If the latest technology and entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist.  This is interesting information I got from the REALTOR Magazine Online and reprinted with permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Visit the Consumer Electronics Association ( http://www.ce.org/techhomerating ) for a complete Tech Home Rating Checklist.

1.  Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?  Does it include U-Verse if that’s important to your family?

2.  Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks?  Most people use their cell phones these days, but some still want a phone in every room, including the bathrooms.

3.  Is the home prewired for a home theater or multi-room audio and video?

4.  Does the home have a local area network for linking computers?

5.  Does the home already have wiring for DSL or other high-speed Internet connection?

6.  Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

7.  Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

8.  Is the home wired with multi-purpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?

0 comments. This is an old post. The comments are currently closed. Click here to send me a comment via email.

When you start looking for a home, you first need a pre-approval for a mortgage.  Below is a list of things your lender is going to need to process your loan.  They may ask for additional items, but this is a list to get you started.  Make sure you get these items to your lender in a timely manner your home purchase moving along.  This way, you will be able to close when you have planned to close on your new home.

10.  Previous addresses where you have lived over the past 5-7 years.

9.  Payments you are currently making; a list of current lenders and revolving creditors with account numbers.

8.  Credit card numbers with amounts you owe on each credit card.

7.  Verification of all income, including child support and part time jobs.

6.  Documentation on all retirement accounts, like a 401K.

5.  Asset list.  Things on this list would include boats, cars, collectibles, RV, etc.  Also include brokerage account statements for stocks and bonds.

4.  Two to three years of tax returns.

3.  Checking and savings account statements for banks and credit unions.

2.  Current pay stubs.

1.  W-2′s.

0 comments. This is an old post. The comments are currently closed. Click here to send me a comment via email.

The following information is reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS – copyright 2005 – all rights reserved.

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas, but consider these facts before you buy.

1.  Storage.  Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.

2.  Outdoor space.  Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit.  However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

3.  Amenities.  Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home. 

4.  Maintenance.  Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in owrkers when you’re not home.

5.  Security.  Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants.  Plus, you’ll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.

6.  Reserve funds and association fees.  Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity or not.

7.  Resale.  The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar.  Single-family homes usually are more individual.

8.  Freedom.  Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property.  For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses.  Others prohibit pets.  Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.

9.  Proximity.  You’re much closer to your neighbors, in a condo or town home.  If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.

0 comments. This is an old post. The comments are currently closed. Click here to send me a comment via email.

1.  What are your qualifications?  Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?

2.  Do you have a current license?  Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.

3.  How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year?

4.  Do you have a list of past clients I can contact?

5.  Do you carry professional errors and omission insurance?  May I have a copy of the policy?

6.  Do you provide any guarantees of your work?

7.  What specifically will the inspection cover?

8.  What type of report will I receive after the inspection?

9.  How long will the inspection take and how long will it take to receive the report?

10.  How much will the inspection cost?

Portions adapted from Real Estate Checklists and Systems and used with permission ( http://www.realestatechecklists.com ).  Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.

0 comments. This is an old post. The comments are currently closed. Click here to send me a comment via email.

Don’t be fooled, take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it goes away.  It ends at the end of this month.  It’s the best gift Uncle Sam will ever give you!  If you would like to sell your home and buy another home, you may be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit.  Give me a call today so we can get you qualified for your tax credit.  I am not fooling around, these tax credits are a great deal!

0 comments. This is an old post. The comments are currently closed. Click here to send me a comment via email.