Happy New Year from all of us at Century 21 Colonial Realty! Hoping you had a chance to take a few moments to reflect on 2011 and to ponder what lies ahead in 2012.
For some of you, 2012 is the year you will buy or sell a property and make a major change in your life and the lives of your family. This is a very exciting time, but with the excitement comes the stress that every buyer and seller experiences. Don't go through unnecessary stress, start by planning ahead. If you intend to sell your home in the spring, don't leave the home improvements to the spring as well. Make a list and pick away at them now. Call a Realtor and ask them to have a look at your home before you are ready to list. They can tell you what you should do to make your home most marketable.
Before you plan to buy, check out lenders, understand mortgage rates and where you stand in terms of your credit rating. Talk to a Mortgage Specialist and get pre approved for a mortgage. The rate can sometimes be held for you for as long as 120 days.
Simply understanding the complete process of buying or selling will remove stress from you. Going into it without that knowledge and learning as you go can make buying and selling a lot more work and stress than is necessary. Contact one of our Realtors and Mortgage Specialists and meet to discuss the complete process so your transition is a smooth one.
Do you have more questions about this topic? Our REALTORS are here to help you. If you would like more info on this or other real estate topics go to www.5662121.com and join us on facebook where we discuss in more detail.
Heading into the holiday season people who have been thinking about putting their home on the market will often hesitate listing until after the holiday season. One very obvious and understandable reason for that is simply because the holidays are hectic. The thought of adding showings and open houses into the mix is daunting. Also, some potential sellers may take the opinion that people typically aren't house hunting over Christmas and New Year. But there are advantages to listing at this time of year. True, many people are in holiday mode and perhaps holding off on house hunting until after the holidays, but for those serious house buyers (and they are the ones you want) it doesn't matter if it's the holidays. They want to find a home and will be scouring real estate websites daily over the holiday season waiting to see a new listing. The holiday season could be a good opportunity to put your home on the market with perhaps less competition that you might see in the spring and summer. Consider also that a home decorated for Christmas is often very warm and inviting. It might be one of the best times of the year to show your home.
Check out this week's PEI Real Estate Report VIdeo below:
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of showings and open houses while trying to manage all of your other holiday obligations, communicate that to your Realtor. They can work with you to take the pressure off and work within your schedule. Whenever you decide to list, feel confident that its the right time for you.
Do you have more questions about this topic? Our REALTORS are here to help you. If you would like more info on this or other real estate topics go to www.5662121.com and join us on facebook where we discuss in more detail.
There are many things to take into account when purchasing any property. There are three very important things to consider above all others when purchasing a rental property:
1. How much money can you expect to earn in rental income?
2. What are your fixed expenses and your variable expenses?
Fixed expenses are things like property taxes, insurance, routine maintenance and repairs, as well as the cost of any property management services.
Variable expenses are things that may come up suddenly like repairs to the roof, a new furnace etc. It's wise to set money aside for these unpredictable expenses.
3. Be aware that there are risks involved in owning a rental property. The property could sit vacant for a time where you will not earn any income. Your tenants could cause damage to the property and you may have to incur legal fees to resolve issues with problem tenants.
Rental property's can be great investments but they don't come without their pitfalls, just ask these guys!
Do you have more questions about this topic? Our REALTORS are here to help you. If you would like more info on this or other real estate topics go to www.5662121.com and join us on facebook where we discuss in more detail.
Are you buying a home for the first time? Did you know that if the property you are purchasing is under $200,000, even just a $1 less, you are not required to pay Land Transfer Tax which is 1% of the greater purchase price or assessed value of the real property. That means you will save close to $2000. If your purchase price is under $200,000 you are even eligible for reduced legal registration fees.
These are just some of the things you should be aware of when buying a home for the first time. At Century 21 Colonial Realty, we have a New Home Buyer Checklist which itemizes all of the details that you need to be on top of when buying. Let a Century 21 Colonial Realtor help you navigate through what can sometimes be a confusing process for first time home buyers.
Do you have more questions about this topic? Our REALTORS are here to help you. If you would like more info on this or other real estate topics go to www.5662121.com and join us on facebook where we discuss in more detail.
