How as a home-buyer can you find the perfect home, in the area you are looking at, with the rates on mortgages continuing to go up? See details here
HAMP out and new foreclosure reduction put in
December 20, 2016 by
Freddie Mac announced that the Freddie Mac Flex Modification foreclosure prevention program will replace the Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP that expires at the end of 2016. Both programs were designed to assist at-risk families reduce their monthly mortgage payments. See details here
HAMP out and new foreclosure reduction put in
Troubled property owners receive a holiday break
December 15, 2016 by
No one will be evicted from their home during the holiday season, say most mortgage lenders, who traditionally delay evictions or foreclosures during the holidays. See update here
Troubled property owners receive a holiday break
Could court ruling bring about more foreclosures to market?
December 7, 2016 by
Delinquent Florida homeowners could be getting long-delayed foreclosure notices after a court ruling cleared the way for lenders to bring back cases that have stalled for several years. See details here
Could court ruling bring about more foreclosures to market?
Congress may very well be homeowners Grinch this Christmas
November 29, 2016 by
Could it be a grim and grinchy December for thousands of homeowners facing ongoing challenges with their mortgage payments and property values? Could popular deductions for mortgage insurance premiums and energy-efficient renovations abruptly vanish? See why here
Congress may very well be homeowners Grinch this Christmas
Where to start If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage Payment
November 15, 2016 by
Whatever you do, don’t skip a payment and think nobody will notice. Living paycheck to paycheck is not really uncommon for most homeowners. And quite often, when you find yourself in a bind and you’re struggling to make the next mortgage payment, you may be tempted to try and skip a payment, thinking you’ll be able to repay it later once you get back on track. Find answers here
Where to start If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage Payment
5 fairly typical errors when purchasing short-sale homes
November 3, 2016 by
A foreclosure or short-sale home might tempt a buyer with the promise of a great deal, but it’s important for buyers to protect yourself from common mistakes. See them here
5 fairly typical errors when purchasing short-sale homes
7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home
October 5, 2015 by
7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home
Research has shown that buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events — right up there with filing for bankruptcy or getting a divorce. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Here are a few tips:
1. Choose your agent carefully
An experienced pro will be prepared for every twist in the road, minimizing stress for you.
2. Home buyers: List before looking
Create and prioritize a list of “wants” and “needs” of home features before you begin touring properties. Waiting to think about what you’re truly looking for in a home until the showing will put you on the spot, creating anxiety.
3. Home buyers: Get mortgage preapproval
Having your finances ready eliminates white-knuckled waiting periods, or unpleasant surprises from lenders after you’ve found your dream home.
4. Don’t take things personally
It’s not you, it’s them. Or the market. Or the lender. Try not to take it personally if buyers value your home for less than what you’re asking, or if a seller rejects what you believe is a perfectly reasonable offer.
5. Keep things in perspective
Consider the worst-case scenario. Will you have to forage for food? Will you need to sell a kidney? Probably not. Other buyers will eventually materialize. Or you’ll find another home you love just as much as the one that got away.
6. Focus on something else
Give yourself a break and indulge in an activity that requires the undivided attention of your body and mind. Yoga lessons, anyone?
7. Find a four-legged friend
Petting and playing with animals is clinically proven to lower your blood pressure. And they won’t interrupt if you need to vent.
Talking things through with Nick & Cindy Davis is another way to de-stress. You can contact us here: www.TampaHomesSold.com
6 Questions to Ask a Potential Listing Agent
August 10, 2015 by
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s important to have a qualified professional by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns. Here are some questions to help determine which listing agent is right for you.
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“Where’s the best coffee around here?”
Although a perfect caramel macchiato isn’t critical to the sales process (though it certainly can’t hurt), your listing agent should have experience in your neighborhood. He or she should have bought and sold enough homes to know the area’s history, pros, cons and quirks, not to mention where the locals head for a good cup of joe.
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“How will you market my property?”
Two balloons on a yard sign no longer cut it. Find out exactly how each prospective listing agent plans to reach buyers. A strategy should go beyond holding an open house. If an agent looks baffled when you mention “virtual tour,” it may be time to find someone more experienced in digital outreach.
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“How many clients do you have right now?”
Go for the Goldilocks agent, the one with the slate of clients that’s “just right” and can give you the attention and energy you deserve. Even with an assistant, an agent with double-digit clients may not be able to provide the personal focus you require. On the other hand, if you’re an agent’s only client, there’s probably a reason why.
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“Can I talk to a previous client – or three?”
Ask for references from clients an agent has worked with in the past six months. Some things to ask: How responsive was the agent during the process? Did the client get their asking price? What could the agent have done better?
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“How much would you list my property for?”
Make sure prospective agents can explain their pricing rationale, including showing you comparable sales listings in the area.
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“What’s your sign?”
No, not their horoscope. Ask about professional affiliations. When agents are part of the RE/MAX network, they bring with them the power of the company whose agents sell more real estate than any other.
When you’re ready to find an agent, start your search www.TampaHomesSold.com
9 Reasons a Great Agent is Vital to a Seller
May 25, 2015 by
9 Reasons a Great Agent is Vital to a Seller
Selling your home without hiring a real estate agent might be tempting, especially if you're in an area where buyers are clamoring for properties. It's not uncommon for sellers to think (even for a split-second) "How hard can it be to sell on my own?" But there are probably some challenges they're not considering. Here are some key ways a real estate agent – more specifically a licensed Realtor – proves to be indispensable during the selling process.
They offer wide exposure.
They bring objectivity
They know the market.
They take care of all showings
They take security seriously
They're prepared to negotiate
They help you avoid legal trouble.
They're with you to the end – and beyond
They follow a strict Code of Ethics
To see complete article please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-blog.aspx
