First Time Home Buyers in Maryland : Getting Prepared

Advice For First Time Home Buyers: Getting Prepared

First Time Home Buyer Programs - Tips & Help in Maryland 

Video Educational Series 

Home Buyer Education:

Getting Prepared

Being an educated consumer is always a smart move, specially when you are ready to  purchase 

something as important and expensive as a new home.

A solid understanding of the home-buying process is your best asset and should be your first step

You are going to need the services of a Realtor®, Loan Officer, Home Inspector, Termite Inspector, Appraiser, Title Search Coordinator, Attorney and Moving Services. .

Don't worry, 

You just need one person to guide you and help choose all these services based on performance, experience and results

Getting prepared to buy your first home?

Find a good Realtor® first and you are on your way!

I invite you to watch our educational video series is a free comprehensive 15 video part series  to prepare you for your first  home purchase. The videos cover the home buying process, it is a compilation for over 20 years of experience that will give you an advantage to begin the process

Our counselors are ready and waiting to provide you with the care and direction you need to take if homeownership is in your plans.

We can also  offer  guidance on improving your credit. 

To begin receiving counseling, please write us to info@ReallyNiceHomes.com or call 301-246-0001. 

First Time Home Buyers Help for Maryland Residents 

First Time Home Buyer Programs * Tips * Help * Maryland | Video Educational Series

First Time Home Buyer Programs * Tips * Help * in Maryland | Video Educational Series 

Home Buyer Education:

Are you a first-time home buyer eager and ready  to get into the market? 

Here are some steps to take to help you decide whether you're ready or not 

1. Check first what you can afford

2. Use a mortgage calculator to get an idea of what your monthly mortgage payments would be if you bought your first home today

3. Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, you will need to include taxes and homeowners insurance..

4. Find out how much you'll likely pay in closing costs. The upfront cost when buying a  home shouldn't be overlooked 

5. Look at your budget and determine what is your Debt to Income Ratios

6. Talk to reputable Realtors in your area about your real estate needs

7. A good Realtor®  will help you  look at the big picture. While a buying a house is a huge step in your life and is a great way to build wealth.

I invite you to watch our educational video series is a free comprehensive 15 video part series  to prepare you for your first  home purchase. The videos cover the home buying process, it is a compilation for over 20 years of experience that will give you an advantage to begin the process

A sample of our video series:

Steps To Save Thousands of Dollars When Buying Your First Home 

Some of the programs available for Maryland buyers: 

• CDA
• Fannie Mae NO PMI Program
• USDA Zero Down Loan Program
• Good Neighbor Next Door Program
• Fannie Mae HomePath Renovation Program
• Down Payment Assistance and Grant Programs
• HUD Home Loan Program
• Streamline 203k Renovation Loan Programs
• VA or Veteran Loan Plus Program

Our counselors are ready and waiting to provide you with the care and direction you need to take if homeownership is in your plans.

We can also  offer  guidance on improving your credit. 

To begin receiving counseling, please write us to info@ReallyNiceHomes.com or call 301-246-0001.

First Time Home Buyer Programs * Tips * Help * in Maryland | Video Educational Series 

The 3 Different Types Of Home Sellers : BEWARE

3 Different Types Of Sellers : BEWARE

                                                             

As a buyer, you need to be aware of these three types of sellers out there.
It’s important to understand the motivation behind sellers, so your offer could match their expectations
Everyday more and more new properties are being  listed, though not all for the same reasons.
Here's is what our buyer agents  analyzed as three types of sellers out there.
The "Tester" - Testing The Market seller
This group of sellers aren't that confident that their home will sell or not, they are just testing the market at an inflated price, hoping that a buyer falls in love and is willing to pay more than what their homes are worth.
Their homes are listed by below average agents that do not have the courage to refuse a listing no matter how overprice they are.

The "Must Seller " - The Motivated Seller
This group of sellers are in a predicament for one reason or another.
Divorce,deportation, trapped investor, inheritance, job relocation.
They are easy to negotiate and your agent's abilities to determine the reason of why they are selling will assure for the best case scenario as a buyer. . .this is why having a good agent that negotiates on your behalf. .pays!

The "Sidelined " - Wants to sell but they can't!
This group of sellers are in a predicament as the first ones, ,"the testers" except they don't have no recourse, They have to sell but owe to the bank more than what their homes are worth. They are on the market..ill advised... not waiting for a buyer but, for the market to rise and catch with their price. They are easy identifiable by the number of days on the market. .anything over 90, they are "sidelined sellers" 

Understand that within these three type of sellers, you will also find the foreclosures and short sales. . they are just an extension of the above..in a different mixed-up level

If you are looking for great representation with the right advice how to put the rigth offer together.. give us a call, our agents have the experience to know what type of sellers we are dealing with at all times...ad what are the best chances for you to get the best terms possible.

Call 301-246-0001 

or go to 

www.ReallyNiceHomes.com/Buyers
Different Types Of Home Sellers

Preparing Your Home To Sell Kitchen Remodeling Tips [INFOGRAPHIC]

Preparing Your Home To Sell

Kitchen Remodeling Tips 

The kitchen is one of the most focal points for buyers when looking at homes
A kitchen is family and family hangs around kitchens
Is the heart of any house after all. ..
When preparing your home to sell, the kitchen should be  priority #1
Here are five tips taken form a survey created by Houzz.com asking prospecting buyers
What are the most important things they desire in a kitchen

The top five are below. .

Don't get carried away,.
Consult with your real estate agent before spending thousands of dollars if you are renovating your kitchen to sell your home soon.
There are companies that offer exclusive design services like IntegratedKitchens.com 
I always figure the return on the investment based on condition, location and comparables around my client's neighborhood.

Ask your agent to do the same for you.

In some cases remodeling your  kitchen may not be such a good idea.

Always try to maintain yourself neutral with light colors if you wan to appeal the masses.
Introducing a new bright color like yellow, red or blue can be a turn off to people that do not like yellow, red or blue. . instead introduce removable accents like flower pots, light fixtures or wall decorations.

If you re considering selling your home soon, give us a call for a quick consultation how to prepare your home to sell

or just simply go to:

www.ReallyNiceHomes.com/selling

Intelligent Real Estate Services

                                   Kitchen Remodeling Tips 

4 Reasons Why Short Sales Are On Their Way Out | Short Sales Maryland 2014

4 Reasons Why Short Sales Are On Their Way Out 

 Short Sales Maryland 2014

Behind on your mortgage payments on 2014?        
4 Reasons why short sales are on their way out       

As many know, a short sale is born out of a need when a distressed homeowner realizes that there is no other recourse; either let the lender foreclose or ask the lender to approve a short sale.

Facing foreclosure can be overwhelming and scary, and many people have decided to do something about it to save their credits and not fall into the financial ruin of a foreclosure.

"...but your time maybe running out. . "

If you are following the latest  news about the "Mortgage Debt Relief Act" in 2014  this Government help is no longer available for you and was allowed to expire at the end of 2013

To see 3 more reasons WHY:
 Short Sales Are on Their Way Out. .. watch the video below

A Short Sale can be accomplished by negotiating with your lender to resolve your situation and solve a burden for the homeowner and also solve a burden for the lender.

You may still have time in 2014. .

Rather than  waiting for the lender to take control of your situation, you need to take charge with a short sale and  get control of the situation for you and your whole family 

The key to success in a short sale is to follow a simple plan
The A-B-C Plan. .

How to qualify for a short sale in Maryland?        

3 Main areas that are considered to qualify for a short sale

• Financial Hardship
• A Monthly Shortfall 
• Insolvency 

If you are considering a short sale in 2014, we have the process for you!

My team of Realtors, one assistant, an attorney and several supporting staff has developed long lasting relationships with many lenders that allows you to take advantage to short sale your property quickly and remove instantly bad mortgage debt. 

"The strength of our experience and knowledge is invaluable to anyone seeking for a solution"

Please call 301-246-0001 

or go to: 

SHORT SALES HELP HERE

4 Reasons why short sales are on their way out       

Get Rid of Pet Smell Before You Sell | Sellers Tips for Homeowners

Get Rid of Pet Smell Before You Sell

This is an ongoing problem I see very often when I'm on listing appointments

Our olfactory systems tend to get used to different smells inside our houses 

[insert your own joke here] 

and some sellers are not aware that their homes smell really,really bad. .

When I list a property, I have to be brutally honest or else...

My client will be wondering: 

Why is my house not selling? 

Some of the tips I like to give, if you have a home to sell and own a pet as well is: 

Stock up on baking soda, it is an amazing product after all, cheap and effective.

Another great tip is to use a neutralizing odor remover to eliminate the odor, follow the instructions and have plenty of it in stock.. specially if you are preparing your home to sell.

Pet urine will flow below a carpet and go way deep underneath the pad below. . in some cases it is better to go ahead and replace the whole padding and the carpet.

If your "macho" chihuahua loves to "mark" his territory on your walls and furniture... .painting will do the trick.

Also using a wet vac is a good way to tackle a recent "accident" after treating it with an odor neutralizer.

 Watch the video below for even more tips

Selling a home is a big challenge to undertake
If you are looking for the highest net possible. 
My recommendation is to find a good agent that understands the problems and has the solutions to help you prepare your home to sell.

If you are considering selling a home in the near future, 

or know of someone that needs to sell

Could you please forward my new  "Market Guide For Sellers" ?

You will open their eyes. .and help them as well. . 

See it here

or visit our seller's webpage that is changing the way Realtors sell properties

www.ReallyNiceHomes.com/selling 

Sellers tips for homeowners

When Bad Neighbors Hurt Your Home's Sale

When Bad Neighbors Hurt Your Home's Sale

This post was inspired while  speaking to a potential seller who stated .. .

"We are considering selling and getting away from here because of a bad neighbor"

After more than 20 years in real estate, this was not a surprise for me, but I reflected on this particular homeowner. ..

What an awful position to be in. .

You are moving your whole family, selling your home . .just because a neighbor?

As you know, pricing and condition are key factors in selling any  home, but there’s one  factor that could influence a buyer’s decision and trump all others. .

Your neighbors!

When buyers come looking to your home for sale, 

They are not just looking at your home but the whole neighborhood as well. .

Then how do you sell a home when bad neighbors create a bad impression when selling your home? 

This is the time where homeowners appreciate HOA's 

If you have an HOA, you may want to enlist and tackle the problem with their help. .remain anonymous if possible

There are also  likely ordinances in place from city ordinances  that require lawns to be reasonably maintained, failure to do so can result in fines, which is usually enough to persuade some homeowner to take better care of the property.

Dealing with bad neighbors can be annoying, but it could cost you money if you are selling your home

A tactful plan of attack using a good listing agent is very important here

Because of a bad neighbor, you should not have to sacrifice the value of your home. 

Watch the video for more tips and focus on successfully selling your home with the right person representing you.

"Intelligent Customized Real Estate Services To Sell Your Home for the Most Money

.... and the Timing to Match Your Family's Needs"

www.ReallyNiceHomes.com/selling