Inside A Home Sellers Mind

Every home seller has key concerns about selling their home.

• They don't want to underprice their home
• They want to make certain their agent knows what they are talking about
• They want to be sure the house doesn't get listed and their agent disappear
• They want to be sure their home actually SELLS!

My goal is to step you through a successful sale process.

• I will help you with helpful insights into what a buyer usually looks for
• Guide you with low cost, high-impact enhancements to help you make more money and sell quicker
• Most importantly, show you I care about your outcome!

The current Kansas City market is currently favoring Sellers with low inventory and great interest rates.  Call me for a free home analysis to see if selling your home right now works for your plans!  Visit http://www.DebbieWhiteHomes.com your information resource!

Debbie White

Realty Executives of Kansas City

816-994-0444

FIVE Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Beware of these five common mistakes often made by first time Home Buyers.

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems

BONUS TIP - Be honest with your Realtor. If they are representing you as your Buyer's Agent let them know your time line (urgency), likes and dislikes and any information that could affect your successful home purchase. It is a partnership. A successful home purchase is the result of a team of professionals dedicated to meet your goals and expectations.

If you are seeking caring and competent representation, give me a call at 816-994-0444 (Direct Line).

Please Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

What is a short sale?
A Short Sale is a sale of a property where the lender agrees to accept less than what is owed to pay off the loan. In a Short Sale situation the owner owes more on the property than they can sell the home for on the open market. The Owner can request that the bank allow them to sell the property to the highest offer and forgive the difference between the amount received and the amount owed. Not all Short Sale scenarios allow the Seller to be "forgiven" the difference between sale price and what was owed on the property. Please consult with a tax consultant to find out the correct answer for your situation as you may have a tax consequence for the difference or be asked to sign a Note to repay the difference. This is a viable option for many Sellers and Banks as it is a less expensive option for the Bank than to take the property through foreclosure.

Short Sale properties are typically sold in “as-is” condition, similar to purchasing an REO property. It is ALWAYS our recommendation that you hire an independent inspection of the property when purchasing any home. Selling “as-is” is most often due to the Seller’s inability to afford repairs. As a Buyer of a Short Sale, you can expect a sometimes lengthy process in obtaining a Bank’s approval of your offer.

Who can qualify to sell their house as a short sale?
A home owner who has a mortgage on their home and owe more than the home is worth may decide to sell their home as a short sale. The lenders will look at the sellers circumstances and any hardship they may have encountered since obtaining the loan. This hardship can be illness, divorce, loss of a job, reduction of income, mortgage rate adjustment etc. The seller will have to submit a hardship letter to the lender along with complete financial statements and short sale package. The seller will have to prove hardship to the lender.

It is everyone’s goal to keep you in your home whenever possible. It’s important to talk to your lender to try to work out a solution
to keep you in your home. If that process fails and a Short Sale can be your next option. A Short Sale is typically less detrimental to your credit in the long term.

We are trained and here to help you through the process of a Short Sale. Selling your home as a Short Sale does not always work, but we can help you navigate the process. It has been a viable alternative for many people.

If you would like a caring and private consulation, please call Debbie at 816-994-0444.

Getting Ready To Own

• 

  Keep Your Home Purchase on Track

  You’ve found your dream home. Make sure missteps don’t prevent a successful closing. Read
• 

  Understanding Real Estate Representation

  Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to choose representation that meets your needs in the transaction. Read
• 

  4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

  By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget. Read
• 

  7 Tips for Improving Your Credit

  Here’s how to clean up your credit so you get the least-expensive home loan possible. Read
• 

  7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

  By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

♪ Come Sell With Me, Let's Sell, Let's Sell Your Home Today! ♪

♪♪  Come sell with me, let's sell, let's sell your home today.
      If you can use a change of scenery.
      We're here to put your home on the market in the month of May.
      Come sell with me, let's sell, let's sell your home today!  ♪♪

Homebuyer Tax Credit Expires TODAY!

No, this is not a last minute call to action.  Personally, I am glad that it is over.  I am happy for those that found homes they love and can benefit from the tax credit.  I am, however, most happy for those buyers who disciplined themselves for their situation to not just buy any house to get a credit but to wait and find the home that best fit their needs!  For some, it was easy to find a great house and reap the benefit of the tax credit.  For others, not so easy.  After all, it is one of the largest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime.

For now, I am ready for Sellers and Buyers to go back to a "normal" real estate market.  When I figure out what a "normal" real estate market is I will be quick to let you know.  In the meantime, we will work with our clients to best educate them for that important decision in "today's" market.  Whatever that may be!

If you're looking for competent and caring representation, we are here to help.  Give us a call at 816-246-7500.

I'm Lonely, So Lonely....

Once upon a time, there was a little white house perched on a lot

Located at 1702 Lexington Road in Pleasant Hill a charming home who has been lovingly sought.

A Buyer here and a Buyer there

Unfortunately could not find financing anywhere.

If its walls could talk it would lovingly share the memories it’s had

With those still to come making this home again glad.

With love, skill and finesse it’s been remodeled bottom to top

New flooring, appliances, paint and much more to make it pop!

Charm and location make this darling home a jewel

Is it possible you know someone who would think this home quite cool?

There is still ample time to capture the tax credit

We would love to work with you and will make sure you won’t regret it!

Just One More Comment About The Tax Credit....

The Sellers who took advantage of the tax credit were able to benefit this Spring.  Particularly those whose price range was around $150,000 and under.  What do I mean by that?  Good homes have flown off the shelf at competitive pricing as inventory has dwindled.  Buyers have rushed to meet the tax credit deadline.  The flip side of the Buyer's tax credit is that it was of benefit to Sellers whether they qualified for the credit themselves or not when they purchased their next home (move up or move down).  They have received quicker contracts and higher pricing!  Definitely good news!

There are still 18 more days to put a home under contract.  The deadline to be under contract is April 30th!  If you're on the fence, there is still time to get off!

If you want competent, caring and professional advice.  Give us a call and see if it's the right thing for you.  816-246-7500

What Do You Need To Know About Deck Safety Before Buying A Home?

Deck safety is extremely important!


When you are purchasing a home your home inspector will inspect it thoroughly. They will check the railings and bannisters for stability. The railings should be at least 36 inches high and rails should be no more than 4 inches apart. They will check under the deck to check the ledger boards, support posts and joist hangers.  The inspector will also be on the lookout for wood rot.

If you have a deck on your own house, it's a good idea to have it inspected annually to make sure it's structurally sound.

If you have any questions about real estate and need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 816-985-3444.

60 Minute Home Inspection

A quick and easy 60 Minute Home Inspection! The weather is cold and snowy. This simple inspection is a great indoor safety check this time of year.

Ensure your home is safe and sound in less than an hour:

___ Check water heater for leaks and rust.
___ Check the pressure on fire extinguishers.
___ Test smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector batteries.
___ Inspect faucets, sinks, and pipes for leaks.
___ Test ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles.

Visit www.houselogic.com, a great resource for everything you need to know to protect, maintain and enhance the value of your home.

Landscaping 101

Landscaping can add 7 to 15% to your home's value. Colorful landscaping, a fresh coat of paint and attention to detail not only bring you enjoyment every day, but also increases the value of your home.

Select Indigenous Plants
Choosing native rather than exotic plants for your landscaping will reduce maintenance and increase curb appeal. They don't need watering except during establishment, nor chemical fertilizers because they are already adapted to local conditions. Native plants not only accent your home, they also attract colorful birds and butterflies.

Cold Weather
Keep your landscape from looking cold and bare in the fall and winter months by choosing hardy plants that look good year around. It's important to think in terms of bark, berries and shape.

Bring Life to Small Spaces
Small garden ares should not feature too many different kinds of plants and materials. This will make your landscaping look cluttered. Container gardening can work miracles in small spaces, with the added benefit of being easy to move according to the plants needs. If you live in an apartment or condo, revitalize your entryway, patio or balcony with attractive hanging baskets, planters and unique personal accessories.

Create an Outdoor Space
Create an outside living area by adding a deck or patio for entertaining and relaxing year round. This addition is also a great investment in your home. A 2008 Cost vs. Value Report produced by Realtor Magazine stated that installing a deck can provide up to 81.8% return on investment while a pool returns only 20-50% according to Money Magazine. There are a variety of different surfaces to fit any style or budget.

Is There A Silver Lining?

The truth is that there is a Silver Lining in the current market.

Affordability is high. The Housing Affordability Index that measures the ability of a typical American family to qualify for a mortgage based on the median-price for and existing single-family home. A score of 100 indicates that the typical family would have the exact amount required on a 20 percent down payment and monthly payments of no more than 25 percent of their household income. Currently, the index is at 135.2, which means the average American family not only can afford to purchase a home, but will also have excess money for living expenses.

The selection is vast. It continues to be a Buyer's Market. You have more homes in which to choose from.

Owning a home is still one of the Best Long-Term Investments you can make. Historically, homes appreciate, despite short term spikes.

Don't look back wishing you would have purchased real estate when I can show you how!

Source: Buffini and Company

How Do I Find The Right House and Make An Offer?

Real Estate Corner…

Q. How Do I Find The Right House And Make An Offer?

A. I recommend that you make a wish list of everything you would like to have in a new house. Then make a list of everything you don’t like in your current home. These two lists will give you a good idea of where to start, and help you analyze your needs.

Buying a home requires making some compromises. You may not get everything you want, but make sure to get what you need. For example, when buying a home, the neighborhood should be your main consideration. Is the house in a neighborhood that you like and feel safe? Will you have a reasonable commute to work? Does it have a good school system? (Not only is this important if you have children; it will impact the resale value of your home down the road.) Does the area have the amenities that you’re looking for (parks, stores, and library) within a few miles?

Buying a house is a big financial investment and commitment for many years. Before you make an offer, ask yourself if you can afford the house? Be cautious. If you are buying or selling a home and need competent and caring representation, please call me at 816-875-1661.

"Chill Out KC"

Are you looking for some things to do? Visit http://www.visitkc.com/. From a list of 33 FREE THINGS TO DO to some fabulous discounts on dining, theater and many other attractions, it's certain to keep you busy until Spring fills the air.