Be Prepared for THIS Market

With the lack of AFFORDABLE inventory and the high volume of qualified buyers, it is so important to be fully prepared when starting your home search. Below are tips to help keep you on top of every opportunity that presents itself and how to handle a multiple offer situation (which is unavoidable in our current market).  



1. Assemble a strong financial package. Get a solid pre-approval letter from preferably a local lender. If possible, opt for a conventional loan. 

2. Present an irresistible offer. This does not mean you need to offer more than you feel comfortable with. I actually believe you need to come up with a number(purchase price) in your head, and not go over it. This will prevent buyer remorse and feeling you overpaid for a property because you were in a competition. This simply means to keep your offer as "clean" as possible. Go for a realistic, but timely close date, and don't ask the seller for everything under the sun.

3. Have your agent educate you on the housing market in that particular part of town, and give you the history on that particular home. The more knowledge you have on the home, the better prepared you can be for offer time. 

Always remember that your Realtor is there to help guide you through the process, making suggestions along the way. We are experienced in these areas and can give your offer the competitive edge it will need through this buying season!   

HOME BUYER SEMINAR

Please join us January 28th from 6-7pm for a free, informational seminar regarding home ownership.

 RSVP to NikoleandJenn@WeSellTC.com or by calling 231.620.0201. Refreshments provided!!

Information on the upcoming "Hour of Power" First Time Home Buyer Seminar- April 16th 6-7pm

Information on the upcoming "Hour of Power" Home Buyer Seminar... Please Share!

WILL 2015 CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS?

What does this new year have in store for you or your family? Is it upsizing, downsizing, or a first time home buy? Regardless of what your personal motivation is, there is often a solution that is easily attainable with the right information regarding financing and local housing statistics. Please see www.GrandTraverseRealtor.com for up to date information for buying homes in our area.

There was a random survey conducted by the Harvard Joint Study for Housing regarding home ownership and the American Dream. Below are the top responses as to why home ownership was important to the participants.

1. To build up wealth and equity to pass along to family members. This was the number one answer they found.

2. Control over living space. Whether it is minor updates throughout the home or a full fledged renovation, home owners have the ability to make that decision without asking for permission from a landlord.

3. Having a physical structure where they feel safe.

4. More space for family.

5. A place to raise children.

If you have any questions or want to get a head start on the 2015 housing market please contact me so we can sit down, determine your real estate goals, and make a plan for the new year!

Nikole McGregor
Realtor
231.620.0201
nikole@realestateone.com

BUYING A HOME THIS FALL/WINTER

To maximize your home buying experience this fall/winter there are a couple things you should know. The first and most important thing is to become familiar with the market. Your real estate agent should be able to guide you through this, and explain what you may already know in more detail. 

Things you should be aware of:

 market conditions
 shortage of homes?
 surplus of homes?

All of this is crucial in deciding the offer you submit.

Be aware that your selection may be limited. Although there are less homes on the market, that doesn't necessarily mean they are of less quality or any less desired. If the house has been lagging on the market for quite some time, you may have a great chance of acquiring it at an lower price than a peak season sale. It is more likely you will be able to negotiate a far better price, than if there were more competition. We all know what competition does...it drives the price UP. 
For more tips on buying homes please visit www.GrandTraverseRealtor.com 

Hope you have found this information helpful! If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nikole
nikole@realestateone.com
231.620.0201

Closing Cost Relief

Has closing cost money put your real estate dreams at bay? If so, you should check out the MSHDA program, which could be incredibly helpful. The program is offering up to $7,500.00 for closing cost money that you may not have. There are some eligibility requirements (of course) but it looks like a very promising program that could help you get into a home sooner than later! Check out https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,1607,7-141-45866_45870-175332--,00.html for details. I have a client using this program right now, whom otherwise would be waiting up to a year to come up with the required closing costs.