REAL ESTATE UPDATE
November/December
2004
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A service from
Freddie Brown, GRI, Broker
RE/MAX Properties East
Office: 502-425-6000 x 220
Cell: 502-419-8080 Toll Free: 800-444-1946
www.move2louisville.com
Email: FreddieBrown@4256000.com
Getting
to Know the Lending Process
When the closing on your home arrives,
it should be an exciting occasion. But it's no fun being surprised at costs
or being frustrated during the lending process. To help, here's a simple explanation
of some fees and procedures. Credit Reports - your lender is required
by law to pull a credit report on any applicant, and will pass the price onto
you. The cost is usually around $25. Appraisal Fee - an appraisal must
be performed on your home to determine its value. Usually, the appraisal fee
is billed to the lender and passed onto you. Closing Costs - some of
these final numbers may not be available until the last minute. Your lender
will give you a "Good Faith" Estimate of how much you'll need. Other
Costs - other fees associated with your loan may be negotiable with your
lender, but fees like Prepaid Interest, Insurance and Property Tax Escrows should
be paid by you. All in all, huying a home is a great experience, especially
if you put the numbers into perspective.
Is Home Equity Debt a Good
Idea?
While home buyers differ in their
tastes, they all agree on certain problems that drive away potential sales.
Here are a few tips to keep your sale on track. 1. Make sure your home is free
of odors. A clean, fresh-smelling atmosphere is what you want to present to
your potential buyers. 2. Dirty Rooms and Bathrooms are a problem for home buyers.
Make your bathrooms shine, even if that means painting or new accessories. 3.
Pets and Bugs are never a good idea to keep around! Some people are afraid of
dogs or cats, and a quick turn-off for many buyers is seeing bugs in a home.
4. Dimly Lit Rooms are usually a turn-off for buyers, so try to keep your home
well lit. Having busy wallpaper can also bother those who want to see the home
for what it is. Using this advice, as well as a good Real Estate Professional,
will help increase buyer-traffic to get your home sold.
What to Know Before You Buy a Home Warranty
Are you looking into purchasing a home warranty on your current or new property? Before buying, make sure you take time to get some valuable information on your warranty coverage. First, find out what the warranty actually covers and for how long. After finding out what you are covered for, find out what the price of that coverage is. Since some items require extra coverage in addition to your standard package, be sure to compare policies so you can get the best deal on your warranty.In a home sale situation, a good warranty can help both the home buyer and seller. Providing a warranty can make the home more attractive to potential buyers, by offering some security and peace of mind. The price of a warranty can be minimal, and the policy can be paid for at closing, so the seller and the buyer will both benefit from a good home warranty plan.
Thanksgiving Planning: Cut Stress By Using the Net
Thanksgiving
is a time for the family to come together and celebrate their blessings. What
a great time to decorate the house for fall festivities and share a wonderful
meal with the family. Of course, you
may be thinking, "When am I going to have the time to plan all that?"
Well, in just minutes you can have your menu planned, decorations taken care
of, and fun activities ready by logging onto the internet!
Download quick & easy recipes, ship needed items so you don't have to go
get them, even find great crafts, activities, and decorations! With just a bit
of time spent online, your Thanksgiving Day festivities will be planned, then
you can he relaxed. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nothing herein is intended as advice on
legal tax matters. This publication is not intended as a listing solicitation
for property currently listed with another broker.