Beachwood – $135,000
Excellent starter home boasting hardwood floors, central air conditioning, large sun porch. Detached garage and basement.
Convenient Beachwood location with easy access to Route 9 and the GS Parkway. Check out the potential here. Call Realtor Bob today to see this Home. 609-290-1186

So It’s A Good Deal –
But Is It A Good Deal For YOU?

You have been looking and hunting for that “deal” in this buyer’s market — and you think you’ve found it — but have you? Understanding what constitutes a Good Deal may be more personal than you think. The thrill of the search and looking at real estate can put your head in a spin and your heart may become attached to a certain home. However, when you get to the point of putting in an offer, step back and make sure you have a clear mind about the property — not just the price.

Price Is Not Everything

While the price of the home may be attractive, it isn’t cheating to ask why it is so low. Is the home in need of repair? Are there permits required to make those repairs? How extensive are they? Can you live in the dwelling while those repairs happen? Are you capable of doing the repairs yourself, or will you hire someone to accomplish the tasks? Do you have the constitution to deal with the repairs — are you able to make decisions, do the research, hire the right people, and have the tools/time you need?

While price may be a driving factor, in real estate it is often location. Did you find a good price but in a location that you are compromising? If so, this is one factor you cannot change. Think hard if you are compromising on this one. Commuting a long distance takes time and gas, which can be figured as dollars, making that low price not so low.

Look at features of the home, landscape, location or neighborhood that make it uniquely suited for you, or that affect the price. Understand these before you buy. Even if you never plan to have children attend the local schools, you still might want to know about the schools in your area – it is part of the entire profile of the property you are buying. Look at hospitals, bus routes and other aspects of civil services in the area, too. Some people want to be close to everything, some prefer to be off the main flow – but most importantly: does the profile of this property feel right for you?

When The Price Is Not The Price

A large home with poor insulation, an aging furnace or heating/cooling system, older windows, roof in need of repair or other “big ticket” needs can quickly affect your budget after you buy. Have an expert evaluate features like pools and hot tubs, as these attractive perks might not be in good repair or cost more than you expect to operate and maintain. And remember: pools need to have adequate fencing and safety features. If you need to add them, it could be expensive.

Smaller homes might require that you rent office or storage space off site — also affecting your budget. And don’t forget property taxes, homeowner’s or condo fees — these are annual expenses that must be considered. Don’t forget to look at driveways and sidewalks, if you are responsible for these. Often overlooked, replacing or repairing sidewalks that present liability issues might be a pricey fix.

Issues around location can also lead to hidden costs. Longer commutes, poor or inadequate parking, security systems for homes and cars, or costs to keep the home at the level of the neighborhood can add to your expenses. If you plan to work from home, or have clients into your home office, be certain that your business is welcome in the neighborhood. Some cities or communities have strict regulations about running a business from your home. If you cannot use your property in the way you want or need to, then it might not be good for you.

Know Thyself: The Key To Knowing A “Good Deal”

Understand how you deal with stress. If you can’t handle the stress of a remodel or complicated/lengthy transactions, getting a house that is in foreclosure or requires extensive work might not be such a good deal. Permits require understanding codes or hiring contractors who do — but ultimately the homeowner is responsible if there is a permitting issue. Moving itself is stressful, so consider when your “good deal” brings any extra stresses with it. Some people thrive on getting a good deal and doing home projects, so they have extra energy to deal with such things. Know if this is you.

Personal Style — You always dreamed of a cozy urban oasis, but you are about to settle for a suburban family home. Are you really ready for lawn-care 101? Have you compromised your personal style for a price tag? Allow yourself to really feel good about who you are and what you want. Compromising your personal style is probably not something that you can put a price on.

Health issues — You have seasonal affective disorder, and light makes all the difference. Who needs a southern exposure and big windows — that’s what those fancy light fixtures are for, right? Determine if making the house suitable for your needs will require extensive remodeling or big work-arounds. If you are compromising on issues that affect your health, do so carefully. If mobility is an issue, doorways and bathrooms could need to accommodate wheelchairs… and what about stairs? Homes in wet areas can have mold issues, which can be expensive to deal with. Be realistic and conservative with any home issues that could affect your health.

Work — Are you or someone living in the home planning to commute to a job? Is the building/property/neighborhood suitable to working from home? Location is one aspect of this question, but proper light, heat, sound-proofing or other issues may make work related issues a bigger deal than you first imagine. Consider the availability of communications like phone, internet, and other essentials if you plan to work from the property. If clients come to your home office, will you need a separate entrance or more parking? Again, understand the local regulations for running a business from your home in any situation where you are considering doing so.

Know The House And How It Fits YOU

Does the house have what you want? If you are compromising on things like storage, closets might be built, or furniture could remedy some of that — but building a garage, or adding an attic or basement might not be possible or practical. Look at the house with a critical eye, seeing how it matches with what you are really wanting to buy. The fewer compromises you make, the happier you will be long-term.Upkeep and Maintenance: Notice elements of the home or property that require work to maintain. Pay attention to things like decks, countertops, bathtub surrounds, floors, fencing, landscaping and other areas where there might be work to do seasonally. Are you prepared to do that yourself, or will you hire this work out? Does the climate affect materials in such a way that decks or fences will need to be stained or replaced more frequently? Can you keep up with all the grout involved in that fancy tile work? If a property requires more work, attention, or money for upkeep than you can afford, perhaps the good deal is just not a good fit for you.

Community: Remember, when you buy a property you are buying into a community. What is the climate of the neighborhood? Are there issues to cause you personal concern? Evaluate the people who live in the area. Are there a lot of rentals, or do people own their own homes? How are the schools and local stores? Do you feel comfortable walking the streets, driving around, parking your car? What are the social opportunities and would you partake in them? Are you a person of faith or do you have strong political leanings? Buying into a neighborhood can call all of these questions into the forefront. Getting to know the tenor of the community and neighborhood can aid you in determining if there are issues to consider, especially if you are home a lot. Driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of day and on the weekends might give you a better idea of the people in the area. A perfect home can be an island in a stormy sea if you don’t feel good in the area.

Going For It

Your hard work in considering all the above is just part of the due diligence when buying a home. Answering honestly will pay off in all sorts of ways. You will go in to your new home with open eyes and hopefully a good deal — just make sure it is good deal for YOU.

The Stress of Buying a New Home

Buying a home can be one of the more stressful experiences in life. It is often a long and sometimes intimidating process, lasting up to six months on average. The Real Estate market is huge and changes often with swings
up and down. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by how much is ahead of  you and how little you know about the process. But with the right attitude,  it can also be an enjoyable, even exhilarating experience.Here are some tips to make your home-buying experience positive and less stressful.

Preparing to Move

Organize

Be prepared by becoming knowledgeable. Educate yourself on each step of the process so you know what to expect. Get organized ahead of time. Keep a notebook and calendar dedicated exclusively to the home-buying  process. An Excel spreadsheet is a great way to organize and compare all  the information you gather, such as the homes you are interested in, potential lenders, and different mortgage rates.

Finances 

Assess your financial situation before you begin looking for a  home. Come up with a solid number for the maximum amount you can afford, as wellas a target amount you would  like to spend, ahead of time. Overestimate the closing costs  (interest rates can change). This is also a good time to begin gathering the financial documents that you’ll need when applying  for a loan. Keep your finances in order until you close on your new home, which could be as long as six months away. Do whatever you can to help improve your credit score; don’t acquire new debt (no major purchases, new loans or new credit cards), reduce or eliminate any current debt, and pay your bills on time. It is never too early to begin improving your credit and is best started as early as two years prior to purchasing a home.

Find an Agent

Find a real estate agent who you trust and connect with on a personal level. Communication in this relationship is fundamental. Some questions to ask yourself: Are they good at translating industry jargon into terms you can easily understand? Do they communicate well using media that works for you, such as email, cell phone, or video conferencing? Credentials are a big factor too. Choose an agent with proven expertise in both the type of property and property location that interests you.

Finding a Home

“Think from the end,” is a common phrase heard in human potential circles. See yourself in your new home. How does it make you feel? What does it look like? Keep a journal to record these thoughts. Be as descriptive as possible. This can help to not only narrow down precisely what you are looking for in a home, but it can also help anchor you emotionally during a potentially unstable time by keeping the big picture in mind.

While dreaming of your new home is an important first step, keeping your expectations in check is equally important. Keep in mind that the criteria of what you are looking for in a home will change along the way. No house is perfect. Be willing to compromise on some of your requirements. Make a list of your top priorities (must-have’s) and lower priorities (nice-to-have’s). This will help identify areas where you can be more flexible.

Once you’ve found a home you like and know what you can work with financially, don’t let the latest market news influence your decision to move forward. If you start second-guessing the housing market or interest rates, you risk losing the home to another buyer. Choose a home because you love it. Listen to your heart.

Waiting for Acceptance

Once you’ve made an offer on a new home, try to relax and engage in your routine activities while you wait to hear whether the seller accepts your offer. During this waiting period, there are many potential stressors that could send your mind reeling. What if the seller rejects your offer, or comes back with an unreasonable counter-offer? Was your offer too little, or too much? Be prepared to make many offers before one is accepted. Keep in mind, even if your offer is accepted, there’s no guarantee it will close. Try to remain detached from the outcome until after the property has been inspected and you’ve been approved for a mortgage.

Inspection Period

Hire experienced and certified inspectors to conduct a thorough inspection of the property including possible insect damage. Be present during inspection, so you can ask questions regarding the home and become knowledgeable about any issues that are discovered.

Getting approved for a Loan

Taking out a loan can be the most stressful part of the home-buying process. Transactions typically take at least a month to complete. Having your financial situation scrutinized can be an uncomfortable process. Worrying about whether you will be approved is an added stressor. It helps to gather your financial records (credit card balances/statements, bank statements, investment statements) prior to meeting with a loan officer. Obtain a copy of your credit report; you’re entitled by law to one free credit report per year. A copy of your 4506 T form (IRS Tax Return Transcript), which includes a summary of your tax information, is also available online for download.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that you have options when choosing a lender and a mortgage. This can help restore a sense of control when so much of the home-buying process is out of your hands. Talk to several lenders; don’t just go for the first lender you talk to. Consult with your Real Estate agent to help you through the process of securing a mortgage. Don’t hesitate to ask questions until you understand the answer.

After Close, Moving In

Congratulations! You’ve successfully negotiated yourself through the complex maze that is home-buying and now find yourself at last kicking back on your couch with your favorite drink in the home of your dreams.

Real Estate Advisor: October 2011

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Home

There are many issues to evaluate when considering a home purchase including what you can afford, what kind of loan best suits you, the property itself and once you find your dream house, how much you are willing to pay for it.

How Much Can You Afford?

 Before starting your search for a home, you must decide how much you can afford. Generally speaking, it is recommended that the down payment be a minimum of 5-20% of the purchase price. In addition, there are two other standard thresholds to consider in terms of how much of your monthly income should be spent on housing.

• Your total housing costs (mortgage, interest, property taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your income.
• The combination of your housing costs and all other monthly debt (car loans, student loans, etc.) should not exceed 36% of your income.

What Type of Loan Structure Works Best For You?

There are many different types of loans available. However, one of the basic decisions you’ll have to make is whether you prefer the predictability of a conventional loan, knowing that your payment will be the same amount each month over the life of the loan, or whether you are comfortable with foregoing the fixed monthly payment for an adjustable loan where the initial interest rate is lower and the monthly payment amount will fluctuate periodically throughout the life of the loan. Both conventional and adjustable loans provide a variety of terms to select from to best meet your needs. A mortgage broker will be able to provide a wealth of information on the various options available as well as determine whether you qualify for any government-backed loan programs.

Where Do You Want to Live?

Once you have decided how much you can afford, then you must consider which areas to target for your property search that will both meet your budget constraints and are conducive to your lifestyle. Where do you wish to live: in the city with all of its hustle and bustle, in family-oriented suburbs, in the quiet countryside or perhaps in the mountains? Do you want to be close enough to walk, bike or ride the bus to your favorite destinations, or is a longer drive an acceptable cost to living further away from services? Are high quality school districts important to you either because you have children or for resale purposes? What degree of safety does an area need to possess? How close do you need to be to groceries, shopping, medical services and other amenities?

What Style of Housing Meets Your Needs?

Houses still have the greatest appeal and are a good option for individuals who want a place for the kids and/or animals to be able to run and play, for those who love to garden and create their own landscaping masterpiece, and for people who want a little elbow room between themselves and their neighbors. Houses come in all shapes and sizes: rambler, two-story, split level, modern, traditional, Victorian, Colonial, one room cabins, large mansions or estates. Newer homes located in housing developments will generally have a Homeowners’ Association with wide-ranging dues/fees to cover community property expenses, bylaws and covenants, and enforcement practices; whereas, older homes or homes in more rural areas may or may not have any such associations.

Condominiums are frequently a good choice for individuals who prefer to live in an urban setting, people who travel extensively, and those who don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a yard. Condominiums come in all sizes, ranging from apartment size to spaces that can exceed the size of an average house. Condominiums will most certainly have an association established to levy fees for building and grounds maintenance. When considering any condominium it is critical to review not only the by-laws and covenants prior to purchase, but also relevant financial documents to ensure that enough funds are in reserve to address future expenses and to prevent buying into an organization’s mismanagement or poor planning.

Vacation properties and homes are often sought out in the mountains or near water access. While mountain locations provide easy access to outdoor activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in winter and hiking, biking in summer, homes near water provide for a wealth of summer activities involving swimming, boating, waterskiing and beachcombing. These properties can range from a parcel of unimproved land or a plot with a small cabin and just enough amenities to meet basic needs, to a large, fully modernized home suitable for year-round living.

Is This Your New Home Sweet Home?

Once you’ve found the perfect home, you’ll want to try to assess how well the property has been maintained over time, carefully review all property disclosure documents and do a more thorough examination of the property for any hidden surprises. Hiring a home inspector who has extensive credentials is generally considered a wise move.

A home inspection should include a thorough review of:

• Structural elements: construction of walls, ceilings, floors, roof, foundations
• Exterior evaluation: elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights, and exterior receptacles
• Roof/Attic: framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing, and gutters
• Plumbing: identify pipe materials for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes as well as condition of toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, and traps
• Systems and components: water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers
• Electrical: main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Appliances: dishwasher, range/oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and smoke detectors
• Garage: slab, wall, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights receptacles, exterior, windows and roof

You’ll also want to know what isn’t included in the home inspection. Some areas frequently not included in the inspection, or included only at a cursory level are:

• Asbestos
• Radon, methane, radiation, formaldehyde
• Wood-destroying organisms
• Mold, mildew, fungi
• Rodent presence
• Lead

Many home buyers have found talking to prospective neighbors quite enlightening. Not only can you learn more about the neighborhood and get a feel for who may be your future neighbors, but sometimes these interactions can provide valuable information including why the house is on the market, prior issues with the house (flooding/leaks, repeated pest infestations, illegal drug use/production) as well as general information about the neighborhood such as whether there are problems with vandalism and theft, high homeownership turnover, high level of rental properties, or local issues that may impact your interest (plans for a new road or shopping center, etc.).

Another frequently overlooked source of information may be your insurance company. For instance, if you are looking in an area that is prone to earthquakes or flooding, they should be able to tell you if the specific area has a higher than average level of claims which may impact your insurance premium and whether special insurance riders would be required for coverage. They may also be able to tell you if your premiums would be impacted by a higher incidence of claims due to theft and vandalism.

Factors to Consider When Preparing an Offer

Once you have decided you’re interested in a specific home, the last step is figuring out how much to offer for it. There will be many factors to consider: your budget, how quickly you want/need to move, how quickly homes are selling, what similar homes in the area have been selling for, how long the house has been on the market, what repairs may be required and perhaps most importantly, how much you want this particular house.

What is your waterfront lifestyle? As with any home, understanding your needs will help you better evaluate eligible properties. If you are considering the purchase of a waterfront property as a vacation or second home, you may want to get a feel for how active the vacation rental market is for the periods that you will not be using the home. However, if you are looking to find a waterfront home to serve as your primary residence, you will be less concerned about the local vacation rental market and likely more concerned with access to important services in the area.

Likewise, you’ll want to
consider the types of
activities you enjoy.
This is of particular
importance if you’re
considering the home
as a vacation getaway.
Whether summer home
or full-time abode, you
want to make sure the
property you choose
makes it easy for you
to enjoy your favorite
pastimes.

• Swimming – The thought of being able to step out one’s back door for a casual swim is enough to entice many to a home on the shore. If swimming is high on your list, you’ll want to evaluate potential properties both for the quality of swimming as well as ease of access and safety. For riverfront properties, how fast is the current during hot summer months? For coastlines, are there any rip tides or outbound currents that could present danger? Is the potential swimming area near boating lanes or docks? How easily can the shore be accessed (for instance, is the best potential swimming area down a steep trail or long set of stairs)? Remember to evaluate safety concerns not only in terms of you and your family, but your potential houseguests that may include young children.
• Boating – For avid boaters, the size of the boat becomes a crucial part of finding a waterfront property. Many waterfront properties are not suitable for a larger boat due to river depth, oyster beds or tides. Even if the overall body of water is deep enough for bigger vessels, there may not be adequate access all the way up to your property. You will also want to consider the type of boating activities you like the most. Many smaller lakes do not allow waterskiing or jet skiing.
• Fishing – Fishermen will want to stick to properties with easy access to the water. Talk to homeowners and residents throughout the area to get a feel for the quality of local fishing. From there, it largely depends on the type of fishing you like most.
• Kayaking or canoeing – While large, active bodies of water are a good fit for many boaters, some buyers may be looking for a more intimate waterfront experience. Rivers and smaller lakes are especially good fits for kayakers or canoe enthusiasts, especially those who prefer to enjoy the quiet of nature rather than compete with jet skis and power boats.Carefully evaluate the property - Some homeowners will fall in love with a waterfront home without paying much heed to the property it sits on. An idyllic waterfront home may turn out to be a disappointment if you later realize that views are obscured from inside, there is poor access to the water, or you’re 30 feet from a noisy public boat launch.

  Don’t lose sight of the home itself – By the same token, it can be tempting to fall in love with a perfect patch of property that houses a less than perfect structure. Unless you have the appetite for a major remodel or teardown and rebuild project in the future, you’ll want to openly and honestly review each home independent of the surrounding property. Does the house meet the basic criteria you defined at the outset of your search? Does the home compliment the property? Is it someplace you could see yourself happily living?

  Look into loans early – Many waterfront properties are more expensive than other properties and home loans can often fall into the jumbo mortgage category. Lenders will therefore only consider very qualified buyers. Begin the process of mortgage shopping sooner rather than later.

  Weather the weather – In general, waterfront homes receive more abuse from the elements than the average home. Extra measures should be taken to protect homes near water, especially those along open coasts. Depending on the area, the home may need storm shutters, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel locks, and special landscaping measures.

  What is the insurance like? Savvy buyers will investigate home insurance in the area in order to understand what they’re getting into. Waterfront homeowners may be required to buy additional policies such as wind policies, flood policies and general hazard policies. In addition, obtaining standard homeowner’s insurance may be more complicated and costly due to the liabilities and hazards of living on or near a body of water.

Find out what you can do with the property – If you are contemplating the idea of any changes to the waterfront property, such as adding a dock or a seawall, investigate the process before buying to ensure that these updates will be possible. Government agencies often have strict and unyielding land use regulations, and you don’t want to commit to the considerable commitment of a home purchase without knowing that you can safely do what you want to make it your own. As mentioned above, you should check with local regulatory agencies to find out what kind of activities are allowed on the body of water, as some areas have restrictions on jet skis, speedboats and other watercraft.

Check on the utilities – In many cases, waterfront properties are not necessarily on the beaten path. Buyers accustomed to the city or suburbs may assume that electricity, city water, septic system, cable and high-speed Internet will be readily available at their new waterfront home, but things may not be so simple. Many waterfront homes operate on well systems, and homes near bodies of water often have delicate plumbing. In addition, many rural waterfront areas are not wired for high speed internet or broadband cable. Adding some of these services may be expensive, or simply not.

How’s the view from there? More than anything else, the kind of view a waterfront home affords is the one attribute that can be universally enjoyed. A home with a picturesque view allows you to enjoy your waterfront setting regardless of whether or not you engage in activities in, on, and around the water. When looking at potential properties, consider how well the home takes advantage of available views. Are windows large and well placed? Are common gathering rooms situated around viewpoints, or are the best angles relegated to kitchen window peek-a-boos? Do outdoor patios, porches, or decks provide an open air view venue?

How level is the property? Often overlooked, the terrain of the home’s property is actually quite important. Flatter lots allow easier access to the water for people of all ages, and allow for a wider range of outdoor activities.

Privacy concerns – The amount of water frontage the property has will influence just how much privacy you and your family are afforded. Properties with 50 feet of frontage or less will offer very little privacy. At 100 feet of frontage, you will have more privacy, while 150-200 feet gives you a strong degree of privacy. In general, however, if you have a great water view it can work both ways – those on the water can also see you as well.

Bargains – Buying a waterfront home can be a pricey prospect. Here are a few simple strategies to save without heading for the hills.

• Buy a street or two away from the water – Second-row beach and lake homes drop dramatically in price, yet usually are only a short trip away from the water. Homes farther from waterfront are also less affected by storm weather.
• Go condo – Condos are traditionally good buys because developers can put more of them on a smaller amount of property, giving their investment a bigger payoff and passing some of the savings along to the buyers. Don’t forget to consider maintenance and homeowners association fees when you calculate your payments.
• Consider a duplex – Duplexes are particularly popular at the beach and are a great way to land a freestanding home at a lower price.