Windstorm Inspection - June 6,2008
Get Mortgage Preapproval - June 5,2008
Renovating In Todays Market - June 1,2008
A question many home sellers might be asking themselves these days is what sort of renovations, if any are financially safe in a cooling housing market. In recent years up-scale improvements were on the rise including recessed lighting, renovated or additional media rooms, and high end kitchen amenities. Such "extravagances" may be a thing of the past for most- at least for now. But while high-end renovation choices may not be as popular, there are still certain renovations that can improve the re-sale value of your home.
What needs to be paid attention to in today's market are renovations based on functionality, needs and aesthetics- and in that order. No longer is high end luxury the best way to go in terms of boosting the re-sale value of your home. When you head into a re-sale geared renovation you want to make sure you'll more than re-coup what you invested into the renovation.
The hard facts that'll illuminate this situation are that upscale renovations offer a re-coup max of about 93%, where the mid range renovations will stand to get you about 102% return in investment. In today's market you want to be sure you'll re-coup all that you put in, and ideally you'll profit..
Another aspect to consider as you contemplate which renovations will serve to boost the re-sale of your home, is that of location. The re-coup potential of many renovations is a location specific phenomenon. For example, a new deck will be much more popular in the West than in the South. Typically bathroom and kitchen upgrades are pretty standard and are the two rooms that hold the most potential to boost the sale price of your home.
Unfortunately energy efficient upgrades are considered more of a luxury item these days and in the short term may not be the winning choice to help up the sale price of your home. This being said, there are still great long term benefits of the energy efficient upgrade. They won't necessarily boost the value of your home today, but hang in there, as fuel prices are steadily on the rise, they are the smart long term renovation/upgrade.
Other things to consider as you embark further into your renovation plans are how you can go about doing a good job at without spending a fortune. If you're looking at renovating a bathroom, this is a room that can be done with relative ease, without hiring a professional contractor. Know that hiring a professional to do the whole job from plans to execution will step the project further toward a higher grade renovation.
Whatever you decide, remember that renovations today can still help you sell for a better dollar tomorrow. You just have to be smart with what you choose to do and how you choose to do it.
Waterfront Living- May 22,2008Waterfront living is among the most desirable of locations in our areas of Boca Raton and Delray Beach. The views and vistas are fantastic, not to mention the ability to walk out one's door to drop a line to fish or untie a line to enjoy boating. However, all this joy is not without some special concerns.The most common fear heard from waterfront homebuyers is their concern that the river may rise and roll into their home. While it is not an impossible scenario, it is truly rare. More often than not, the water that posses the greatest risk to the waterfront home is not from the river, but rather from the water flowing overland toward the river.Always remember that the river is the place that all water flows to. How a particular home is oriented to or obstructs the flow of water moving toward the river determines how dry the house remains. And for many homes in is not just how dry it is in the home, but also under the home.The majority of water that affects the home is the surface water flowing toward the river. The volume of water can be in the thousands of gallons per hour during a heavy shower. If the grade of the lot is not proper, this can mean thousands of gallons of water in or under the home.So, when looking at waterfront property, enjoy the view over the water, but be sure to look inland to be sure that your experience with water front living won't be with water in the living room!
Selling Your Home Ideas- May 20,2008
Make sure you are the lowest priced house in your subdivision. Remember, match apples with like apples; in this market, if it is close count it.Compare your property to your competition; look at the condition, amenities, curb appeal and more. Imagine what a buyer would think if they saw your house versus the neighbors house; which is house is better?Offer Incentives such as: Closing Assistance - A One Year Home Warranty - A Higher Commission to the Buyer Agent and maybe a bonus (when considering a bonus, remember some buyer agents only receive bonuses if the co-op is 3% or greater from their Broker even though you ear-mark it as a bonus) - Offer to pay the buyers HOA or Condo Fees for one year and maybe even offer a decorating allowance.House Condition; and I mean that in more ways than one. Consider the following: Have the house and windows professionally cleaned - De-clutter - Rent a storage facility to move out furniture and/or boxes that clutter the home - Have the Home pre-inspected and give the inspection report out with the disclosure/disclaimer - Curb appeal - Do not let pets be a deterrent (make arrangements for pets) and make the property accessible for short notice showings.Marketing your Home Studies show that buyers look online first before contacting a real estate professional or venturing out to look at the property. Online advertising from your Realtor gives you global exposure. Remember, your buyer can come from any place.
In-Ground Pools - May 19,2008
Owning a pool can be one of the most rewarding investments that you will ever make. You can create a lifetime of priceless and irreplaceable memories by having a pool. Plus, your own pool improves your and your family’s mental and physical well-being by providing both stress relief and the perfect exercise solution.An in-ground pool typically has a deep end of six feet; a deeper pool means you can have a diving board, a slide, fancy lights, and waterfalls. In-ground pools come in a greater variety of attractive shapes. You can even have one designed that fits the space of your yard and goes with the style of your house. An in-ground pool is significantly more expensive but is worth it price as these pools are generally more aesthetically appealing and can increase the sale price of your home, especially in areas away from the coast.In-ground pools require excavation and construction permits, and they can take anywhere from three to twelve weeks to construct, depending on the size and complexity of the project.There are basically three types of in-ground pools available fibreglass, gunite and vinyl linerGunite pools are the most elaborate of all the pool categories. These are permanent, reinforced pools with concrete and plaster instead of liners. Excavation is also necessary, and a wide variety of special options such as waterfalls, custom steps, and beach entrys can be easily added to complement these high-quality pools. Gunite pools are often seen in commercial applications; many private homeowners, however, also choose gunite pools for their flexibility since they can be built in any shape. Gunite pool owners can also choose from many plaster finishes or pebble applications for the pool floor, allowing for maximum creativity. The high quality of these pools usually puts them in the highest price range. Traditional inground pools usually have reinforced walls with vinyl-liners. Rectangular pools are most common, but an interesting variety of L-shaped, free form, and other shapes are also available. Vinyl have many new liner patterns and colors, so there are many options pool owners can choose to enhance their poolscapes. Excavation as with most in-ground pool is necessary before installation. Optional features add to the price, but they are often worth the extra cost for the aesthetic benefits. Another popular selection is a fiberglass pool. These units are a one-piece shell, which is installed directly into the ground. These types of pools are usually made of a full fiberglass molded shell, but some combine concrete or other materials with the fiberglass. You can choose lots of styles and shapes; delivery and installation are normally faster than traditional in-ground construction pools. Some pool owners prefer the fiberglass finish, which eliminates the need for liners and re-surfacing. Fiberglass swimming pools can be easier to maintain, requiring fewer chemicals.As there are so many options, for In-ground pools it is important to find a pool builder who is knowledgeable as well as independent. It is also a good idea to research and get at least three to four quotes from different contractors to get the best price.
How To Price Your Home Properly - May 14,2008
The word condominium refers to a building or residential complex, wherein the units of property, such as apartments, are owned by individuals, and the common areas of the property, like the hallways, grounds, other public amenities and the building itself, are jointly owned and maintained by the unit owners. Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and is a preffered vacation destination by US and international tourists. The state has a lot of great cities, towns and urban enclaves,which offer home buyers a wide array of choices. According to real estate marketing veterans, there are many aspects to consider when choosing the right condominium unit here, as different properties are right for different personal preferences or budgets, and the factors to be discussed in this article generally applies to almost any area in the US as well. Selecting The Right Area Goes In Tandem With The Way You Intend To Use The Condo: It's important that one needs to look at the nature of a locale, or area, a sin this state, there are both residential and seasonal condominium areas. A lot of the locations here could be be one or the other. Choosing the appropriate location also goes hand in hand with the manner in which you intend to use the condo you buy, as well as if you are buying one as a second home or for permanent residency purposes.Figure Out How You Will Use The Property: In properly figuring out just why you need a property, and how you intend to use it now and in the future, must be done prior to seriously deciding on a purchase. You need to find out the basic classification of use, whether the unit or building is for residential or second home use, for long-tern rentals, or a residential or second home that could be rented out during peak periods.
Understand the Local Real Estate Market: Getting a much deeper and better understanding of local real estate markets may be a bit tricky process, since you often need to have all the info required about a specific area or location. These tend to be -markets within a market- and have relative security levels, and you need to know that you will be a participant in the local housing market once you own and the same should you need to sell it someday. Know A Condo's Use Before Buying One: As each condo development in this state, and other area, has an acceptable use according to the way it was developed, and the intention of the owners who have bought into it. There are also documents that are filed with the local city or town that outline these terms, which would be generally be reviewed or read by you prior to the purchase.Look At Your Present And Future Needs: By analyzing your your present needs, like do you need to use rental income to pay the mortgage for right now until you sell your house and permanently relocate?. Helps to properly dictate what type of purchase you will be making. You may want a house or condom, and you may not need to rent it at all and wish to choose a totally residential area where rentals are not conducted. In addition, you may wish to get a condo unit that you can use for a vacation, to one that allows aggressive rentals that you feel will increase rapidly in terms of equity, and then resell it later and buy a more residential property in the same area someday.As a reminder, you'll be given a chance to analyze the items from the condo before you purchase it, and you also will have access to important items like building rules and regulations, along with other policies like allowing or banning pets or prohibiting commercial vehicles. Before you purchase one, you will also be able to review budgets for operation of the common property and its financial statements as well.This is crucial, because you agree to pay your portion of expenses for the common property according to your level, or percentage of ownership.Lastly, you need to remember that you should treat each property as a separate business being operated that you are buying into, as you will also be paying a maintenance fee according to the operating budget, condition and funding for future items in the structure, so you need to be comfortable with those aspects.
You probably already know this, but buying any land can be a significant decision. But what you may not know is that there are a few twists that come with purchasing a waterfront lot that make it very different from buying a lot in any old subdivision. I've put together a few tips that you should keep in mind when you're looking for the perfect waterfront property.Don't buy land without setting foot on it first. You should take the time to look it over closely and inspect it yourself. Locate a copy of the site plan so you can determine exactly where the property lines are.Study the history of the land development for the area. Was the development a friendly undertaking or was there a lot of controversy from the community? What was on this land before? Talk to the neighbors. Ask them what they think of the developer and the area. Are they happy with how their house was built? Were the amenities completed by the developer as promised? If they love living there, they'll tell you - if they hate it, they'll tell you that too. If you're looking at lakefront property, you need to determine if the lake is constant level or not. If it's not a constant level lake, then the water levels could change drastically. Check to see if there are any flood plain restrictions. If you build or buy in a flood zone you may have a tough time getting insurance.Make sure the lot you're looking at will support a house of the size you want. Don't limit your search to a single waterfront development - no matter how "in love" you are with it. If you're not familiar with other developments, ask a local realtor for help. Find our how the property will change in the different seasons or when the weather conditions change. When was the last drought and what happened to the water levels then? If you're interested in building a boat house, make sure that there aren't Restrictive Covenants preventing you from doing so. Many lake areas limit the building of new boat houses and docks.If you're planning on building, make sure that you will have access to electricity, water, sewage and other utilities. Never assume that you can just "hook up".If the property is remote, make sure you know who is responsible for maintaining the road. Many banks require a Road Maintenance Agreement before they will lend on remote property.Lastly, before you make the purchase offer, consider making it conditional on an inspection of the land or on another specific item. For example, if you don't have access to sewage lines, make the offer conditional on your ability to obtain permits for a septic system. Plus, you should always make your offer contingent on your ability to obtain financing.OK, armed with these tips, you should be ready to start your search for the perfect waterfront lot. Remember, investing in waterfront real estate requires common sense and due diligence, just like any other investment. Go put these tips to work for you!
The fact that there are large numbers of condos in South Florida is no doubt of interest to many Canadians. As the mercury drops lower and lower and the snow rises higher and higher, our thoughts turn to warmth, sunshine and a coat-free environment!It is a fact that many Canadians strive to afford their second home in the warm sun belt of the United States, and many of them just leave Canada for the whole winter to enjoy the sun.South Florida is the perfect location for this 'snowbirding'. If you have thought about taking the plunge into a condo lifestyle then now may be the time to strike. The Florida Association of Realtors have reported that the price of condos in Florida is very low right now, partly due to a large number of new condos coming onto the market at the same time.The FAR are basing these figures on the latest set of sales stats to come out which show that the median price of a South Florida condo is down by about 9% over this time last year. Also the number of units sold compared to this time last year is down by 29%.The state of Florida brings in 300,000 new residents per year, second only to the state of Texas. South Florida is a prime retirement choice for many people, and this popularity generally keeps the condo price steady, in spite of small nationally-influenced fluctuations.Now that the price has dipped, many shrewd buyers are moving in on the condo market. The economy in South Florida is still plugging along, although according to the Florida's Institute of Economic Competitiveness, it is at a slowed pace for now. Once it picks up, no doubt the condo prices will be right alongside it.South Florida is famous for its canal systems, giving thousands of residents access to recreational water sports. Many condos offer waterfront opportunities in varying degrees, including ocean front, river front and canal front. If you have often dreamed of a small boat and a carefree lifestyle, now may be the time.Because of its setting, South Florida's recreational calendar offers many sailing regattas and power boat races in which you can become involved. There are also training classes for 'wanna-be' seafarers and you can learn how to be the captain of almost any vessel at evening courses run by various institutions.South Florida is also very ecologically minded, and for those of you interested in marine life and in preserving the environment, you will find South Florida sympathetic to these causes. One of the early states to encourage residents to go green, South Florida introduced re-cycling over ten years ago!Condo life anywhere offers great advantages - such as worry free home maintenance. Most people like the idea of never having to cut the lawn again! Even better than that is swimming in your pool everyday without having to check the Ph balance. Check HOA fees to see how they compare with other units in the market.Be sure to search for a condo whose 'common rules' suit you. For instance many have the noise rule and you must be quiet after ten at night! Many have rules about not be able to rent your condo, and some have rules for not being allowed to do your own maintenance.Check the rules before you buy. If you are Canadian, remember the laws are NOT the same, use a lawyer that is experienced in the differences in the rules of law.
What Is Your Home Worth?- May 6,2008
It is happening again. Every three to five years the real estate market goes through another cycle and pessimism creeps into many. When the market is going down is it mostly caused by demand for new houses falling. The continuation in falling housing prices changes the psychology of home buyers so they stop buying. This process further decreases home prices and the real estate market.Recent surveys by many consumer groups are reporting that consumer confidence is decreasing, foreclosures are rising and homes fore sale are sitting on the market longer. This all plays into the psychology of home buyers. People do not want to purchase a home if the value is going to continue to decline.So, what does this mean for the average home seller? Well if you do not have to sell you are in good shoes. You can wait for another two to five years for the market to bottom, then wait for another three to five years for the market to come back up, then sell. So if you can hold out for seven or so years in your current home, you are in ok shape.The major problem is life happens and for what ever reason people need to sell their house. Could be divorce, lingering foreclosure, job relocation, family issues, ready to cash out of an investment, health issues, the list goes on.For those home owners who need to sell, you are in a harder home selling situation. You can not afford to wait for seven or so years for the real estate market to come back around. The good news is there are still ways in this slow real estate market for you to sell your house and move on with your life.
Foreclosure is a problem that many people have been experiencing right now. If you are one of them, you would be now thinking of a solution for you to stop the foreclosure process immediately. One of the most practical solutions to your foreclosure problem is to sell before foreclosure. There are many reasons why you should sell before foreclosure and here are some of those reasons:
If you sell before foreclosure the sales contract will immediately stop the foreclosure process, since what the lender wants is the money that they have loaned you during your mortgage loan agreement. If you sell before foreclosure and your house is already being auctioned,the sales contract will immediately hold the bidding and it will not be sold to anyone at the auction.Another reason to sell before foreclosure is that you could sell your house or your real property for the current market value. This means that when you get to sell before foreclosure you would be able to pay the bank and still have some money for you to save or use for the down payment for your new prospective home. This is hitting two birds with one stone, being able to pay your lender or the bank solves your foreclosure problem, since this is your main reason to sell before foreclosure and having the extra money from the sales of your house or real property is a big bonus.Protecting your credit is another reason why you should sell before foreclosure. If you house or your property has been foreclosed surely this will have a big effect on your credit record. Large points will cause your credit to change dramatically from good to worse. If you have a bad credit then you want to purchase a home or perhaps a car you would be required to make a large down payment and will have higher interest rates than the usual interest rate. Another effect of a foreclosure in your credit is that you will have a difficult time in getting a decent credit card with decent interest rates. Though there are special credit cards for those with bad credit record, however this credit card is more like a prepaid credit card, then the credit limit will not be the same as a norou sell before foreclosure you would be able to avoid all these hassles and more importantly you will not get a bad record on your credit since the creditor could not tell if you are currently under the foreclosure process then you would be able to get another mortgage easily if you sell before foreclosure since you will not have a bad record in your credit.When you sell before foreclosure you will not be asked to vacate your previous house immediately, you will be given an ample amount of time to move out. Usually most sales contract will give the previous homeowners 30 or 60 days to move out. This way, the previous homeowners will have time to pack up, how they will transfer their things and furniture, previous homeowners will have time to sort out their next move, make proper arrangements in terms of their new home, and gather their monetary resources.
Making Your House Stand Out in a Tough Market- May 2,2008
As the real estate industry continues its downward trend, becoming increasingly difficult to sell your home. Prices have dropped, there are more listings than ever to choose from and sellers are giving incredible deals to buyers. Here are a few tips to make your home stand out.Curb appeal is the first way to draw attention to your home. Since it is the first thing that anyone sees, you want the wow factor. I know people that have bought houses just because of the spectacular landscaping. I also know people who have not even bothered looking inside of a house because of the condition of the exterior. Make sure the exterior of the house is in tip-top shape so the potential buyer immediately wants to see the inside.The following is your list of items to maintain curb appeal: Cut grass. Trim all hedges and bushes.Add mulch to beds .Have flowering plants or potted flowers on the porch .Keep toys out of sight and place in the backyard or in a shed .Clean all cluttering debris such as sticks, garbage, old newspapers, etc. .Replace all the light bulbs surrounding the house You want the inside of your house to wow potential buyers just as much as the outside.The following checklist gives ultimate interior appeal. Make sure all items are completed before the first showing of your house is scheduled. Clean! Every floor, window, closet and cupboard! Remove excess clutter, toys, paperwork and knick-knacks. Clutter makes counter tops and rooms appear smaller than they really are. Paint the walls in dirty rooms or where a room needs brightening. Bright rooms give the appearance that they are more spacious. Make repairs to anything needed hinges, doorknobs, plaster, steps, plumbing, etc. Replace all burned out light bulbs. Wash all window coverings. Open all of the curtains and blinds before a showing. Natural light makes a room appear bigger. Open the doors and windows before a showing to fill the home with fresh air.When the inside and outside are clean and neat, you may need to provide a bigger incentive to your potential buyers. If the house has repairs that you didn't have the time or cash to fix, you can offer credit towards the purchase price. That way, you acknowledge the repairs and give the buyer a discount for accepting the home as is.Another option is to offer an allotment if your house needs new carpeting or flooring. Buyers like allotments because they get the item new, plus they get to pick out their colors. A win-win situation for everyone.The time spent cleaning, making minor repairs, and providing incentives for major repairs, will make your home stand out above the competition. Although these little fixes may require some time and effort, selling quickly in a tough market will be worth the effort in the end!
Remodeling- April 29,2008
High priced homes all over are getting a quick remodel in order to the best house available on the market. Homeowners are updating the kitchen, putting in the best patio, or remodeling the master bathroom at all costs. These folks know that whatever the price of a fabulous remodel will pay off in the end when their house is the best and has the quickest sale. One of the key ways to raise the value of an already valuable home is to do an extensive kitchen remodel. There is just nothing like a new Thermador range or that gourmet kitchen space. Thermador offers appliances from ovens to refrigerators to coffee machines. They are high-end items and add value to the home as well as making a fine presentation. In fact, a kitchen remodel can be the focal selling point in a luxury home. Curb appeal goes a long way when it comes to a luxury home standing out from the rest. Concrete, for example, has been around for ages. However, stamped concrete is quickly becoming a designer touch that luxury homes use on their driveway, sidewalk, or patios. New stamping tools have made the designs of stamped concrete endless. It often takes a double take to tell the difference between quality tiles, slate, or concrete. Remodeling the outside of your home adds a special touch as well as value.Many are willing to buy the upscale home and then do extensive remodeling once they take possession of the residence. People buying luxury homes are looking for something a bit above the rest and they want amenities in the home to reflect their leisurely lifestyle. They are open to adding any features that aren't already present in the home if they want it bad enough. These buyers have specific requirements in the homes they buy, such as elaborate security systems, gourmet or designer kitchens, home theaters to seat 6 or more, and even wine cellars. As a result, they are willing to do extensive remodels on their homes to raise their property value. They desire furniture and décor to match their lavish taste. Luxury home owners are always looking for the best way to sell their home quickly and get the most value out of it. Remodeling key areas of the home is a great way to make your luxury home stand out!
Preparing Your Home For Sale- April 25,2008
Are you going to put your home in Delray Beach for sale? Of course, if you will sell your home, you could want to gain the best deal out of it.Actually, you can achieve the best deal you desire, provided if you prepare your home for sale. Your goal is to sell your home, and in order to sell it, you need to catch and attract the attention of potentials buyers. Now, how can you attract buyers? You can attract them by preparing your home, by making it appealing enough to make the buyers see what is in there in your home.Before selling your home, you have to prepare it first in order to assure that you'll gain what you desire. Now that you wish to sell your home, your home is now a product that you need to sell and you need to make this product appealing enough to be sold by potential buyers.Clean up! Yes, you need to clean your home. Remove all clutter. In order to make it looks new, repaint it. You do not have to spend too much, cheap paints will do. But before repainting it, clean up the walls, doors and windows so you can just use single coat. In choosing paint, use neutral colors. You have to think about the buyers and not your own taste or preference.The most important rooms in your home are the kitchen and bathroom, so you have to make sure that these rooms are sparkling clean and free from odors. Having unpleasing odors can make buyers move away. You need to make a good impression to buyers.Remove your personal belongings; you can rent out a storage room in order to have a place for your belongings and stuff. You need to make the buyers feel that they are the ones living in your home, so having your belongings all around can hinder them to envision themselves living in your home.Clean the yard. This is the first thing that buyers will see, so make it appealing. Remove clutter. Clean the gutter. Mow the lawn. Trim the grass. Water the plants.Working with a realtor is an option. If it is your first time, it is advisable to work with one in order to have someone to guide you. But, you need to get a realtor that is good enough in selling homesin this market. Take time in getting the right agent. Do not rush things out, especially if you wish to gain the best deal.When viewing time arrived, it is best tolet the agent represent you. Make sure all the lights are on. Put flowers on vase on your table to add appeal. Let the potential buyers view your entire home. In doing all of these things, you will end up getting the best deal with your Delray Beach home selling process.
Selling Your Home - April 20,2008
You can only get a single opportunity to make a good initial impression. A good first impression is crucial in real estate selling. To understand this better you can begin by standing across the street from your house and take a good look at your home. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Try to see if there is anything that jumps out at you that might need to be taken cared of.Is the paint faded badly? Is it peeling significantly? Are you using an outdated color scheme? These are a few things that you have to ask yourself when assessing a house. Check if the roof is not leaking. See to it that the rain gutters are not rusty.It is also good to let an expert see if you have any termite infestation. If any of these questions apply to you then giving your home a fresh coat of paint can be a very good investment. It is also good to make sure that everything in the house is functioning properly. There should be no water pipe leaks or problematic electrical wirings. Make sure to keep the house clean and tidy.Your lawn should also be kept clean and orderly. The grass should be cut short as this will add to the good impression of the potential buyer. This can significantly help you sell your piece of property sooner and for a better price. However, it is advisable to check with your strata council before starting any major work on your house.
Dogs are sweet, BUT! - April17,2008
Your dog Cleo may be the most lovable, docile puppy in the world with you and your family. But when strangers come around he suddenly turns into "Cujo". It's his job to warn away strangers! But this can be a problem when the real estate agent is showing your house to a steady parade of strangers.Just as you and your children have agreed to be elsewhere when your property is being shown, your dog is a member of the family too and needs to be "elsewhere". Perhaps this would be a good time to take him for a run at the beach or a nice time to visit a dog-loving friend.Many people are frightened of dogs and will not enter the premises even if a dog is confined in the basement. One of these people could have turned out to be the buyer. Many Realtors® have concerns about entering premises where a dog has been left and rightly so! The Realtor® doesn't know the dog and vice versa.If you must leave your dog at home during the open house, please leave signs advising that your dog is confined and where he is. Most of us love dogs and know that they can be our best friends and fiercest protector. It's just that we don't want them protecting to the point of scaring off potential buyers.
Buying In A Changing Real Estate Market- April 13,2008
Unless you are a mind reader it is hard to find out which seller is motivated to divest of his real estate. They normally do not run around with a sign "Accepting Lowball Offers". Real estate agents are sometimes instructed to convey to the market that the seller is motivated. There is only one way to find out just how motivated somebody is. MAKE AN OFFER Making offers in the changing real estate market is like throwing pudding at the wall. You just need to find out what sticks. Writing offers does not cost you any money and actually will put your real estate agent to good use. You will soon find out if he is really willing to work for his money.Do not get set on any one property. Falling in love with a house is the surest way to overpaying. Find 10 properties that fit the bill. If you are a cash buyer deposit your money with the title company. Write personal letter accompanying the offers to all seller. Explain to them that you have deposited a sum equal to the offer price with the title company and that you are willing to close in 7 days if you offer is accepted. Make it clear that you have extended these terms to more than one property owner and that you will only accept one offer, the first accepted offer.With the help of a good real estate agent you will be able to find out how low to bid. Use the 7 days due diligence to have the property inspected. Make sure you have an inspection objection clause in your contract. If the property checks out OK you have minimized your purchase price.If you are not a cash buyer have your mortgage approved subject to an appraisal. Talk to an appraiser and see that he is standing by to appraise in short order after an offer is accepted. This way you should still be able to close in 7-10 days.Short sales, where the owner owes more than the property is worth you will run into motivated sellers that need to deal with their banks to see if a transaction is doable. So the above strategy works best in flat to moderately weak markets with sellers who fear for a more severe downturn.
