Jeremy Walsh Real Estate

Are you looking to buy a home during the Spring? If yes, this article will provide you tips on how to successfully buy a home during the busiest real estate season- Spring.

Spring is the busiest real estate season because buyers are going from property to property to calculate the best deal based on mortgage pre-approval funds. Often during this season home sellers whom have been renovating for months finally put their homes on the market for sale. Some examples of renovations are fences, budding gardens and hard wood floors, all of which buyers value when shopping for their dream homes.

While this can be an exciting time to buy a home, spring also gives home sellers the option to make a home look great but have hidden problems to it. Here below are ways to be a smart and successful first-time buyer of a home:

House-Flipping Dilemma

Home renovation is a very thriving $300 billion industry in the United States (U.S). Some homes will be put on the market at an overvalued price. Some basic renovations that should be in the norm of market prices are freshly paint rooms, new flooring or molding and light fixtures. These jobs can be done in a weekend.

When looking for homes do not fall in love with the book covers, open the books. Look at the corners of the walls for cracks (usually painted over). Look for gaps in flooring and the walls. If something looks out of place, take a second look. Often home sellers will do anything to make a home hide flaws to sell it. It is highly recommended that you bring a level with you to a view a home. Use the level to see if countertops, shelves and ledges are completely flat.

If surfaces are warping or uneven, there might be water or foundation damage.

Beware of Home Staging

Home Staging has become very popular to give homes on the market an illusion of being in perfect condition and raising profit from sale to 15% more than without staging.

Here are some questions to ask so you will not be fooled during a home staging:

· How old is the home?

· When was the furnace installed and last inspected?

· What are the average annual property taxes?

· Does the neighborhood have a high crime rate?

· What are the utilities costs for each season?

· Do any of the appliances have warranties?

Never be afraid to ask questions. It is better to know what you can expect before placing a deposit and signing paper work.

Successfully and wisely buy a home this Spring with Jeremy Walsh Real Estate.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) on your side to handle all of the important details for you!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Source: Tips For Spring Home Buying

Looking to sell your home this year? If yes, we are here to help you. This article will provide you information on how to calculate the real cost it will take you to sell your home and help you sell quicker. Read below to get informed.

To calculate the true cost of selling your home you will need to review realtor’s commission, repairs, and house closing costs. We will give you details on each category.

Realtor’s Commission

When you list your house for sale, you will have to mark up the price right away to cover commission. Commission can be 6% or more to make sure you do not lose your profit margin. For example a $200,000 house would cost a realtor $12,000 to sell the home.

Repairs

Repairs to home property can be costly in both time and money.  Repairs can include new paint jobs, new carpet, new flooring, landscape work and other remodeling factors. Repairs could cost you hundreds and thousands of dollars. Repair cost all depends on the size and the age of your home. For example, an older home is more inclined to need major repairs on plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems.

House Closing Costs

When you finally close a house, fees will be associated with the closing. As a home owner, you will need to go to the Realtor’s title company and pay fees. You will also need to pay the Mortgage Company and miscellaneous fees. House closing costs are 3 to 5% of a home’s sale price. Going back to the example of selling a $200,000 home, the closing costs could be an additional $6,000 to $10,000.

Sell your home without losing your investment, with Jeremy Walsh Real Estate.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) on your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Source: The True Costs to Sell A Home

Are you buying a home in 2012? If yes, we have three mortgage tips for you to use as a homebuyer. Read below to get started.

Getting a mortgage loan is difficult in this economy but you can still get a mortgage with a good rate in 2012. Here are some tips to help you:

Look at Your Credit

If you have good credit, it will help you secure a mortgage at a decent rate. Have copies of your credit score and credit history from all three main credit reporting bureaus. Be sure there are no errors on your credit report before you apply for mortgage. A lender requires a minimum credit score of 680 on most homes. You should not have a credit score under 620 if you want to qualify for a home mortgage.

Be Prepared

You should have the basic documents you need for a mortgage application. Also you should have your last two pay stubs, W-2s, income tax returns and bank statements before visiting the lender’s office. You should have all these materials saved in an electronic format, in case you need to resend materials.

Know Your Affordability

Never rely on a lender to tell you how much you qualify for a mortgage. Never borrow the maximum amount on a mortgage loan. Have a budget planned in advance and have a little extra saved  in case unexpected expenses come up. You should use a bank-rate calculator to determine your affordability and estimate your monthly house mortgage payments.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) on your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Source: 12 Mortgage Tips for 2012 Homebuyers

Are you looking for ways to make your real estate investment be a profitable return for you? If yes, we are here to help by providing you five real estate tips to maintain your real estate investment profitability. Read below to get informed.

Homes Increase In Value Over Time

As the economy demonstrates, home prices will not only go up in value but can go down in value because of the worth of a dollar. You should always buy a home you can afford and put a big down payment upon. Make sure your monthly payments are affordable for you.

Buy Low

If you have the money, now is a good time to buy a home because of the high affordability. Buy one you plan to stay in long-term. The prices are low right now and you have a better chance to bargain interest rates. Your home will be one of the top best investments you will ever make in life.

Never Wait Too Long To Take Advantage of Low Prices

You should never hesitate to invest in a home that is at a low price, especially when you adore the home. Economic markets are volatile and you will never predict how long the prices for homes will stay low.

Three Elements to Owning a Home the Smart Way

When buying a home you need to look at fixed mortgage, affordable payments and long-term hold. You need to always search for a meaningful down payment and make sure you get a fixed monthly payment that is compatible with your income. Never buy something that you will not be happy with in the long-term.

Buying Your Dream Home Can Be A Nightmare

A dream home is often very pricey and comes with adjusting mortgage payments, and unsustainable monthly payments. Never allow your eyes to be bigger than your wallet. Put yourself in house you can afford rather than a house that is only possible in a dream.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) on your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Source: Five Real Estate Tips From Warren Buffet

Are you buying your very first home this New Year? If yes, we are here to help by providing you the top 3 tips for buying your first home. Read below.

If you are no longer a fan of the rent game, it is time to become a homeowner. But before you start, read the following tips on being successful in the home buying process:

Check Your Credit Score and Be Ready For A Long-term Commitment

Becoming a homeowner is no short-term deal. You should expect to live in your home for at the least three to five years or longer. Be sure you are being realistic when picking your home. It is okay to dream big but make sure you can comfortably afford living in the home you choose.

Lenders will decide on your mortgage qualification based on your income, assets, debt to income ration, your savings, and your job stability. And above all, they will look at your credit score. Borrowers with scores of 720 and over are given the privilege of paying the lowest mortgage rates. If your credit score is under 620, you will not qualify for a mortgage until you improve your score.

Set a Housing Budget

After a lender tells you how much you can borrow, you should budget your income and spending. Ask yourself what you are willing to spend on a housing payment. Financial experts suggest you spend a maximum of 30% of your gross monthly income on principal, interest, homeowners insurance and taxes.

Start Saving and Stop Spending

Make sure you start a savings in advance before you start searching for a home. You can get an estimate of your mortgage payment and start saving the difference between the payment and your current rent cost. If you do not have a big savings, expect to have a higher housing payment.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Source: Top 10 Tips For Buying Your First Home

Are you trying to sell your home in the New Year? If yes, we have 4 tips to give you to help you sell your home by making your home more appealing to buyers.

Give Your Home A Touch Up

Before you put up a for-sale sign on your home, make sure you examine your home. If problems are highly visible, make improvements. When you give your house a make over prior to selling, you make your home more appealing to buyers. Attention to details is crucial in this shaky economy. Make your home stand out.

See Your House As A Buyer

You must be objective about the look of your home when aiming to sell your home. You can do this by taking pictures of your home. Ask for a friend’s honest opinion of the home. Some crucial photos you should have of your home are as followed:

• Take pictures of the main street.

• Take pictures of the kitchen.

• Take pictures of your living room.

• Take pictures of the bedroom.

These are the areas that buyers will notice most and make final decisions on whether to buy your home or not to buy.

Hire A Landscape Company

It is important that your home’s landscape is in good condition. It should be clean and have a classy style to it. You can increase your home’s attractiveness by adding tidy shrubs and trees. Add mulch. Make sure your mailbox has a fresh coat of paint. If your house address number has missing numbers, add a new label. If your front looks beautiful, then buyers will want to view the interior more.

Give Your Home Life

You want your home to look lively. No one wants to buy a dull looking home. You can do this by investing in a few fresh indoor plants. You can attractively place plants in any room of the home.

For more tips on how to make your home more appealing to buyers, read this article from Chicago Tribune.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Are you worried about surviving the holiday season real estate market? If yes, we are here to help you thrive with five tips to sell your real estate marketing during the holidays.

Have Your Own Twist on the Holidays

As a real estate agent you want to sell homes. If you are generous in service in the community, then potential clients and clients will be more inclined to do and continue business with you.

Serve Your Clients’ Needs

Make sure during the holidays you are ready for floor calls when others are shopping for the holidays. Send clients holiday greeting cards so they can keep you in mind during the holiday season.

Take Care of Yourself and Keep Up Maintenance

It is the cold season of the year. You are more inclined to get sick during the holiday season, if you do not keep your health up. To keep your mental and physical health up during the holiday season, try the following:

· Be around optimistic people. The positivity is more likely than less likely to spread onto you.

· Be encouraging around your employees and clients alike about marketing strategies and sales.

· Keep your agency tidy and welcoming.

Get Your Marketing Strategy Focused For the New Year

If you focus on a goal and truly work at it, you will achieve it. Make a list of what goals you want to accomplish with clients and money. Think of ways you can accomplish what is on your agenda for the year.

For more tips on how to successfully market to your clients and potential clients during the holiday season, read this article from RealtyTimes.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You need to be exclusively represented and have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On your side to handle all of the important details for You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Most homeowners trying to sell their homes during the holidays often ask a real estate agent: Should I keep my home on the market during the holidays or should I take it off the market during the holidays? But you may be better off taking your home off the market between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to make your home more appealing to buy during the holidays. Read below to learn why this is a better option.

Why You Should Have Your Home Off The Market During the Holidays

When you have your home on the market during the holidays, it makes buyers believe you are desperate to sell your home. Why would anyone want a home that someone is so eager to get off his or her hands? It sounds like a house full of problem rather than a dream home.

Also, during the holiday season a buyer is more inclined to give you a price for less than listed. Wait out the holiday season and you will be able to receive your listed price or higher.

Transactions rarely happen in December

You will not be able to close a transaction in December if the offer is received during the middle of the month. When buyers want to close a deal in January they will definitely make offers in January because the holidays are over. Putting your home back on the market in January gives you the privilege of your home being placed on a new listing in January. This new listing will drive more traffic to you because the home will be fresh on the market.

Do not decorate Your Home that is on The Market

Make sure you do not decorate your home with decorations during home showings. Buyers easily carry biases and prejudices when looking for a home. If you do not decorate, you protect your privacy and you make your home appear spacious by not blocking pathways with decorations. Buyers prefer walking through homes they can imagine putting their own designs and furniture in every room. Do not let your decorations dominate buyers’ wants and needs. First impressions are important.

For tips on selling your home during the holidays, read this article from HomeBuying.About.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You Need To Be Exclusively Represented And Have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On Your Side To Handle All Of The Important Details For You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Buyers and sellers continuously ask me if the housing market is better in the Fall and Winter or the Spring and Summer. This may sound like a copout, but there really is no “best time” to buy or sell a home. Sorry.

In the Spring and Summer, there tends to be more buyers and sellers flooding the market – making it easier to find a home or a homebuyer. The Fall and Winter, on the other hand, tends to see less action. But the buyers and sellers during these months tend to be very serious.

Here are a few seasonal house-hunting tips:

Sometimes it pays to wait: During the Spring and Summer months, sellers can hold firm on their asking prices because the demand is there. Homebuyers are out in flocks and there is no reason for sellers to concede on price.

Motivated to deal: As we mentioned before, sellers in the fall and winter tend to be very serious and willing to deal.

As school approaches, prices drop: Families doe not want to pull their child out of school in the middle of the school year. So families become more willing to make deals as summer comes to an end and the school year approaches.

Here are a few seasonal selling tips:

Summer is your time: Homebuyers are most active during these months. 40% of all homes sell in the summer. So you will have opportunities.

Get in the buyer’s mind: See the above tips and plan accordingly.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You Need To Be Exclusively Represented And Have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On Your Side To Handle All Of The Important Details For You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Sources:

Any time of the year is a good time to buy or sell…

It’s Real Estate Season – Or is it?

As we mentioned in our previous blog, Selling Your Home: How to Prepare for a Home Inspection, a home inspection can either make or break a sale. So it is important to prepare. But did you know that this applies to the buyer, as well?

It does.

While there is not a lot that a buyer needs to do to prepare for a home inspection, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring the inspection is as productive as possible. So be sure to do the following…

Hire Well-Qualified Professionals: Do some research and look for a home inspector with a solid background. As for references and double-check certifications. You can never be too careful.

Attend the Inspection: This allows you to get an in-depth look at the property. This is also your way of knowing that every inch of the home was properly inspected.

Ask Questions: Make a list of questions you wish to ask the inspector and bring this list to the home inspection.

Be Reasonable: There is no such thing as a flawless house. Every house inspection will uncover some problem with the property. Be prepared to discuss these flaws with the current homeowner. Also be sure to consult your contract to determine whether you have an inspection contingency clause and speak to a professional if necessary.

Proper preparation for your home inspection is beneficial for all parties involved.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Walsh Real Estate by calling 443-610-5722 or click here today!

You Need To Be Exclusively Represented And Have Jeremy Walsh (located in Baltimore, Maryland) On Your Side To Handle All Of The Important Details For You!

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well!

Sources:

Preparing for a Home Inspection

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection