They say it is a difficult time to buy a house. You'll hear it on the news, and see it in the paper. However, if your credit isn't too bad, now is a great time to buy. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, our market is saturated with properties for sale. This gives buyers the opportunity to pick from several homes and makes it able for them to negotiate the price.
When several homes are on the market, it gives buyers purchasing power. Sellers know that they have to either have an incentive, such as closing cost help, to lure in the buyers. One seller may offer a Home Warranty, while another offers $10,000 closing cost assistance.
If you are out looking at homes to purchase, make sure to use your buying powers.
If a home is well underpriced, don't delay, it won't last long. This is another way sellers are trying to lure buyers to their home.
Look up their tax record, you can easily see what they paid for the house. This will help you decide whether to make a higher or lower offer.
Showing posts with label homes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homes. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Remodeling: A dozen ideas to enhance the value of your home
http://www.dpol.com
Remodeling: A Dozen Ideas to Enhance the Value of Your Home
Unless you’re a stock market genius, your home is probably your biggest asset. Real estate has become a rockier road than it was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about those home improvement projects. Remodeling can be both exciting and profitable if you know which remodels add the most value to your house. Take a look at the following twelve projects which can change the feel of your home while also adding real value:
1. Minor kitchen remodel - Both men and women seem to find a bright and shiny kitchen the most appealing part of the house. The surprising news is that a minor kitchen re-do is a better deal than a complete kitchen make-over. So, if you’re feeling up to it, go ahead and get that new fridge, paint the kitchen walls and change the drawer pulls – you’re going to get the most bang for your buck by updating your kitchen first.2. Bathroom addition - Having an extra bathroom makes a house extremely attractive to larger families. Just imagine - no more fighting over bathroom time on weekday mornings.3. Major kitchen remodel - Now we’re talking about the expensive projects that probably require a professional such as updating cabinets, re-tiling and adding a granite countertop. You might also consider getting new appliances.4. Family room addition - The beauty of adding a family room is the flexibility of eventually using it for whatever best fits your needs: an extra bedroom, an office, a home theater or even a game room. Potential buyers are attracted to concepts that allow them to adjust to their families’ needs.5. Second-story addition - This remodel shares many benefits with a family room addition and even adds the same equity to your home. But, it has one special advantage: it can serve as a mother-in-law suite or a room for a teenager who suddenly needs her own space.6. Attic bedroom - Close in value to the family room and second-story additions, this project is designed exclusively as an extra bedroom but should be less expensive than building a new level or extension to the house. Since the attic already exits, this project becomes more of a redecorating proposition with maybe some attention to heating / cooling needs.7. Master suite - The complete bedroom suite for both married couples and singles is a hallmark of luxury for most Americans. Couples with children particularly love the privacy that comes with having bedroom, bath, walk-in closet and dressing area all connected and separate from the rest of the house.8. Bathroom remodel - An upgraded bathroom with new tile, tub, vanity, toilet and lighting is an extremely attractive item to potential buyers. Who doesn’t love an updated, clean bathroom?9. Siding replacement - While your family might not notice this upgrade on a daily basis, this remodel option is of huge importance when you’re ready to put your house on the market. Buyers usually won't get to the good stuff inside if your “curb appeal” doesn’t grab them.10. Deck addition - A well designed deck not only adds to the beauty of a home, but when properly displayed, also makes your home seem much larger and roomier. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, this would make a great selling point.11. Window replacement - Few things detract from the appearance of a house more than old, shabby windows. Not only do new windows add beauty, they also provide improved insulation and energy savings – an item high on most homeowner and potential buyer lists these days.12. Home office - With many people working from home these days, a home office is a great addition to a home. It’s space that you can use for professional or personal use that is separate from the rest of the house and can be a kids-free zone. It might be an upgrade that requires the least work and expense and also likely recaptures what now might be wasted space.
Are you considering a home remodel project? Keep in mind that any upgrades to your home might change the scope of your homeowners policy. Let NetQuote help you instantly connect with quality, local agents in your area who can help you make sure your policy reflects your current home – and, help save you money!
Remodeling: A Dozen Ideas to Enhance the Value of Your Home
Unless you’re a stock market genius, your home is probably your biggest asset. Real estate has become a rockier road than it was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about those home improvement projects. Remodeling can be both exciting and profitable if you know which remodels add the most value to your house. Take a look at the following twelve projects which can change the feel of your home while also adding real value:
1. Minor kitchen remodel - Both men and women seem to find a bright and shiny kitchen the most appealing part of the house. The surprising news is that a minor kitchen re-do is a better deal than a complete kitchen make-over. So, if you’re feeling up to it, go ahead and get that new fridge, paint the kitchen walls and change the drawer pulls – you’re going to get the most bang for your buck by updating your kitchen first.2. Bathroom addition - Having an extra bathroom makes a house extremely attractive to larger families. Just imagine - no more fighting over bathroom time on weekday mornings.3. Major kitchen remodel - Now we’re talking about the expensive projects that probably require a professional such as updating cabinets, re-tiling and adding a granite countertop. You might also consider getting new appliances.4. Family room addition - The beauty of adding a family room is the flexibility of eventually using it for whatever best fits your needs: an extra bedroom, an office, a home theater or even a game room. Potential buyers are attracted to concepts that allow them to adjust to their families’ needs.5. Second-story addition - This remodel shares many benefits with a family room addition and even adds the same equity to your home. But, it has one special advantage: it can serve as a mother-in-law suite or a room for a teenager who suddenly needs her own space.6. Attic bedroom - Close in value to the family room and second-story additions, this project is designed exclusively as an extra bedroom but should be less expensive than building a new level or extension to the house. Since the attic already exits, this project becomes more of a redecorating proposition with maybe some attention to heating / cooling needs.7. Master suite - The complete bedroom suite for both married couples and singles is a hallmark of luxury for most Americans. Couples with children particularly love the privacy that comes with having bedroom, bath, walk-in closet and dressing area all connected and separate from the rest of the house.8. Bathroom remodel - An upgraded bathroom with new tile, tub, vanity, toilet and lighting is an extremely attractive item to potential buyers. Who doesn’t love an updated, clean bathroom?9. Siding replacement - While your family might not notice this upgrade on a daily basis, this remodel option is of huge importance when you’re ready to put your house on the market. Buyers usually won't get to the good stuff inside if your “curb appeal” doesn’t grab them.10. Deck addition - A well designed deck not only adds to the beauty of a home, but when properly displayed, also makes your home seem much larger and roomier. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, this would make a great selling point.11. Window replacement - Few things detract from the appearance of a house more than old, shabby windows. Not only do new windows add beauty, they also provide improved insulation and energy savings – an item high on most homeowner and potential buyer lists these days.12. Home office - With many people working from home these days, a home office is a great addition to a home. It’s space that you can use for professional or personal use that is separate from the rest of the house and can be a kids-free zone. It might be an upgrade that requires the least work and expense and also likely recaptures what now might be wasted space.
Are you considering a home remodel project? Keep in mind that any upgrades to your home might change the scope of your homeowners policy. Let NetQuote help you instantly connect with quality, local agents in your area who can help you make sure your policy reflects your current home – and, help save you money!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Exterior Remodeling tips for boosting home values
http://www.dpol.com
Exterior Remoldeling Tips for Boosting Home Values
As the record-setting heat wave that swept much of the country subsides, Americans are venturing back outdoors to resume end-of-summer remodeling. When you make your to-do list, consider that the best improvements are the ones that add value to your home. The following are a few fix-ups that don’t require an advanced degree in carpentry, but can greatly increase the value of your home:
Look from a different angle - Snap a picture of your house. Use a digital or Polaroid camera to take several different photos of your home from various angles and exposures. It’s always enlightening to examine static images. They allow you look at details that you normally would miss, and should highlight targets for your home improvement planning.
Consider repainting - Nothing enhances the “curb appeal” of a house more than a fresh coat of paint. This project requires more patience than professional skill, so don’t be intimidated. Color selection is the part of home exterior painting that is most critical, so take the time to review the wide array of color samples provided by paint manufacturers. After all, with just the color white there are hundreds of shades. Try not to pick unusual colors for the majority of the house. Instead, look at more neutral, earthy tones such as light grays, browns or greens for most of the walls, and use brighter shades for the trim and accent touches. Warning: colors that look perfect on a sample card may need to be toned down for painting larger areas of your home. Be sure to check on a small area of the house first.
Do a little landscaping - A little landscaping goes a long way in improving your home’s curb appeal. Second to repainting, adding and maintaining new trees and shrubs is the most effective way to improve the beauty of your home. Trees are both attractive and functional providing privacy, shade and a screen to block unwanted views - creating more privacy in your home’s backyard. If you have distracting objects in your yard, such as utility boxes, shield them from sight with planter boxes or bushes.
Restore aging driveways and walkways - Pavers are the most fashionable and attractive of the possible solutions to a home’s worn, cracked or stained pathway, but they are expensive and require more skill than most homeowners possess. The alternative is to clean, repaint, or repave them. Money saving tip for cleaning your home’s driveway stain: stubborn oil or grease stains can be removed with a solution of baking soda and water. Make an absorptive paste, apply it and cover with plastic for 24 hours. Bye-bye stain.
Spruce up doors – Your home’s doors can be beautified, not replaced. Your front and back doors make a lasting impression for visitors, setting the tone for how your home’s interior is judged. Doors can be refinished and accent lighting and planter boxes will do wonderful things for drab home entranceways. If you are considering redoing your household doors, stripping and staining aren’t advisable. Instead, paint the door a traditional color, or coat the existing finish with an opaque stain. Finally, add a brass kick plate or a new, fashionable handle and lock for an extra bit of home elegance.
Maintain, maintain, maintain - Homeowners get excited over new projects and ideas but the general upkeep of a home isn’t fun and often gets neglected. When a house looks dirty, a lawn is overgrown or gutters are left hanging, a once-beautiful home takes on a tarnished appearance. This results in the de-valuing of a home that is likely worth much more. It’s easier to maintain a house on a regular basis than to take on the huge project of doing it all at once.
Exterior Remoldeling Tips for Boosting Home Values
As the record-setting heat wave that swept much of the country subsides, Americans are venturing back outdoors to resume end-of-summer remodeling. When you make your to-do list, consider that the best improvements are the ones that add value to your home. The following are a few fix-ups that don’t require an advanced degree in carpentry, but can greatly increase the value of your home:
Look from a different angle - Snap a picture of your house. Use a digital or Polaroid camera to take several different photos of your home from various angles and exposures. It’s always enlightening to examine static images. They allow you look at details that you normally would miss, and should highlight targets for your home improvement planning.
Consider repainting - Nothing enhances the “curb appeal” of a house more than a fresh coat of paint. This project requires more patience than professional skill, so don’t be intimidated. Color selection is the part of home exterior painting that is most critical, so take the time to review the wide array of color samples provided by paint manufacturers. After all, with just the color white there are hundreds of shades. Try not to pick unusual colors for the majority of the house. Instead, look at more neutral, earthy tones such as light grays, browns or greens for most of the walls, and use brighter shades for the trim and accent touches. Warning: colors that look perfect on a sample card may need to be toned down for painting larger areas of your home. Be sure to check on a small area of the house first.
Do a little landscaping - A little landscaping goes a long way in improving your home’s curb appeal. Second to repainting, adding and maintaining new trees and shrubs is the most effective way to improve the beauty of your home. Trees are both attractive and functional providing privacy, shade and a screen to block unwanted views - creating more privacy in your home’s backyard. If you have distracting objects in your yard, such as utility boxes, shield them from sight with planter boxes or bushes.
Restore aging driveways and walkways - Pavers are the most fashionable and attractive of the possible solutions to a home’s worn, cracked or stained pathway, but they are expensive and require more skill than most homeowners possess. The alternative is to clean, repaint, or repave them. Money saving tip for cleaning your home’s driveway stain: stubborn oil or grease stains can be removed with a solution of baking soda and water. Make an absorptive paste, apply it and cover with plastic for 24 hours. Bye-bye stain.
Spruce up doors – Your home’s doors can be beautified, not replaced. Your front and back doors make a lasting impression for visitors, setting the tone for how your home’s interior is judged. Doors can be refinished and accent lighting and planter boxes will do wonderful things for drab home entranceways. If you are considering redoing your household doors, stripping and staining aren’t advisable. Instead, paint the door a traditional color, or coat the existing finish with an opaque stain. Finally, add a brass kick plate or a new, fashionable handle and lock for an extra bit of home elegance.
Maintain, maintain, maintain - Homeowners get excited over new projects and ideas but the general upkeep of a home isn’t fun and often gets neglected. When a house looks dirty, a lawn is overgrown or gutters are left hanging, a once-beautiful home takes on a tarnished appearance. This results in the de-valuing of a home that is likely worth much more. It’s easier to maintain a house on a regular basis than to take on the huge project of doing it all at once.
This was the fourth week that rates have dropped
http://www.dpol.com
Most interest rates were down again during the week ended August 17 and 18, but the changes were not nearly as aggressive as immediately after the Federal Reserve Board's decision to pause in its long term pattern of quarter-point rate increases.
This was the fourth week in a row that rates have dropped and the long term fixed rate products are down at least 20 basis points over that period. Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist commented "This week's news that July housing starts fell 2.5 percent added conviction to Fed Fund futures traders who are currently pricing contracts to suggest the chances of another rate increase from the central bank this year are about fifty-fifty. As a result, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are down for the fourth straight week and are the lowest they've been since mid-April. Meanwhile, ARM rates have gone down less. All of which could help persuade homeowners with ARMs on the verge of resetting to make the decision to lock into a fixed-rate mortgage now rather than take a chance of a higher rate on the adjustment date."
This was the fourth week in a row that rates have dropped and the long term fixed rate products are down at least 20 basis points over that period.
Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist commented "This week's news that July housing starts fell 2.5 percent added conviction to Fed Fund futures traders who are currently pricing contracts to suggest the chances of another rate increase from the central bank this year are about fifty-fifty."
"As a result, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are down for the fourth straight week and are the lowest they've been since mid-April. Meanwhile, ARM rates have gone down less. All of which could help persuade homeowners with ARMs on the verge of resetting to make the decision to lock into a fixed- rate mortgage now rather than take a chance of a higher rate on the adjustment date."
Most interest rates were down again during the week ended August 17 and 18, but the changes were not nearly as aggressive as immediately after the Federal Reserve Board's decision to pause in its long term pattern of quarter-point rate increases.
This was the fourth week in a row that rates have dropped and the long term fixed rate products are down at least 20 basis points over that period. Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist commented "This week's news that July housing starts fell 2.5 percent added conviction to Fed Fund futures traders who are currently pricing contracts to suggest the chances of another rate increase from the central bank this year are about fifty-fifty. As a result, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are down for the fourth straight week and are the lowest they've been since mid-April. Meanwhile, ARM rates have gone down less. All of which could help persuade homeowners with ARMs on the verge of resetting to make the decision to lock into a fixed-rate mortgage now rather than take a chance of a higher rate on the adjustment date."
This was the fourth week in a row that rates have dropped and the long term fixed rate products are down at least 20 basis points over that period.
Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist commented "This week's news that July housing starts fell 2.5 percent added conviction to Fed Fund futures traders who are currently pricing contracts to suggest the chances of another rate increase from the central bank this year are about fifty-fifty."
"As a result, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are down for the fourth straight week and are the lowest they've been since mid-April. Meanwhile, ARM rates have gone down less. All of which could help persuade homeowners with ARMs on the verge of resetting to make the decision to lock into a fixed- rate mortgage now rather than take a chance of a higher rate on the adjustment date."
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