Home Buying Holidays

That’s where home-buying holidays come in. Planning the perfect home-buying holiday is an art: it’s not just a matter of searching for cheap flights to Tenerife or wherever that dream home is, a hotel, and then kicking back with your feet up. It’s about making sure that you’re fitting in as much home viewing time as possible into as short a time as possible.

Before leaving make sure that you know the areas that you want to buy in, and that you’ve checked local property sites to find out what is available. Although finding and viewing a house in the UK is relatively simple (if you see a house you like that’s for sale you can phone the property agent and book a viewing almost immediately) it’s not quite the same on
mainland Europe.

Europeans have quite a laid back attitude to life, and it may take a while for them to respond to your calls. Make sure that before you leave you have a shortlist of properties you want to view, and that you have booked in appointments to view them already. It will also set your mind at rest to speak to the property agents before you leave, as you’ll have an understanding about how good their English is (or isn’t) and won’t have any nasty surprises on the day.

You can then plan your holiday around where you’re going to be.

Be savvy. If you’re looking at a few properties in one region, try to make sure that your appointments are all in the same day where possible. You can then incorporate this into your holiday and spend as minimal time on the road as possible whilst still seeing a lot of the surrounding area.

Viewing houses can be quite tiring, as can travelling. Be sure to arrive in the country the day before your first viewing appointment so that you have time to relax and get yourself together. If you’re tired, grumpy, and jet-lagged you won’t be able to give the house the full attention it deserves and might miss out on your dream home. Take some refreshments and snacks with you on long viewing days, as thirst and hunger can distract you as much as being tired can.

If you’re looking at property in the countryside ensure that you’re wearing sensible clothes for walking through fields. Don’t wear your finest glad rags, either; if you’re looking at derelict houses you may end up crawling through dusty attic and cellar spaces.

Home Buying Holiday Tips

Remember to give yourself some days off during the holiday. If you have a lot of appointments each day it’s easy to become jaded, and you will probably return home a lot more tired and no further towards choosing a property than when you left. It will also give you
time to get to know the area that you’re buying in.

The Art of the Home-Buying Holiday is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Low Upfront Payment

The price to get your foot in the door can be as little as one-percent. For many people, especially first time buyers, this is a great way to get their first home. Just imagine being able to move into your first place for as little as $1,000 for a $100,000 home.

Ability to Build Credit Before Purchase

Another reason to consider a lease to buy home is your credit. If your credit isn’t as perfect as the bank would like for it to be, or you’ve only been employed a couple years, this option will give you the chance to build your credit. It’s important to note that paying your lease will not build your credit. This will have to be done through credit cards and loans.

Try Before You Buy

It’s not uncommon for people to move into a home and find out there’s something they can’t stand. It might be noisy neighbors, a train that runs at 3AM or a number of other nuisances. With the lease to buy option, you’ll have at least a couple years to decide if this home is where you want to stay.

A Great Option for Renters

If you’re not exactly ready to fork over such a large amount of cash for a new home, the lease to buy option is perfect. Why should you continue to pay someone else’s bills when you could be living in your own home for the same price? Even if you decide not to purchase the home, you’ll probably come out better than if you had rented.

Builds Equity in the Home

The money you pay on the lease is put towards the equity in the home. This means when it comes time to purchase the home, you may not have to worry about obtaining a down payment because the 20% has already been paid on the purchase price. This is a wonderful and affordable way to obtain your first home.

As you can see, a lease to buy home is a great option. Not only does it allow those with poor credit to buy their first home, but you get to try the home out before you purchase it. Best of all, this option builds equity in the home, which means you may not have to pay a down payment when it comes time to purchase it.

About the Author: Stefan Pistole loves watching for real estate deals in his area. He also enjoys using groups like Tenant Hunter to help find occupants for his investment properties and highly recommends the use of any sort of rental management agency.

5 Reasons to Consider Lease to Buy Options is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Get an Inspection

You’ve probably heard this time and time again, but you need to get a home inspection. Yes, it will cost around $500, but it can save you thousands of dollars down the road. It doesn’t matter if the home is brand new, it still needs an inspection. Once an inspection is done, you can then determine what can be fixed on your own, what you should ask the seller to fix or if you should walk away completely.

Look at Other Neighborhoods

There’s a good chance that you know exactly which neighborhood you want to live in, but a few miles can save you thousands of dollars. Instead of shooting for that sweet spot, check neighborhoods in the surrounding areas. Not only will you save money, but you may be able to buy a bigger house.

Consider Fix-Me-Ups

There are a number of homes that have good bones, but aren’t the prettiest to look at. While you may shy away from these homes, those cosmetic blemishes can reduce the price of a home significantly. Not only that, but this gives you the chance to remodel the home exactly the way you want. You’ll be able to have a showroom home for a fraction of the cost.

View Foreclosures and Short Sales

A great way to save thousands of dollars off the asking price is to look at foreclosures and short sale properties. Both offer a great way to get an expensive home for a fraction of the cost. There are a few catches though. For example, with foreclosure properties, you have to take the home as is. The bank is not going to pay for repairs. Another fact to keep in mind is that it might take months to even get a counteroffer from the bank on a foreclosure or short sale.

Opt for a Fixed Rate Mortgage

There was a time when people suggested getting a variable rate mortgage. However, we are currently in a buyer’s market and interest rates are lower than they’ve ever been. That’s why it pays to go with a fixed rate mortgage. When the housing market bounces back, you won’t be left scrambling to make your payments.

Buying your first home should be an enjoyable experience. However it does take a bit of work and sacrifice to save money. You may need to buy a home outside of your desired neighborhood and a home that isn’t cosmetically perfect. You should also get an inspection, consider foreclosures or short sale properties and opt for a fixed rate mortgage. All of these tips will save you thousands on your first home.

About the Author: Blair Shinsel is a writer and real estate expert who enjoys helping first time home buyers find the perfect property without breaking the bank. He also enjoys writing about personal finance, Money Mutual accounts, and investments.

5 Money Saving Tips for First Time Home Buyers is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Empty space. If you find that half of the space in your home is free space, then it may be time to downsize. This is a common issue for empty-nesters, who send their kids off to college and end up with cobwebs In the spare bedrooms. Another important thing to consider when it comes to having so much free space is how you feel about having company. Generally speaking, if you have the space, people will flock to your space . . . and they may stay a while. Are you comfortable with that?

Undesirable neighbors. If your next door neighbors just started a garage band – the kind that practices until three in the morning – or if they have loud pets, rowdy kids, or roaming plants, then selling your home and moving to a new neighborhood may be your best option.

Unmanageable mortgage payments. These days, money is tight for many people. There is an economic recession and corporate layoffs are commonplace. If you are having a hard time maintaining timely monthly mortgage payments, and the financial stress is beginning to take over your life, then it may be in your best interest to relinquish larger payments in order to downsize into something more manageable.

Repair needs. Perhaps your plumbing seems to be coming apart at the seems – one pipe at a time – or maybe the home is just old and high-maintenance . . . and you can’t afford, or don’t want to afford, the maintenance. When a home requires a lot of upkeep, both time and money-wise, then you can really free yourself up by selling that home.

Homeowner’s association rules. If you’re tired of the rules and regulations of your homeowner’s association, then you may need to sell your house and move out of that neighborhood. After all, you may want to paint your home a bright, new shade, or change from a shingle roof to a tile roof some day . . . and your homeowner’s association is going to have something to say about it.

If any of these circumstances apply to you, then it may be time to consider selling your home. Selling your home can be a freeing experience, and can be the start of something new. Assess your need for this kind of new beginning by taking these indicators into account.

About the Author: Mervin Armen specializes in real estate and personal finance. He also enjoys writing about retirement planning and the proper setup of Roth IRA accounts.

5 Signs it is Time to Consider Selling Your Home is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Keeping up appearances

Your buyers will begin to form opinions on the property as soon as they see it. This means that you will have to take care of all of the aspects of your home including the outside. Make sure that you have cleared the garden of any rubbish and it might be an idea to make sure the entrance or driveway (if you have one) is clear. You should check that the guttering is clear of leaves and that the paintwork is in good condition. It is the little things that buyers will notice.

Clean and tidy

This is an easy thing to rectify and will make a huge difference to the people looking around your home. Make sure the house is clean (particularly kitchens and bathrooms) and also make sure it is tidy. De-clutter your home and allow the potential buyers to imagine their possessions in the house. If they cannot easily move around the house then it will feel a lot smaller than it actually is. In addition, remember to put out rubbish to avoid any nasty odours circulating the house.

Well maintained

You might be able to do this yourself or ask a friend, but having a well maintained home is vital when trying to sell it. It may involve a bit of extra work, but it will be worth fixing that broken light switch or bathroom lock. Lots of buyers might not be afraid of doing their own decoration, but it may put them off to know that the house is in a state of disrepair. As well as this, the better the condition of your home, the more money you might sell your house for. Your house is an investment so it’s best to make the most of it.

Never work with animals or children

Your household may be full of animals and children, but it might be best to try and empty your house a bit when people come to view it. This will make your house feel less cluttered and will help to avoid mess being made after you have tidied up. The absence of pets will also help to stop any pet smells and your family dog welcoming the buyers with muddy paws and fur all over their clothes. This will take some organisation, but it will be worth it when you make your sale.

Create a feeling that your home could belong to anybody

Your home will probably be full of all the possessions that you have collected over the years; however you might want to think about moving some out for viewings. If you have any bulky furniture or a huge collection of books then moving it out may help to your buyers to imagine it being their home.

Calm down any crazy décor

Your taste may be bright and colourful, but your buyer’s taste might not be. It is always a good idea to paint really crazy walls back to magnolia; this will provide your buyer with a blank canvas for them to experiment with. At least then if they want to redecorate they will have a neutral colour to start with.

John Hunter is a stickler for prudent personal finances and blogs regularly at FinanceNet on topics as far ranging as accident claims processes and buying shares online.

Top Tips for Making Money on your House Sale is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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One of the first things that is necessary when buying or selling a house is to find a realtor. The realtor needs to be your guide through the process. His or her training and experience will benefit you greatly in the long run. Finding the right one can be challenging.

1.  Licensed
The best realtor is licensed. He or she has taken special courses to obtain their license. In these special courses, the realtor learns many things about the law and the whole process of buying or selling a house. It really is best to work with a realtor and not someone who is just doing it on the side.

2.  Look at Realty Signs
Drive around the neighborhood and look to see which realtor has sold houses. While any company may have numerous for sale signs up, you want the one that has sold on the sign. This means the realtor is actively pursuing sales. He or she will be active in working with you, too.

3.  Ask Friends
One of the best ways to find a realtor is to ask friends who have recently bought or sold property. Asking these people who they worked with may result in both good and bad experiences. You may learn who to consider working with and who to avoid.

4.  Check the Paper
Look at the local newspaper to see who has property for sale. Furthermore, many papers will list property that has sold within the different ads. Again, this is proof that the person is really working at selling property. In addition, look at how the property is advertised. A professional realtor will have great photos of the property.

5.  Check the Internet
Check local sources on the Internet. Similar to the newspaper, the realtor may have listing up that has already sold. Read about their backgrounds. A realtor with an active educational blog or forum is busy looking for new business.

6.  Attend Open Houses
One of the best ways to meet realtors is to attend open houses. Act interested in buying the house and see how you are treated. This will be the same way they will treat customers looking to buy your property.

7.  Call the Title Company
Some title companies will tell you who they like to work with. So a call to them never hurts. Make sure and ask them who they like.

8.  Call Local Real Estate Lawyers
Like the title companies, some will tell who they like to work with. Others will not answer the question. It never hurts to call and ask and see what they say.

9.  Interview
Once you have the choices narrowed down to two or three, arrange to do a personal interview with the ones you have chosen. Just like in other relationships, some relationships work better than others. Find the one that works best for you and your property will sell faster.

Selling a property can be a fun experience when you work with the right realtor. Take your time and see who is available. Then let them be your guide through this exciting time in your life.

This guest post was written by Alexis Johnson, who writes about real estate related topics at www.iowacityrealestate.com.

9 Steps To Finding the Perfect Realtor is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Break Your Attachment

One of the hardest things about staging your home while you’re still living in it is that it’s hard to let go of the past. However, it’s essential that you no longer think of it as your home anymore. It’s where you are staying until you move. Present your home as something marketable, not your personal space.

Find Storage Space

Although the extra expense of a storage unit makes many people cringe, you’re going to need some sort of storage space for non-essential personal belongings in your home that you want to keep, but need to remove. If you can’t afford to rent a storage unit, try to find friends or family members that are willing to let you store things in their basement or garage until you’re ready to move.

Keep Things Light and Airy

The worst image you can show buyers is a disorganized, cluttered home. Your rooms should have as little stuff in them as possible so that they look larger. Remove furniture you don’t need, take down your personal photos on the wall and take out any belongings that you don’t use on a day to day basis. The more you can remove the better. Furthermore, be sure to leave the blinds or curtains open to let in plenty of sunlight during showings.

Organize

Organize your cabinets, closets and even your drawers. When people look at a prospective home, they’re not just judging the home; they’re judging whether or not the previous owner is someone who took care of the place. It can take very little, such as a medicine cabinet full of pills, to discourage potential buyers. Don’t have anything around you don’t want people to see. Many buyers will snoop around when no one is watching.

Spruce Things Up

This is one of the hardest parts of home staging, but you need to keep your house immaculately clean. You may have very little advance notice of when a real estate agent plans on showing your home. It’s also a good idea to make sure that the house looks nice from the outside too. Keep the grass cut, trim overgrown bushes and remove weeds. The buyer forms his or her first impression of the home by what they see outside. It’s also a good idea to take care of every minor repair you can.

The last impression you want to make on prospective buyers is a bad one. Step into their shoes and think of how you approach looking at new home. By applying this logic, you’ll find it very easy to arrange things so that your home has the best possible appeal.

About the Author: Tony Smith is a full-time writer and blogger with a passion for business and real estate. He also enjoys writing about medical billing and coding, health, and fitness.

How to Stage a Home for Sale is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Building Inspections

One method of ensuring that your new home will stand the test of time is to conduct building inspections prior to purchasing the property. With so many variables to purchasing a new home, without establishing a reliable home inspection, you could end up with a building that is nothing but a can of worms when it comes to repairs that need to be completed, whether it is to the structural integrity or the internal functions.

Building inspections are intended to reveal incidents of possible deterioration that could take place in the immediate future and even some possible problems that may transpire a little later down the road. An inspection to your intended new home varies from what point it starts but needless to say it all depends on the inspector themselves. On the other hand, choosing the right individual to complete such building inspections is also an important decision, after all the wrong person could simply take your money and not reveal anything to you.

Without conducting building inspections before purchasing you new home, repairs to many important working functions could end up causing your home to be a money pit, when in fact it could have been addressed before closing the deal. A leaky roof may not show up until the next rain storm but if that takes place a few months after you have moved in to your new home it will certainly be too late to have the seller conduct the repairs.

The first time your electrical fuses start tripping off you will understand why building inspections are so important, however, it will be too late by then. The only possible blessing would be if the house does not catch on fire, providing it did not. Alignment and spaces in doors and windows could also present a problem, whether it is letting the heat escape or increasing you electricity bill.

For long term peace of mind, building inspections should always be done prior to purchasing your new property. The last thing any new home owner wants to deal with is a leaky faucet in one of the bathrooms, a toilet that just won’t stop running or a flood in the basement, all these issues can be detected before completing the sale and having to take the money out of your own pocket.

Building Inspections Reference

BSP construction Consultants offer customised building inspections that report on what you want to know. All building reports are done in accordance with the current Australian Building Codes and Standards, and are carried out by a Registered Builder or Structural Engineer.

The Critical Importance of Pre-Purchase Building Inspections is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Location
Location is the first and foremost concern of buying any property, and is especially true if you plan to sell it for a quick return on your investment. The real estate NJ market is a great deal different than the real estate market in rural TX. Pay attention to how the market is moving in the area where you are considering purchasing. Even an updated, professionally styled home is susceptible to the slow economy. A desired location is vital to have on your side to override the effects of the sluggish real estate market.

Main Systems of the Home
This will require a home inspection, which would be an out-of-pocket expense for you, but for a couple hundred dollars you will gain peace of mind and know what types of issues the home may have. The inspector will be able to tell if the electrical or plumbing was installed according to code and if they need an update. These systems should be your greatest concern because they will require the greatest amount of money to replace or update. It will give you an idea of what budget to allot or to abandon the project all together. An inspector will also include information about the foundation, possible termites, and other safety issues in his/her report. If the house needs significant structural improvements, many real estate experts recommend avoiding it altogether.

Do the Math
After an inspection you will be able to start adding up the costs to renovate the property based on the condition of the house. Be tough with this estimate, which should include materials and labor — yours and other people’s. Next, subtract that from the home’s likely market value after renovation, drawn from comparable real estate prices in the neighborhood. Then deduct at least another 5 to 10 percent for extras you decide to add, unforeseen problems and mishaps that have to be dealt with, and inflation. What’s left should be your offer.

Author Bio: My Name is Lance Williams and I am what some might call H.A.D.D. (Hobby Attention Deficit Disorder) I love everything from rock climbing and snowboarding to building websites and reading books.

3 tips in buying a fixer upper property is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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Enlist the help of an Agent

A local agent will know where the most popular spots are and how many students to expect in a particular type of unit. They will also have all the up-to-date information about the local zoning laws pertaining to the property and the parking allowances made for your tenants. Seek the agent’s advice pertaining to the type of unit to buy and the return on your investment that it will provide.

Hire a Management Team

Once you have invested in a property, you want to maintain its value and attract students to keep your units full. A successful management team will help you reach your goals–this is vital if you plan to purchase a large unit with many apartments. They will manage the students who come and go, their rent each month and quality cleaning checks.

Contract

Be sure to have clear guidelines about the details in your rental contract. You will see many college students come and go and you want to be clear about how you will handle any kind of problem. If someone is late on their rent, what will you do? If they damage the property in any way, how much of their security deposit will you take? There are many examples of rental contracts on the Internet to help you get started.

College Guidelines & Help

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You should check with the college or university that you plan to purchase your housing. Often it only applies to private universities or colleges, but often they have guidelines about where their students can live and how far away from the campus they should be. It will also help to talk to someone on campus from the student housing department that could give you ideas about where the students like to live.

Locale

If you are not partial to an area, research student housing scenes to find the best economical value for your investment. Places in the West, like Orem student housing will be traditionally less expensive than other, more populated areas. Of course this also means that you will not be able to charge as much rent, but the risk will be smaller which may make you rest easier at night.

5 Tips When Investing in College Housing is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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