Spring is Here! How to Prep to Buy or Sell a Home

Spring has sprung, which means the housing market is in full bloom.  Each year, roughly 40 percent of real estate transactions occur between the months of May and August.  If you're feeling inspired to buy or sell a home soon, make sure you're prepared.
When You're Ready to Buy a Home:
* Calculate what you can afford.  Use a home affordability calculator to make sure you're ready for the mortgage payments.
*  Check your credit score and fix any in accuracies you discover ASAP.
*  Save up for a down payment.  Most lenders require 5 to 20 percent.
*  Be ready for additional closing costs. Plan to have approx 4 percent of the home's purchase price     on hand to cover taxes and fees.
*  Re-evaluate your insurance coverage and update all your policies.
When It's Time to Sell:
*  Declutter and clean your home ready to show.
*  Take inventory of what needs to be fixed, such as roof work, paint and landscaping.
*  Decide on a selling price---pull the comps in your area. For more info and help with all your real     estate needs, call FRITZ.

New Year Resolutions for Homebuyers and Sellers

From the Pacific Union blog:
Maybe you've been thinking about buying a home in 2017 - or selling one.  Now is a good time to set some realistic real estate goals (call them resolutions, if it helps!) for the weeks and months ahead. Here are some ideas to help you get started.  For more, go to http://pacunion.us/2hC8AH7
For more information about this and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Add Privacy to Your Yard and Patio

A yard or patio is a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors, whether fun with the family or quiet relaxation after a long day--and privacy goes a long way to create that perfect tranquil retreat.  Here are a few things you can do . . .
Fencing -- Probably the most straightforward solution--be sure to check city ordinances and HOA policies before installing one.
Hedges -- Shrubs like the boxwood and privet are commonly planted along property lines. Choose an evergreen variety for year-long privacy--make sure it's suited for your climate.
Screens -- Stylish and effective, wood panel screens add a nice visual element. Opt for weather resistant options for the best results.
Trellis -- The lattice configuration is perfect for hosting vines and plants for additional coverage.
Pergola -- A pergola helps block views from second-story windows and balconies and offers shade along with privacy.
Drapes -- budget-friendly, panels can be moved as necessary---use fabric suitable for the outdoors.
Vertical Garden -- Consider a living wall--a beautiful element that adds additional landscaping---grow anything from flower baskets to your own herb garden!
For information on how to improve your home for buying and selling, contact FRITZ.

How to Write an Offer Letter That Will Win the House

Photo and article courtesy Cathie Ericson, Realtor.com:
You love the house sooo much.  The problem is, lots of other people probably do too.  How can you stand out in a competitive environment?  Try writing an offer letter that knocks the seller's socks off.
"Making the highest offer is typically the best way to win a bid, but when a seller is faced with two very similar offers, a letter can oftentimes tip the scales toward yours," says Realtor Mindy Jensen of Longmont, CO.
So how do you use writing to woo a seller to your side?  Check out these snippets from winning offer letters, then learn how you can follow in the footsteps of these real-life buyers.
Read the snippets. . . http://bit.ly/2a1nphJ .  For more information on expert tips on buying or selling a home, call FRITZ.

The Must-Dos Before Showing a Home

Thoughtful home staging is more than just tidying up and cleaning every room.  It could mean a quick sale and higher selling price if done right.  Here are five ways you can leave a positive impression on potential buyers.

Eliminate Clutter.  Clear the clutter from around your home.  It's easy to overlook things you see every day, so try to approach all spaces with fresh eyes.  Consider having a friend come over to help point out unnecessary items.  Larger pieces like coat racks and side tables can make a room feel smaller.

Clean Out Storage Spaces.  Make space in kitchen and bathroom cupboards, closets and other storage areas.  Pack up items you don't regularly use and put them out of sight or donate them. Leaving these area completely full may give potential buyers the impression that your home doesn't have enough storage.

Clear the Way.  Make sure potential home buyers can move through your house easily.  Remove furniture that blocks the flow of traffic or hinders sight lines.

Remove Personal Items.  Family pictures, children's artwork and other personal items should be removed to avoid distraction.  Personal belongings can also make it hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house.

Remember Curb Appeal.  Make a strong first impression by sprucing up your front yard and entryway.  Replace the house numbers and exterior light fixtures if necessary.  Keep the lawn mowed, plants maintained and free of clutter and toys.

For more information about how to sell your home fast and for the right price, contact FRITZ.

Here Are The Top Features That Help Sell Homes Fastest

From the Pacific Union blog:
What makes one home sell overnight and another languish on the market for weeks on end?  A recent study identified a half dozen attributes such as architectural style and amenities that caught the interest of home buyers, and the results, while hardly scientific, open a window on current trends in real estate . . . read more.  For more information on buying and selling a home, call FRITZ.

Alameda's East End Attracts with Schools, Parks and Recreation

From the Pacific Union blog:
The island of Alameda used to be considered a bit of a local secret, but times have certainly changed. With the announcement that Google is planning to open an office at the former Alameda Naval Air Station and the general shortage of available homes throughout the Bay Area, the island city has become a highly desireable location for both East Bay homebuyers and those coming from San Francisco . . . read more: http://blog.pacificunion.com/alameda-east-end/

Dining, Shopping, and Prime Location Make Oakland’s Grand Lake a Hot Destination

From the Pacific Union blog:
As in other highly walkable and vibrant East Bay neighborhoods, demand for real estate in Oakland's Grand Lake remains intense, driving up home prices and ensuring speedy sales.

Grand Lake enjoys a favorable, central location just north of Interstate 580, a perk for residents who commute via car.  Downtown Oakland and the 19th Street BART station are about two miles away and accessible via several bus lines.  AC Transit also offers trans-bay service to downtown San Francisco via the B and NL routes, both of which make stops in the neighborhood's heart . . . read more . . .  For information about real estate in the Grand lake area and other areas of the East Bay, call FRITZ.

Buying a Home? Insist on an Inspection

Courtesy the Pacific Union blog:
There are a million and one details in purchasing real estate.  If you're in the market for a new home, don't forget to include a home inspection on your list of priorities before you even think of signing a contract.  Home inspections are so important that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently began instructing lenders to urge all mortgage applicants, at first contract, to hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate desired properties.  Read more. . .
For more information on home inspections and all your real estate needs, call FRITZ.

Top Tips to Prepare for Homeownership

Ready to buy a home?  Here are the top tips to determine if you are ready.

1.  Decide what you can afford.  Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2.  Develop your home wish list.  Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3.  Select where you want to live.  Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans and safety.

4.  Start saving.  Do you have enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment.  Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs.  Closing costs---including taxes, attorney's fees and transfer fees---average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5.  Get your credit in order.  Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately.

6.  Determine your mortgage qualifications.  How large of a mortgage do you qualify for?  Also, explore different loan options---such as 30 year or 15 year fixed mortgages or ARM's.

7.  Get pre-approved.  Organize all the documentation a lender will need to pre-approve you for a loan.  You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers and copies of 2-4 months of bank statements.

8.  Weigh other sources of help with a down payment.  Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs?  Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.  Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money to buy your first home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9.  Calculate the costs of homeownership.  This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities and association fees, if applicable.

10.  Contact a Realtor.  FRITZ would be glad to talk with you and answer all you real estate questions.