you can see the light bulb go on? It did! She aced the next 10 flash cards! She is fully on her way in telling time. There was that defining moment that I realized I had made a difference in the life of a child today!

Volunteering at a my son's elementary school is priceless! Twice a month I donate an hour of my day to be with these kiddos. If they only knew that I learn more from them than they do me...

Tax Credit Extended for Certain Individuals

2010-04-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is good info to know for military families and certain government employees should their service take them outside the US for at least 90 days during a defined period of time:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215594,00.html

New normal: Real estate market starts finding its footing in smaller homes

2010-03-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

This article was in the Kansas City Business Journal last week:

Midwestern roots and a housing market that didn’t go insane will help the Kansas City area’s residential real estate market find its footing faster than the rest of America, area experts said — even if that foot plants itself in a new normal.

“What always sustains the residential real estate business is: Life goes on,” said Jerry Reece, CEO of Reece & Nichols Realtors Inc. “We’re selling 45 homes a day right now, so it’s not like it’s not happening out there.”

Reece said the company’s sales volume in February was up 24 percent compared with February last year.

But he and others in the industry said they don’t expect the market to return to previous conditions.

50 days and Counting...

2010-03-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on! The clock continues to wind down the final days of the tax credits. 50 days is how long a buyer needs to be under contract by. Can you believe that April 30 is only 50 days away?

New inventory is coming on the market daily and the activity is plentiful! Interest rates are still low. Sellers want to sell and buyers want to buy - what a win-win!

Next week is Liberty school district's Spring Break. We anticipate a lot of activity! Get your runnin' shoes on!

Best Affordable Suburbs 2010 - Business Week

2010-03-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Did you happen to see this? Exciting, wonderful news! Congratulations to Kearney, MO for being feature as the most affordable suburb in Missouri according to Business Week.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/10/03/0302_affordable_suburbs/26.htm

Great video - How Interest Rates Move

2010-02-24T12:07:00.001-08:00

This is GREAT video clip that details the fundamentals of how interest rates move. I think you will realize how interesting and complex the rate markets have become. It gives you some phenomenal insight and how important the next couple months are regarding the FED exiting the mortgage bond market. Please take 7 minutes and watch this informative video.

Your FREE Credit Report

2010-02-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

For months now I have watched those hilarious commercials about getting your credit report for free. I could even sing the jingle for you. Have you tried going to that website? The report isn't free!

I did some research and with the help of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course, I found the correct website in which I could get my credit report for free. It is www.annualcreditreport.com.

It's important to spend time reviewing your report to make certain that there isn't incorrect activity. If you have credit cards that are open and you are not utilizing them, cancel them. I will be writing a letter and sending my cut-up credit cards by mail and requesting the company send me a letter verifying that they received my letter.

Keeping your credit clean is important especially if you are considering re-financing or purchasing a home in the near future.

71 Days and Counting...

2010-02-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

... that is all the time that Buyers have to be under contract to obtain the tax incentive. Whether you are a First Time Home Buyer and looking at the $8000 tax credit, or the Repeat Buyer and looking at the $6500 tax credit, the clock is ticking. For more information on these 2 credits, please visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com This will address any questions you may have.

What an opportunity!

Should I put a Home Warranty on my home?

2010-02-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

What a grand question!

In today's market, I think that it is necessary to put a home warranty on your home when you list it. Here's why:

* The plan covers you during your listing period (there are always exceptions and fine print). If something breaks or needs a repair, the warranty company is your safety net.

* The warranty does not tie you back to the house in the event the new buyer uses it during their one-year warranty period.

* It is completely negotiable. As a seller, you are not obligated to purchase the warranty unless the buyer pays you full price and no contingencies. (Hmm... then, that is an easy decision - of course!)

* Homes with warranties being offered are more likely to be chosen to write an offer on vs. those homes that are not offering a warranty.

* The warranty is paid for at the closing table. Yes! At the closing table!

* It gives the listing agent something else to negotiate with.

Home warranties are really a win-win proposition! There are several different companies. You will need to research the companies and decide which one is best for you.

87 DAYS ONLY AND COUNTING!

2010-02-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

There is only 87 more days from today to go under contract and still be able to receive the tax credits!

$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

•The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
•The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
•The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
•The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
•The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
•For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
•For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

•To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
•The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
•The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
•The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
•The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
•Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

New lending guidelines to "Flipping" Houses

2009-12-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

Recent Freddie Mac guidelines have changed regarding "flip transactions". A "flip transaction" is generally defined as a purchase transaction for property that has been recently acquired (in the last 12 months) by the seller and is being re-sold at a higher price. The transaction is not considered a flip if the seller is a financial institution or government entity who acquired the property through foreclosure.

Here are new guidelines for conventional financing:

1) Purchase of a primary or second home only
2) If seller has owned less than 90 days, minimum down payment is 20%
3) If owned between 90 days and 1 year standard down payments are acceptable
4) If the increase between seller's purchase price and new sales price is greater than 15%, 2 appraisals are required
5) If increase is less than 15% an appraisal must be ordered to validate the original appraised value
6) Property must be exposed to the open market through MLS, traditional auction, developer marketing (etc.)
7) Buyer and seller may not be represented by the same agent
8) No more than 1 title transfer in the last 12 months, other than financial institutions or government entities (a company hired to handle foreclosure and short sales by a lender would not count)

These guidelines apply to conventional financing. FHA guidelines are different.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have additional questions!

To Rent or not to Rent - That is the Question

2009-12-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Renting definitely has benefits that cannot be overlooked. You can usually walk away from a rental at little to no cost with a 30 days notice. Renting costs also appear to be less per month. And you may not have to deal with the cost of utilities breaking or mess with mowing the lawn and keeping up the flowerbeds.

However, renting has deficits. In the end, you will have nothing but receipts to show for the money you poured into renting. Rent payments also elevate with inflation, where mortgage payments are fixed. Your redecorating and renovating options are limited when you rent, and even if changes are made, the landlord is the one that benefits. Your fear of not being able to pay the mortgage bill equally applies to renting because a lack of money in either situation means no roof over your head. Either way you have to pay someone for a space to occupy. And even if you have the money to pay rent, your landlord may ask you to leave for any given reason; after all, he has the ability to kick you out.

Even the thought of purchasing your first home can be overwhelming for renters. But the old saying remains true, “When you’re renting, you’re just throwing your money away.” The largest part of your paycheck will either go toward your mortgage or to your landlord. Maybe the time has come for you to start investing your hard earned dollar into a home. Think about it this way, buying a home is like putting money into a savings account.

The three main factors that you need to take into consideration when deciding to buy or rent are monthly expenses, rate of the property’s appreciation, and length of term that you plan on staying in that home.

First, realistically choose an option that you could rent and an option that you could buy. Then, sit down and list the expenses you will have for renting. Do the same for buying so that you can compare them objectively.

Next, find the appreciation rate of your desired home to try and determine what the home’s value will be in the future. This will help you see how your money is truly being invested. Check Case Schiller for the tables that show changes of house prices in your region.

And the last major factor that only you can determine is how long you plan on staying in that residence. Six months? Six years? 40 years? The longer you desire to hold a home, the less appreciation you need in order to beat renting.

What are the Advantages of Buying a Home?

On average, home prices have gone up 7% over the last 30 years, making home buying a great investment.

Your mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax-deductible. So before the government takes taxes out of your paycheck, your house payment is subtracted, allowing them to only tax what remains. This saves you a lot of money.

Your mortgage payment is fixed, rather than following inflation like renting.

Interest rates are the lowest they have been in thirty years, making now the ideal time to invest.

You will be able to enjoy the sense of ownership.

You have the freedom to renovate and decorate as you wish.

Over time your mortgage balance decreases and equity builds.

You have stronger property rights, which gives you more privacy and control over who enters your home.

Don’t Have Money for the Down Payment?

There are programs available for first-time homebuyers that meet all sorts of needs and offer incentives. Some programs offer down payment or closing cost grants. Others give discounts on monthly house payments, which can save you thousands of dollars. There are also programs that offer money for the down payment at zero interest, allowing the homeowner to pay off the owed balance when they sell the house.

Why Buy a Home When You can Rent?

2009-12-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

Renting a home has its advantages: you can move without selling a home first; you don’t have to make the repairs, nor do you have to pay property taxes. But something is missing. You lack a sense of security and ownership, or maybe it’s just the simple fact that the money you work hard to make is thrown into the wind as rent payments each month.

Whatever the case, you’re now in a spot where you want to take a step away from renting. But, you also wonder if there really are advantages to owning a home. Let’s explore the advantages.

Home Ownership Has Tax Advantages

You may be able to exceed the standard yearly deduction, since the U.S. government permits tax incentives for homeowners. Check to see if your state offers that benefit.

You receive a tax deduction for the yearly interest on your primary and vacation home – equaling a large amount of your total payments for the first several years.

You can deduct the total amount of your yearly property tax bill.

If you choose to refinance in order to consolidate other debts, your home equity loan interest is tax deductible.
Homeowner’s Cost of Living Is More Stable

If property taxes and insurance go up, your monthly payments may as well, but the increases happen gradually.

Renting fees can often be more unpredictable.
Your Investment Appreciates

Most real estate increases value over time. If you carefully select your home and treat it well, your home will be worth considerably more in just five years.

Your first investment in the house may be small, even three percent or less, but as the home appreciates in value, you are the one who benefits – not the bank, nor your landlord.
Each Month Your Equity Grows

Even if the first few years of monthly house payments primarily cover interest, you are also paying more towards the principal amount each month.
You Have Control

The house is yours.

You can paint and decorate it as you wish.

You can put nails in the walls and hang pictures and artwork wherever you desire.

You can have a pet without consulting anyone else.

Stay tuned for our blog post tomorrow... To Rent or not to Rent?

Should I put my home on the Market during the Holidays?

2009-12-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Recently, several folks have asked me if they should consider putting their home on the market during the Holidays. And my answer...

YES!!! Let's look at the reasons why:

1. Your home looks the most beautiful decorated for the holidays. The lights, smells, and cheer throughout the home are very welcoming.

2. If you have a buyer looking at your home during this time of year, most likely they are not a "lookie-lou". They are a serious buyer.

3. Supply and demand. When there is less inventory to compete with, you can tend to ask a higher price than when there is a lot of competition.

4. When the beginning of January rolls around, many homes get a flurry of showings. Buyers are done with the Holidays and ready to move on to their next item on their to-do list - buy a home!

Showings can be worked around parties, families, etc. We have many tips for our Sellers who are on the market during this time of year.

Cheers!