Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
How do you know if you are ready to purchase a home?
Are you ready to purchase a home?
You have to admit it is a fair question. Many Buffalo Area Homebuyers bypass this question and immediately start the home search process. You are talking about your financial health and no matter if you are a 1st time home buyer or someone moving up into their next home, it is a daunting decision. Here are a couple of indications that you are ready to purchase a Western New York home:Do you know the market?
- How many homes have sold in the community that you desire? And at what price?
- Do you know what absorption rate is?
- If you are thinking of moving up to another community do you understand the market in your current community?
Do you have Sufficient funds?
- Do you have enough money for a down payment?
- Do you qualify for a mortgage?
- How is your credit?
- What about Closing costs including attorney, inspections, and taxes
- How about the expenses of moving?
- Will you have a reserve fund in case of emergency? What if you lose your job? The roof starts leaking? The septic tank needs pumping?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Problems with Home Showings
Let’s talk about showings for your home for sale. I am frustrated with the lack of professionalism by some Realtors. Not all, just a few. And I am not the only one who is frustrated.
I am sure that it is the behavior of these agents that give those of us that work hard to facilitate every showing and keep home owners informed a bad name.
Are you considering selling your WNY home? Here are a few things you need to understand. Those Realtors that are working with buyers have a lot to do. First off they have to qualify their clients, then select properties that:
- Their clients can afford
- That has the features they desire
- Deal with people that may not be completely honest
- Difficulty in scheduling appointments
There are times that these agents are faced with trying to schedule last minute appointments and are meet with resistance. But as a homeseller you need to be aware that it is not always the agent’s fault. I have a system in place to make sure that if someone wants to show a property last minute they can.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fair Housing 101
Fair Housing Rules Affect WNY Buyers
Fair Housing Rules prevent Realtors from giving their opinion on neignborhoods.
Fair Housing Rules Stop Us From Answering Some of Your Questions!
What a New York Realtor® cannot tell you about a neighborhood might surprise you. We recognize that the purchase of your Western New York home is a huge life altering decision and you want to make sure that you have not only the perfect home, but also that have all the facts you need to make that decision.
Fair housing has been in the news in Western New York lately and it is a good time to explain how Fair Housing affects the Western New York Buyer. As a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Realtor® in the State of New York we must adhere to strict rules regarding housing because of the Federal Fair Housing Act.
We cannot discuss things like schools, crime statistics, and demographics.
We cannot render or express an opinion about the status of the neighborhood.
We understand as Western New York Buyers, your need to know the answers to your questions regarding these topics!
The Federal Fair Housing Act keeps us from making certain determinations about a neighborhood. We have put together some resources to answer your very important questions. The Internet is a wonderful resource and there are many great resources in addition to this list.
In addition to our showing of your potential WNY home, we suggest that before you decide to put an offer on a Western New York home that you:
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Stop by the public library and speak with the librarian, they will be full of resources for you to investigate your potential new Western New York home!
