Real Estate

Why Buying Is Better Than Renting!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 15, 2014 in Real Estate | 0 comments

A debate that needs to be settled here and now is the one on whether buying a home is truly better than renting one. Not only has owning a home long been a huge part of the American dream it is also far less expensive in long term than renting.

1. ) Prices Are Rising: The median sales price for exiting single family home increased from 2012 to 2013 by over 11% the highest year to year increase since 2005. Our experts expect prices to keep rising steadily for the next several years making buying a home now a truly great investment compared to renting.
2. ) Buying Is Cheaper Than Renting: According to the experts out there owning a home is currently around forty percent cheaper than renting. Even though rising mortgage rates and home price increases have narrowed the gap between them buying is still currently a great deal cheaper than renting one nationally.
3. ) Mortgage Rates And Home Prices Are Increasing: As we said earlier mortgage rates are starting to increase and home prices are continuing to rise. Making now the best time for you to stop renting and buy a home. Not only is buying better than renting but according to the experts buying now is better than waiting.
4. ) You Can Build Up Equity: When you rent a home with each rent payment you make you are just helping your landlord build his or her own equity. But when you own home with each mortgage payment you make you are helping to build your own equity, which is an investment you just can’t pass up.
5. ) You Are The King Of Your Castle: When you rent a home there is always someone you must ask before you go making any major changes which can be a huge hassle when it comes to getting your home the way you want it. But when you own a home you can shape it and mold it to your desires.
6. ) You Enjoy Many Tax Advantages: By renting you afford yourself little to no tax advantages. However, with buying and owning a home many expenses such as interest and other things are tax deductible. Affording you with numerous tax advantages that really make homeownership extremely desirable.

These are great reasons for any potential homebuyer why buying is better than renting not just the potential buyers of the highly sought after real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially.

Real Estate Definition Guide!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 14, 2014 in Real Estate | 0 comments

Our Admirals Cove experts have found that many people out there don’t exactly understand a lot of the commonly used real estate terms . So here is a list of definitions for some commonly used terms often misunderstood with people new to the real estate world.

• Pre-Qualification: Pre-qualification is given to buyers from a lender as a rough estimate of what they might be able to afford. It really says nothing to sellers about your ability to gain financing it just says the bank thinks you can.
• Pre-Approval: Pre-approval is given to buyers only after a lender has done some significant research into their financial history and agrees to loan them a certain amount. This carries a great deal more weight then pre-qualification.
• Down Payment: A down payment is the share of a home’s purchase price that a homebuyer pays upfront. The typical down payment for purchasing a home is currently roughly twenty percent or more.
• Price Appreciation: Price appreciation refers to the amount a home is likely to increase in value each year. However, price appreciation in unpredictable and can tend to be very volatile.
• Buyer Closing Costs: The closing costs associated with buying a home include things like mortgage points, title insurance, loan origination fees, escrow deposit, credit report running fees, appraisal fees, etc.
• Seller Closing Costs: The closing costs associated with selling a home include things like paying the real estate agents’ commissions, transfer taxes, title insurance fees, etc.
• Home Inspection: A home inspection is a complete examination of the current condition of a property. Done by an experienced and certified professional inspector. Your inspector will prepare and deliver you a comprehensive report on their findings.
• Home Appraisal: A home appraisal is the processes of evaluating the value of a property. Unlike a home inspection this is designed to determine fair market value not the condition of a home.
• Commission: A commission is the money realtors make for the work they do either selling your home or helping you purchase one. This is typically a percentage of the homes selling price split between both agents.
• Mortgage Term: The term of your mortgage is the length of your mortgage, meaning the amount of years until your mortgage will be paid off. Typically you will find mortgages with 15 year and 30 year terms.
• Interest Rate: An interest rate is the rate a mortgage borrower will pay interest to a lender for the right to use their money. It is a percentage of the loans principal generally paid a certain amount of times per year.
• Property Tax: A property tax is the levy on a property that a homeowner pays to the area’s governing authority. This can be levied either by the national government, state, county, or municipality.

Hiring The Perfect Realtor To Sell Your Home!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 10, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | 0 comments

Selling your home is one of the largest and most important transactions that you will ever make in your lifetime. Due to the enormity of this experience it is critical that you hire the perfect realtor to help guide you through it. So our experts have developed some great advice on finding the perfect agent to sell your home.

Finding Potential Agents:

• Ask For Recommendations: A great way to find the perfect real estate agent is to ask your family and friends for recommendations. If one of them has had success recently with a particular agent they are good choice to put in your pot of potential realtors to hire. However, remember just because your friend or family member had success with them doesn’t mean you will so be sure to check them out further before you go hiring them.
• Research Realtors Online: Another great way to find potential realtors is to go and do some research online. Go online and look up local area real estate agents for selling homes comparable to yours. There is also some very effective agent finding tools out there on the Internet like Trulia’s “Find a Real Estate Professional” that you might find useful in locating and contacting trustworthy potential real estate agents.

Tips On Choosing The Right One For You:

1. Check Out Their Online Presence: Experts say that the majority of homebuyers today start their home search online. Plus a good online presence will increase the reach of your home to potential buyers. That is why you need to check out your potential agent’s online presence to ensure it fits your needs and wants.
2. Check Out Their Current Listings: It is important for you to ask your potential agents for data on their current listings. This data can deliver you a lot of information on how many clients they currently have, how long their listings have been on the market, and so much more that can help you make a decision.
3. Contact Their Recent Clients: One of the best ways to get the down and dirty on each of your potential agents is to contact one or two of their recent clients. This might seem like a hassle but these people can really provide you with information on your potential agents that you truly just can’t get anywhere else.
4. Interview Them In Person: it is imperative that you have a sit down with each and every one of your potential agents in person and not just over the phone. This will really help you get a better understanding of who they are and how they operate. Remember this person is going to be representing you and your home to potential buyers.

This is great advice for any home seller looking to hire a realtor not just the home sellers of the beautiful real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Top Ten Home Buying Tips!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 9, 2014 in Real Estate | 0 comments

• Get Pre-Approved: When buying a home these days unless you plan on using cash it is imperative that you get pre-approved for your home loan as soon as possible. Most sellers’ agents won’t even talk to you unless you have a pre-approval letter.
• Do Your Homework: The success of your home buying experience will be determined on how prepared you are for it. It is important that you take the time to do your homework on everything from whom you hire as an agent to what the current market trends are.
• Know What You Want: The only way to start off a successful home buying experience is to know exactly what you want in a home. Knowing exactly what you want will help your realtor filter through all those potential possibilities out there to find the right home to fit you perfectly.
• Utilize Professional Help: It is imperative that you utilize professional help when buying a home. The knowledge and expertise of a realtor will prove to be invaluable through out your entire home buying experience. Interview a few potential agents and be sure the one you choose fits you and your situation best.
• Get Legal About It: A great home buying tool that is often neglected by homebuyers is the use of a real estate attorney. The security and safety that comes with a real estate attorney makes the home buying process run much more smoothly and stress free.
• Don’t Get Emotional: It can be very easy to allow yourself to get caught up in the excitement of the home buying experience allowing your emotions to take control. But it is crucial that you stay calm and in control keeping emotions out of the home buying experience.
• Keep An Open Mind: Even though you need to know exactly what you want you also need to keep an open mind. An open mind is critical when purchasing a home so be open to any ideas and suggestions from your real estate agent, because you never know what you will fall in love with.
• Be Prepared To Compromise: Compromising is huge in home buying and is needed in everything from the features and amenities of your home to the way you tailor your offer to the seller. For you to have a successful home purchase it is very important that you are prepared to compromise.
• Always Get An Inspection: It is vital that you never buy a home without getting an inspection first. You may think you can do it yourself but no matter how experienced a homebuyer you are, your eyes are just not as good as a trained home inspector who has the professional eyes needed for the job.
• Buy Homeowners Insurance: Another home buying tool that is underused by way too many people is homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance covers you the homeowner on a wide variety of things that might happen

These are great home buying tips for any home buyer not just the buyers of the beautiful homes in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Top Ten Home Selling Tips!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 8, 2014 in Real Estate | 0 comments

• Know The Market: Being an informed home seller is extremely important for a successful home sale. So before you go listing your home for sale it is important that you take the time to get a good understanding of the current market. If the market meets your home selling requirements then continue with your sale.
• Boost Your Curb Appeal: Your curb appeal will help determine the first impression that potential buyers develop about your home. Poor curb appeal can even turn off potential buyers are stop a home from selling all together. So it is important that you boost your curb appeal as much as possible.
• Make Necessary Repairs: It is critical that you make any and all of the repairs your real estate agent has pointed out and says are necessary for a successful home sale. You may be thinking the buyer won’t see that or look there but believe me if they don’t their inspector will.
• Stage Your Home To Sell: Staging is a great tool that you should consider using when selling your home because it will boost its appeal and desirability to potential buyers. But remember staging isn’t just for the inside of your home so don’t neglect the exterior when it comes time to stage your home for sale.
• Clean It Until It Sparkles: The cleaner a home the better maintained it feels to potential buyers. So it is important that you clean your home until it sparkles and maintain it until you sell. This can be a big task so consider hiring a professional for a regular cleaning.
• Clear Out All Clutter: You need to clean out and pack away any and all clutter from your home. This might be a good time for you to consider sorting through all of this stuff keeping only the stuff that you really need and throwing away or donating everything else.
• De-Personalize Completely: In order to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible it is crucial that you de-personalize your home as much as you possible can. This includes everything from your family photos and religious items to the color of the paint in the bedrooms.
• Utilize A Professional: It is a proven fact that homes sell quicker and at a higher price when sold using a real estate agent versus for sale by owner. Plus the knowledge and experience of a real estate agent removes a great deal of the stress involved with the home selling experience.
• Price It Right: Setting your asking price right is critical for a successful home sale and the mistake of pricing your home wrong can fail your home selling experience from the start. Buyers are more knowledgeable than ever before and in order to be competitive you need to price your home right from the start.
• Leave Something Behind: A great way to set your home apart from the others and really infuse it in the memory of your potential buyers is to leave something really great behind to come with the house. Like if your home is in a golf community maybe you leave a golf cart behind for your buyer.

These are great home selling tips for any home seller not just the sellers of the fabulous real in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Paying Your Mortgage Off Faster!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 4, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | 0 comments

Many people say it is a matter of personal finance but paying your mortgage off faster is just plan good old common sense. Plus owning your home outright might be the best feeling you can ever really have. So we have developed a list of what our experts say are the top five ways to pay off your mortgage faster.

1.)   Refinance Your Mortgage: Refinancing your mortgage is probably the most effective way to pay down your mortgage faster. There are multiple ways that you can refinance your mortgage from shortening the length of the loan to lowering the interest rate on the loan. Just be sure to check with a mortgage professional to find the refinancing method that fits your situation best.

2.)   Make Bi-Weekly Payments: Switching from monthly payments to bi-weekly payments can be a great way to help you pay your mortgage off faster without adding too much stress to your life. When you make monthly payments you make 12 payments a year and with a bi-weekly system because there are 52 weeks in year you end up making 13 payments a year. Which experts say can cut off about six years from a thirty-year mortgage.

3.)   Just Pay More Each Month: Paying more than required each month is a great way to pay your mortgage down faster. Just impose some self discipline and each month add a set amount over your normal payment that you can comfortably afford. Adding even just a little amount each month to your principle will prove to be very beneficial and help pay your mortgage off faster.

4.)   Double Your Monthly Payment Every Few Months: Another great way that you can pay off your mortgage faster is to double up your monthly payment every few months. By doubling up your monthly payment every three or four months you can really help pay down your mortgage faster than you might expect.

5.)   Make A Substantial Payment Once A Year: One of the best ways you can pay down your mortgage faster is by making an extra substantial payment every once in awhile. Say you get a yearly bonus, an inheritance, a large tax refund, maybe some of your bonds or CDs mature, etc. Any of these things afford you the ability to make a substantial payment to help pay down your loan faster.

These are great ways for any homeowner to pay off their mortgage faster not just the homeowners of the beautiful real in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Don’t Interfere With Your Home Selling!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 3, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | 0 comments

Selling a home is typically one of the largest and most important experiences a person goes through and getting it sold is hard enough without you interfering with it. We don’t want you to be the person who makes the mistake of interfering with their home selling, so here is a list of the top ways home sellers get in the way with their home selling.

1.)   Selling Before You Are Ready: The thought of selling your home can be very exciting and even thrilling but trying to sell before you are completely ready to sell can be very dangerous. Before you jump the gun and try selling your home before you are truly ready, consider sitting down and really thinking everything through one more time maybe even doing it with your family and friends.

2.)   Neglecting To Make Repairs: Neglecting to make any necessary repairs that your realtor or home inspector has told you need to be made is a huge mistake that could interfere with your home selling. It is understandable that you want to spend as little money and effort on a home you will no longer live in but it is extremely important that you listen to the professionals and make any necessary repairs.

3.)   Hiring The Wrong Real Estate Agent: The knowledge and experience of your real estate agent will be needed throughout the home selling process and hiring the wrong agent is a critical mistake sure to interfere with your home sale. Your real estate agent is directly related to the success or failure of your home sale so be sure to do your homework and find the right agent for you and your situation.

4.)   Failing To Maintain A Clean Home: The cleaner a home is the more desirable it is to potential buyers and a dirty home can greatly interfere with the sale of your home. Be sure you give your home a thorough cleaning until it sparkles and then maintain it until you close on your home. There is a good chance you may not even notice some of the issues so consider hiring a professional to help out.

5.)   Setting Your Asking Price Incorrectly: Setting your price incorrectly whether it be too high or too low is very dangerous. Maybe you think that by pricing it high you will find that special buyer who will pay it or that by pricing it low you can cause a bidding war. Either way setting your asking price incorrectly is very dangerous and you are better off setting your asking price correctly from the start.

This is great home selling advice for any home seller not just the home sellers of the beautiful real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Top Five Home Improvements For Return On Investment!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Sep 2, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | 0 comments

As we are seeing the housing market continue to improve we are also seeing a turnaround in remodeling and home improvement projects. As a homeowner you understand the importance of every cent you put into your home. That is why we have developed a list of the top five home improvement projects when it comes to the return on your investment.

1.)   Upgrade Your Kitchen: Upgrading a kitchen is always a great idea and this type of home improvement requires special attention. The kitchen is the hub of home and upgrading it will pay off for sure when done correctly. The kitchen is the first place in your home where you should start investing your money because an upgraded kitchen tends to be the first thing potential buyers look for.

2.)   Add Or Upgrade A Bath: Typically, adding or upgrading a bath will pay off nicely when you go to sell your home as long as its done right. Aspects and elements that experts say are the most popular in a new or upgraded bath include abundant storage, natural light, and ceramic tile. However, be sure to consult an expert before you proceed with this type of home improvement.

3.)   A Fresh Paint Job: Very few home improvements can transform a home and deliver so much appeal as a fresh new paint job. This is true for both the interior and exterior of the home. However, just be sure to utilize a unified color scheme with neutral shades in order to create the most appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. A fresh paint job will pay off well when you sell your home.

4.)   Spruce Up The Front Door: Sprucing up the front door of you home is a great home improvement project because it increases its curb appeal. Which will help improve the first impression potential buyers develop about your home. This can be anything from replacing or painting the door itself to trading out old hardware for newer more appealing hardware.

5.)   Fresh Clean Landscaping: Improving your landscaping is always a great home improvement project, and you will find that some fresh clean landscaping will deliver you a nice return on investment when you go to sell your home. Some fresh clean landscaping will improve your curb appeal and in turn increasing your home’s desirability to potential buyers.

These are great home improvements for any home not just the fabulous real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

The Homebuyer’s Home Inspection!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Aug 20, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | 0 comments

Sometimes just the words “home inspection” will send shivers down a homebuyer or seller. However, if you are a homebuyer it is imperative that you consider utilizing this homebuying tool. So if you are looking to buy a home, here are some great answers to many common home inspection questions.

1)    What Is A Home Inspection? – A home inspection is a complete and in-depth examination of the current condition of a home. An inspection will only tell you the condition and potential issues of a home not its value. Your inspection should only be done by a trained and certified professional.

2)    What Does A Home Inspection Include? – A standard home inspection report will include the information on the current condition of the heating system, central air system, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic, foundation, walls, ceilings, basement, structural, and even the windows and doors of your home.

3)    How Much Will An Inspection Cost? – Much like home prices the cost of a home inspection will vary geographically and can also be affected by a variety of other things like the home’s size and age. Plus any other services requested such as well, septic, or radon testing.

4)    How Do I Find The Right Home Inspector? – There are a variety of ways that you can go about finding a home inspector. A good place to start is with a family member, friend, or college that has recently used one and was completely satisfied. Another great choice is to check with your friendly real estate agent.

5)    What If The Inspection Revels Issues? – The first thing you need to understand is that no home is going to be perfect. If issues are found you can use this information to ask the seller to make repairs, lower their price, or if things seem to damaged you can just move on to a new home.

6)    Why Can’t I Do The Inspection My Self? – Even the most seasoned homebuyer out there won’t have the knowledge and experience needed to do get this job done correctly. A professional home inspector deals with this type of job regularly and is familiar with the ins and outs of a home’s constructions, safety, and proper maintenance, which are needed during a home inspection.

7)    Should I Be There For The Inspection? – While there is no requirement for you to be there during any part of the inspection it is recommended that you remain there for the entire process. Not only for safety, you will also be there to observe your home inspector and ask questions at the end before they leave.

This article is full of great home inspection info for any home not just the beautiful homes in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!

Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Tips And Tricks!

Posted by Admirals Cove Homes on Aug 19, 2014 in Home, Real Estate | Comments Off on Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Tips And Tricks!

Your home’s curb appeal is crucial when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Your curb appeal is what develops the first impression your potential buyers will have about your home and you want it to be the best impression it can be. So here is a list of six great pieces of advice sure to help you create some very desirable curb appeal for your home.

1.)   Freshen Up Your Front Door: Your home’s front entry is the focal point when it comes to curb appeal. Freshening up the front door is a great way to make a statement and improve your homes overall appeal. The entry should also reflect the interior so choose a swag or wreath that compliments its interior.

2.)   Swap Out Old Hardware: A quick and easy fix when it comes to curb appeal is to swap out your old hardware. This can also be a fun way for you to add some style and appeal to your home. Consider swapping everything out from the overhead light fixtures to the lockset in your door.

3.)   Give Your Mailbox A Makeover: Your mailbox should compliment the style and feel of your home. If yours doesn’t consider giving it a makeover to improve your curb appeal. Consider planting similar flowers from around your home around your mailbox to really tie them together nicely.

4.)   Incorporate Some Outdoor Art: Incorporating some outdoor art will deliver your yard with some flare and pizzas boosting your homes curb appeal. Be sure you choose a piece that compliments your home best. Great options include birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and water features.

5.)   Give Your Home A Fresh Paint Job: Giving your home an exterior facelift like a fresh new paint job will really boost its curb appeal and desirability. A fresh paint job automatically transforms the look of a home and will increase its appeal to potential buyers.

6.)   Include Some Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting is a great way to accent your home at night and improve its curb appeal. You better believe potential buyers will stop by at night to check your home out and you want your night time curb appeal to be as desirable as it possibly can be too.

These are great tips and tricks to boost the curb appeal of any home not just the beautiful real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!