A Good Way Couples Can Save for a Down Payment on a Home

November 4, 2011 By

Couples Can Save for a Down Payment on a HomeSaving money for a down payment on a home has always been a challenge and a lesson in financial discipline but today it’s, perhaps, more difficult than ever.

That’s partly because the down payment is more substantial than in the past few years when zero down could get you into your dream home.

The Washington Post recently reported on a unique, sign-of-the-times approach to saving for a down payment.

These days engaged couples are scrapping the traditional wedding list and opting for a non-traditional wedding registry that creates an opportunity for wedding guests to help collect cash for a down payment.

The National Association of Realtors reported for 2010 that 27 percent of first-time homebuyers used gift money from relatives and friends to make their down payment. Nearly 60 percent of homebuyers were married couples.

Deposit a Gift, a New York City company, has set up about 6,500 gift registries with 30 percent of them, split evenly, for down-payment funds and home-improvement funds, since it launched in 2009.

It seems no more “white elephant” gifts; people are asking for and getting what they really need–cash for their home.

The down-payment gift registry helps take the awkwardness out of guests simply giving money. Today, couples are uploading photos on blog sites and showing their dream home much like the old days when couples would ask for dinner china or fine stemware.

The down-payment fund touches many people in a very personal way. Some people have already lost their home to foreclosure; still others know the enormous struggle to make ends meet. Getting some financial help to purchase a home is largely a universal need.

A quick search on the Internet can put you in touch with a number of wedding gift registries. You should research them carefully. Many include other helpful options such as connecting you with a directory or wedding vendors and even a rebate for using their select vendors.

Once the money starts rolling in, however, you have to understand how you can use it. The rules for using gift money depend on the type of loan you are getting. So be sure to ask a qualified expert for assistance.

Generally, a down payment will require that at least 5 percent of the money comes from your own savings, not gift money from the registry. There might be some exceptions, so check with the mortgage company.

Some mortgage companies, like SunTrust Mortgage, even have a bridal registry that works just like a down payment registry. In 1996, the Federal Housing Administration encouraged lenders to establish bridal registry accounts to accept money for savings toward a down payment from the couple’s relatives and friends. However, this never really caught on with lenders.

SunTrust Mortgage offers other programs for first-time buyers to help them save for a down payment. The Home Purchase Registry Account allows contributions from relatives and friends who do not have a financial interest in the transaction. Various other rules apply; be sure to go over the details with your agent and lender.

Published: October 28, 2011

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20111028_knot.htm

 

Filed Under: Home Sales Tagged With: , ,

Real Estate Outlook: Changes to HARP

November 4, 2011 By

The National Association of Home Builder’s Bob Nielsen weighed in on the recent announcement by the FHA to make some new changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). He said that “making more borrowers eligible for refinancing their mortgages by enhancing the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) will give a badly needed boost to consumer confidence. Enabling additional home owners to take advantage of today’s low mortgage interest rates in cases where their loans are greater than the value of their homes will give some households more money to spend on other things and enable others to at least pay their mortgages off at a faster rate.”

According to the Chicago Sun Times, “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped approximately 9 million families refinance into a lower cost or more sustainable mortgage product, approximately 10 percent of those via HARP.” An estimated 1,000,000 additional homeowners may be helped by these new changes.

Some pundits have argued that the timing of these changes are simply a political strategy by the Obama administration, citing that just because a bank can refinance doesn’t mean they will be willing to take on a homeowners who might be as much as much as 150 percent upside down in their homes. Simply removing the current loan-to-value ceiling (125%) may not have much affect, they say.

Bob Nielsen, chairman of the NAHB, knows that many families have a hard road ahead because of current lending burdens. “It is essential to address overly restrictive mortgage lending standards, inappropriate credit limitations on home builders and a broken appraisal system that is contributing to housing price instability,” he says. “All of these factors are detrimental to the full-scale housing recovery we need to rally consumers and get a disappointing economic recovery moving forward.”

The road is even harder for families delinquent on payments, since these new HARP changes apply to borrowers still current on payments.

RealtyTrac reports that while the current delinquency rate is down 34 percent from the third quarter of 2010, it may ramp back up soon. Filings rose 1 percent over last quarter and now account for one in every 213 housing units.

“U.S. foreclosure activity has been mired down since October of last year, when the robo-signing controversy sparked a flurry of investigations into lender foreclosure procedures and paperwork,” said James Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. “While foreclosure activity in September and the third quarter continued to register well below levels from a year ago, there is evidence that this temporary downward trend is about to change direction, with foreclosure activity slowly beginning to ramp back up.”

The new homes market has finally seen some good news. The Commerce Department reports that new home sales were up 5.7 percent in September. This news is tempered, however, by the reality that sales of new homes are near historic lows — bad news for builders and the large number of unemployed construction workers. New home sales this year are at a 50-year historic low rate. The previous records were set in 2010 and 2009. Before that low rates were seen in 1982.

According to the NAHB, “While the monthly increase shows some promise ahead for the new home market, the levels remain near record lows as buyers continue to be concerned about their own economic future and as difficulties in credit qualification and appraisals retard those who are in the market. At best, this is a promising prelude to improvement in 2012.”

As we know, housing isn’t just about homeownership. There are millions of Americans today that seek our rental units as their home base. The Census Bureau has recently revealed that a large number of American renters are “severely rent-burdened”. This means that 19.4 million renting households pay more than 30 percent of their total income on rent. And 25 percent pay more than 50 percent of their income on rent.

The areas seeing the greatest burden are California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, and Nevada.

Published: October 31, 2011

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20111031_realestateoutlook.htm

 

Filed Under: Home Sales Tagged With: , , ,

Fixed Mortgage Rates Change Little

November 4, 2011 By

Fixed Mortgage Rates Change LittleMCLEAN, Va., — Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates changing little for the second consecutive week amid mixed consumer confidence and housing data. Fixed mortgage rates remain near their 60-year lows.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.10 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending October 27, 2011, down from last week when it averaged 4.11 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.23 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged 3.38 percent with an average 0.7 point, the same as last week when it averaged 3.38 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.66 percent.

5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.08 percent this week, with an average 0.5 point, up from last week when it also averaged 3.01 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.41 percent.

1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.90 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.94 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.30 percent.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac, reports, “Fixed mortgage rates followed other long-term interest rates and showed little change, on average, from the prior week. The latest monthly housing market indicators were mixed, with consumer confidence soft, house prices largely flat, and new home sales up from very low levels. Consumer confidence fell below the market consensus forecast in October to the lowest reading since March 2009, according to The Conference Board. The FHFA Purchase-Only House Price Index for the U.S. declined 0.1 percent in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, while the S&P/Case-Shiller® 20-city Composite home price index rose 0.2 percent (not seasonally adjusted) between July and August, with one-half of the cities registering a dip in values. Finally, new home sales increased 5.7 percent in September to the strongest pace since April.”

Published: October 28, 2011

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20111028_rates.htm


Filed Under: Home Sales Tagged With: , , ,

Tips For First-time Home Buyers

June 24, 2011 By

First-time Homebuyers Tips - Clients First RealtorsBuying a home can be a long, complicated and frightening process, and it is important to be prepared. Knowledge is power when it comes to negotiating the difficult world of home prices, interest rates and mortgageloans. For a first time home buyer, there are many factors to consider before you buy. The more information you can gather before you start shopping, the better off you will be.

Look Beyond the Price

When it comes to securing a quality mortgage loan, it is important to look beyond the interest rate to the true cost of the loan, both now and in the future. Read the paperwork, including the fine print, carefully, especially if the interest rate is below market rates. Upon closer inspection you may find that the interest rate is guaranteed for only a short period of time, or that it is subject to rise sharply in the future. Your mortgage loan may be the most important contract you will ever sign, and it is essential that you understand your rights and your responsibilities before signing on the dotted line.

In many cases it will make sense to hire a lawyer to review the mortgage paperwork for you. Many communities provide some sort of first time homebuyer program designed to help renters become homeowners, and these organizations may be able to provide the legal advice you need at a price you can afford.

Every Situation is Unique

Every homebuyer will have a different set of circumstances, and it is important for the lender to consider those factors. Some homeowners may plan to move in a year or two, and they may be able to benefit from a variable rate mortgage. Others will plan to remain in their home for decades, and those home buyers may benefit from the stability of a fixed rate mortgage and its predictable and stable monthly payment.

It is also important for those buying a first home to factor in the additional costs of the mortgage when deciding how much they can afford to pay. Things like closing costs and the high price of private mortgage insurance can drive up costs and eat into funds that would otherwise be available for home improvements, furnishings and other essentials. In some cases sellers may be willing to pay some of the closing costs, and some lenders will be able to negotiate those closing costs downward. The key is to ask those questions before the closing date arrives, and to be prepared to search for a better deal if necessary.

First time buyers should also be on the lookout for any hidden fees. These small nuisance fees can add up to hundreds of dollars on closing day, so be sure to scour your paperwork for any such fees. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of any charge be sure to ask for a valid explanation. Again, an experienced real estate attorney can provide valuable insight into which fees are reasonable and which are out of bounds.

And of course first time home buyers should not lose sight of the home itself in the quest for the perfect mortgage. Any defects should be pointed out to the seller well before the closing is to take place. The costs of every needed repair should be carefully negotiated prior to the purchase, and buyers should always follow up to make sure that all requested repairs have been made. A home is a major purchase, and it is important to make sure that everything has been taken care of before moving in.

http://www.realestateabc.com/insights/first-time-home-buyers.htm

 

Filed Under: Home Sales

10 Summer Moving Tips

June 24, 2011 By
Moving Tips from Clients First Realtors
If you’re moving this summer, the busiest season for moving, you know how daunting it can be. But if you create a blueprint for your move, the transition from house to house will go more smoothly.

Here are 10 things you can do to prepare for a seamless transition.

1. Full serve, partial serve or a do-it-yourself move.  Can you do it alone or should you hire a licensed moving company for a full-service or partial-service move?  This is one of the first and often most difficult questions soon-to-be moving households face. The answer depends on your lifestyle, household size, budget and amount of time you have to get everything accomplished. Get written quotes from at least three licensed moving companies so you know you’re getting the best deal based on your specific moving needs.  Moving yourself or doing a partial-service move?  Packing calculators can make it easier to estimate the amount of boxes and packing materials needed.

2. Plan to unpack BEFORE you pack. Take photos of each room in the new home before you arrive with furniture, plants, appliances and family in tow. Write down on a clip board where each item should go in your next home before packing, and carry it with you on moving day. List out the major items that need to be assembled first. As you place each item in its new room, cross it off the list and you will be one step closer to enjoying your new home.

3. Be strategic about packing.  If you have more than a month to ‘pick up and move’, start early.  Complete a free change of address and schedule utilities ahead of time at Moving.com.  Start packing early.  Whether it’s one room, one cabinet or a drawer at a time, weed through what may be years of accumulation.  As you’re going through your belongings, divide everything into these helpful categories:  donate to charity, give to a friend, recycle, trash, pack now, or keep handy until moving day.  You’ll be surprised at how much you can donate, recycle or give to friends.  And, you’ll not be overwhelmed with the task at hand three days before you move.

4. Moving is NOT child’s play. Plan ahead. Consider daycare on moving day, or get help from a friend or family member.  Provide lunch or some other appropriate thank you gesture if you do call in a favor. If that’s not an option, prioritize setting up safe places for your children to play in the new home on moving day so they’re not underfoot.  This will help everyone remain happy and calm on moving day.

5. Don’t fight with Fido. Sometimes we forget that all the packing and constant in-and-out of visitors is stressful for animals. Consider checking your pet into a daycare facility, or setting up a time for a friend to take them or check them into petday care. Don’t let your four-legged best friends get lost in the shuffle and remember to make day-of moving arrangements.

6. Keep track of small parts. Some items need to be broken down into pieces when moving, but do you know what to do with the small screws and washers that you end up with? Rather than tape them to the furniture, which can result in losing them, put everything in a baggie that is clearly marked and sealed. Keep all of the separate baggies together in one box on moving day and personally take it with you to your new home.

7. Take pictures of electronic hook-ups. Hooking up TVs, DVRs, home theater systems and computers can be challenging. Before unplugging any wires for the move, take a photo of the connections, print them out and label them in detail. This will create fewer headaches when setting up technology in the new home. Keep track of all loose wires using baggies or boxes that are clearly labeled, and personally carry these easy-to-lose items on moving day.

8. Packing cleaning products and toxins. Products such as detergents, pesticides and paint are heavy and unwieldy to pack. Dispose of as many as possible before the move in an eco-friendly way.  Call your city’s waste disposal department for guidance on proper disposal. For items that must be transported, pack them in a small box within a larger box for protection against leaks. Don’t overstuff boxes with these items! Consider marking these boxes in a different color, and seal them extra tight. Keep them separate from the rest of the boxes, particularly if you have kids and pets.

9. Consider getting full value insurance protection. If using a professional mover, it may cost a few dollars extra, but it provides peace of mind and eliminates later annoyances. Investing in full value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made at current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost of more expensive items such as a flat screen TV if damaged in transit.

10. Know your rights. If using a professional mover, research your rights as a consumer with either the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves or contact the state agency within the state in which you reside for moves within state. Also, enlist the help of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.

Copyright © by Move, Inc.

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/summer-moving-tips.aspx

 

Filed Under: Home Sales

How To Negotiate The Best Deal

June 24, 2011 By
Negotiation Tips - Clients First RealtorsBuyers have the advantage in this shifting market

Buyers are finally being able to take advantage of cooling trends in previously hot markets. Multiple offers are no longer being thrown at sellers as soon as the For Sale sign hits the front yard.

Competition has dwindled in many areas as investors disappear and buyers take to the sidelines. Unless a buyer thinks his local market is headed for a big downturn, this could be the pause that allows him to get into the market with a few perks unheard of in recent years as a bonus.

So how do you know what shape your market is in? Economists believe that real estate is closely tied to employment, so if you’re in an area of growing employment, don’t expect to see double-digit depreciation anytime soon. In areas such as the Midwest, where auto manufacturing is king, prices have fallen sharply and will likely continue until the industry rebounds.


Here are 10 things buyers need to know to negotiate the best deal in a market shifting to their favor:


1. Human nature is the biggest problem for sellers and buyers to overcome in a changing market. Prices stagnate or drop a few percentage points and it’s amazing how different buyers and sellers react. Sellers still think their house is “special” and immune to the market. Buyers figure every seller is about to be foreclosed on and make ridiculous low-ball offers. Smart buyers do their homework, know what size home they need, how much they can afford and then search the market for what they want and negotiate fairly.


2. When you make an offer, know the recent comparable sales; it’s the best bargaining tool. “See what’s going on out there,’’ says Beverly Durham of ReMax Gold Coast Realty in Camarillo, Calif., where entry-level single-family homes begin at $500,000. “Make an offer $10,000 to $15,000 under what the last one sold. Even in this market, if you insult your seller, they won’t want to deal with you. Sellers know what the last one sold for. You want them to at least look at your offer.”


3. Find out as much as you can about the seller’s motivation — retirement, job, divorce, wants to move up but only if he gets the right price. Durham says if a buyer knows the seller’s motivation they can negotiate a better deal or move on to the next property.


4. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) properties usually state what the seller owes. If not, your agent should be able to track down the figures. There’s a big difference in negotiating with an owner who owes more than the house is worth and one who has a lot of built-up equity.


5. “After 45 to 60 days the seller is usually absolutely sick of keeping their house spotless and sick of people walking through,’’ said Durham. This is when a seller may be the most anxious about selling their house as traffic to their house has likely fallen sharply.


6. Unless you’re incredibly handy and have time and cash, go after houses that are as updated as you can afford. This is easier to do in a stagnant or falling market and fixers aren’t usually discounted enough to be worthwhile.


7. In a tighter market, it’s not too much to ask the seller to add the closing costs to the price of the house. It’s better to put 20 percent down and add the closing costs to the loan than put 15 percent down and pay the costs upfront.


8. Items to ask for that shouldn’t offend sellers are paying for new kitchen appliances or washer and dryer. Most sellers will be willing to do so to close the deal. Durham also says it’s OK to ask sellers to pay up to the first year of homeowner association dues.


9. Don’t request anything that requires quality workmanship. “Don’t ask them to paint,’’ Durham said. “They won’t do it the way you want. They’ll do a lousy job.’’ Also, don’t get carried away and ask for the entire store. Be reasonable.


10. Make sure to look at the big picture. In changing markets you should be planning to stay for at least five years, so don’t get caught up in a $2,000 price difference. Remember, the goal is to get the house you want to live in for some time, not to impress friends with how you worked the previous owner.


 

Filed Under: Home Sales

12 Red Flags About Home Inspection

June 24, 2011 By

Home Inspection - Clients First RealtorsBuying? Here’s why you need a home inspection

Indeed, more than 40 percent of the previously owned homes on the market have at least one serious defect, according to HouseMaster, a major home inspection company with offices in more than 390 cities in the United States and Canada.


“Virtually every ‘used’ home needs some repair or improvement,” said Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster. “That’s to be expected. But with today’s high prices, you want to make sure that you are aware of any major problems in a house you are considering purchasing, and what it will take to remedy the situation.”


Drawing from their own findings from more than one million home inspections, HouseMaster says the most serious home defects to be on the lookout for are:


• Cracked heater exchange
• Failing air-conditioning compressor
• Environmental hazards including radon, water contamination, asbestos, lead paint, and underground storage tanks
• Moisture in the basement
• Defective roofing and/or flashings
• Insect infestation — termites or carpenter ants
• Mixed plumbing
• Aluminum wiring
• Horizontal foundation cracks
• Major house settlement
• Undersized electrical system
• Chimney settling or separation


Kuhn says most of these problems can be repaired. However, depending on the specific problem, the cost can be substantial, particularly if the defect involves one of the major systems. The cost could become a factor in whether you ultimately buy the house.
For example, a new air conditioning compressor could cost you up to $1,200. A new roof or repairs can cost at least several thousand dollars. A wet basement could cost up to $5,000 to remedy.


If you enter negotiations to buy a particular house, your agent should advise you to provide a provision for renegotiating or backing out of the contract if a home inspector finds major problems.


“If the property inspectors find that little or no corrective work is required, you have little or nothing to negotiate,” say Eric Tyson and Ray Brown in their book, Homebuying for Dummies.”Suppose, however, that your inspectors discover the $200,000 house you want to buy needs $20,000 of corrective work for termite and dry-rot damage, foundation repairs, and a new roof. Big corrective work bills can be deal killers.”


If repairs are needed, there are several ways to proceed if you still want to buy the house, theDummies book advises.


  • The sellers can leave enough money in escrow to cover the cost of repairs, with instructions for the escrow officer to pay the contractors as the work is completed.
  • The lender can withhold part of the full loan amount in a passbook savings account until the work has been done.
  • The sellers may give a credit for the work. Lenders may disapprove of this last alternative because there aren’t assurances that the repairs will be made.
A home inspection usually costs between $250 and $400. Hire a qualified inspector. Try to get referrals from friends or anyone you know who has had a satisfactory experience with a home inspector. Also, look for affiliations with organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the American Association of Home Inspectors. Both groups require its members to be certified, meet professional qualifications, and adhere to specific business ethics.
Once you make an appointment with a home inspector, it’s important to be there.


Your investment of spending these few hours with the inspector could prevent headaches and save time in the future. As the home inspector examines the various systems and components of your home, ask him or her to explain what problems may be encountered down the road, what signs to look for, and how to prevent them. Try to learn how things work and how to maintain them. The inspector may also point out little flaws or oddities that don’t measure up to being mentioned in the report, but may warrant keeping an eye on.


Says Kuhn of HouseMasters, “A pre-purchase inspection is your best protection against buying a home based more on emotions, rather than as a sound investment.”


http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/home-inspection-importance-before-buying.aspx

 

Filed Under: Home Sales

Homeowners Insurance: Are You Over- or Underinsured?

April 12, 2011 By

Clients First RealtorsPublished: August 28, 2009

Paying for more homeowners insurance than you need is a waste of money, but it can prove even more costly to get caught without enough coverage.

Low $7.95 (valuation report)To get the full benefit of replacement coverage, you need to purchase enough insurance to cover the total cost to rebuild your home. Image: Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Trying to get just the right amount of homeowners insurance for your house and possessions may leave you feeling a bit like Goldilocks searching for a chair, a bed, and porridge that are just right. If you underinsure your home and suffer a devastating loss—flood, fire, theft—then you risk not being able to return to the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve. Yet if you overinsure, you’re throwing money away every year on unnecessarily high premiums.

What you need is coverage that’s just right. Here’s how to get it, and it shouldn’t take more than 4 or 5 hours of your time spent reviewing your homeowners insurance policy, talking to your agent, and doing a little research.

Look before you leap into a policy

All homeowners insurance isn’t created equal. That’s why it pays to review your coverage every year to ensure your policy meets your evolving needs. Begin by understanding the types of coverage available.

Actual cash value coverage reimburses you for the value of your home based on its current condition, explains Marjorie Young, senior vice president at E.G. Bowman Co., a New York City insurance brokerage. If your home was built 10 years ago, you’d receive only the depreciated value of decade-old windows, cabinets, appliances, and so on.

Most insurers recommend the more comprehensive replacement cost coverage. With it, says Young, you’ll be reimbursed for the amount it will cost to rebuild your home like new with the same kind and quality of materials. Depreciation doesn’t factor into the settlement equation.

To get the full benefit of replacement coverage, you need to purchase enough insurance to cover the total cost to rebuild your home, excluding the value of the land. Many people make the mistake of insuring at the market value, says June Walbert of USAA Financial Planning Services in San Antonio. But the amount you could sell your home for today isn’t necessarily the same as how much it would cost to rebuild.

Construction costs play big role

Look to current construction costs in your local area for guidance. If you’ve purchased a newly constructed home in the past year, you already have the answer. The same is true if you’ve refinanced within the past year. You almost certainly paid for an appraisal during that process that likely includes three valuations: replacement cost, market value, and actual cash value.

If you’re determining replacement cost without those head-starts, Walbert recommends calling several local homebuilders and asking the average square-foot construction cost in your area. If the going rate is $175, and your home is 2,000 square feet, you’d purchase $350,000 in coverage. For just a few bucks you can also order a valuation report online at a website like AccuCoverage ($7.95) or Home Smart Reports ($6.95).

Remember that any time you spend at least 5% of your home’s value on a remodeling project—or $5,000, whichever is less—you should contact your insurer to increase your coverage. Young recently did that after she revamped her own kitchen. An additional $40,000 in homeowners coverage raised her annual premium by about $40.

Don’t neglect valuables, liability

Be sure you’re also insured at the right value for your home’s contents and for personal liability. Most insurance polices provide only actual cash value on contents, says Lisa Lobo, vice president of underwriting operations at The Hartford in Southington, Conn. To get replacement cost coverage, you’ll need to purchase an endorsement. If you have valuables not covered by your policy—silverware, jewelry, furs—purchase endorsements for those, too.

Many people pay no attention to the liability coverage limits in their policies, but Walbert says that’s a mistake. If you have a dinner party and a guest falls down your front steps, you don’t want to be underinsured. In recent years the average liability claim for bodily injury and property damage has been $15,854. Walbert recently increased a homeowner’s liability coverage by several hundred thousand dollars for just $6 more per year.

If you’re concerned about increasing your premiums by adding endorsement after endorsement, ask whether you can save money by splitting your deductible, paying a higher amount for certain claims and a lower amount for others. Bundled endorsements can save you a few bucks, but only if you require them all. Take a pass on unneeded riders. Why spend $8 to $12 a year for $500 worth of refrigerated property coverage when you eat takeout every night?

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has been involved in insurance litigation. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR(R) Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, personal finance, and legal topics.

By: G. M. Filisko

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homeowners-insurance-are-you-over-or-underinsured/#ixzz1JKBeZfgB

Filed Under: Home Sales Tagged With:

It’s A Good Time to Buy Real Estate

March 28, 2011 By

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2011—According to the latest Spending and Saving Tracker from American Express, more than two in five (41 percent) of Americans said that it’s a buyer’s market for real estate. However, over 61 percent agree that a seller’s market is at least a year away.

Other findings:
• Homeowner confidence on whether they would receive the asking price for their home is nearly evenly split—43 percent said they are confident they would; 47 percent are not very or not at all confident.

• However, many homeowners—39 percent—are not willing to settle for less than the asking price, even considering the tough real estate market, in contrast to 23 percent who are willing and 38 percent who are not sure.

• To sell their home in the current market, 44 percent of homeowners note that they would be interested in including appliances, while 28 percent would consider offering to make requested repairs or allowing an allotment for repairs.

For more information, visit www.psbpr.com.

Filed Under: Home Sales Tagged With: , ,

First-Time Buyers Prepare For Best Buyer’s Market

March 28, 2011 By

RISMEDIA, March 18, 2011—While affordable housing prices, ample inventories, and historically low interest rates signal ‘buyer’s market’ for investors or move-up buyers in many U.S. markets, inexperienced first-time buyers may not know if the time is right to make a move into real estate.

“It’s not about timing the market. It’s about time in the market,” says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer at Move, Inc., a leader in online real estate. “Once you know how long you expect to own a home, look at the historical value performance of properties in the neighborhood. Be confident about your own job security, down payment resources and tolerance for upkeep, as well as the lifestyle you want today and in the near term. While homeownership may not be for everyone, it is the right choice for hundreds of thousands of people. Today’s housing market, especially for first-time buyers, makes it almost impossible not to think about the possibilities.”

To help first-time buyers know if they’re ready to look for the home of their dreams as we head into this year’s home-buying season, the experts at Move have created a ‘reality checklist’ designed to help them decide if the time is right.

Get your financial house in order
Before you decide to buy a home, it’s essential to make sure your credit is in good shape and repair any damage previously done. Know your credit score: thirty-five percent (35%) of successful buyers recently reported they didn’t know their credit score when they went house shopping, according to a national survey fielded for MortgageMatch.com. Having enough money set aside for a down payment is a key component to making sure you are ready to purchase a home. Also, it’s important to not put all of your money in the down payment as other fees or unexpected expenses often arise after closing.

Don’t fall in love with a house you can’t buy
Find out how much you can afford: establishing your purchase power upfront, including how much money will be required for a down payment and closing costs, is a must for first-time buyers. Look for special loans available from FHA and government sponsored loans for first-time home buyers that reduce the amount of money required to get into a home.

Learn the lingo
Since first-time buyers are new to the market and will finance a significant portion of their purchase, it’s important to get familiar with the processes and terminology associated with home-buying. Here are a few key terms from MortgageMatch.com to add to your vocabulary:

Bait rate: Misleading mortgages with low rate promises and no contingencies generally for those with extraordinary credit. Rates are based on: credit, debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios, the size and type of loan, property location and the day you lock your rate, etc. The loan isn’t locked until the application is accepted. By then, it may be too late to find a better rate from another lender.

Basis point: A term used in the mortgage industry which simply means 1/100th of 1%.

Closing costs: The fees required to process and close your loan. They’re a cash obligation running from 3-5% of the purchase price. Motivated sellers might pay a portion of these costs.

FHA: Federal Housing Administration, the Federal Government Agency that oversees the U.S. Housing market. FHA Loans are loans insured by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

FRM and ARM: A Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loan (FRM) is a loan where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. ARMs are Adjustable-Rate Mortgages with variable interest rates that fluctuate based on an agreed-upon index.

GFE: The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a document explaining all costs involved in getting a loan.

TIL: The Federal Truth-in-Lending Form is a document that spells out the costs and fees of the loan.

Lis pendens: An official notice that there is a pending lawsuit over real estate.

Per Diem interest: Interest you pay per day, from the day you close to the last day of the month.

Underwriting/underwriting fees: Underwriting is a process the lender performs to qualify a borrower for a loan and the fee is what you pay the lender at closing to cover evaluating the risk involved with loaning you money.

Warranty deed: A legal document guaranteeing the seller has a right to sell a property, which is very important if you are considering a distressed or discounted property.

Mortgage Knowledge
While national rates on 30-year-fixed-rates mortgages have risen slightly this year, they are still at historic lows not seen since 1980, according to Freddie Mac. “Buyers who prepare themselves financially before they start looking for a home will have a better chance of succeeding,” says Sue Stewart, senior vice president for Move, Inc. “If you want to land the best mortgage that fits your needs, start early, educate yourself on your financial situation, get your documentation together and find a lender you trust.”

Find a REALTOR® and go shopping
For those ready to buy, REALTOR.com® has the tools and tips to help you find a REALTOR® and, ultimately, the right home. Finding a licensed real estate professional in your area will make the process smoother and easier to understand. Once you find an agent, share your realistic budget and what you’re looking for in a home. Stay in constant contact with your agent and look for homes whenever you have a spare moment.

First-time home buyer resources
For more tips designed to help the first-time buyer navigate the home buying process, the experts at Move have provided an abundance of helpful information that’s just one click away:
-Reality checklist – Are you sure you’re ready to buy? Here’s how to know.
-How-to Guide: Buying Your First Home – Everything you need to know about buying a home
-Get Prequalified Now – Get prequalified for a mortgage before you begin shopping
-Realtor.com Blogs– Connect with REALTORS® to help you navigate the market
-MortgageMatch.com News – Answers questions about finances and mortgages
-Move.com Home Finance – Equips first-time buyers with tools, guides, advice, and more

If now isn’t the right time, prepare for your future purchase
If now isn’t the right time to buy a home, make a plan with a target date for when you expect to be ready. Improving your credit, paying down debt, stabilizing your work history and calculating exactly how much you can afford, are the best ways to prepare for your future home purchase. It’s also important to refrain from making any new large purchases or applying for new credit.

For more information, visit www.move.com and www.Realtor.com.

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