Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. wants your help and commentary on our Real Estate Blog

ALL TWITTER, AreaVIBE, & FACEBOOK POSTS ARE NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSEMENTS BUT INSTEAD ARE MERELY OPINIONS. Dallas Appraiser LLC
(817)617-7933
(214)584-6383
HomeAbout UsHome OwnersService AreaRe-Consideration FormGet Quote
ServicesDetermine Home SQFTEspañol - Aquí BlogExisting ClientsPay Online

Zac Trostel Real Estate Appraiser BBB Business Review
Join Us and Comment on our Blog

Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. wants your help and commentary on our Real Estate Blog

Buy Or Rent?

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/09/14

Title: 
Buy Or Rent?

Word Count:
637

Summary:
Should you buy a home or rent. This is not always an easy question to answer, and the wrong answer can cost thousands. Here are some factors to consider.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 

Article Body:
Should you buy or rent? It depends on your circumstances, and the real estate market where you are going to live. Years ago, I sold a home for a young couple who owed almost as much as the sales price on their house. They needed to take money from savings to pay the closing costs and sales commission. You can bet that they wished they had rented for the couple years they lived there.

This brings up the first thing to consider when comparing buying versus renting: the amount of time you'll be there. Buying and later selling a home will usually cost about 10% or more of the value of the home. These costs mean that if the home only went up in value 10% or so in the year or two you lived there, you won't be gaining anything (equity gain from principal pay-down is very little in the first years). You'll often be better off renting if you'll be in a town for less than a few years.

What about towns with faster rates of appreciation? Have you done some serious homework? If not, to assume appreciation will be more than the rate of inflation is just gambling. The sellers in the example above sold for the same price they bought the house for two years earlier - and this was in a decent and growing area. You can't count on fast appreciation just because it has been that way recently.

To Buy Or Rent - Cost Comparison

Looking at buying versus renting, you have to take into account that in many places it cost much more to buy. In Tucson, Arizona, for example, a small home can cost $200,000. The mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and maintenance will add up to about $1,600 per month, but you can rent the same size home for about $800. 

What does that mean? Many real estate fanatics will say you're at least buying something for your money, and renting is throwing your money away. Of course in this example more than $1,000 of your payment will be going towards interest alone, and that's not buying you anything. 

Suppose you can afford the $1600 per month, but instead you rent for $800 and put the other $800 into a decent safe investment that makes you 5%? In three years you'll have over $30,000 in this account. If the home appreciated at 6% per year (it has been more like 25% per year recently, but that can't continue, and assuming so is not planning, but gambling), it would be worth $231,000. The costs of initially buying it and then selling it would be around $13,800 (2% buying and 6% selling), leaving you with a gain of about 19,000 once we include your principal pay-down.

In other words, you would be at least $11,000 better off if you rented and banked the difference. Every market is different, of course, so you have to do the math. Compare the total costs of owning versus renting, and then make safe assumptions about the rate of appreciation for homes.

If you'll definitely be in one place for a long time to come, it will almost always be better to buy than to rent. In the last example, buying becomes a better bet after about four or five years. Also consider that if you get a fixed rate mortgage, your payment will never change, a benefit landlords won't offer you that on your rent payment.

To sum up, look at the time you'll be there, the comparison of total monthly costs, whether rents are going up fast, and whether you have good reason to believe home prices will be going up fast. Then look also at all the personal factors. Do you want to be responsible for the maintenance, yard work and unpredictability of ownership problems? 

To buy or to rent? In the end, you have to work this one out by yourself.

Buy Property Abroad - To Close A deal RIGHT AWAY Is Not The Right Way

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/09/14

Title: 
Buy Property Abroad - To Close A deal RIGHT AWAY Is Not The Right Way

Word Count:
664

Summary:
Cutting corners to save the pennies is not a wis move, you could end up losing a fortune.


keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner  


Article Body:
Have you ever wondered why Spain is the most popular place in Europe to buy property abroad or invest your money. Could it have anything to do with the spanish way of life or culture along with the weather or the friendly locals. Why so many people are choosing Spain as their prime location to buy property or a home abroad is purely because they want to.

If you buy property abroad or intend on investing large amounts of money then do not expect an easy ride if you have not done your homework. Remember when buying property abroad whether it is Spain or anywhere else on the planet you need to remind your self - location location location.
How many times have we all heard this but it is a fact that is overlooked when looking for a prime location to buy Spanish property? To get the best deal-  the best buy - the best location is to have the best knowledge. Do not make any rash decisions before consulting with an expert in this field.

Laws in real estate differ but the number one rule to adhere to is not to close a deal right away after your first viewing. Do a little research behind the scenes of your chosen prime location. Take notes - photographs and an interpreter with you if dealing with the Spanish face to face?

No matter how much you have your heart set on a property abroad do not rush into anything you may regret at a later date. Some unfortunate people have lost their life savings through dodgy deals.

Things to look out for when buying property in Spain is what facilities are available - like installing a phone line - is it close to shops. See if it has letting potential. Any thing that springs to mind be sure to ask.

When viewing spanish property bring along your notes and fire all your questions at the estate agent don`t leave a stone unturned. An independent advisor is good to have with you when attending appointments. Chat with the  locals who can provide you with any intimate details that you need to know of.

If time is not an issue then double back and visit the area 2/3 times this can tell you a lot about the goings on at different times of the day or year. Winter months can isolate areas with solitude so you could be on your own in parts if you intend living in Spain all year round

Spanish property investments with good letting potential are villas or apartments. Remember location location location applies for this type of deal also. 
No matter which part of Spain you choose - jot down travel times of local buses/trains to other destinations. Browse all estate agents to check on property prices. In doing this you will know if your budget is in the margin for most house sales.

Take your time with any venture as big as this - view as many properties as you can this will help build up your knowledge of the present market values in the area. Do not cut corners as you may end up losing more than you bargained for.
All legal issues should be left in the hands of a good Solicitor. Before purchasing a property in Spain it is vital to be aware of the legal process and costs.

If you have appointed a good a solicitor then all transactions will be dealt with by an experienced master in the field of legality. By doing this you now have a guarantee that Spanish legal needs are met. Other requirements your solicitor will see to is to make sure the property is registered solely in the vendor`s name and that no hidden clauses lurk like it is free of any mortgages, encumbrances,  charges, debts or other liabilities. 

Do not finalize any agreements with any other; have necessary paperwork sent to your solicitor. Let them negotiate and discuss matters with the seller`s solicitor.

Buy The Most Expensive House In The Neighborhood?

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/09/14

Title: 
Buy The Most Expensive House In The Neighborhood?

Word Count:
420

Summary:
When looking at homes, one is tempted to buy the best home in a neighborhood. Should you buy the most expensive home on the block?  No.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner  


Article Body:
When looking at homes, one is tempted to buy the best home in a neighborhood. Should you buy the most expensive home on the block?  No. 

Think Long-Term

Assume you fall in love with the masterpiece home in a particular neighborhood. It has everything you could dream of: black bottom pool, marble, an incredible kitchen, top of the line windows, stunning brick work and so on. The sellers obviously put a lot of time, effort and money into the home. Accordingly, it stands out as the pearl on the block. Why wouldn’t you want to snap it up immediately?

Before you start signing documents, take a look at the sales prices of comparable homes, ‘comps’, in the neighborhood. If you compare the comp prices to the dream home, you should notice a pretty significant price difference.  This difference should act as a metaphorical slap in the face or pouring of cold water over your head. The dream home is undoubtedly selling for a price range far beyond the comps. Warning lights should be going off at this point. 

You are going to have a problem if you give into temptation and purchase the most expensive home on the block. In fact, you are going to have two problems. 

The first problem is the appreciation of the value of the home. The appreciation on the best home in a neighborhood is always going to be dragged down by the structures around it. If you take a $900,000 home from a private community and put it on a block of $250,000 track homes, the $900,000 value is going to come down a lot because the neighborhood will not support it. When you eventually sell, buyers are going to look at the comps in the neighborhood and laugh at a $900,000 asking price. 

The second problem is ‘hemming.’ Since you own the most expensive house in the neighborhood, your appreciation potential is already limited. This becomes a bigger problem if you want to remodel or add on to the home. Taking such action would typically add to the value of a home. With the most expensive home, not only will it not add value, it may cut into your equity.  Why? If you do a $50,000 remodel, you may see a $10,000 gain for your $50,000 cost. You just lost $40,000.
 
Dream or Nightmare

Unless you can accurately predict an increase in valuations for an entire neighborhood, you shouldn’t buy the most expensive home on the block.  If you do, the dream home could quickly turn into a nightmare.

Home Buyers And Sellers Are Going Online

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/06/14

Title: 
Home Buyers And Sellers Are Going Online

Word Count:
386

Summary:
Technology is changing how Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate agents and brokers.


keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 


Article Body:
Technology is changing how Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate agents and brokers. That's a key finding of one of the largest surveys of real estate consumers ever conducted. 

According to the study, conducted by the National Association of Realtors, nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process, but use of the Internet to search for a home has risen dramatically over time, from only 2 percent of buyers in 1995 to 77 percent in 2005. The next largest source of information for buyers is a yard sign, mentioned by 71 percent of buyers.

The 2005 National Association of Realtors (NAR) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, based on more than 7,800 responses to a questionnaire, is the latest in a series of surveys evaluating various characteristics of home buyers and sellers.

NAR President Thomas M. Stevens from Vienna, Va., said the findings underscore the complexity of the home-buying process. "Buyers who use the Internet in searching for a home are more likely to use a real estate agent than non-Internet users, and consumers rely on professionals to provide context, negotiate the transaction and help with the paperwork," said Stevens. 

The study also shows that it may pay for a seller to rely on a real estate agent. The median home price for sellers who use an agent is 16 percent higher than the price of a home sold directly by an owner. 

The Web site Realtor.com was the most popular Internet resource, used by 54 percent of buyers, followed by multiple listing service (MLS) Web sites, real estate company sites and real estate agent Web sites.

Typical buyers walked through nine properties, searched eight weeks to buy a home and moved 12 miles from their previous residence. Typical sellers placed their home on the market for four weeks, had lived in it for six years, moved 15 miles to their new residence and previously owned three homes. 

The most important factor in choosing an agent was reputation, according to 41 percent of home buyers, followed by an agent's knowledge of the neighborhood, 24 percent. Fifty-seven percent of sellers said reputation was the most important factor. 

The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Home Buyer Incentives - It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/06/14

Title: 
Home Buyer Incentives - It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

Word Count:
595

Summary:
In a seller's market, a prospective home buyer needs to be a little more cautious when negotiating a purchase; however, in today's buyer's market, incentives are an accepted part of the deal.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 




Article Body:
In a seller's market, a prospective home buyer needs to be a little more cautious when negotiating a purchase; however, in today's buyer's market, incentives are an accepted part of the deal. It certainly never hurts to ask. It's not uncommon for a seller to  wait for three months or longer to sell their home, especially during this time when the market is saturated with homes for sale. They need to make their home stand out amongst the rest, and often times, offering sales incentives is the easiest way to accomplish this.</p>

Here are a few of the more common closing requests that never would have been considered a few years ago in our previous seller's market.

House Price &amp; Closing Costs   

It's quite acceptable to negotiate 5 percent off the price of the house and then request another 3 percent for the closing costs associated with the purchase of the home. </p>

Inspections

Home Inspection: Everyone asks for a house inspection these days. It's the most sensible way to avoid costly surprise  that may result from  rotten beams, water damage, faulty wiring or cracked foundations to name a few. Once the inspection is completed, the buyer can take his list of deficiencies, associate costs with them, and either request that they be fixed or deducted from the purchase price.  It is also common practice to request the seller to arrange and pay for the inspection. 

Radon Inspection: This used to be a common inspection in the 1980's and 1990's. There are approximately 20,000 deaths in the U.S. each year as a result of this cancer causing, odorless gas. A test to determine radon levels in a house costs less than $50, and if the levels are high, repairing the problems cost about $1,000.

Well Inspection: When purchasing a home with a well, the seller should be responsible for a thorough inspection of the system including:

Functionality of the pump and overall well system.
The well quantity, or the amount of water drawn per minute,  to ensure an adequate flow and water pressure.
  The water quality has to be tested to ensure that it doesn't pose a health risk.

Septic Inspection: In rural areas with no connection to sewer lines,  the seller also has to provide proof of a certified inspection of the septic system. 

Home Warranty

Including a home warranty can go a long way to providing peace of mind in a home negotiation. At an average cost of $250 - $400, it is a reasonable request to make of a seller.

Decorative Improvements

Sometimes a carpet or paint job may be in dire need of upgrading and a buyer can either request replacement of these items or deduct the cost from the offer. </p>

Non-Fixed Items

Generally, any fixed items stay with the house, but often times it is to a buyer's advantage to request certain things to be included, such as:

  Drapery
  Appliances
  Lighting fixtures
  Decorative items
  Lawn tractors or snow blowers  
  Vehicles


New Home Buyer Incentives 
When purchasing a new home from a builder, the incentives are almost endless, and range from new appliances, landscaping, big screen TV's and even swimming pools. 

This buyer's market won't be here forever. Right now you've got an edge; be sure to take advantage of it. 

Home Buyer: Negotiation and Communication

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/06/14

Title: 
Home Buyer:  Negotiation and Communication

Word Count:
1500

Summary:
Are you in the process of purchasing a home?  Review the negotiation process and proceed confidently as you negotiate your real estate contract.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 


Article Body:
The goal in a real estate negotiation is to reach a good agreement - one in which the underlying interests of  both buyer and seller are met.  The results of a poor agreement often return to haunt the parties after closing.  Many of our real estate clients have been experienced negotiators in other industries, and we have learned from their skill and experience. Review these tips as you prepare for the purchase of your home.  

What do you want to achieve in the negotiation? 

The first step in getting what you need is simply to let the seller know -  in a clear and reasoned way.  For most people, the highest priority is the price they will pay for the property.  The best way to establish this is by a market analysis of the neighborhood.  Set an offering price range that makes sense.  Knowing your range allows you to balance the price with other needs. Your interests might include:

1)  Buying at the lowest price possible. 
 
2)  Setting a closing date that meets your time frame. 

3)  Settling any repair issues fairly. 

4)  Having your concerns heard and addressed.

5)  Locking in an acceptable mortgage loan rate.

6)  Clearing any title or survey issues that come up. 

7)  Completing your relocation and job change process.

8)  Getting your family settled into a home and neighborhood.

9)  Forging a good working relationship with the seller.

10)  Having no future problems after closing. 

Is an adversarial or cooperative approach more effective? 

Effective negotiation does not result from stubborn demands. There is nothing more destructive to the negotiation process than combative behavior. Professional negotiators try to preserve the relationship between the principals.  The goal is to avoid an impasse in which neither seller's nor buyer's goals are met. In many cases, the contract negotiation process begins with some initial distrust between buyer and seller.  Effective negotiators move in the direction of trust as quickly as possible.  

In preparing your offer, let the marketplace establish your price, while remaining very complimentary of their home. Buyers sometimes submit a letter to the seller pointing out deficiencies and explaining why their house is not worth what they are asking.  This will always backfire and start the negotiation off with a defensive seller. Sellers have an emotional attachment to their home, and will have a strong negative reaction to a critical buyer. 

How do you handle an adversarial strategy by a seller or agent?

You may find that you have to work with a combative seller or agent.  Their strategy may include: defensive arguments, emotional statements, snide remarks, threats to terminate, ego involvement, and stated positioning.  Creative solutions are difficult to find in this environment.  Good control over your own emotions is critical when working with a combative style negotiator. Here are some pointers:  

1)  Do not argue. Arguing will position them more strongly and drag the negotiation off course.

2)  Do not respond emotionally. An angry or defensive response will escalate the negotiation into a no-win battle. 

3)  Do not accept or reject their arguments.  Listen and show that you understand their points.

4)  Accept the fact that strong emotions are present.  Strong emotions arouse fear and anger in others. They may be a negotiation tactic.

5)  Avoid an "us-against-them" strategy. Attach cover memos to your responses in order to communicate with the seller and break down barriers. 

6)  Show that your proposals were not been made unreasonably. Firmly anchor pricing, repair requests and other points to outside data.   

7)  Be careful not to allow hazy proposals to stand.  Put everything in writing. An emotional negotiator will often produce an unclear agreement.

8)  Make your offer as attractive to the seller as possible. Look for ways to meet their underlying interests.

9)  Offer some wins on some of the terms. Face saving is important.  Do not try to win every point.

10)  Keep your long term goals in mind.  The seller may have a beautiful home that meets your needs.  

Is every point in the contact negotiable? 

Yes.  However, one of the most effective ways to come to an agreement is to rely on accepted norms when possible.  For example, it is common practice in our area for the seller to pay for the title policy, and buyer to purchase the survey.  Using consistent standards reduces the need to haggle over every point. However, every term in a contract can be used to help structure the deal.  By trading off, both parties can come closer to getting what they need.
 
How do you move in the direction of ‘trust’? 

Keep in mind that contract negotiation is a sensitive area, and anxiety can be high. All parties are under pressure, with future plans at stake. It is possible that the buyer or seller may have had a previous bad experience.  Acting with integrity does not mean that all cards have to be put on the table. It is not proper to discuss your personal strategy or needs.  A high level of trust raises the level of cooperation between the parties and forwards the negotiation.  The seller will be much more cooperative if the he feels that the buyer and agent are acting with integrity. Here are ways to develop trust:

1)  Listen and understand what the seller has to say. 

2)  Express appreciation for the seller's home, gardens, decorating. 

3)  Respond within a reasonable time to counter offers.

4)  Reassure the seller of your ability to close. 

5)  Reveal some personal information about yourselves. 

Finding common ground with the seller can be a very powerful tool in the event of multiple offers. Sellers often choose their contract for personal reasons.  For example, the buyers reminded them of their own family when they moved in with young children. Or, they were of the same religion. Or, the new owners would care for their gardens or feed the birds.  

How much leverage do you have?

A crucial part of your strategy in a negotiation is an accurate perception of the real estate market.  You must know the underlying market condition.  If you are in a sellers' market you must act quickly, and be willing to present an offer at the top of the range. This is most important if the home is in a hot area and has strong appeal. If the seller has multiple offers, you must make your very best offer up front.

In a buyers' market your prospective home may have been on the market for months.  There may be a small buyer pool for the home because of economic conditions or due to repair or updating needs.  In this case you have a lot more leverage than you would with a new listing. Some knowledge of the sellers' needs may help you improve your leverage. If you can meet some of their needs you have gained leverage for a lower price. 

It is important to make your offer as straightforward as possible.  Contingencies will reduce your leverage for a lower price in a buyer’s market, or for any consideration in a seller’s market. Be proactive about showing the seller your desire and ability to close.  Here are some possible contract contingencies: 
 
1)  Contingent on sale of your home:  Usually, the seller will not accept a contingency to find a buyer for your home.  It is more likely to be accepted if your home is under contract.  Attach a copy of the contract and status report.
 
2)  Contingent on inspections:  In our area this is covered by  an option period. Keep the option time within accepted norms.  This contingency can be removed to strengthen your offer.  Do this only if you are knowledgeable about the property condition.   

3)  Contingent on financing:  Strengthen your offer by obtaining credit approval.  An approval letter with your offer improves your leverage, and is crucial in multiple offers. If you are making a cash offer, get a letter from your banker stating that the resources are available.

How much under list price should you offer? 

Unless there is a strong seller’s market, buyers usually offer less than list price.  Establish your price by a market analysis. It is usually counter-productive to offer so low that the seller will automatically reject the offer. This will set a negative tone from the beginning.  In a recent deal the seller responded to a low offer with an above-list-price counter.  

How are multiple offers handled? 

The listing agent and seller will decide how they will handle multiple offers.  They may disclosure to all parties, or disclosure to none, that multiple offers have been received.  By disclosing that there are multiple offers, the seller is not "shopping your contract."  Shopping occurs when the seller discloses the terms of an offer to induce a buyer to submit a better offer.  This can have a negative result by creating distrust of the process by all parties, and possible loss of the buyers.  The standard procedure is to notify each potential buyer that there are multiple offers, and give each a chance to raise his offer by a certain time. When all are received, the seller will review the offers and choose one to work with.

Deciding on a Price for Your Home

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/02/14

Title: 
Deciding on a Price for Your Home

Word Count:
323

Summary:
When it comes time to put your house on the market, pricing can make or break your sale. If you overprice your home, you risk watching it languish on the market, but under-pricing it means minimizing your investment. The starting point for pricing should be based on recent sales in the neighborhood, not on personal attachment.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 


Article Body:
When it comes time to put your house on the market, pricing can make or break your sale. If you overprice your home, you risk watching it languish on the market, but under-pricing it means minimizing your investment. The starting point for pricing should be based on recent sales in the neighborhood, not on personal attachment. Regardless of what you think your home is worth, the pricing should be based on market value - this is why it's important to find a good real estate agent who is familiar with the area. He or she will start by looking at what other comparable houses in your area have sold for. This is called a comparative market analysis (CMA). 

Another important consideration is the market. To be safe you want to allow yourself enough wiggle room to come down in negotiations, but if it's a buyers' market you will have to do more to make your home stand out. Pricing your home below the competition should ensure multiple offers, thus driving up the selling price. Other tactics include being flexible around financing options and offering incentives. In any case, you want to price your home low enough that you will get traffic through - the first three weeks are important. If the house sits longer than three weeks perspective buyers may assume something's wrong with it. 

In a seller's market it's safe to add 10 per cent to the last comparable sale in your neighborhood and in a balanced market you may aim to add an amount based on the last comparable sale plus the average market increase calculated over the time since that sale. 

Remember, pricing your house is as much an art as it is a science. In the end the price is important, but marketing and staging your home plays a vital role as well. A good appraiser or realtor can guide you through this process and help you get the best price for your house.

Deciding on the Loan you will Get

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/02/14

Deciding on the Loan you will Get

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 

It isn't always easy to decide which type of loan will benefit you the most.  All of the possibilities that are opened to you are different and will provide you with various benefits.  Before jumping into a loan, you want to make sure that you have evaluated your individual needs.  The main idea behind a loan is to help you financially in more than one way.  

The first consideration to make for a loan is by determining how long you plan to stay in a particular area. If you plan to move after a few years, you want your records from your loan to show that you have invested in the property.  If this is your plan, then getting a loan that allows you to pay unlimited principle while you are there will help to show the benefits.  If you want to stay for a longer term and pay off the home, then finding something like an interest first loan will work better.  With any type of loan, timing is everything.  

The second evaluation that you will need to make with the loan options available to you is with how much you are able to pay each month.  If it is a larger amount, then you might want something that is fixed or more stable.  At the same time, if you are not in a financial position to pay a lot now, but know you will later, you can get something that will increase by percentage rate over time.  If you are in the situation where you expect increased income, you can also consider a balloon, which will have you pay a large amount during the closing of your home.  Determining what is best for you and your financial situation is important when deciding on a loan.  

Of course, a lender will always be available to help you with your concerns and to answer your questions.  Keeping yourself open to options, understanding your financial positioning and evaluating your individual needs can help you to invest your money the right way.  By doing this, you can build your own investments into larger profits over a period of time.  

Creating Real Estate Notes Can Help Sell a House Quickly

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 12/02/14

Title: 
Creating Real Estate Notes Can Help Sell a House Quickly

Word Count:
606

Summary:
How to Sell Your Home and Create a Cash Flow

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 


Article Body:
Banks and mortgage companies have been selling mortgage notes in the secondary for years.  They even buy and sell those notes to other lending companies.  This most likely has happen to you or to someone that you know at some time or another.  Why do lenders do this?  They do it in order to keep a steady reserve of cash on hand to make other loans.

The information in this message is designed to help you understand about creating trust deeds, real estate notes, or if you have a business and have contracts you also have a business note which will bring you a cash flow that you can receive monthly payments, which brings you steady cash flows. You can also have the option to sell whole or part your real estate notes, trust deeds or business notes.  The whole idea here is to first elevate your potential of meeting a home buyer to sell your home to. 

Time and time again you might find houses that are for sale but are on the market for a very long time.  Most of the time home buyers don’t qualify for a 100% loan and must get 2 loans to equal the 100%.  The home seller can offer ‘Seller Financing’ in order to get the house sold.

The home seller has one objective and this to sell that property as quickly as possible.  To do this you can create a trust deed which is secured by real estate.  This is a real estate note.  The real estate note has several purposes and the most important reason is to help the home seller close on the house.  
The trust deed that you now have is because you agreed to finance the home buyer so that the buyer could get the house and you can your cash at closing.  

Not only do you have cash at closing but you now have a real estate note that you will be receiving monthly payments on from the new home owner.  Your home is sold and you have residual income from the trust deed you created.  This creates steady cash flows from the trust deeds, real estate notes or business notes you may have. This is what ìSeller Financing’ is.  This occurs when the buyer makes regular monthly payments to you instead of the bank.  You now hold an asset that you can choose to keep for steady cash flow or sell part or all of it for cash right now.

This should motivate any home seller to give this a try, after all what could it hurt and it will be a win/win situation for the home seller, as well as for the home buyer.  ‘Owner-Financing’ is widely accepted and is an alternative for the home buyer who can’t qualify for a conventional loan.  Even if you have real estate notes, business notes or trust deeds for a while you can generate cash flows by selling all or part of it for cash now.  

Isn’t that great news for the home seller?  This will give the home seller a boost in getting the house sold.  Most people would consider buying that house if the they knew that the home seller was willing to create a real estate note or trust deeds to secure the home buyer qualifying for the house.  Just envision selling your home much faster then your neighbor down the street because you possess the key to selling your home.  ‘Owner Financing’.
You also have created cash flows created from your real estate notes, trust deeds, or business notes and that can be the key to your financial future.

Being Comfortable With Your Home Purchase

by Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. on 11/30/14

Title: 
Being Comfortable With Your Home Purchase

Word Count:
322

Summary:
Let's get down to brass tacks with the home buying process. You as a buyer are spending a lot of money and have the right to be comfortable and happy with your purchase right? Of course you do. So essentially the question is what needs to be done in order to ensure that this is so? Well, probably the most important things is communication.

keywords: #Real_estate_appraiser, #Dallas, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_size, #casa, #Arlington_Tx, #Mansfield_Tx, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #Measure, #house_size, #DFW, #square_footage #what_is_my_house_size, #house_list_price, #decide_list_price, #value, #For_sale_By_Owner 


Article Body:
Let's get down to brass tacks with the home buying process. You as a buyer are spending a lot of money and have the right to be comfortable and happy with your purchase right? Of course you do. So essentially the question is what needs to be done in order to ensure that this is so? Well, probably the most important things is communication. It's a good idea to remember that your realtor is there for more than simply helping with some contracts. Your realtor is your info source of information on anything that you might not know or be familiar with. The more you communicate with your realtor the smoother this process will be. 

Another way to ensure that you are completely happy with the home that you have bought is to never settle for anything less than what you need. This happens a lot when buyers are too eager to purchase quickly and in that quickness, things get overlooked. Remember that this is going to be your home, take the time to learn everything you can about the home in question. Does it have enough room for you and your family? Is there some extra room in case your family grows? Forward planning is an essential part of buying a home, and should never be overlooked. 

When everything is said and done you should be left feeling like you have made the most intelligent purchase of your life. You should also have a financial arrangement that fits your lifestyle and payment abilities. In order to make this happen you need to be in complete control of your financial life, you should have your credit completely sorted out and dealt with so that there are no bridges that have to be crossed in order to secure the necessary funds for the purchase. Follow the advice of your realtor and the process should be a lot more fun than it is stressful.

Many Articles are third party works - purchased Private Label Rights - Articles are not necessarily our own opinions, perspectives, or advice.