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How to be the Most Attractive Homebuyer? The spring season tends to flood the housing market with buyers, and in markets with low inventory levels, the competition is stiff. As home prices continue to recover and interest rates remain at near-record lows, some houses are receiving multiple offers and to win the bid, buyers need to stand out from the crowd. According to the National Association of Realtors, houses sold in 71 days in January, down from 99 days a year ago. Since markets are moving fast, experts recommend sellers have their loan…

Buying a house is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, and the complex process can be intimidating. Knowing the right questions to ask and receiving professional advice will help make a sound investment. Whether you are buying for the first time or moving across country, navigating everything from jargon to home buying basics can be scary and overwhelming. Before you begin the purchase process, make sure you have answers to these top home buyer questions. Each is a critical component to making an educated and informed decision. Where do we want to live? The first step is to help narrow…

When a real estate agent sits down with sellers to discuss the value of their home, the conversation inevitably turns to the home;s features extensive decor, a converted garage workspace or perhaps a one-of-a-kind pool or patio. While those features might be selling points, the truth is potential buyers may not value them nearly as much as the seller. Some buyers will see the garage workspace as a liability and an expense to undo. And while beautiful to the seller, the decor they chose may not appeal to a buyer. A home may go on the market with what real estate…

The following chart details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components. Consumers and inspectors and other professionals advising their clients should note that these life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather (or other) conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse. Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties. Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint’s life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays via sunshine can shorten life expectancy. Additionally,…

With home affordability at its highest in years buyers are flooding the housing market and in markets with low inventory levels, the competition is stiff. As home prices continue to recover and interest rates remain at near-record lows, some houses are receiving multiple offers and to win the bid, buyers need to stand out from the crowd. According to the National Association of Realtors, houses sold in 71 days in January, down from 99 days a year ago. Since markets are moving fast, experts recommend buyers have their loan pre-approved and down payment ready before starting their search. Multiple bids…

Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Western North Carolina Photo: PRWeb Real Estate Scorecard is an industry leader of online real estate reviews providing in depth information about master planned communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, all in an effort to help buyers determine where to retire in the Southeast. Asheville, North Carolina (PRWEB) February 27, 2013 After decades of research, Real Estate Scorecard reveals the top 10 reasons why Baby Boomers choose to retire in Western North Carolina: ARTS, CULTURE AND MUSIC There are hundreds of artists who live…

From the mortgage interest deduction to energy tax credits, here are the tax tips you need to get a jump on your returns. Mortgage interest deduction Private mortgage insurance deduction Prepaid interest deduction Energy tax credits Vacation or second home tax deductions Home buyer tax credit repayment Property tax deduction Mortgage interest deduction: One of the easiest deductions itemizing home owners can take advantage of is the mortgage interest deduction, which you claim on Schedule A. To get the mortgage…

Special Report: Real estate provisions in ‘fiscal cliff’ bill WASHINGTON – Jan. 2, 2013 – Yesterday, the House and Senate passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff.” Following are real estate-related provisions of the bill, which President Obama plans to sign into law today: Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act extended to January 1, 2014. In place since 2007, the act provided a tax break for homeowners who struggled through financial hardship such as a foreclosure, and were granted mortgage debt forgiveness. In the past several months, Deduction for mortgage insurance premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended…

ANY open permits and or code violations need to be fully addressed and resolved by the potential home buyer, prior to closing. Failing to do so can be very costly for a homeowner. Open permits remain with the property, despite any change in ownership. Failure to uncover any open permits prior to closing means that these permits become the responsibility of the new owner. Requirements to remedy an open permit can include fines, fees, and completion of pending work and removal of work that does not meet building requirements. Open permits can be quite costly and time consuming. Q. What is…