When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded with not enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?
But wait! Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake. The house surely isn't going to sell off the market! What is the advantage of that? So you're busy. Let your Realtor do the work. You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping, and let your Realtor take care of things.
The holidays are a wonderful selling period. Why? Because most people take off work sometime during the season. The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses. Most agents like the holidays because the buyers have more time, and they can look at homes together.
Before you take your home off the market, consider the following points:
Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. Agents believe the home market is no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.
Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful. They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration. Finding the right home at the right price, however, is.
Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
At Christmas time, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.
When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get the family team on board to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.
With many motivated buyers in the marketplace, you may find you have more showings than you would if you sold your home during a busier time of the year.
If you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.
Written by Blanche Evans
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
How You Can Help Make Their Next Move A Smart Move!
Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.
Home buying or selling is complex – to put it mildly. Experience shows that each process involves upwards of 43 people, 100 to 150 phone calls, reams of paperwork, and each process also offers many opportunities for buyers and sellers to make mistakes. Big mistakes, like not discovering hidden defects in a house before purchasing it, or not staging the home to highlight its best features. I don’t want this to happen to you or the people you care about, and that’s why I created my free report, The 10 Dumbest Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying or Selling a Home – and How to Avoid Them.
The next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family member or neighbor and they mention they’re thinking of buying or selling, feel comfortable enough to take out your cell phone, look up my number and call me immediately. I’ll send you a copy of my free report so you can help the people you care about make their next move a smart move.
Joe Watson, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life
REMAX Way Real Estate, 617-921-5918
P.S. Even if your friend or family member isn’t moving for several months, this free report will get them thinking now and avoiding mistakes in the future. So be sure to call me. Happy holidays!
Home buying or selling is complex – to put it mildly. Experience shows that each process involves upwards of 43 people, 100 to 150 phone calls, reams of paperwork, and each process also offers many opportunities for buyers and sellers to make mistakes. Big mistakes, like not discovering hidden defects in a house before purchasing it, or not staging the home to highlight its best features. I don’t want this to happen to you or the people you care about, and that’s why I created my free report, The 10 Dumbest Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying or Selling a Home – and How to Avoid Them.
The next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family member or neighbor and they mention they’re thinking of buying or selling, feel comfortable enough to take out your cell phone, look up my number and call me immediately. I’ll send you a copy of my free report so you can help the people you care about make their next move a smart move.
Joe Watson, Your Real Estate Consultant For Life
REMAX Way Real Estate, 617-921-5918
P.S. Even if your friend or family member isn’t moving for several months, this free report will get them thinking now and avoiding mistakes in the future. So be sure to call me. Happy holidays!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Was She Asking For a Handout – Or Just a Hand?
Alice Perley will never forget the day she met Michael Guess – and vice versa.
In December 2002 just before the holidays, 48-year-old Alice wandered into a Tennessee investment office where Michael worked as a broker and told him she had an account with the company. Based on her disheveled appearance, Michael assumed that Alice was homeless. But rather than escort her out the door, he offered her a seat at his desk. He wanted to help her.
Michael asked Alice a few questions. Her answers were vague; she focused on her belief that she had invested money at his company, perhaps through an out-of-state branch. When Michael and another employee offered her money, Alice politely refused it, insisting that she was a client and not a charity case.
On the slim chance that Alice’s story was true, Michael phoned the firm’s Atlanta office where a colleague confirmed that Alice did, in fact, hold an account with the company. But the most astonishing news was yet to come.
The Atlanta office had maintained contact with Alice’s family and revealed that eight years earlier, Alice had suffered a breakdown and disappeared. Her family had been trying to locate her ever since.
The next day, Alice Perley was off the streets and reunited with her family, thanks to an investment broker who took the time to really listen to her. Michael’s take on it? “We’re supposed to help one another and not just walk on by – aren’t we?”
Michael could have sent her on her way; instead he helped her on her way. Here’s to the heroes in all walks of life!
Sincerely,
Joe Watson
Your Real Estate/Mortgage Consultant For Life
P.S. Do you have someone you consider a hero? I’d love to know who and why. Be sure to email me at JosephWatson@Remax.net or call me at 617-921-5918.
In December 2002 just before the holidays, 48-year-old Alice wandered into a Tennessee investment office where Michael worked as a broker and told him she had an account with the company. Based on her disheveled appearance, Michael assumed that Alice was homeless. But rather than escort her out the door, he offered her a seat at his desk. He wanted to help her.
Michael asked Alice a few questions. Her answers were vague; she focused on her belief that she had invested money at his company, perhaps through an out-of-state branch. When Michael and another employee offered her money, Alice politely refused it, insisting that she was a client and not a charity case.
On the slim chance that Alice’s story was true, Michael phoned the firm’s Atlanta office where a colleague confirmed that Alice did, in fact, hold an account with the company. But the most astonishing news was yet to come.
The Atlanta office had maintained contact with Alice’s family and revealed that eight years earlier, Alice had suffered a breakdown and disappeared. Her family had been trying to locate her ever since.
The next day, Alice Perley was off the streets and reunited with her family, thanks to an investment broker who took the time to really listen to her. Michael’s take on it? “We’re supposed to help one another and not just walk on by – aren’t we?”
Michael could have sent her on her way; instead he helped her on her way. Here’s to the heroes in all walks of life!
Sincerely,
Joe Watson
Your Real Estate/Mortgage Consultant For Life
P.S. Do you have someone you consider a hero? I’d love to know who and why. Be sure to email me at JosephWatson@Remax.net or call me at 617-921-5918.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Getting a Home Loan is Not as Hard as you May Think - Financing Options Are A-Plenty!
Being active in residential real estate for 8 years, I have found that there are many myths and mis-information that has worked its way into the minds of the average consumer in regards to financing the purchase of real estate. Many folks do not think that banks are lending money to regular folks. I am writing to set the record straight. Banks are lending! There are even 100% products still available, incredibly. The only difference is that they are no longer lending unless you can document information and income. NINJA loans are no longer available, No Income, No Job, Approved! So, if you have a job and have income, and you can document this, you may be qualify for a home loan. Pretty simple!
Here is the most popular loan option for many 1st time buyers and a what it takes to qualify:
FHA Loans:
- 96.5% finaning available, 3.5% down payment
- Lenient credit policy, 600 Credit Score
- Primary purchase of Single, 2-4 unit multi family homes and condos
- If relying on rental income from a 2-4 unit properties, 3-4 months reserves is required
- Non-occupant co-borrower allowed as well as gift moneies from family
- Concessions paid by the seller up to 6% of the appraised value
- Option to borrow addtitional funds for a renovation known as 203k loan(very popular right now with the number of short-sale and foreclosure properties on the market).
I will write again soon with more details on the 203k, rehab loan to give you more details, so take a second to sign up for notifications to recieve my blog by email when I publish, which I aim to do with more frequency in the coming year, ideally once or twice a week. Look for the button to click on this page to sign up, very easy.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call me if you have a real estate question or a re-financing or financing question as I'm always glad to hear from my customers and clients and offer you my professional advice, at no cost. All I ask is that you remember me when you or a friend, co-worker or family member would like to buy or sell a property... Thanks!
Here is the most popular loan option for many 1st time buyers and a what it takes to qualify:
FHA Loans:
- 96.5% finaning available, 3.5% down payment
- Lenient credit policy, 600 Credit Score
- Primary purchase of Single, 2-4 unit multi family homes and condos
- If relying on rental income from a 2-4 unit properties, 3-4 months reserves is required
- Non-occupant co-borrower allowed as well as gift moneies from family
- Concessions paid by the seller up to 6% of the appraised value
- Option to borrow addtitional funds for a renovation known as 203k loan(very popular right now with the number of short-sale and foreclosure properties on the market).
I will write again soon with more details on the 203k, rehab loan to give you more details, so take a second to sign up for notifications to recieve my blog by email when I publish, which I aim to do with more frequency in the coming year, ideally once or twice a week. Look for the button to click on this page to sign up, very easy.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call me if you have a real estate question or a re-financing or financing question as I'm always glad to hear from my customers and clients and offer you my professional advice, at no cost. All I ask is that you remember me when you or a friend, co-worker or family member would like to buy or sell a property... Thanks!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Can't Afford To - or - Can't Afford Not To?
Do you know someone who dreams of becoming a first-time homeowner or needs to move into a larger home, but believes they can’t afford it? Are you paying $1400-$2400 per month in Rent? Do you need a larger home but don't think you can afford to move?
With mortgage interest rates at historic lows and a large inventory of houses, for many people there has never been a better time to buy.
The next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family member or neighbor and they mention that they’d love to stop paying rent and own a home, or their family is growing and they need a larger house, feel comfortable enough to take out your cell phone, look up my number 617-921-5918 and call me immediately. I’ll meet with them to review current mortgage interest rates, what’s important about buying to them, and whether or not buying is a good fit for their financial picture. That first home or larger home is more within reach than many people imagine.
HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP: SEPT 28TH, 6:30-8PM
Learn about foreclosures and short-sales. Learn about 100% Financing, 3% down, 3.5% FHA Loans, 100% VA Loans, Investment and Conventional Loans. Local experts will answer all your questions about Legal Issues, Insurance, Inspections, Closing Costs, Common Buyer Mistakes that cost thousands! Get all your questions answered to take advantage of the opportunities in todays Real Estate market!
Tuesday, Sept 28th 2010, 6:30 - 8pm
Seating Limited – Must RSVP to 1-866-Way-Home (1-866-929-4663)
Dedham Endicott Library – 257 Mt. Vernon St. Dedham MA
With mortgage interest rates at historic lows and a large inventory of houses, for many people there has never been a better time to buy.
The next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family member or neighbor and they mention that they’d love to stop paying rent and own a home, or their family is growing and they need a larger house, feel comfortable enough to take out your cell phone, look up my number 617-921-5918 and call me immediately. I’ll meet with them to review current mortgage interest rates, what’s important about buying to them, and whether or not buying is a good fit for their financial picture. That first home or larger home is more within reach than many people imagine.
HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP: SEPT 28TH, 6:30-8PM
Learn about foreclosures and short-sales. Learn about 100% Financing, 3% down, 3.5% FHA Loans, 100% VA Loans, Investment and Conventional Loans. Local experts will answer all your questions about Legal Issues, Insurance, Inspections, Closing Costs, Common Buyer Mistakes that cost thousands! Get all your questions answered to take advantage of the opportunities in todays Real Estate market!
Tuesday, Sept 28th 2010, 6:30 - 8pm
Seating Limited – Must RSVP to 1-866-Way-Home (1-866-929-4663)
Dedham Endicott Library – 257 Mt. Vernon St. Dedham MA
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Win a House from REMAX!
RE/MAX Takes YOU to the House!
RE/MAX of New England will award one deserving winner $500,000 toward the purchase of a new home if the Patriots exceed 75 touchdowns during the 2010/2011 regular season (not including pre-season or playoff games).
Throughout the 2010/2011 season, you can enter to win by writing a 500-word essay describing how a new home will significantly impact your life. A winner will be chosen from a panel of judges and if the New England Patriots score more than 75 touchdowns, the winner will be awarded $500,000 toward the purchase of a new home.
Entry Criteria:
1.Odds of winning depend upon the total number of touchdowns scored by the New England Patriots at the completion of the National Football League's 2010/2011 regular season (not including pre-season or playoff games) and the total number of eligible entries received.
2.Winner must use the prize towards the purchase of a home.
3.Open only to legal US residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older on or before August 1, 2010, to be eligible to participate in this contest. This Contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Employees of the Sponsor, NPS LLC, New England Patriots LP, The National Football League, SCA Promotions, Inc. the Sponsor's Franchisees and their Sales Associates, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates, controlling or related companies, and the immediate families of any of the foregoing, are not eligible to enter.
Sweepstakes sponsored by RE/MAX of New England Promotions, Inc., 8 Strathmore Road, Natick, Massachusetts 01760
and administered by SCA Promotions, Inc., 3030 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75234.
Sweepstakes governed by official rules.
RE/MAX of New England will award one deserving winner $500,000 toward the purchase of a new home if the Patriots exceed 75 touchdowns during the 2010/2011 regular season (not including pre-season or playoff games).
Throughout the 2010/2011 season, you can enter to win by writing a 500-word essay describing how a new home will significantly impact your life. A winner will be chosen from a panel of judges and if the New England Patriots score more than 75 touchdowns, the winner will be awarded $500,000 toward the purchase of a new home.
Entry Criteria:
1.Odds of winning depend upon the total number of touchdowns scored by the New England Patriots at the completion of the National Football League's 2010/2011 regular season (not including pre-season or playoff games) and the total number of eligible entries received.
2.Winner must use the prize towards the purchase of a home.
3.Open only to legal US residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older on or before August 1, 2010, to be eligible to participate in this contest. This Contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Employees of the Sponsor, NPS LLC, New England Patriots LP, The National Football League, SCA Promotions, Inc. the Sponsor's Franchisees and their Sales Associates, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates, controlling or related companies, and the immediate families of any of the foregoing, are not eligible to enter.
Sweepstakes sponsored by RE/MAX of New England Promotions, Inc., 8 Strathmore Road, Natick, Massachusetts 01760
and administered by SCA Promotions, Inc., 3030 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75234.
Sweepstakes governed by official rules.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
