"This post comes to you from James Kelley of VA Benefit Blog. A law school student at the University of Missouri, James Kelley works to educate the public on government financing options for home purchases. He is a co-founder of Military Basebook, a facebook application that helps connect military members based on where and when they served."
Active duty service members and veterans living on http://www.moody.af.mil can fulfill their dreams of homeownership with government-backed loan programs.
There are still programs out there that offer credit and financial leniency in this economy—USDA and VA loans. These mortgage programs provide low monthly mortgage payments to help low to middle income families.
The VA Loan
Qualified lenders of the VA loan around the country love approving these loans for veteran homebuyers. Why? Statistically, veterans are not so quick to default. Also, if a borrower does default for some reason, the Department of Veteran Affairs covers most of the cost for lenders. In other words, they lose very little money when compared to conventional programs. The upshot is that http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/4-ways-to-save-money-when-buying-your-first-home borrowers can save a lot of money on their first home purchase by utilizing a VA Loan.
Because lenders take little risk in approving these loans, the VA mortgage program comes with great rates for eligible veteran homebuyers. Those rates are lowered even more when buyers factor in that they do not have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). There is also a no down payment option, which saves service members tons of money.
For eligible veterans, VA loans can be used in any vicinity—large cities, small ones, rural areas and suburbs. The loan guarantee amount varies according to county. The maximum VA loan amount is $417,000. However in http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/docs/2010_county_loan_limits.pdf high cost areas, loans as high $1 million have been given
To get a VA home loan, one must fill out a certificate of eligibility and an application. A VA loan counselor can help with the process fast and easy.
The USDA Loan
The http://www.usdaloans.com/lending-guide.html USDA loan is a only for qualified rural areas. Like the VA Loan, it boasts some great benefits for families.
There is no down payment required. A potential buyer can get 100% financing within eligible areas. Closing costs can be paid along with monthly mortgage payments, which reduces the upfront costs of buying a home. In addition, there is no prepayment penalty.
Local USDA offices are the ones that make final decisions on eligibility. They look at credit history as opposed to credit scores. They will also want to see a decent income to debt ratio. An applicant can visit the http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/indiv_intro.htm USDA website to see if he or she meets household income limits.
Which one do I choose?
Deciding which loan is best can be complex and difficult. However, sitting down with your family and a lending counselor can make the process a lot easier. A lending counselor can look at your financial history and present and guide you on the right path.
Providing Excellent Service in Luxury Homes in Thomasville, Valdosta, Cairo and South Georgia Real Estate. I can help you find the perfect home in your new neighborhood, just right for your budget and your lifestyle. Marlene Bienes – Realtor. Your #1 Expert in Green Homes.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Government-backed loan programs for our men & women in the military
Friday, September 3, 2010
"The End of the Big Houses" from the Expert of Real Estate
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Realtors' With A Lot of Listings-Good For Realtors, Not Good For Home Owners
Realtors' With A Lot of Listings-Good For Realtors, Not Good For Home Owners
Posted by Renee Porsia at 5:29 PM
Sad that most people don’t really get the concept of what a Realtor does. Everyone thinks they know and most will even make comments like “my Realtor didn’t do anything for me. They didn’t bring anyone by to see my house” “oh, use so and so, they are a good Realtor, I see their signs all over my neighborhood.” “Its a great time to sell but not a good time to buy.” “The real estate market is horrible right now.” Oh, and they ask questions like “are you going to have open houses once you list my house.” And they will make demands such as “you will be here whenever there is a showing!” Seriously? Fact is, if people really understood the real estate market or what a Realtor’s role really is, such comments, statements and demands would never be made.
It’s funny because I talk to people all the time and I ask them questions to get an idea and an understanding for the way people think and know about Realtors and what I have found is that most people know nothing about what a Realtor is, does, doesn’t do, why we do what we do, why it’s important to hire one and what is most disturbing to me is that most do not care.
I asked the question, “do you think a Realtor is good if you see a lot of their for sale signs in your neighborhood?” What I found out is that, yes, people equate “for sale” signs to mean “good” Realtor. I also asked what people thought about the Realtor who has a lot of listings? What I found is that people equate lots of listings to mean “good” Realtor. This saddens me because the public has been deceived for years and brainwashed into this type of thinking.
Fact, a Realtor who has a lot of for sale signs in an area or neighborhood means that they know a lot of people, take a lot of over priced listings because they just do not know how to say “no” when faced with confrontation from the seller who thinks their home is worth more than anyone else’s which also means they are not a good negotiator which means they won’t be doing you any favors when faced with an offer from a buyer. Why? Because they can’t say “no.” It means that they can’t get rid of the homes they already have. Now I know that a lot of Realtors who have a lot of for sale signs in an area or neighborhood like to tell people that it’s great advertising for you and other listings will help sell your listing. Ok and if you believe that, I have some swamp land I’d like to sell you. The only person who it’s good for is the Realtor because their phone rings and they get more business which means that they take more listings to add to their already big black hole of listings they can’t sell. How is the fact that a Realtor who has two listings on the same street going to help them sell each other? What it’s going to do is force one owner to take a lower offer because I’m sure one of those two over priced homes doesn’t have something the other does so a buyer will compare, and choose the lessor of two evils and once the one home sells for less, what do you think the other owner will eventually have to do, right, lower their price the longer it sits. Come on now, how does this not make sense? How can people not get this or understand this? What is that Realtor going to do differently with your listing that they haven’t been able to do with all the others? Wake up people.
The goal is to hire the Realtor who knows what they are doing, has a plan to get your home sold quickly, for the highest price the market will allow. Not guess at a price, not give in to a price, not wait for a price.
What needs to happen is for people to stop this “old school” way of thinking, ask questions of the Realtor who you are considering hiring and when you ask those questions, take time to listen. If you want to seriously sell your home, you need to be motivated to sell and none of this “oh, we have some time.” What time? Time for your home to sit in the abyss of all the other over priced homes of that Realtor with all the other owners who also said they had “time” and eventually become just another statistic? We all have time people but it’s what you do with that time that matters most because the one thing you can’t do is get time or money back once it’s gone. Time is money people. This all makes sense if you really take some time to think about it.
So, the next time you see a lot of for sale signs in your area, ask yourself if you want to be that Realtor’s next advertisement or do you want to be some other Realtor’s sale?
Posted by Renee Porsia at 5:29 PM
Posted by Renee Porsia at 5:29 PM
Sad that most people don’t really get the concept of what a Realtor does. Everyone thinks they know and most will even make comments like “my Realtor didn’t do anything for me. They didn’t bring anyone by to see my house” “oh, use so and so, they are a good Realtor, I see their signs all over my neighborhood.” “Its a great time to sell but not a good time to buy.” “The real estate market is horrible right now.” Oh, and they ask questions like “are you going to have open houses once you list my house.” And they will make demands such as “you will be here whenever there is a showing!” Seriously? Fact is, if people really understood the real estate market or what a Realtor’s role really is, such comments, statements and demands would never be made.
It’s funny because I talk to people all the time and I ask them questions to get an idea and an understanding for the way people think and know about Realtors and what I have found is that most people know nothing about what a Realtor is, does, doesn’t do, why we do what we do, why it’s important to hire one and what is most disturbing to me is that most do not care.
I asked the question, “do you think a Realtor is good if you see a lot of their for sale signs in your neighborhood?” What I found out is that, yes, people equate “for sale” signs to mean “good” Realtor. I also asked what people thought about the Realtor who has a lot of listings? What I found is that people equate lots of listings to mean “good” Realtor. This saddens me because the public has been deceived for years and brainwashed into this type of thinking.
Fact, a Realtor who has a lot of for sale signs in an area or neighborhood means that they know a lot of people, take a lot of over priced listings because they just do not know how to say “no” when faced with confrontation from the seller who thinks their home is worth more than anyone else’s which also means they are not a good negotiator which means they won’t be doing you any favors when faced with an offer from a buyer. Why? Because they can’t say “no.” It means that they can’t get rid of the homes they already have. Now I know that a lot of Realtors who have a lot of for sale signs in an area or neighborhood like to tell people that it’s great advertising for you and other listings will help sell your listing. Ok and if you believe that, I have some swamp land I’d like to sell you. The only person who it’s good for is the Realtor because their phone rings and they get more business which means that they take more listings to add to their already big black hole of listings they can’t sell. How is the fact that a Realtor who has two listings on the same street going to help them sell each other? What it’s going to do is force one owner to take a lower offer because I’m sure one of those two over priced homes doesn’t have something the other does so a buyer will compare, and choose the lessor of two evils and once the one home sells for less, what do you think the other owner will eventually have to do, right, lower their price the longer it sits. Come on now, how does this not make sense? How can people not get this or understand this? What is that Realtor going to do differently with your listing that they haven’t been able to do with all the others? Wake up people.
The goal is to hire the Realtor who knows what they are doing, has a plan to get your home sold quickly, for the highest price the market will allow. Not guess at a price, not give in to a price, not wait for a price.
What needs to happen is for people to stop this “old school” way of thinking, ask questions of the Realtor who you are considering hiring and when you ask those questions, take time to listen. If you want to seriously sell your home, you need to be motivated to sell and none of this “oh, we have some time.” What time? Time for your home to sit in the abyss of all the other over priced homes of that Realtor with all the other owners who also said they had “time” and eventually become just another statistic? We all have time people but it’s what you do with that time that matters most because the one thing you can’t do is get time or money back once it’s gone. Time is money people. This all makes sense if you really take some time to think about it.
So, the next time you see a lot of for sale signs in your area, ask yourself if you want to be that Realtor’s next advertisement or do you want to be some other Realtor’s sale?
Posted by Renee Porsia at 5:29 PM
Monday, May 3, 2010
Buying and Selling a Green Home in Thomasville
A greener world is not just a dream like some people in the real estate industry seem to think. Building codes have changed and continue to change towards a more energy-efficient method that includes the way a home is constructed, type of windows and even the type of insulation used. Consumers, now more than ever are more aware on what amenities are available to them besides just buying the biggest home on the block.
The problem arising in the real estate industry, especially in small towns like Thomasville where a limited amount of knowledgeable Green professionals realize how the real estate industry has changed. Real estate agents and firms that once thought that the introduction of green, energy efficiency, and smart home technology construction by Capital Home Builders, Inc. ( a local builder) was just an outsiders sales gig. This innovative and insight of an unheard type of construction was not well received by the local real estate industry.
Nevertheless, as overwhelming news media embraced the necessity of a more sustainable way of life came to light these real estate agents and firms find themselves now jumping on a bandwagon they know nothing about or care to admit is a reality. But in order to be competitive, and with the gaining consumer knowledge on green or energy efficiency of a home these agents & firms are resorting to (GREENWASHING) by misrepresenting their property listings calling them energy-efficient when in reality they are not in order to compete with a true green Energy Star home which is only being built by Capital Home Builders, Inc. But what is the advantage they are trying to push? The answer is simple, square footage, square footage and more square footage with misleading claims.
What does this all mean to buyers looking for energy-efficient homes in Thomasville?
Simply this: Buyers looking for green or energy-efficient homesin Thomasville soon will be surprised to find limitations to their request because only one home is truly Energy Star Qualified in Thomasville, GA. With this limited selection, buyers are presented with larger square footage homes that are misrepresented by their listing agents and real estate firms as energy-efficient when in fact they are not. Buyers are being misled by their agents that are not qualified to advise their clients of the difference between the two.
Professionals lacking the knowledge of the meaning of energy-efficient homes will argue that qualified green or energy efficient homes should be comparable with other homes, and why would they be?
This is the simple analogy: For every $1.00 saved annually by the homebuyer results in a $20.00 increase in home value. So, how in the world would an Energy Star Qualified home be comparable to any standard run of the mill spec home?
Energy-efficiency and green homes are not a fairly new market like some people seem to think. Home efficiency has been around since 1996. It has only become popular in recent years because the United States has encountered astronomical energy price increases on a daily basis and has become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers. So, this market is by no means considered new or a niche.
An Energy Star Qualified home affect prices because qualified homes are worth more than a standard spec home and appraises higher and qualifies buyers with more buying power by large lenders. Spec homes and existing homes that only offer consumers heavy millwork and more square footage are priced at a lower rate, and appraise lower.
Green Buyers
Buyers find themselves with a dilemma in their search for a green home in Thomasville. With the lack of availability of qualified green or energy efficient homes, buyers end up with the untrained real estate agent pushing (steering) a home that is misrepresented as energy efficient at a lower price with more square footage and fewer amenities in order to compete with the Energy Star Qualified home. Agents will soon convince buyers that their investment would be better spent on a larger home because buyers get more for less but neglect to tell buyers that on resale they will loss between 10-20% from their purchase price simply because the only thing they have to compete with is square footage like every other house on the market.
Sellers will hold firm on their price for their Energy Star Qualified homes and the educated buyers will recognize the benefit that comes with the prestigious blue label logo because they will enjoy the following:
Lower utility bills
Stronger construction,
Healthier indoor quality
Lower maintenance
Quieter homes
More amenities
And most of all higher resale value because contrary to what other local real estate professionals may believe or think they know about green or energy efficient homes they are oblivious to the fact that qualified green or energy efficient homes do appraise higher and lenders will provide for higher buying power. You just need to talk to an Eco Certified Agent and with a lender that provides these types of mortgages for example like Bank of America.
Unlike statements made by others that green or energy efficiency has no weight on appraisals or on lenders are mistaken and misinformed and incorrect on their statements.
They may be speaking of homes that are misrepresented as green or energy-efficient that will appraise lower because they are homes that are not documented as being true Energy Star Qualified homes and the reason why statements are made that these features have no weight.
In other words, is a Mercedes Benz equal to a Ford?
So, why would you the buyer think or expect for an Energy Star Qualified home be equal to a minimum standard spec home?
Green Sellers
A seller that owns a qualified home (by qualified I mean a home that has been rated by an independent third-party verifier) trying to sell these type of homes would contact an appraiser that has the training for appraising qualified green or energy-efficient homes in order to incorporate these values into the appraisal.
Like everything else, these qualified green or energy-efficient homes are treated differently than standard minimum spec homes. A regular run of the mill appraiser that has no training on these types of homes would not be called upon by any lender providing green or energy-efficient financing. This type of financing is called EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgages), FHA EEM’s and VA EEM’s for information log on to www.EcoHomesGA.com/mortgages.html
A lender providing buyers seeking EEM financing provide buyers with additional monetary incentives for their purchase and a larger buying power. Unlike, local lenders will soon tell buyers they do not have any idea of what you, the buyer, are talking about and that there is no such thing.
The only difficulty a green seller may encounter in a small town like Thomasville with their qualified home is hiring a real estate agent in an agency that lacks the knowledge on green or energy-efficient homes. These professionals will soon tell you their famous words “they need to be comparable” and soon tell sellers what standard square footage pricing is in the area. In other words, if you insist and provide support to the value of the home and demonstrate to them that you know more on the subject you will soon find out the hard way as your property will lack the showings oppose to other homes in your area.
Unfortunately, some real estate professionals and agencies still believe that the old ways they use to sell real estate 20 years ago still works in today’s market and sadly become upset and maybe even stumped when a specialized Realtor designation is introduced by their own National Association of Realtors as a sign that in fact this is the future of real estate and a new form of home construction.
If you’re looking for a green or energy-efficient home in Thomasville or trying to sell a home that has energy efficient features contact your local Ecobroker Certified Agent. An Agent that is certified on green and energy efficient homes and can verify for you, the buyer, claims of homes advertised as being energy efficient and for sellers the proper way to market the energy efficient features. Remember distinguishing between the both can eliminate the utility bill shock for the buyer once already in the home and the seller avoid possible litigation for false advertising.
If you’re trying to find an environmentally friendly home and why these homes are superior to standard spec homes contact Marlene Bienes Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc (229) 289-0139. Buyers and Sellers take the risk of being mislead and misinformed when dealing with an uncertified professional in the Green arena.
Marlene Bienes-Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc.
May 1, 2010
The problem arising in the real estate industry, especially in small towns like Thomasville where a limited amount of knowledgeable Green professionals realize how the real estate industry has changed. Real estate agents and firms that once thought that the introduction of green, energy efficiency, and smart home technology construction by Capital Home Builders, Inc. ( a local builder) was just an outsiders sales gig. This innovative and insight of an unheard type of construction was not well received by the local real estate industry.
Nevertheless, as overwhelming news media embraced the necessity of a more sustainable way of life came to light these real estate agents and firms find themselves now jumping on a bandwagon they know nothing about or care to admit is a reality. But in order to be competitive, and with the gaining consumer knowledge on green or energy efficiency of a home these agents & firms are resorting to (GREENWASHING) by misrepresenting their property listings calling them energy-efficient when in reality they are not in order to compete with a true green Energy Star home which is only being built by Capital Home Builders, Inc. But what is the advantage they are trying to push? The answer is simple, square footage, square footage and more square footage with misleading claims.
What does this all mean to buyers looking for energy-efficient homes in Thomasville?
Simply this: Buyers looking for green or energy-efficient homesin Thomasville soon will be surprised to find limitations to their request because only one home is truly Energy Star Qualified in Thomasville, GA. With this limited selection, buyers are presented with larger square footage homes that are misrepresented by their listing agents and real estate firms as energy-efficient when in fact they are not. Buyers are being misled by their agents that are not qualified to advise their clients of the difference between the two.
Professionals lacking the knowledge of the meaning of energy-efficient homes will argue that qualified green or energy efficient homes should be comparable with other homes, and why would they be?
This is the simple analogy: For every $1.00 saved annually by the homebuyer results in a $20.00 increase in home value. So, how in the world would an Energy Star Qualified home be comparable to any standard run of the mill spec home?
Energy-efficiency and green homes are not a fairly new market like some people seem to think. Home efficiency has been around since 1996. It has only become popular in recent years because the United States has encountered astronomical energy price increases on a daily basis and has become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers. So, this market is by no means considered new or a niche.
An Energy Star Qualified home affect prices because qualified homes are worth more than a standard spec home and appraises higher and qualifies buyers with more buying power by large lenders. Spec homes and existing homes that only offer consumers heavy millwork and more square footage are priced at a lower rate, and appraise lower.
Green Buyers
Buyers find themselves with a dilemma in their search for a green home in Thomasville. With the lack of availability of qualified green or energy efficient homes, buyers end up with the untrained real estate agent pushing (steering) a home that is misrepresented as energy efficient at a lower price with more square footage and fewer amenities in order to compete with the Energy Star Qualified home. Agents will soon convince buyers that their investment would be better spent on a larger home because buyers get more for less but neglect to tell buyers that on resale they will loss between 10-20% from their purchase price simply because the only thing they have to compete with is square footage like every other house on the market.
Sellers will hold firm on their price for their Energy Star Qualified homes and the educated buyers will recognize the benefit that comes with the prestigious blue label logo because they will enjoy the following:
Lower utility bills
Stronger construction,
Healthier indoor quality
Lower maintenance
Quieter homes
More amenities
And most of all higher resale value because contrary to what other local real estate professionals may believe or think they know about green or energy efficient homes they are oblivious to the fact that qualified green or energy efficient homes do appraise higher and lenders will provide for higher buying power. You just need to talk to an Eco Certified Agent and with a lender that provides these types of mortgages for example like Bank of America.
Unlike statements made by others that green or energy efficiency has no weight on appraisals or on lenders are mistaken and misinformed and incorrect on their statements.
They may be speaking of homes that are misrepresented as green or energy-efficient that will appraise lower because they are homes that are not documented as being true Energy Star Qualified homes and the reason why statements are made that these features have no weight.
In other words, is a Mercedes Benz equal to a Ford?
So, why would you the buyer think or expect for an Energy Star Qualified home be equal to a minimum standard spec home?
Green Sellers
A seller that owns a qualified home (by qualified I mean a home that has been rated by an independent third-party verifier) trying to sell these type of homes would contact an appraiser that has the training for appraising qualified green or energy-efficient homes in order to incorporate these values into the appraisal.
Like everything else, these qualified green or energy-efficient homes are treated differently than standard minimum spec homes. A regular run of the mill appraiser that has no training on these types of homes would not be called upon by any lender providing green or energy-efficient financing. This type of financing is called EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgages), FHA EEM’s and VA EEM’s for information log on to www.EcoHomesGA.com/mortgages.html
A lender providing buyers seeking EEM financing provide buyers with additional monetary incentives for their purchase and a larger buying power. Unlike, local lenders will soon tell buyers they do not have any idea of what you, the buyer, are talking about and that there is no such thing.
The only difficulty a green seller may encounter in a small town like Thomasville with their qualified home is hiring a real estate agent in an agency that lacks the knowledge on green or energy-efficient homes. These professionals will soon tell you their famous words “they need to be comparable” and soon tell sellers what standard square footage pricing is in the area. In other words, if you insist and provide support to the value of the home and demonstrate to them that you know more on the subject you will soon find out the hard way as your property will lack the showings oppose to other homes in your area.
Unfortunately, some real estate professionals and agencies still believe that the old ways they use to sell real estate 20 years ago still works in today’s market and sadly become upset and maybe even stumped when a specialized Realtor designation is introduced by their own National Association of Realtors as a sign that in fact this is the future of real estate and a new form of home construction.
If you’re looking for a green or energy-efficient home in Thomasville or trying to sell a home that has energy efficient features contact your local Ecobroker Certified Agent. An Agent that is certified on green and energy efficient homes and can verify for you, the buyer, claims of homes advertised as being energy efficient and for sellers the proper way to market the energy efficient features. Remember distinguishing between the both can eliminate the utility bill shock for the buyer once already in the home and the seller avoid possible litigation for false advertising.
If you’re trying to find an environmentally friendly home and why these homes are superior to standard spec homes contact Marlene Bienes Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc (229) 289-0139. Buyers and Sellers take the risk of being mislead and misinformed when dealing with an uncertified professional in the Green arena.
Marlene Bienes-Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc.
May 1, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Chinese Drywall Firm Ordered to Pay $2.6 Million
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Chinese Drywall Firm Ordered to Pay $2.6 Million
Chinese Drywall Firm Ordered to Pay $2.6 Million
A federal district judge in New Orleans last week ruled against a Chinese drywall manufacturer, awarding seven Virginia families $2.6 million in damages.
The Chinese firm, Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd., which is owned by the Chinese government, didn’t appear in court or even acknowledge the lawsuit. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., said he hadn’t been informed of the specifics of the case and couldn’t comment.
It is not clear whether Taishan can be compelled to pay the judgment. Nevertheless, observers say the court’s decision will set the tone for dozens of similar pending cases.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, M.P. McQueen (04/09/2010)
Chinese Drywall Firm Ordered to Pay $2.6 Million
A federal district judge in New Orleans last week ruled against a Chinese drywall manufacturer, awarding seven Virginia families $2.6 million in damages.
The Chinese firm, Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd., which is owned by the Chinese government, didn’t appear in court or even acknowledge the lawsuit. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., said he hadn’t been informed of the specifics of the case and couldn’t comment.
It is not clear whether Taishan can be compelled to pay the judgment. Nevertheless, observers say the court’s decision will set the tone for dozens of similar pending cases.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, M.P. McQueen (04/09/2010)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
2010: The Year of the First-Time Buyer?
According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. But in real estate, 2010 may come to be known as the “Year of the First-Time Home Buyer.”
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, says there will be 1.84 million homes sold to first-time home buyers in 2010, compared with 1.73 million in 2009.
These buyers will invariably make some mistakes that they will come to regret a few years down the road, some experts say, including failing to use a real estate professional to help them manage the transaction.
Real estate professionals have the time and the knowledge to sift through thousands of listings, creating market analyses to judge pricing and other key features, points out Ray Boss Jr., a practitioner with RE/MAX Realty Group in Maryland.
"I would want someone who is going to look out for my interests first and foremost," says Boss. "Someone who knows the contracts, who has experience negotiating, and who can walk me through the entire process smoothly — step by step — and make sure I get the house that's right for me."
Source: U.S. News & World Report, Kimberly Castro (02/18/2010)
Realtor Magazine Daily News
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, says there will be 1.84 million homes sold to first-time home buyers in 2010, compared with 1.73 million in 2009.
These buyers will invariably make some mistakes that they will come to regret a few years down the road, some experts say, including failing to use a real estate professional to help them manage the transaction.
Real estate professionals have the time and the knowledge to sift through thousands of listings, creating market analyses to judge pricing and other key features, points out Ray Boss Jr., a practitioner with RE/MAX Realty Group in Maryland.
"I would want someone who is going to look out for my interests first and foremost," says Boss. "Someone who knows the contracts, who has experience negotiating, and who can walk me through the entire process smoothly — step by step — and make sure I get the house that's right for me."
Source: U.S. News & World Report, Kimberly Castro (02/18/2010)
Realtor Magazine Daily News
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit | WAHomeowners.com
Watch the New and Improved Home buyers tax credit
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