Real Estate Trends in Media PA

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Media, PA, United States
Direct: 610-420-0498 Office 610-627-4937 BHHS Fox and Roach Realtors Email: Branka@BrankaDoych.com Visit my website: www.BrankaDoych.com

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tax Credit countdown and a few things to consider

Tax credit countdown ...Everyone is telling you “it’s a great time to buy” Is it?
Few questions to ask yourself:
Are you presently renting? If yes, has your landlord thanked you for paying his or her mortgage recently? Most likely the answer is no. One thing you can be sure of is that your rent is going to increase every year. Fixed mortgage rates stay the same?! No landlord is keeping the rent at the same level; they charge what the market will bare. Has your landlord told you that your rent will always be the same? Most likely, not. Most all rents will go up every year. At the end of 5 or 10 years, you own nothing.
Have you been thinking about buying a home but have been cautious and concerned because you don’t have enough information? No one can blame you. With all the horror stories on the TV, news, financial reports and internet, who would not be concerned?
Here are some facts which may help your decision process before you call a reputable and well trained Buyer’s agent (ABR): if you have not owned a home in the past five years – you qualify as a “first time buyer”. This “gift for buyers - one never heard of before” is a tax credit of up to $8000.00 if you purchase a home before April 30th 2010... At the rate you are saving money today, how long will it take you to save up to $8000.00? Months most likely Years… By that time you could be paying a mortgage on your very own home.
Interest rates are now the lowest in the recent history. Some financial analysts claim that in 2010 and 2011 interest rates are going to go up because the financial institutions need to make up the difference in their profits; to offset losses due to the higher rates of foreclosures and due to the newly imposed restrictions… A difference in monthly payments for the same house could be much higher that one would think. An example on a home purchased at $255,000 with a mortgage of 6.85% vs. today’s potential of 4.85% could be $260/mo or $3120 per year. Market changes daily, we are inching above 5% even with great credit scores... We all know that money can be used for other purposes.
Call an experienced agent who will help you and guide you. For most commonly asked questions go to countdown link.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sellers Minimize, Organize and Stage - It is Spring and almost the end of $8000 tax credit.

Before:





After:

What a difference! Some paint, two valances, a bit of wall paper, expert know how and determination. One week later this is what this kitchen has changed into. I am sure we agree that Buyers would rather see and buy the kitchen in our 2nds picture. Complements of "Red Letter Rooms Staging and Design".



When preparing your home to sell ask yourself to think as a buyer then ask your self : “Do I need to improve the following?”



Exterior:



1. Yard improvements?
2. Painting or repairing siding, front entrance to your home, chimney stack, walkway, driveway, sidewalk...
3. Lighting?

Interior:



1. Entry way to your home, Kitchen, bathrooms and master bedroom are the key? How do they look?
2. Lighting in each room. Is it adequate for someone to see without knowing the house?
3. Is interior painted to reflect a light and bright home?
4. Carpeting and flooring does it need updating?
5. Plumbing and Electrical - is it to code and functioning as it should?
6. Is each room and overall home staged for sale?

7. Is each closet, each room and each floor organized with a clear purpose?



Both outdoors and indoors, do I need to de-clutter and do I need to stage. If not sure ask experts. You will be amazed what a difference a professional can make for your "take home bottom line”.



My bottom line advice to sellers is minimize, organize and stage!

Monday, March 15, 2010

First time home buyers: Beautiful New Listing in Wallingford PA

Put your $8000 tax credit to work for you:  See this home new on the market today in Wallingford PA 19086 4BR1/1BA $285,000. Great as a starter home or an upgrade.  Details at http://www.brankadoych.com/

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Saturday, March 13, 2010

6 Ways to spruce up your space

RIS Media has a great article about preparing your home for sale.

6 Ways to spruce up your space:

http://rismedia.com/2010-03-13/renters-6-ways-to-spruce-up-your-space/

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Green topics - landscaping and energy efficiency

Landscaping your home for energy efficiency can reduce your heating and cooling bills, for more info go to: http://www.energy.gov/landscaping.htm

Monday, March 1, 2010

"March Real Estate Update"

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.




This month's issue includes topics such as:



"The Offer: There's More to It Than Just The Price";

"Taxpayers Seeking Homebuyer Tax Credits, Refunds Must File Paper";

"Buyers: Why Green is Worth It";

"50 Ways to Gain a Neighbor";

"First-Timer's Guide To Mortgage Shopping";