May 23rd, 2008
Did you know that you can have Buyer Representation when purchasing a home? Yes, you can have a knowledgeable real estate expert assist you during the real estate transaction. This is widely recommended for you as the consumer. When you are represented by an Agent, *the Agent must promote your best interests, be loyal to you, follow your lawful instruction, provide you with all material facts that could influence your decisions, use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and account for monies they handle for you.* Even if you decide to buy a new home, you still need Buyer Representation. The on-site agent works directly for the Builder and you have no one working on your behalf. Before going to a new home community, make sure you’re represented by a real estate professional.
If you want an energetic and knowledgable real estate professional, contact Michelle Edwards - Keller Williams Realty at 919-306-1639, michelle@cmetobuy.com or www.cmetobuy.com for your free, no obligation Buyer Consultation. Call today to schedule your consultation to find out the ins and outs of purchasing a home!
*Taken from the “Working with Real Agents” pamphlet provided by the N.C. Real Estate Commission.
May 22nd, 2008
Sellers named their price and usually got it during the housing boom. Today, Buyers increasingly are naming their price. Some Sellers haven’t gotten the message. The Sellers are always last to realize it’s a Buyer’s market. Deal seeking Buyers and reluctant Sellers are creating a gridlock in the Triangle market. That could worsen the glut of unsold homes and drive prices down further.
As the climate changes, Buyers should get pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer, hire an experienced real estate professional familiar with the market, get an idea of homes’ selling prices and insist on a home inspection.
During the changing climate, Sellers should research the local market before listing their house, hire a solid Broker and get a comparative market analysis, maximize their home’s value and set the right price.
Most Sellers don’t take a loss if they reduce the price of their home. They just earn less profit than they hoped for.
Whether you’re a Seller or Buyer and need a Real Estate Expert, contact Michelle Edwards - Keller Williams Realty - 919-306-1639, michelle@cmetobuy.com or http://www.cmetobuy.com/ for all your real estate transactions!
Excerpts of article taken from The News and Observer - Work and Money - 5/18/08.
May 16th, 2008
The Importance of Being Earnest (when you are getting pre-qualified)
A mistake that some buyers make is not taking the time to speak with a mortgage lender before they begin searching for a new home. It is vital that anyone interested in buying a home find out where they stand financially and what price home they can qualify for. Pre-qualifying can be as quick as a ten minute phone call and can give buyers the peace of mind that they are looking for homes in the right price range. Pre-qualifying will also inform buyers about what to expect in regards to current interest rates, payments, closing costs, cash needed at closing, and other key aspects of the buying process.
When home buyers speak with a mortgage professional, it is essential that they provide all the details regarding their financial situation. Some buyers are cautious about disclosing all their financial details because they feel that they could be pressured into buying more house then they want or they may be asked to put down more money then they would prefer.Quite often, buyers who may have negative items on their credit report feel that if they avoid discussing these issues that perhaps they won’t be noticed. In order for any mortgage professional to do the very best job, all buyers should disclose every detail of their financial and credit history. This allows your mortgage consultant to give you the very best advice. Imagine if you went to the doctor for an ailment and you purposely withheld information regarding medications you may be taking. Without this information, the doctor may not be able to give you the very best advice.
Need Mortgage Help?? Need to Pre-Qualify for a loan??
Call Andy Holloman, Carolina Mortgage Consultants, 919-439-3904 or Andy@carolinamortgageconsultants.com, a member of the real estate team at Michelle & Associates, Inc.
Contact Michelle Edwards with questions regarding real estate, short sales, and foreclosures. Put an experienced real estate consultant on your side.