Tuesday, November 30, 2010
HOME-LEASE W/OPTION TO PURCHASE-UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Spring Skunk Bluegrass Music Festival-Greer, SC
I am pleased to be spreading the word about the 1st Annual Spring Skunk Music Festival being held this weekend in Greer, SC. The event takes place May 15 & 16 at the Skunk Farm at 4063 Jordan Road, Greer.
The Spring Skunk Music Festival will be featuring Packway Handle Band, Scott Miller and more...
Tickets are $30 for Friday, $15 for Saturday or $40 for the weekend. Hope to see you there!
For more information, Click Spring Skunk Music Festival.
Brought to you by:
Greenville's Real Estate Girl
Keller Williams GCP
864-607-0479
Search all Greenville Area Homes For Sale
The Spring Skunk Music Festival will be featuring Packway Handle Band, Scott Miller and more...
Tickets are $30 for Friday, $15 for Saturday or $40 for the weekend. Hope to see you there!
For more information, Click Spring Skunk Music Festival.
Brought to you by:
Greenville's Real Estate Girl
Keller Williams GCP
864-607-0479
Search all Greenville Area Homes For Sale
Greek Festival-Greenville, SC
As another summer approaches, so does another fun-filled, delicious Greek Festival. A great time to experience the Greek culture with friends and family. A little history, a little music, a little dancing, and LOTS of great food. Bring your appetite and sunscreen, Greenville Weather looks to be warm, with possibility of showers.
Click on Greek Festival 2010 for more information and directions. Hope you see you there!
Opa!
Greenville Real Estate Girl
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479
Search Greenville Area Homes for Sale
Click on Greek Festival 2010 for more information and directions. Hope you see you there!
Opa!
Greenville Real Estate Girl
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479
Search Greenville Area Homes for Sale
Thursday, March 11, 2010
#TipsForHomeSellers:#Negotiating Offers
It's called a buyer's market for a reason, the buyer's have the power. If you have your home for sale, and you receive an offer, here are some things to consider before making your decision:
-Your 1st offer is almost always your best offer, so try to make it work
-If you are not happy with the offer, take into consideration your monthly expenses (mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA, etc) How much more will you spend on the home if you don't try to negotiate this offer?
-Be realistic about what is selling in your neighborhood/area that is the most comparable to your home, and take into consideration
-Do Not consider comps thar are more than 6 months ago, 3 months is the preferred. (totally different market 6 months ago)
-Even if you receive an offer close to asking price, will your home appraise? And if it doesn't, are you prepared to sell it at appraised value?
For more tips on selling your home, go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Search Greenville, SC Homes
"A year from now, you'll wish you had started today."
-Karen Lamb
-Your 1st offer is almost always your best offer, so try to make it work
-If you are not happy with the offer, take into consideration your monthly expenses (mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA, etc) How much more will you spend on the home if you don't try to negotiate this offer?
-Be realistic about what is selling in your neighborhood/area that is the most comparable to your home, and take into consideration
-Do Not consider comps thar are more than 6 months ago, 3 months is the preferred. (totally different market 6 months ago)
-Even if you receive an offer close to asking price, will your home appraise? And if it doesn't, are you prepared to sell it at appraised value?
For more tips on selling your home, go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Search Greenville, SC Homes
"A year from now, you'll wish you had started today."
-Karen Lamb
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Multiple Offers On Short Sales/Foreclosures
Nothing is more disappointing than working with a buyer, especially first timers, that finds the perfect house, and they think because it's a foreclosure, they're getting a heck of a deal. (You can definitely get an awesome deal on a foreclosure, but I'm not talking about good deals.) I call the listing agent to see if there are any other offers on the table, and there are. So I advise my clients to make there highest, and best offer, so we do not get in bidding war, and they do not lose out on their "perfect home". I guess it is experience that gives me the ability to know these little details, but isn't that why people have a Realtor helping them? Because they don't know everything about what they are doing when purchasing a home? This scenario has happened to me twice now, on multiple offers, with two different first timers. (I think they now get it) but look at how much time and energy we wasted on other offers because they would not even offer asking price.
Maybe I need to sharpen my skills with getting them to understand why I know what I am talking about. I even suggested they call some past clients of mine that made 3 offers on foreclosed houses and didn't get any of them because they did not bid at least asking price. My advise to buyers when looking, and considering an offer, on foreclosed homes would be to have your agent call the listing agent, if they don't do it already (which they should) and if there are other offers on the table, offer close to asking price, especially if you are asking for closing costs.
For more info about buying foreclosed/short sale properties, go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
'Nothing good comes in a hurry'
Maybe I need to sharpen my skills with getting them to understand why I know what I am talking about. I even suggested they call some past clients of mine that made 3 offers on foreclosed houses and didn't get any of them because they did not bid at least asking price. My advise to buyers when looking, and considering an offer, on foreclosed homes would be to have your agent call the listing agent, if they don't do it already (which they should) and if there are other offers on the table, offer close to asking price, especially if you are asking for closing costs.
For more info about buying foreclosed/short sale properties, go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
'Nothing good comes in a hurry'
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor and REO Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479
Mortgage Modification Program
Although I don't really agree with the whole mortgage modification idea, I don't think that the homeowners that are applying for a loan modification should have to go up against fraudulent companies. I feel that the loan modification is just delaying the inevitable which is not good for anyone. I cam across an article that was explaining how the FTC is kicking around the idea to propose a ban on all mortgage relief companies from charging an upfront fee. The link for the article is below.
http://rismedia.com/2010-02-08/ftc-proposes-rule-that-would-bar-mortgage-relief-companies-from-charging-up-front-fees/
I had a seller/friend who called me because she was several months behind on her payments, was having a difficult time finding work, and had little to no money. I had discussed her options with a short-sale, and thought that was what we had agreed upon. Until she called me the next week to tell me she had received a letter in the mail that stated she could modify her loan, and get out of delinquency, for only $400. I'm not going to go into the details, but to make a long story short, she went ahead with the $400 modification. Guess who called me last week??? Apologizing for the mistake she made and how she lost the $400 because they couldn't help her, etc, etc, etc. Really?? Who is going to modify a loan for someone who doesn't have a job or income??
If you, or someone you know, is facing foreclosure, or is behind on payments, you have options available that can sometimes stop your from destroying your credit. I am an REO certified specialist, and I can help you decide what is the best option for your situation. Not to mention, sometimes Realtors have investors who may come buy it straight from the bank, and give you cash for your keys. It's happened to me.
Not in SC? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, real estate.
http://rismedia.com/2010-02-08/ftc-proposes-rule-that-would-bar-mortgage-relief-companies-from-charging-up-front-fees/
I had a seller/friend who called me because she was several months behind on her payments, was having a difficult time finding work, and had little to no money. I had discussed her options with a short-sale, and thought that was what we had agreed upon. Until she called me the next week to tell me she had received a letter in the mail that stated she could modify her loan, and get out of delinquency, for only $400. I'm not going to go into the details, but to make a long story short, she went ahead with the $400 modification. Guess who called me last week??? Apologizing for the mistake she made and how she lost the $400 because they couldn't help her, etc, etc, etc. Really?? Who is going to modify a loan for someone who doesn't have a job or income??
If you, or someone you know, is facing foreclosure, or is behind on payments, you have options available that can sometimes stop your from destroying your credit. I am an REO certified specialist, and I can help you decide what is the best option for your situation. Not to mention, sometimes Realtors have investors who may come buy it straight from the bank, and give you cash for your keys. It's happened to me.
Not in SC? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, real estate.
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor and REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479
www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com
Serious Sellers Need to List their Homes NOW!!!
Stop kicking tires!!!! If you are thinking about selling your house, you need to list it now to take advantage of the stimulated buyer market that will soon expire in April. Although you may not be able to sell your home for what you want to get out of it, or what you may think it is worth, however, it could be worth even less if you wait. As the buyer pool dries up in April with the expiration of the tax credit, we will start to see interest rates go up. Not to mention the millions of houses that are referred to as "shadow inventory" that have been foreclosed on, and the banks have not released. But you better believe that when on bank starts to release those "shadow" properties, all the banks will start to release them. Do you know who foreclosed in your neighborhood? Or in your area?? Don't find out the hard way. Click below to read more about our nations housing inventory.
http://rismedia.com/2010-02-08/number-of-for-sale-homes-increased-2-9-percent-in-january-2010-according-to-ziprealty-housing-report/
I can help anyone, anywhere, buy or sell, real estate.
"Be the person you want other people to be"
-Gandhi
http://rismedia.com/2010-02-08/number-of-for-sale-homes-increased-2-9-percent-in-january-2010-according-to-ziprealty-housing-report/
I can help anyone, anywhere, buy or sell, real estate.
"Be the person you want other people to be"
-Gandhi
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor and REO Certified Specialist
Kelle Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479
Friday, January 29, 2010
"Green" Cleaning Tip #1
Most of us have no idea the horrible, harsh chemicals, that we not only clean with, but also inhale and put into our bodies. There are quite a few less expensive, and "eco-friendly" ways to clean, not only our homes, but our clothes, bodies, etc. Think that "Green" cleaning is expensive? It can be, if you go to Whole Foods, or other natural grocery stores, and buy the products on their shelves. However, one of the best, inexpensive, disinfectants is Vinegar!! Not to mention it's a great fabric softener! And you can drink it!!! I know most people don't like the smell of vinegar, but I would much rather smell vinegar for an hour than fill my home, and family, full of harsh chemicals and carrcenogens, wouldn't you?? We have been brain washed to think that unless it's full of chemicals, it doesn't disinfect, or completely clean. So wrong!
Top 10 Worst Cleaners!
-Drain Cleaner
-Oven Cleaner
-Toilet Cleaners
-Spot removers
-Silver/metal polishes
-Furniture Cleaners
-Cleansers/Powdered Cleaners
-Window Cleaners
-Bleach
-Liquid Cleaners
Not to mention all of these go back into our water!!!! There are a lot of great companies out there that you can get highly concentrated products from, in the mail, that are environmentally friendly and much less expensive than your common household cleaners. The one that I use, and really like is MellaLuca. They use little, to no, water in their products, because, why should they charge you for the water, and dilute their product, when you are going to use water in the bucket, toilet, or washing machine anyway??
For more information about being "Green", go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Looking to buy or sell??? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy or sell, property.
The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth.
-Unknown
Top 10 Worst Cleaners!
-Drain Cleaner
-Oven Cleaner
-Toilet Cleaners
-Spot removers
-Silver/metal polishes
-Furniture Cleaners
-Cleansers/Powdered Cleaners
-Window Cleaners
-Bleach
-Liquid Cleaners
Not to mention all of these go back into our water!!!! There are a lot of great companies out there that you can get highly concentrated products from, in the mail, that are environmentally friendly and much less expensive than your common household cleaners. The one that I use, and really like is MellaLuca. They use little, to no, water in their products, because, why should they charge you for the water, and dilute their product, when you are going to use water in the bucket, toilet, or washing machine anyway??
For more information about being "Green", go to: http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Looking to buy or sell??? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy or sell, property.
The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth.
-Unknown
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor, REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partner
864-607-0479 Direct
Saunders@kw.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Double-Dip in Housing Market
For over the last year, all we have heard is mostly negative information regarding the housing market conditions, and finally, the media has decided to share some positive information regarding the so-called "recovery" of the housing market. However, if you look deeper than the surface of the matter, you will see what is "recovering" will soon dip down again.
Let's take a look back at 2006, which was the biggest year in history for real estate in the United States. It was also the biggest year for 3-year, and 5-year ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgages). Well, we all saw what happened when the 3-year ARMs hit in 2009, so what does that leave for the 5-Year ARMs in 2011?? One would think that will all the chaos of 2009 when the 3-Year ARMs reset, that those homeowners with the 5-Year ARMs would refinance. One problem is that a lot of those homeowners carrying the 5-Year ARMs don't know they have them. The other problem is that those who know they have them, and want to refinance, are having a hard time refinancing due to the constriction in the mortgage market. This storm is far from over. So, what does this all mean?? You are going to see a slight upswing to the market in the next couple months, but we will see another dip in the market, and yet another decrease in home values.
If you are thinking of selling your home, as a professional, I would highly recommend you talk to a Realtor about what you need to do to sell now, instead of waiting, and watching, property values decrease even more. I would rather take a 10 percent loss than a 20 percent loss, wouldn't you???
For more information, go to www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com.
Not in South Carolina, I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, property.
"Life is hard. It's even harder when you're stupid."
-John Wayne
Let's take a look back at 2006, which was the biggest year in history for real estate in the United States. It was also the biggest year for 3-year, and 5-year ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgages). Well, we all saw what happened when the 3-year ARMs hit in 2009, so what does that leave for the 5-Year ARMs in 2011?? One would think that will all the chaos of 2009 when the 3-Year ARMs reset, that those homeowners with the 5-Year ARMs would refinance. One problem is that a lot of those homeowners carrying the 5-Year ARMs don't know they have them. The other problem is that those who know they have them, and want to refinance, are having a hard time refinancing due to the constriction in the mortgage market. This storm is far from over. So, what does this all mean?? You are going to see a slight upswing to the market in the next couple months, but we will see another dip in the market, and yet another decrease in home values.
If you are thinking of selling your home, as a professional, I would highly recommend you talk to a Realtor about what you need to do to sell now, instead of waiting, and watching, property values decrease even more. I would rather take a 10 percent loss than a 20 percent loss, wouldn't you???
For more information, go to www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com.
Not in South Carolina, I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, property.
"Life is hard. It's even harder when you're stupid."
-John Wayne
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor and REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479 Direct
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
HUD is Tightening UP-BIG TIME!!! BUY NOW!!!
Changes are coming to FHA, and they're not favorable to ease of home buying. There is no set date yet, but here's the short story:
Upfront MIP(Mortgage Insurance) will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%
Update to FICO scores and LTV maximums (620 minimum marketable, but down payment may increase to 5%)
Seller contributions will be reduced from 6% to just 3% to be in line with conventional markets
Increased audits of FHA lenders
As in so many things, the government appears to be attempting to regulate and stimulate the marketplace at the same time, without regard to consequences.
Thinking of buying, or selling??? Don't wait for the Government to make more regulations to the market they have tried to stimulate.
"The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself"
-Anna Jameson
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor, REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479 Direct
Saunders@kw.com
http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Upfront MIP(Mortgage Insurance) will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%
Update to FICO scores and LTV maximums (620 minimum marketable, but down payment may increase to 5%)
Seller contributions will be reduced from 6% to just 3% to be in line with conventional markets
Increased audits of FHA lenders
As in so many things, the government appears to be attempting to regulate and stimulate the marketplace at the same time, without regard to consequences.
Thinking of buying, or selling??? Don't wait for the Government to make more regulations to the market they have tried to stimulate.
"The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself"
-Anna Jameson
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor, REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479 Direct
Saunders@kw.com
http://www.greenvillerealestategirl.com/
Calling All Real Estate Investors!!!
The FHA Commissioner announced that FHA will be waiving the 90 day seasoning regulation on properties that have a contract dated on, or after February 1, 2010. Up until 2/1/10, as an investor/flipper, you had to wait until the title was in the current owner/investor's name for 90 days before it could be sold to a new purchaser. Of course, there are guidelines for this, just like anything else. However, this is great news for investors who slowed down due to the restriction, or people with extra cash who want to get into investing and flipping real estate.
Remember real estate is about the only investment, that over the past 30 years, has had an average appreciation rate of 4 percent. Not many other investments have that kind of consistency rate.
Certain property may be resold and financed using FHA insured financing without waiting 90 days.
FHA has temporarily waived the 90 day wait period, on certain transactions. These recently purchased homes may be sold and financed with FHA insurance.
· Private sellers and investors are now eligible to take advantage of this waiver.
· These transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and the seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.
· In cases where the sales price is 20% or greater than the seller's acquisition, the lender must justify the increase in value with supporting documentation of renovation, repair and rehabilitation work.
o If no such work was performed the appraiser must provide an appropriate explanation of the increase in property value since the prior title transfer.
o The lender must order a property inspection and provide that report to the home buyer. Buyer's may be charged for the cost of this inspection.
Thinking about buying or selling property??? I can help anyone, anywhere!!!
For more information, go to www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com.
"Begin with the end in mind"
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor, REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479 Direct
Saunders@kw.com
www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Over 1.5 Acre Lot Close to Simpsonville, SC
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Monday, January 4, 2010
Don't Miss the Boat....
Majority of the buyers I represent are first-time home buyers, and up until this past year, I haven't had the challenges of getting them to the closing table that I've faced in 2009. As I'm sure this is the case with a lot of Realtors. As a consumer myself, I want the best bang for my buck, as well. However, sometimes when you are awaiting the "Perfect Deal", you miss a Great opportunity.
I have had several buyer clients this past year that had their eye set on one property, and continued to tell me that they were going to wait for the price to drop again, and again, and again. Well, in all, but one of these cases, these buyers missed the opportunity to buy the house they wanted because they were certain the seller was going to become desperate, and continue to drop the price. Other buyers saw the great opportunity, and submitted the accepted offer, while my buyers lost out. Outcome? No other homes compared to the one they had their eye set on, they became frustrated, and decided not to purchase.
Another thing to consider...As a buyer is waiting for the "Perfect Deal", interest rates are rising, and will continue to rise. You can get a lot more house at 5 percent interest than you can at 6 percent. Just food for thought. Let's put this in perspective: in the 1970's economy/housing crisis, interest rates were around 11 percent and there was no way to even be considered for a mortgage without 10 percent down payment. I'm pretty sure the cost of living, and housing, was much less 30-40 years ago, than it is now.
For more Buyer Resources, go to: www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com
Thinking of buying, or selling?? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, real estate.
"Be the person you want other people to be"
-Ghandi
I have had several buyer clients this past year that had their eye set on one property, and continued to tell me that they were going to wait for the price to drop again, and again, and again. Well, in all, but one of these cases, these buyers missed the opportunity to buy the house they wanted because they were certain the seller was going to become desperate, and continue to drop the price. Other buyers saw the great opportunity, and submitted the accepted offer, while my buyers lost out. Outcome? No other homes compared to the one they had their eye set on, they became frustrated, and decided not to purchase.
Another thing to consider...As a buyer is waiting for the "Perfect Deal", interest rates are rising, and will continue to rise. You can get a lot more house at 5 percent interest than you can at 6 percent. Just food for thought. Let's put this in perspective: in the 1970's economy/housing crisis, interest rates were around 11 percent and there was no way to even be considered for a mortgage without 10 percent down payment. I'm pretty sure the cost of living, and housing, was much less 30-40 years ago, than it is now.
For more Buyer Resources, go to: www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com
Thinking of buying, or selling?? I can help anyone, anywhere, buy, or sell, real estate.
"Be the person you want other people to be"
-Ghandi
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor, REO Certified Specialist
Keller Williams Greenville Central Partners
864-607-0479 Direct
Saunders@kw.com
www.GreenvilleRealEstateGirl.com
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