As a new Agent I thought at first it seemed kind of offensive to immediately ask “Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?” or “Are you going to be an all cash buyer?” especially to someone who is looking at/for property you just met for the first time! First meetings are to be opportunity to gather as much information from your prospect, to [...]
Listen up first time home buyers or home owners- there’s a funny word I want to talk to you about. Escrow.
As Ice Cube states in one of his songs:
You punks is petty, still we steady, countin' fetti
I'm the one closin' escrow, with the best flow
Closing an escrow account can happen after the sale of a property. It is an account held by a [...]
Real estate tax assistance is real and you should see if you qualify! The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program offered by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue was created to decrease the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.
The amount of relief received varies with the [...]
Buying your first home can be emotionally and financially challenging. With rising home prices, limited inventory, down-payment requirements and upfront closing costs, it’s enough to overwhelm someone right out of the process. In New Hampshire some local banks recognize how difficult entering the housing market can be and able to offer some [...]
Waterville Estates ski area is enjoying a great year! Yes you heard it Waterville Estate ski area is enjoying a great year. The expanded ski lodge, bar, and entertainment area has been a huge hit with the Association members and the public. With upcoming snow good grooming the conditions look fantastic for this weekend. The ski lodge is [...]
Recently asks: I am a smoker and I’ve been turned down twice because I smoke even though I only smoke outside. Isn’t that discrimination?
Answer: In a word, no. It is not discrimination. Don’t get too fired up about not being able to find a place to rent because you’re a smoker. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 can’t help you on this one. This [...]
The seller doesn’t care if you have to bring more money to closing!
The appraisal can be arbitrary if you need “a” loan and you want the property.
I realize I will get some flack from the appraisers who will read my post, but let me tell you where the above statement comes from.
I am selling a 3 bedroom condominium, and share what I believe to be the best three comparable closed sales with my seller as we discuss an [...]
Know which loan conforms to the property before you apply to a lender.
Question; are you all set with your financing?
Answer: My buddy has me all set with a great rate.
NOT SO FAST… will the property conform to the type of loan you have been assured you’ll be approved for, at this great rate?
According to the IRS, in Fiscal Year 2016, the average individual income tax refund was about $3,050. Suggestions of what to do with this chunk of change are endless but certainly, amongst those ideas, must be homeownership. After all, purchasing a home is a great investment. Unfortunately the big picture of the situation isn’t whether you [...]
Question: MLloyd asked: I have what is considered an in-law apartment; I’d like to rent it out for some extra income. There is a coworker interested in this space but she only needs it for a few months so didn’t want to sign a year lease. Is it wise to agree to terms verbally since she is going to be there only a short [...]
The Importance of a Valid Contract
When you purchase a vehicle through a lending institution there’s a contract you have to sign before purchasing. When you buy a house, there’s definitely a contract. When you get professional renovations and remodeling done to a property, there’s a contract. So when you rent a property or have a tenant you [...]
When trying to acquire a rental or purchase the best location at a ski resort a few things come in to play as every mountain has its own character.
#1) Does being the closest to the mountain mean you have to have a huge budget?
#2) Is finding a property were the first building was built as the ski area was being developed a better option?
#3) Or will we have to settle for a tiny space or an old dog to get that location…RIGHT??
QUESTION: NWhipple asked, Should I put the utilities in my name or should they remain in the landlords name and why.
ANSWER:
Thanks NWhipple this is a good question. Tenants should put electric and other utilities in their name whenever possible.
This prevents any future confusion...
“Sup dawg! WYD?”
“Dude, can you hook me up with a crash-pad?”
“I swear I’m fun/responsible/friendly/not-an-axe-murderer.”
These are all terrible ways to introduce yourself when looking for a property to rent. When you’re looking for a rental, or renting your place out, it’s really an interview process. Don’t show up smelling like a seedy bar that you were in the night before. Handshakes and eye contact are important. Put on some clean clothes, brush your hair and teeth and make sure to use your real first name and stay away from slang.
In November I wrote about some etiquette tips and tricks ?
I get inquiries almost every day on these Quarter-share condos most buyers think it is full ownership...and love the price ($12,000 to $48,000).
A Title defect can take many forms, for this entry we will focus on an improper discharge. When a mortgage is paid off, the lender issues a discharge which then has to be put on record to let the world know the loan on that particular property has been satisfied and no further payments are being sought. Sounds easy and it should be…what could go wrong you ask?
1) The discharge is not recorded in the county the property resides in
2) The discharge goes to the mortgagor after payoff but never is recorded
3) The lender (bank) is purchased, is then folded in to a new bank and when they receive the payoff balance of the loan they issue an improper discharge.
Lets talk more about case #3… big banks are gobbling up smaller banks as of late and one of the casualties is an improper discharge that is recorded at the registry of deeds. How does that happen? The next buyer / owner hires a title company (or real estate attorney) and read more here
“The Safety of the People shall be the Highest Law” -Cicero
Being a new homeowner can be as daunting as it is exciting. Especially if you have selected a fixer upper project as your first adventure in home ownership. But the benefits of owning a home and building equity in a property can vastly outweigh the difficult moments spent on repairs and renovations.
Living and owning a home in today’s techy times can be a benefit to you as a homeowner. There are many affordable options for home security and cameras can be installed easily connecting right to your cellphone via WiFi. These are the ones I recently ordered from Amazon, under $200 and easy to install: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IT8LLQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_O9ytAb3DG3KPZ to read more