How To Judge An Offer When Your House Is On The Market

10 December, 2009

So you decided to sell your home, you have picked the a real estate agent, and have listed your home. You have held several open houses and got some interest and you have finally received an offer. How do you tell if this is a good offer or not? Of course, your agent will help in that department, but, remember, they are there to sell your home they don’t have any idea what will work for you and your family.

First thing to look at is the buyer’s financing. Are they able to get a loan or are they just hoping to qualify? The best case scenario would be that they are pre-approved which means that a bank/lender has taken a look at their income, credit, and down payment and has agreed that they would qualify for a certain amount of financing. This is a good indication that the loan will go through. Sometimes, the offer will not include that the loan is pre-approved, but if the buyer really wants the home, they will include a letter of pre-approval to help your selection along. As a buyer, you or your agent has the right to contact the bank and make sure the information presented is correct and that the bank has verified income, employment, and down payment funds.

Next,consider if the buyer has put down a substantial down payment. The larger amount, the better for the sale to go through. The more money the seller has invested in the contract, the less likely they will be to back out. If the amount of money put down is not sufficient for your liking, then you have the right to ask for more.

Watch out for special conditions within the contract that you cannot meet or control. For example :If a buyer must sell his home first before purchasing your home.This condition requires you to factor in other questions. Does he have any offers on his home now or any approved buyers? He does have his house listed with an agent, doesn’t he? If there are any clauses that you do not understand, you must clarify them in writing. Be sure you understand every word on the sales contracts…if your not sure of the terms used make sure you ask your agent.

One other thing that you must realize in the real estate contract you will receive is there are dates and deadlines that must be reviewed. There is a certain rhythm for things to happen. For instance, there should be an inspection, appraisal, loan approval, and the closing date. These items should not have excessive time allotted to each by the buyer. For example, the closing date must allow time for the bank process to be completed including the underwriting, appraisal, and paperwork. The inspection date should be close to the contract date to allow time for any problems to be resolved quickly by the seller so the contract can be completed.

Any of the above mentioned items can void your contract. Be sure you understand all that is being asked of you, make sure the terms listed and set in all the documents make sense to you, before you complete the sale.

Doc Schmyz has done real estate deals all over the US and Canada. He owns a free website that shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find real estate information by state

categories: real estate,marketing,sales,buying a house,investing,real estate investor

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Canton Mi Homes For Sale In A Diverse Community

24 November, 2009

When looking for Canton MI homes for sale, understand that they are located in a diverse and relatively large township that is located close to major freeways and large their affairs, meaning that it is an extremely convenient area to live. This particular township in Michigan has grown steadily over the years and is located in the Metro Detroit region. Homes there are usually eagerly sought after.

The actual name of Canton is the Charter Township of Canton, Michigan. For those who don’t know, township is originally formed in a 36 square mile block. Basically, it is 6 miles wide and 6 miles high and features 36 1 mile square plots. In this manner, the township’s growth or reduction could be more logically managed in order to account for population increases or losses.

Nowadays, in Michigan, many townships in the southeast portion of the state near the Detroit area are somewhat smaller than their original size, though this isn’t always the case. In the metro area, there are many townships that surround the city. The architecturally interesting and diverse township of Canton is one of those and it has a very nice housing inventory.

In 2006, the township of Canton contained almost 87,000 residents. And though the economy has slowed down in the metro Detroit area, Canton is still one of the most robust communities in the state in terms of population growth. So this is due to the rural nature of the township that combines with a very nice central city core. Plus, it is rated as being one of the safest areas in which to live.

Within Canton itself are several very interesting communities where Canton MI homes for sale are located. This includes the Cherry Hill area and Sheldon’s Corners. The Sheldon neighborhood is located in the south of the township and dates back to’42. There are older homes and many newer homes that have been built such that they suggest a Canton from nearly a century ago.

When it comes to finding homes on sale in Canton, there are certainly more than enough ways to look them up and then check them out. Generally, the most recommended methods for doing so involves the Internet and the use of a real estate broker. Certainly, there are more than enough brokers in the area. Currently, prices for Canton homes are very attractive, owing to the current economy.

Canton MI homes for sale have the advantage of being located in one of the finer communities in the metropolitan Detroit area, meaning that the township itself is conveniently located close to major freeways and surface roads and that it boasts of many fine schools and a quality of life that is at once affordable yet also extremely attractive in a nice setting.

Purchasing a house is the best thing that you will do for your future. So if you are looking in the area, you need to look for Canton MI Homes For Sale, so that you can get a piece of the great Canton MI Real Estate.

categories: Canton MI Homes For Sale,MI Homes For Sale,Michigan Homes For Sale,Homes For Sale,Houses For Sale,Buying A Home,Buying A House,Real Estate,Home

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Studying Plymouth Mi Homes For Sale And The Housing Inventory

22 November, 2009

Learning something about Plymouth MI homes for sale will show one that a very large number of homes and condos in the Plymouth area help to give this very attractive region located in the metropolitan Detroit area a very nice character. Plymouth is very welcoming of new home buyers and the area itself is a pleasant mix of the urban and the rural wrapped up in an interesting history.

Plymouth as an entity is actually two Plymouths. There is the charter Township of Plymouth and the city of Plymouth, which is an autonomous city entirely located in the charter township. Both entities sit within Wayne County, Michigan, which is one of the three large counties (Macomb and Oakland counties are the others) that, combined, make up the official Metropolitan Detroit area.

The city of Plymouth, according to recent census figures, has around 10,000 people living within its borders. It is relatively small at 2. 2 square miles and has around 4800 households. The housing inventory up for sale at any one time is also consistent with that size and mainly consists of condominiums and single-family homes ranging in price from extremely expensive down to relatively reasonable.

The charter township of Plymouth is affluent and boasts of nearly 30,000 residents within its borders. As far as size goes, its square mileage tops out at 16 and there are around-,000 housing units located within the township outside of the city. Again, this gives it a very nice housing inventory with a number of homes up for sale at any given time. Single-family and condos are the most common.

Evidence of the affluence present in the city and the township are made readily apparent when one looks at median incomes in the area. Average median income comes in at more than $91,000 a year with average family median income topping $115,000. Plymouth boasts one of the better Ontario Hockey League teams; the Plymouth Whalers and excellent schools and recreational activities exist everywhere.

As far as the homes that might be up for sale in either the township or the city, they are generally abundant and can be easily located through the Internet or by working with a real estate broker. Current inventory levels are reflective of the economic conditions in the wider area and prices have adjusted accordingly. Sellers are motivated and willing to work closely with buyers.

Plymouth MI homes for sale, therefore, are of a generally superior character and quality owing to the fact that not only the city but the township of Plymouth is thought to be one of the nicer areas in the Metro Detroit region in which to live. It is the case that generally high median incomes in Plymouth mean that homes will be well maintained and in a very nice condition for eventual sale and purchase.

Purchasing a home is a huge step in anyone’s life. If you are looking for a great house, you may want to look for Plymouth MI Homes For Sale so that you will have the best Plymouth MI Real Estate on the market.

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Cheap Houses Are Cheap – But Are They Really Bargains?

03 November, 2009

I had to go to the grocery store on Saturday afternoon to pick up some basic items. You know, bread, milk, tomatoes, etc. Our favorite local store is closed on Sundays so on Saturday they normally mark down some perishable items with huge discounts. It’s extremely tempting to snatch up some of these cheap items unless one realizes that there’s a good reason the price is reduced.

That discounted loaf of bread has already reached its “sell by” date. Before we can use the whole loaf it will most likely become moldy and we’ll have to toss half of it. That gallon of milk is also about to expire; by the time we get through half of it, the milk will probably sour. And that shrink-wrapped package of six tomatoes? They’re already getting soft – how fresh will they be in 2 or 3 days? Ugh!

There are times when cheap really is “cheap” (as in cheesy). The property market can be very much like the grocery market – there’s always a reason that a bargain is priced well below the normal market value. Discovering why a cheap property is heavily discounted is critical. Without additional information it is impossible to determine if it is really in your best interest to pursue. Seeking the advice of a well qualified buyer’s agent is a very wise move to make before jumping on a cheap home.

The reasons that homes are listed at bargain prices can generally be classified in just a few categories:

1. The “Fixer-Upper”

Many homes that have fallen into disrepair can be purchased at prices well below the local market price of well maintained properties. If the current property owner is unwilling or unable to make necessary repairs their only option would be to offer it for sale at a bargain price.

If the prospect of investing “sweat equity” (i.e. manual labor) is particularly unappealing, you may want to avoid this type of cheap home. Likewise, if paying someone else to perform the necessary repairs is out of the question – walk away. However, If the prospect of doing the work yourself doesn’t make you uneasy, these fixer uppers can be an excellent choice.

2. A Less Than Desirable Neighborhood

We’ve all heard the saying that the three most important aspects of real estate are location, location, location. Well, it’s really true. The value of a home can vary quite a bit depending upon its neighborhood. This can be fabulous for the homeowner in an upscale location. However, it can be devastating for a homeowner in a neighborhood that has fallen on hard times. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, real estate values do not always increase with time.

In some cities, certain neighborhoods that have been on the decline are gradually being revitalized through the renovation of individual homes. As these renovations spread, the potential value of property in the immediate neighborhood can begin to climb. Your Realtor will be able to give you an idea about the direction that prices are moving so that you can make a well-informed decision about the potential value of inexpensive homes that fit this category.

3. “Priced to Sell Quickly”

Circumstances may arise when a homeowner is under pressure for a speedy sale. The seller may need to liquidate assets for immediate cash in hand. He may be facing a deadline relocate for employment purposes, or he may need to stop paying double mortgage payments if he has already committed to purchase another home.

Inexpensive homes in this category usually provide the best value. However, these bargains do not normally remain on the market very long since a fast sale is the very reason that the property was discounted. The best approach to finding these fleeting opportunities as they arise is to have your buyer’s agent notify you when new property listings hit the market. Most real estate agents have access to automation tools that will automatically notify you via email the same day that a property that meets your requirements is put up for sale. Without that type of competitive edge, it’s likely that you’ll never hear bout these prime opportunities.

4. The Challenge of the Unknown

This is the “catch-all” category for homes that don’t seem to fit any of the three previous categories. They are the riskiest properties and should be approached with extreme caution. There is always a reason for a house being under priced – if it’s not apparent at first glance you may have to do some serious investigating before considering a purchase. Sellers are obligated by law to disclose any information that affects the home’s value. Your buyer’s agent will prove invaluable in these cases by helping you ask the right questions.

Obtaining the advice of a buyer’s agent and investigating the reasons that “bargain” properties are priced so low are the keys to discovering the true value of a “cheap” home. These deals can look very attractive at first but, only after further evaluation, will you have an idea if a property may turn out to be a “money pit” or a fabulous opportunity. You won’t regret performing your due diligence.

Jim Navary has been a researcher and freelance writer for more than thirty-five years covering a wide range of topics. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in Fort Lee VA real estate and Colonial Heights VA homes for sale.

categories: cheap property,cheap homes,buying a home,buying property,inexpensive home,inexpensive property,real estate investing,purchasing a home,purchasing property,real estate,investing in real estate,buying a house

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Got An Offer On Your House… How To Judge The Offer?

13 October, 2009

So you decided to sell your home, you have picked the a real estate agent, and have listed your home. You have held several open houses and got some interest and you have finally received an offer. How do you tell if this is a good offer or not? Of course, your agent will help in that department, but, remember, they are there to sell your home they don’t have any idea what will work for you and your family.

First thing you should look at is the buyer’s financing. Are they able to get a loan or are they just hoping to qualify? The best case scenario would be that they are pre-approved which means that a bank/lender has taken a look at their income, credit, and down payment and has agreed that they would qualify for a certain amount of financing. This is a good indication that the loan will go through. As a seller, you or your agent has the right to contact the bank and make sure the information presented is correct and that the bank has verified income, employment, and down payment funds.

Next,consider if the buyer has put down a substantial down payment. The larger amount, the better for the sale to go through. The more money the seller has invested in the contract, the less likely they will be to back out. If the amount of money put down is not sufficient for your liking, then you have the right to ask for more.

Be sure to look for special conditions within the contract that you cannot meet or control. For example :If a buyer must sell his home first before purchasing your home.This condition requires you to factor in other questions. Does he have any offers on his home now or any approved buyers? He does have his house listed with an agent, doesn’t he? If there are any clauses that you do not understand, you must clarify them in writing.

One other thing that you must realize in the real estate contract you will receive is there are dates and deadlines that must be reviewed. There is a certain rhythm for things to happen. For instance, there should be an inspection, appraisal, loan approval, and the closing date. These items should not have excessive time allotted to each by the buyer. For example, the closing date must allow time for the bank process to be completed including the underwriting, appraisal, and paperwork. The inspection date should be close to the contract date to allow time for any problems to be resolved quickly by the seller so the contract can be completed.

Any of the above mentioned items can void your contract. Be sure you understand all that is being asked of you, make sure the terms listed and set in all the documents make sense to you, before you complete the sale.

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