Move.....Maybe?

If you haven't noticed- many are buying, and selling, and moving these days.  Its getting more and more of us to think about maybe doing the same. But, we hesitate.  I want to debunk a few of the voices that we hear talking in our heads that cause hesitation and most times regret later on.

Myths

It's a buyers market, so better wait it out.

Can be a true statement, especially in this last real estate low.  But, maybe consider some things before deciding to “wait it out.” Every home has its reasons others would want to buy it.  Think about what got you to buy it?  There are more reasons than just price that got you to buy your current home.  Here are a few reasons to consider.

• Location
• Layout
• Charm
• Size

Once you locate these reasons, your home breaks free of just being another home.   This is where the marketing needs to be focused.  Have you ever seen that listing with a picture of the property and way over in the corner is this little house.  The home is going to sell because it has land, right?  My favorite are close up pictures on trim work and finishes that highlight a home's uniqueness.   Focusing this way sells homes.    Locate your home's strengths and you will get more for your home even in a “buyers market.”

Its a sellers market, so I better wait it out.  

Also Can be a true statement. But consider, if you sell your home for more than you thought and you buy a home for more than you wanted to pay, its all relative, right? In other words, you really pay the same.

If you don't have a sell and buy situation, there is always a deal out there. You'll always find someone needing to get out from under their home for some reason.   I have seen some of the best deals purchased in a “seller's market.”   It requires proficiency in the area.  Sometimes buyers are lucky too.  There are many ways to find such properties and most real estate agents should be able to assist you if you need it.   

I cant afford to move

Maybe you can!!!  Your first step might be talking to a lender and see what programs are available. There are many programs for home loans and grants not being utilized.   A great lender will offer a consult like this at no cost to you.  Give them a chance to earn your business, right?

What if you move closer to work?  We all know, less time in the car is more money out of your pocket. Maybe if your home had a home office, you wouldn't even need a car at all.  Or maybe you wouldn't need to lease office space any more.  If you your moving because of work, the IRS will pay you for doing such a thing.  IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses  

Rents are comparable to paying for a home every month.  Owning gets you tax breaks on your home and can make a difference if you're considering moving into a place of your own.

Maybe if you woke up every day in a home with more “charm” you would be more positive and productive.  Mental health always equals more dollars in your pocket.

Moving forces us to go through everything.  Maybe this going through everything gets us decluttered and eliminates the need for the storage unit we are paying for every month.     

Have you considered co-ownership with a friend or family member?  Could be worth it.

A simple investment property might be the answer.  I have a friend that is living in a nice home with a separate home on the same lot.  Before he purchased it, it was on the market for a long time.  Both of us chuckle when he talks about how his rents from the second home pay for the both of them and he really lives in his home for nothing out of his pocket every month.  I guess my friend was the first to think that through when he was the one to finally purchase the property.

My credit is bad

Maybe you're right.  But do something about it.  A lender is more than willing to strategize with you and at no cost.

Maybe you're wrong.  Many misunderstand credit and what it takes to purchase a home.  Get properly informed before you buy into this myth.

Its not worth selling my home

With so many ways to find out what your home might be worth,  many are still not getting to the truth.  Talk with a Realtor and get a comparative market analysis on your property.  Its free. Realtors have access to sold, pending and active properties similar to yours and can be real.  This information has been shocking for many.  Your home might be worth more than you thought.

Maybe Ill move but where do I start?

Most go straight to the computer and start looking at homes.  Its great to take action but there are other steps that need to be taken to ensure success.  The first step is to talk with a lender.  Figure out what you can afford.  

Next,  figure out what your needs and wants are.  This sounds silly but, really, decide why you want to move, and what is important for you to have in your next home.  Start this by thinking about where your favorite spot in your current home.  Also, point out the parts of your current home you don't like or need any more.  Lastly,  Put it all together with a list of the things your home will have to have and what would be nice to have.

Last,  just call a realtor.  Tell them about your list.  If they seem in a hurry to show you property, then call another realtor.  Your success will be best with a realtor that is interested in knowing about your list before showing you a bunch of homes because they are in your price range.

Moving to a home that fits you is very exciting.   I have seen peoples move become life changing for them.   Don't let these myths rob you of such an experience.   

Dealing with an Empty Nest? 5 Great Reasons to Downsize into a New Condo

There's a good chance if your children have recently moved out that your home is feeling a lot larger than it used to, and perhaps you're re-considering the extra space. If downsizing to a condo is on your mind and you're weighing the benefits of this kind of move, here are some that might make it worth the switch in size.

A Little Extra Money

With the additional money you should be making off the sale of your home, there's a good chance that downsizing may provide you with extra assets to sock away for retirement, travel or whatever your heart fancies. If you don't need the money, it might not matter, but in the retirement years a little extra can be of benefit for many.

Minimize Your Costs

Usually, there are many utility and heating costs that go along with home ownership, but by moving into a condo you can alleviate many monthly payments instantly. Instead of paying for every utility, condo living can help to simplify and minimize the amount you owe each month.

Free Up Your Retirement

Often times it may seem like home ownership is the dream, but many people approaching retirement would rather have the flexibility of renting. Because there are limited responsibilities with a rental, it means you can spend the winter months in Mexico without having to worry about who will take care of your home.

A Condominium Community

The great thing about many condo buildings is that they are built close to amenities like grocery stores, drycleaners and restaurants, so you don't have to worry about venturing far out. It might not seem important if you're used to driving to the store to make your purchases, but being able to walk might make you a convert to a different way of life.

Forget About The Maintenance

If you've gotten used to all of the maintenance that goes into a home, downsizing can be a great relief in terms of the time you'll be saving. Instead of a lawn to cut or a multi-level home you're responsible for, you'll be able to rely on the building manager to do this for you.

It can be comforting to have a home you've bought and paid for that belongs to you, but by downsizing you may be able to save on time and significantly lower your living costs. If you're considering purchasing a condo and would like to learn more about your options, you may want to contact one of our local real estate agents for more information.

Did You Know Alarms Are Just One Way to Secure a Home Here Are Four Other Options

The home is a private space that most people want to protect and keep secure, but the cost of a security system can come with a considerable price tag. If you're interested in keeping your home safe without contacting the security companies, here are a few ways you can ensure its sanctity.

Keep Your Property Maintained

Straight from a burglar's mouth, the exterior appearance of a home can say a lot about whether or not a house is a sure bet for a break in. A house where there is clutter and overgrown trees may equate to an unaware owner, but if the home's exterior is well-maintained and the grass is cut, there's a good chance a burglar may move on to a more obvious target.

Purchase Some Long Rods

While it might seem like a long rod is something you use on someone who has already breached your property, these devices can actually be used for securing the access points of your home. If you have sliding doors or windows, insert the long rod into their track to prevent a possible intruder from tampering with them and gaining access from outside

Use A Lighting Timer

The use of a lighting timer to scare away a potential thief might seem like the oldest trick in the book, but most intruders who want to get into a home will look for the easiest option so it can actually do the trick. By using a timer that will turn your exterior lights on and off at different times of the day, they can easily safeguard your home when you're not there to do so.

Get A Guard Dog

A furry friend is enough of a treat on its own, but a barking dog can also serve as one of the biggest detractors when it comes to a criminal who's casing a home. There are few things that will alarm an otherwise quiet community like a barking dog, so an animal that can protect your turf may be an ideal security system without any required installation.

A security system can be pricy to install and a burden to maintain, but there are some simple solutions to keeping your home secure, from purchasing a family pet to property maintenance. If you're considering the costs of a home and are looking into a purchasing one in the near future, you may want to contact our local real estate professionals for more information.