Boomers Top 10 Tips To Let It Go! 

 

Larry and Sheila do a considerable amount of business working with seniors who are either downsizing or thinking about it.

 

When deciding if it's time for Baby Boomers to leave their family home for a smaller place, there are many things to think about. Of course, for most, it is never an easy choice to make.

 

You don't need your large house anymore.

 

You don't want to clean your large house anymore.

 

You don't want the financial burdens that are attached to owning a large house.

 

You also don't want to think about how difficult it might be to sort through everything in your large house to get ready for the move.

 

However, Larry and Sheila are finding that many consumers do want to simplify their lifestyles, less maintenance, more travel, more leisure time. In other words, they want to free up their time and energy for more creative pursuits.

 

To help Baby Boomers prepare for the downsizing move, here are 10 Tips to help de-clutter your home. By the way, for those of you "youngsters" who don't know who the "Baby Boomers" are, they are those who were born just after World War II and are called so because of the boom in the number of babies born during that period.

 

1. Start Slow ~  Start with a room that is not often used anymore, like a basement, a formal dining room, or those extra spare bedrooms. This way you avoid cluttering the areas of the home that are used regularly.

 

2. Sort Everything ~ While still in your current residence, sort through everything. Look around the house and toss everything away that you genuinely don't need. Put aside the items that you can sell or donate and take care of those before you move.

 

3. Closets ~ Assort your clothes and really look at the things that you haven't worn in a long time, or don't even fit you anymore. If you haven't worn something in a couple of years, it's time to let go.

 

4. Furniture ~ Really look at all your furniture and think about the space you will have in your new place. When you start with the large items like furniture, you will feel you are  more progressive. Then you can move towards the smallest items like knick-knacks or collectibles.

 

 

5. Let The Family Have Stuff ~ If you still have things that belong to your children or other family members, see it they want them. Otherwise get rid of it. If they don't want it, why are you holding onto it?

 

6. Storage/Attics/Garages ~ Look at your tools, mowers, storage, outdated anything, or whatever else is stored in your garage and get rid of what you don't need. If you move into a condo, chances are they provide all the yard maintenance for you, so do you really need this stuff? There’s usually good items to sell in a garage sale. Why not make extra money, while cleaning out the home.

 

7. Personal Papers And Photographs ~ These often take the most time to go through. Take your time and decide whether to keep, save for your children, or shred. You don’t need to discard photos, but you do need to consider how to organize and store them.

 

8. Gifts And Sentimental Items ~ If you're still hanging onto your children's school papers, and old clothes, ask yourself why? Also as to those gifts that you have received for all kinds of occasions, it’s okay to let go of well-intended but not-quite-on-the-mark gifts. Maybe keep a clear plastic “memory box” for the very special items you want to keep.

 

9. Keep, Sell, Donate, Or Trash ~ Although it maybe difficult to part with possessions, doing so is often a must for anyone planning to downsize. Begin by dividing belongings into keep, sell, donate, and trash categories.  Knowing that others will appreciate these things might make parting with the items a bit easier.

 

10. Let Things Go ~  Don't be afraid to let things go. After all, they are just material things and you might feel a little better living a little lighter. Start to de-clutter your home ahead of the move, you will be able to move into a smaller home easier, lighter and ready for the new excitement ahead!

 

And, of course, #11 would be to call Larry and Sheila, Realtors with Charles Rutenberg Realty at 631-805-4400, if you are downsizing on The North Shore Of Long Island!

 

http://www.suffolkexperts.com

Email: sheila@suffolkexperts.com

 

All content, including text, photographs and images, remains the exclusive property of Suffolk Experts.  Only with written permission of Larry & Sheila may anything be used by others. All information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Suffolk Experts and Larry & Sheila make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, delays in information, any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.   

If you or anyone you know is considering to sell their existing home on The North Shore Of Long Island, or is purchasing their first home, dream home, step-up home, or retirement residence, we would appreciate the opportunity to serve them, and we can also recommend a relocation professional in the destination of choice outside our Long Island area! 

                    

 

  

Listing Agent's first mistake in regards to the home buyer.                                                 

They do little in regards to make sure the lender chosen by the home buyer can perform in a 30 day period. Many big retail banks like Wells Fargo and BoA  take 45-60 days to close and that is if everything goes smoothly.

The listing agent needs to have a lender that can do specialty lending in case the home buyer can not get a traditional loan.

In most cases this deals with properties that have damage. Or there are condos that are considered non-warrantable. They do not qualify for Fannie/ Freddie /FHA loans. The home buyer needs to have options. Have this conversation up front, otherwise it may kill the deal at the end.

THE LISTING AGENT & HOME BUYER NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT FINANCING OPTIONS

Many lenders have overlays above the seller guidelines from Freddie/Fannie etc. They need to know more than Direct Lending vs brokering. I guarantee the home buyer will not know the difference.  A good listing agent is more than someone who can talk short sales. Understanding the home buyer and their lending situation will definitely keep the red flags emerging at the end.

What should the home buyer do upfront to avoid these issues down the road?

A conversation of what lending programs on the property are potentially available. The home buyer needs to have some flexibility with the type of program they want. Home buyers need to understand the collateral (house) needs to qualify for the loan , as well as the buyer.

The first thing most people notice about a home is usually referred to as the curb appeal. An integral part of the appeal is the landscaping. Beautiful blooms and striking shrubs intertwined with walks and accents draws one in like a moth to a flame.

Looking with an inspector’s eye I often see landscaping gone amok. Bushes bursting onto the house, ivies entangled with wires and snaking under siding, it all begins to look ugly to me. As delicate as plants look, they are incredibly strong. Left alone plants will cover a property in little time, soon obscuring the house working to turn it back into soil. The very thing plants need. One could say they are purposeful as well as beautiful.

On a bright brisk morning not long ago I was reminded of the humble plants strength. Walking around the exterior of this neglected home I saw numerous over grown plants. A large vine meandered its way up the side of the home, reaching around the chimney.

Walking the roof I noticed the vine was well established up here where the light was better. It could be said plants are the ultimate sun worshipers.

Seeing branches tangled among the chimney is not all that unusual for me to find, but finding them growing through the flashing is a rare first. The sheer will and strength it took for these first tiny branches to find and exploit a weakness is amazing.

And a reminder to keep your landscaping in check.

 

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
Former SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below:

Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services.

Learn more about our home energy audits, the Home Energy Tune uP®.

Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield and Western New London.

 

When preparing to purchase a home, whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking for an investment home, it pays to do your homework before house hunting. But where do you start? Do as the experts do! Here are some insider tips Real Estate Agents follow to know where to find great homes for their clients.

Study The Local Pricing
Every agent knows to study current house price trends in their areas, and you should too. See what the average home price is in the town you’re looking at, then compare them to the average price in neighboring towns. This will reveal what town is more in demand as well as which properties are priced “fairly”. You can find home prices online or in your local newspapers.

Check School Rankings
Check your state’s board of education website or PSK12.com to see what schools near you are at the top or moving up in the ranks. This is obviously beneficial if you have children, but can also be a good investment if you don’t as homes in a good school district will be more desirable if you decide to sell.

Look Out for Development
When driving around possible neighborhoods, keep an eye out for any new roads, schools, etc. This is a sign that the community is set for a growth spurt and home prices could end up increasing in future years.

Watch the Outskirts
If you’re looking to live in a major city, but are finding that the home prices are overpriced, check out the outer fringes of the city. These areas will soon be in demand and are still a short commute to the center of the city!

Explore Low-Tax Alternatives
This information can be received from a local tax assessor or your real estate agent once you get one. Check to see how much the town charges in taxes per $100 of house and compare it to the neighboring towns

For Additional Questions call me, Michal Bander at Guaranteed Rate - 954.684.9227

Keep your emotions in check and your eyes on the goal, and you’ll pay less when purchasing a home.

When negotiating a house sale, for every concession you make, ask for something in return. Image: Westend61/Getty Images

 

Buying a home can be emotional, but negotiating the price shouldn’t be. The key to saving money when purchasing a home is sticking to a plan during the turbulence of high-stakes negotiations. A real estate agent who represents you can guide you and offer you advice, but you are the one who must make the final decision during each round of offers and counter offers.

 

 

Here are six tips for negotiating the best price on a home.

 

1. Get prequalified for a mortgage

Getting prequalified for a mortgage proves to sellers that you’re serious about buying and capable of affording their home. That will push you to the head of the pack when sellers choose among offers; they’ll go with buyers who are a sure financial bet, not those whose financing could flop.

 

2. Ask questions - and write them down before you forget them!

Ask your agent for information to help you understand the sellers’ financial position and motivation. Are they facing foreclosure or a short sale? Have they already purchased a home or relocated, which may make them eager to accept a lower price to avoid paying two mortgages? Has the home been on the market for a long time, or was it just listed? Have there been other offers? If so, why did they fall through? The more signs that sellers are eager to sell, the lower your offer can reasonably go.

 

3. Work back from a final price to determine your initial offer

Know in advance the most you’re willing to pay, and with your agent work back from that number to determine your initial offer, which can set the tone for the entire negotiation. A too-low bid may offend sellers emotionally invested in the sales price; a too-high bid may lead you to spend more than necessary to close the sale. 

Work with your agent to evaluate the sellers’ motivation and comparable home sales to arrive at an initial offer that engages the sellers yet keeps money in your wallet.

 

4. Avoid contingencies

Sellers favor offers that leave little to chance. Keep your bid free of complicated contingencies, such as making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. Do keep contingencies for mortgage approval, home inspection, and environmental checks typical in your area, like radon.

 

5. Remain unemotional

Buying a home is a business transaction, and treating it that way helps you save money. Consider any movement by the sellers, however slight, a sign of interest, and keep negotiating. 

Each time you make a concession, ask for one in return. If the sellers ask you to boost your price, ask them to contribute to closing costs or pay for a home warranty. If sellers won’t budge, make it clear you’re willing to walk away; they may get nervous and accept your offer. However, be cautious if you are truly in love with the house (even though your emotions should NOT be involved). Make it clear you have made a concession, so they should as well. Also, make sure this is a great deal for you. You are NOT trying to walk all over them. They may have actually reached the point at which they cannot go any lower.

 

6. Don’t let competition change your plan

Great homes and those competitively priced can draw multiple offers in any market. Don’t let competition propel you to go beyond your predetermined price or agree to concessions—such as waiving an inspection—that aren’t in your best interest.

 

 

Ben Blonder

Owner/Managing Broker, Kapital Real Estate LLC

Office: 970-797-2190

Cell: 970-420-6166

ben_blonder@yahoo.com

 

 

 

It can be a daunting task trying to figure out if you are ready to become a homeowner this year. However, there are some signs that you can look for that will help you know, for sure, that you’re ready to buy a home in 2012.

Signs that you may be ready to buy a home:

√You can pay a down payment and closing costs: Your down payment will be determined by a percentage of the mortgage you qualify for. Down payments can range from 3% up to 20% of the property’s value. Your closing costs will include mortgage points, title insurance, financing costs, taxes, and other prepaid items.

√You have become familiar with the real estate market: When buying a home, you need to be somewhat familiar with the current real estate market and have a realistic view about what you need and want in a home. A Realtor® can help the more difficult aspects of buying a home.

√Know what you can afford: For knowing exactly how much mortgage you can afford, there is a general guide to go by. Your monthly mortgage payment should equal to or be less than one-quarter of your gross monthly income. This will allow your finances to go to other debts as well without putting you in a financial bind.

√You have good credit: Having your credit in good shape is a plus when buying a home. Lenders will look at your credit history to see if you are credit worthy for a home loan. If you do not know what your credit score is, you can get a report from all three credit reporting companies simply by requesting one. The top three companies that lenders will view include Equifax, Trans Union and Experian.

√Know that extra expenses will come: Extra expenses will come when you purchase a home. This is much different than renting because you will now have to pay for all maintenance and repairs out of your own pocket.

If you have all the signs that you’re ready to become a homeowner in 2012, contact a Realtor® who can help you find your dream home this New Year.

 

Originally posted at: http://homesforsaleinhavasu.com/2012/01/05/signs-that-you-may-be-ready-to-become-a-homeowner-in-2012/

REAL ESTATE AS A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION

We haven’t heard a lot about inflation recently. However, prices have started to creep upward over the last year. As examples, here are a few categories that increased from November 2010 to November 2011:

• Food at home – up 6.2%
• Housing fuels and utilities – up 3.5%
• Transportation – up 9.2%

Here's a look at the issue of inflation and the advantages of owning real estate. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) took an historic look at the impact of inflation. Here are some inflation numbers over the past 30 years:



We can see that real estate has fared very well. The most important number is the $0 increase in mortgage amount. The study assumed that the homeowner took a 30 year fixed rate mortgage thereby locking in the housing expense for the thirty years.

NAR then looked at inflation moving forward over the next thirty years. Obviously, if it remained the same as the last thirty years the percentage increase would be the same. They looked at a low inflation scenario and a high inflation scenario. The graph below shows the findings:

Bottom Line

We can lock in the housing costs of our primary residences and vacation homes at all time lows if we purchase today. Either would be a great hedge against future inflation.

Have A Question?  Please Feel Free to Call or Text Me At 708-439-0165.  Find A Home or A Select Destination!  Subscribing to My Blog Is Appreciated!

  

Find a home at http://dtaylor.illinoisproperty.com

For Flights, Cars, Cruises, Hotels, Vacation Homes, Vacation Townhomes, Vacation Condominuims, Vacation Villas, Vacation Deals, Vacation Ideas, Hot Travel Deals, Top Destinations, Live Travel Pro, Chat-Now, Honeymoon Registry, Group Requests, FUNJET Vacations, Videos, and Select Destinations visit http://protravelnetwork.com/gracesvacations  708-596-4019

Dear Holly,

I am thinking of buying a house. My cousin said that I should really consider working with a Realtor, but I am kind of hands-on-do-it-yourself type and I think I can find a house myself. I don't even understand how Realtors get paid or who they work for in a transaction. Can you shed some light on this and offer some advice?

Many thanks,

Contemplating a Purchase in Northern Virginia

Dear Contemplating a Purchase in Northern Virginia,

True to your nature, you have asked an excellent question, one  which will ensure that you have all the information that you need to proceed.

It is very true that you can probably find a home on your own. What is not true is that you can be assured you have considered all the important aspects of buying a home, evaluated how your purchase lines up with other homes, done a Comparative Market Analysis to make sure you are not overpaying and quite, frankly, seen all that there is to see.

I find that potential buyers often think they have the same information on line that I do; the truth is, I have access to all the public listings on the MLS AND everything that you can find on-line (which is often severely outdated). Often times, I also know about properties that have not yet been listed.  If you are confident that you can 1) find a new home, 2) accurately analyze the offer price, 3) rule out all the other contenders, 4) negotiate the very best price, 5) Navigate the Home Inspection and possible re-negotiation, 6) Know what your Property Owners Report is saying and how to deal with problems, 7) Deal with the myriad of problems and issues that come up along the way--while still holding on to the job that allows you to make this purchase, then maybe you are right. Most people find that it is much more difficult and time consuming than they expected.

When you decide to hire a Realtor to represent you, you must hire one whom you trust and have confidence in. They will most likely ask you to sign a contract that says they represent you.  The contract says that if you violate the contract, you may owe them money. The Buyer's Contract also says, in many cases, that the commission that the Realtor earns will be paid by the seller--even for the Buyer's Realtor. For most Realtors, these commissions are the only income they earn. From this, they must pay all their own expenses, including taxes. This has led suspicious buyers to question whether a buyer broker will always work in their best interest (here is where the trust comes in) or just for the paycheck.  It is my experience that most Realtors are working for 2 things: 1) the commission, but also 2) your repeat business and referrals. Certainly, you are not going to want to come back to, or refer,  a Realtor who is working only for their own self-interest. 

I hope that this answers your questions. If you are considering the purchase of a Northern Virginia home, I would be love to talk to you about how I can help you with the process.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: 

 

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

REAL ESTATE Q & A

Q.  How can I take advantage of today's great interest rates and home prices, when I can't sell my current home?

A.  If your housing needs have changed, welcome to the club. That's a perfectly normal situation that has motivated home sellers and buyers for decades.

In today's market, however, it's not always easy (or even possible) to sell one residence and use the equity to purchase another. That doesn't necessarily mean you're trapped forever in a home that no longer fits your shrinking or growing household... not if you can rent that home for enough to cover your monthly mortgage payment. 

Have you considered these other options for your down payment and closing costs?

• VA Financing - Little or no money down for qualified veterans, as well as active duty military.  Even if you've already used your VA eligibility in the past, you may be able to use it now.  My husband and I have used VA several times for refinancing and purchasing.
• FHA Financing - Only 3.5% down for qualified buyers, within the local loan limit.  This is very popular in today's market.
• Closing Help - FHA and VA allow sellers to pay up to six percent towards "actual costs" of the loan.  Some Conventional loans allow sellers to pay up to three percent of the borrower's closing costs.  With so many homes on the market, many sellers are willing to do this.
  
• Retirement Plan - In some cases, you may be able to borrow your own money previously contributed to a retirement plan.  Check with your plan administrator to find out if this is possible and to determine any penalties or tax obligations that accompany this action.  One of my clients is using this resource to close on his first home in January, and the seller is paying most of his closing costs.
  
• Life Insurance - You may be able to liquidate the cash value of your life insurance.  Check with your insurer to find out if this is an option for you.
• Refinance your current home - Even if you can't sell your current home in today's market, you may be able to liquidate some of your equity for down payment and closing on another home by refinancing.  For some homeowners, refinancing will lower the payment to improve cash flow, even if you don't take cash out. 
  
• Relatives - Even if you can't refinance your current home or use your retirement plan or life insurance for down payment and closing, your parents or another relative may be in a position to do so.  It doesn't hurt to ask. 
  
• Owner Financing - The sellers of some homes on the market may be willing to hold a second trust for all or part of your down payment/closing costs.  My mother recently reminded me that she and my dad sold their home with owner financing during a previous real estate meltdown. 
  

Don't assume you can't get a Conventional loan with minimal down payment.  95% loans are making a comeback in the marketplace, and some well-qualified buyers are taking advantage of them to avoid the high FHA insurance.

If your housing needs have changed, you aren't necessarily trapped in your current home by today's struggling real estate market.  This may be perfect timing for you to make a move.

Copyright 2006-11.  All rights reserved.

DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Not certain this is the right time to buy or sell a home? I've helped thousands of Maryland home buyers and sellers, and I'd be glad to share my experience with you. No cost or obligation to you.

Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.   (410) 721-1500 Office
Direct:  (301)346-2923 or EMAIL

FREE home search online (No registration required)
FREE home search APP for your iPhone/iPad (demo)

For retirees—or those who have retirement in sight—now is a great time to buy a retirement home. Prices are down in most communities and there are many fabulous homes on the market. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should run out and buy without a plan. Just a few simple tips will help you find a great deal and make the most of this buyers’ market.

1. Do Your Homework

By now, you have enough experience to understand that buying a home is a major investment. Perhaps you’ve owned a home (or many homes) before. While you may know more than a young, first-time homebuyer, don’t let your previous experience keep you from doing your homework.

The housing market is changing, and smart homebuyers take the time to research before buying. Investigate the community, the developer and recently sold homes in your chosen area to find out what constitutes a “good deal” in the current market.

2. Review Your Finances and Retirement Goals

Heading into retirement, it’s more important than ever to know just how much house you can truly afford. Many homebuyers got in trouble during the recent housing crisis because they followed bad advice, even though they were afraid it sounded “too good to be true.”

Before talking to a community sales agent or other real estate agent, meet with an independent financial advisor to review your retirement savings. Don’t forget to plan for retirement goals like travel or recreation expenses. Once you know how much you can truly afford to spend on your retirement home, it will be easier to stick to your budget while home shopping and negotiating the sale.

3. Honestly Assess Your Needs

In real estate, there’s an old adage which advises against buying the biggest or grandest house on the block. This is because the value of your home is always dependent in part on the price of its neighboring homes. Bigger homes also require more maintenance and upkeep costs.

Now that the market has made homes more affordable, don’t be tempted to buy a bigger or more luxurious house than you need just because it is a “good deal.” Instead, look for a home that is just right for your retirement needs and use the savings to reach some of your other retirement goals.

4. Consider Community Amenities and Fees

Amenity-rich communities are nice, but no one wants to pay for perks that they know they won’t use. For the best deal, compare the monthly association fees at your favorite active adult communities. Find out what the fees cover and if you would be paying for something you won’t use, like a mandatory golf course membership.

While larger resort-style communities are impressive, make sure you plan to use a good portion of the amenities. Otherwise, you might be happier in a community with lower association fees and just the amenities you will use.

5. Look for Inventory Homes or Resale Homes

Though you may have dreams of buying a new construction, don’t limit your options too much. Choosing a pre-built (or partially built) new home doesn’t give you the freedom to plan every detail, but it can be a great way to save money while still being the original homeowner.

Similarly, you should also let yourself be open to looking at resale homes. You never know when you might come across a previously-owned, well-maintained home which has all the features you want—including a lower price.

This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.

 Click the links below
to follow 55Places.com