Real Estate Tips, Trends & Traps!

Update about this blog

2011-01-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks for clicking the link for my blog. My apologies for not updating this blog. Real Estate Tips, Trends & Traps has an email newsletter. If you would like to receive my e-newsletter (sent out once a month) please send me your email address & ask to be added to my Real Estate Newsletter list. You will receive an update of "Featured Homes" and "Open Houses" as well. You may unsubscribe at any time. Email me at AnnGrant2008@gmail.com

Time to REFI!!!!

2009-10-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! If you have not REFINANCED in a while and your current mortgage rate is hanging around in the 6% range, call your mortgage company or a trusted lender. Rates are now in the high 4's and low 5's if your credit is great...so what are you waiting for? This is your opportunity to keep that cash in your pocket!!! Do it now, you will thank me later. :)

Terrific home on the market in Middlesex county CT

2009-03-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.postlets.com/res/1959352

2009 TAX CREDIT ---ATTN: FIRST TIME BUYERS!

2009-03-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The New Tax Credit is....$8,000!!! http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ you have to buy something before December 1st 2009 to enjoy this credit!

Tips for sellers 2009

2009-01-12T12:01:00.001-08:00

Sellers:
1. Price it right the first time! The most "action" on a listing is during the first 30 days.
2. Be "buyer ready" -clean, do small updates if you can, and paint. The updated homes sell the fastest in a buyer's market!
3. Grieve those HIGH property taxes! If you know your neighbors are paying less than you are for a similiar house/property it is time to Grieve your taxes, call your local town hall, etc. for info.
4. Be realistic. I still hear homeowners tell me "I want X amount of dollars" or "my neighbor sold for X amount of dollars in 2005" Sorry everyone, but it is 2009 and the many years of over inflated property values are gone. Don't despair, as I tell you over and over again if you have consistently paid down your mortgage and have not maxed out your equity you will make a profit.
5. After 30-45 days on the market, consider dropping the price slightly. This will increase the attention to your property and it might bring in buyers who could not afford your list price.

2009 TIPS FOR BUYERS

2009-01-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Buyers:
1. First make sure your debt is low and your credit score is high!
2. Get your pre approval before you go out to view properties (we need to know you are looking in the correct price range)
3. Unless you are buying something that needs to be gutted and you are getting it at a really low price, this is not the time to "flip" a house. This is the time to buy and settle down for a few years.
4. Just because you hear the word FORECLOSURE, it does not mean, cheap prices on a fabulous house. Many foreclosures need work (repairs, etc.)
5. Mortgage rates are down, now is the time to get off the fence and get out there.

2009, Kfortuna Realty in NY, Keller Williams in CT

2009-01-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

As of January 1st, 2009 I am now with Kfortuna Realty in NY. This up and coming office is located in Dutchess county. I am still covering Westchester county, Putnam county, Dutchess and now Rockland and Orange county. I am still with Keller Williams in CT serving all of CT, but focusing on Middlesex county, Litchfield county and Hartford county. Feel free to email me or call me on my cell 914-261-6928.

Feng Shui and what I have learned...

2008-11-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

I recently attended a class in Feng Shui. It was given by Ned Farrell who is a Feng Shui Consultant. Feng Shui helps create a harmonious, successful, and peaceful environment.
I learned some new things and wanted to share those with you. These tips also help with the Staging of a home.
Ned told us "all doors should work well" meaning, remove the clutter from behind doors. You need to be able to open the door all of the way. The front door is where all good energy enters. Clean up the clutter!
Organize your clutter into groups of "kee", "throw out", "donate", "build a bon fire"! Clutter equals negativity.
Free up the corners, remove any unnecessary item from the corners of a room.
Let the sun shine in! Natural light and good air quality are a must have.
Not sure where to place your desk? Bed? Dresser? Ned's website is www.NedFarrell.com

Stage your home to sell...clean, clean, clean!

2008-11-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

Kitchens and bathrooms are THE rooms that sell your home. Here are some tips to stage your kitchen and bath. First be sure all of your fixtures are in good working condition. Replace outdated plumbing fixtures with sleek, modern ones. Brass was popular in 1988, it's not popular in 2008. Stainless steel is a good choice as is pewter.

Regarding color and decor...in the bathroom, color coordinate towels and shower curtains. Place a floral arrangement or candles on the counter tops. Only one or two items on the counter tops in the Kitchen. Remember no clutter, no one really wants to see your toothbrush and toothpaste on the bathroom sink. They don't want to see personal items in the kitchen (magnets on refrigerator, personal pictures, etc.)

Remember to clean, scrub, and deodorize! Rooms need to sparkle from top to bottom! You want the buyer to say "Wow"!

House for sale--during the holidays

2008-11-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Make your home warm and inviting for your friends, family and potential buyers! I have heard agents tell clients not to decorate their homes during the holidays and the client usually responds with "I live there". My advice is less is more. I am not saying don't put up a tree, just don't put up a 15 foot tree which will hide the beauty of your living room or family room. You can put a wreath on your front door and some lights outside, just don't create a winter wonderland in your front yard. Potential buyers might not celebrate the same holidays you do, so try not to go overboard. A good balance will keep everyone happy (your friends, family & buyers). You might also want to take pictures of your home before you decorate and leave those out so buyers can see the home before holiday decorations go up. The holiday season is a slow time in Real Estate sales but the great thing about listing your property during the holiday season is that you will find very serious buyers and there will be less competition (less homes on the market).

Fundraiser on Saturday November 22nd Burke's Bar in Yonkers

2008-10-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Join us on Saturday, November 22nd at 6pm for a fun night of TURKEY BOWLING. Yes, that is bowling with frozen turkeys. This is a charity event and yours truly is hosting it along with a co-worker. It will take place at Burke's bar in Yonkers, NY. Email me for directions or further details. $5.00 donation, bowl a strike and be entered in a drawing to win a prize worth $500.00. Fun, fun, fun!

GOT REAL ESTATE? INHERITING PROPERTY

2008-10-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

Inheriting Property can be confusing for the heirs, particularly if you plan on selling the property.
First hire an attorney to get expert legal advice.
Generally there is little or no transfer tax or other cost involved because the heir(s) did not pay anything for the property.
When a person dies and title is transferred to a spouse or a child, the due on sale mortgage contract clause does not apply.
Every state has a different legal process, most allows the person who was willed the property to transfer ownership from the previous owner's name to the new owner's name. The attorney who is assisting with probate of the will can help you fill out the forms.
If for some reason an attorney is not involved, call your county clerk's office and they can guide you through the transfer process or direct you to someone who can.

GOT REAL ESTATE? TIPS FOR SELLERS...

2008-10-07T07:37:00.001-07:00

Are you selling your home?
5 quick tips to get your home ready for the market!Organize and clean, pare down the clutter, remove personal photos, make your house shine!Find Warranties Gather warranties, manuals and any other item the new homeowner might need.
Curb Appeal Are the bushes and lawn manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Stand in front of your house and look at it from a buyer's point of view. Pre-sale Inspections most seller don't do this, but why be surprised? Have an inspector take a look at your house. What are the trouble spots? Make repairs before open houses begin.Replacement Estimates can help during the negotiation process. Knowing how much it will cost to replace that worn out item will help your agent help you get the best price for your home. If a buyer comes in lower because of the worn out item, you can provide the estimate and counter with a more realistic number.

GOT REAL ESTATE? TIPS FOR BUYERS...

2008-10-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Prepare for Homeownership
Basics for buying a home:

Find out what you can afford. Usually you will be approved for 3 times your income.
Develop your wish list. Prioritize what is important to you. Go to my website at www.AnnGrantRealty.com under the buyer's resource column you can download a wish list.
Figure out where you want to live. Drive around neighborhoods and take into account items such as safety, schools, etc.
Get your credit in order! Obtain a copy of your credit report and make sure it is accurate. Contact me if you need help getting your score up, etc. I can refer you to people who can help.
Get preapproved!!! Very important! Contact a Realtor (that's me) to help guide you through the process.

First time home buyers see if you are eligible for the Federal Tax Credit of $7500.00

2008-10-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

MOVING TO FLORIDA? DAYTONA BEACH/ORLANDO

2008-10-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Check out http://www.venetianbaycommunity.com/ luxury condos and townhouses. If you or a loved one is interested in the condos there, contact me at AnnGrant2008@gmail.com or by phone (see my profile). I will contact the sales office to let them know you are my "A List" client. Be treated like royality by the staff at Venetian Bay! Venetian Bay will reimburse up to $2500.00 of travel and vacation expenses when you buy one of their units---restrictions apply, call me first to set you up! Act now, offers like this don't last long!

ARE YOU UPSIDE DOWN IN YOUR MORTGAGE?

2008-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you are upside down in your mortgage or having credit/debt issues, contact Dess Sealy at 718-599-8794. Dess is my go to person for cases like these. Mention my name when you call him.

SELLING A HOME IN A BUYERS MARKET

2008-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you are a person trying to sell a home in a buyer's market, there is more work to be done than sticking a for sale sign on the front lawn. First you need an agent who is creative and motivated (that's me). The agent needs to market your home and come up with new ideas to get it sold. You as the seller, will need to set a fair price. If you have lived in your house longer than 5 years and have not maxed out your equity, you should make a decent profit. Forget about what your neighbor sold for in 2005. The market price is going to be less than your dream price and isn't it always that way in any market? A renovated kitchen and bath will still give you an edge over the competition. Remove the clutter and personal items. Pictures are distracting to buyers. I have witnessed buyers say things like "Oh we went to Niagara Falls too"....uuuummmm, we are there to look at the house not the pictures! I too, have caught myself looking at a nice family photo or two! The buyer needs to be able to picture their family living there, not yours. Clutter free, photo free and sparkling clean will help you sell the house. You have to be one step ahead of your neighbor! If you need help selling your home, feel free to contact me!

CREDIT SCORE TOO LOW? IN DEBT?

2008-10-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

NEED HELP WITH YOUR CREDIT SCORE? FALLING BEHIND ON YOUR BILLS?
Dess Sealy works with Attorneys who specialize in helping people reduce unsecured debt by 40%-50%. Great customer service and Dess treats all of my clients well. Here is a link to find out more-copy and paste
http://www.bestdebtsettlementcorp.com/dsealy
Call Dess at 718-599-8794 for more info, tell him Ann Grant of Keller Williams sent you!

A LESSON IN CREDIT SCORES!

2008-10-01T08:35:00.001-07:00

Credit Scores range from 350-850. Your credit score is made up of a list of things such as: 35% based on previous credit performance, 30% current level of indebtness, 15% time credit has been in use, 15% types of credit and 5% pursuit of new credit. Here's a tip--if you are carrying more than 50% on a credit card (ex. you owe 12K and your limit is 20K) it is best to split that up between two cards. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to get your FREE yearly credit report!

Can't afford a security system?

2008-09-25T13:11:00.001-07:00

I have clients that tell me they cannot afford a security system. To that, I say check out the following link:
The product is called Fake TV and it will make a room in your home looked "lived in" as if the TV was on. It is worth a try if you cannot afford an advanced security system. That and a BEWARE OF DOG sign might work!
http://www.faketv.com/index.php?PARTNER=AGRealty

For more innovative ideas ck out opto-electronic at

http://www.oedes.com/index.php?PARTNER=AGRealty

Useful Links NY, CT and elsewhere

2008-09-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thought you might enjoy the following useful links for schools, tax, town and community information everywhere!

WEBSITE AND OTHER LINKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY...SCHOOL, TOWN AND TAX INFO
www.publicschoolsreport.com
http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/ (National center for education stats)
www.westchestergov.com
www.westchestertowns.com
www.orps.state.ny.us/star (NY Residents Basic Star & for seniors Enhanced Star-School Tax Relief info and application)
www.nycvisit.com
www.ct.gov
www.sde.ct.gov (CT school info)

www.statetaxinformation.com (ALL STATES)
www.thingstodo.com (ALL STATES)

Should I RENT?

2008-09-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Many renters out there want to buy. I always advise renters if their credit is not up to par to keep renting. Many sellers are now becoming renters (especially if they got in too deep with their mortgages). There are still great deals out there on rental property, especially if you are unable to buy at this point. Pay down your debt and get your credit scores up and you too will be able to take advantage of this market. Renters with good credit and low debt that are unsure about making the move to a home or do not have the time or energy for a large home might want to consider a condo or a co-op to start. Those are great ways to get out of renting and into home ownership.

Contact me directly if you have any questions about buying, selling or renting. I also have a FREE nationwide referral service (U.S., Canada & soon to be International). I can find you or a loved one a skilled agent in their area.

Sincerely,
Ann Grant-Licensed Real Estate Agent, SRES, RealtorKeller Williams NY Realty/Keller Williams CT Realty914-261-6928Commercial, Residential & Rentals
AnnGrant2008@gmail.com
www.AnnGrantRealty.com

Is it time to BUY?

2008-09-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to buy a property, now is also the time. Home prices have dropped but interest rates are going to start to creep up. Understand as a buyer, you will need to figure out your needs and wants. Can you live without a dining room if the house has a large kitchen? Can you live without a garage? What about a basement? Keep in mind even though inventory is increasing, the correctly priced homes will not be on the market in two or three months. It is important that buyers, sellers and renters understand the market so they know when to make a move! I am a real estate agent serving Connecticut and New York, contact me with all of your real estate needs. I also have a FREE nationwide referral service, so let me help you find a skilled agent in your area who will listen and understand what your needs are.

Is it time to SELL?

2008-09-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

In the northeast existing home sales fell 6.6 percent in June. Prices are down 12.6 percent from June of 2007.
What does the above stat mean to you? If you are ready to sell your home now is the time. Don't wait to list your property. The experts predict more property and fewer buyers so it is best to get out there before the competition gets fierce! Also, remember to be realistic! Your Realtor will tell you what is going on in your area. No, you will not get what your neighbor got in 2005, nor will you get what your neighbor got last year. If you have been in your property for more than 6 years and have not maxed out your equity, you should see a nice profit.
Feel free to contact me at AnnGrant2008@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Say NO to interest only!!!

2008-09-25T12:35:00.001-07:00

The Real Estate Trap...Stop it with the "interest only" mortgages! If you are looking at an interest only mortgage, you need to save your money, pay down your debt and call me in 12-18 months. I have too many clients who are now caught up in either an ARM (adjustable rate mortgages) or an Interest Only Mortgage. They are now upside down (owing more than the home is worth). Wait it out! Homeownership should be a pleasant experience not something that makes your stress levels rise! Remember you want to own the home, you don't want the home to own you!

Trends---Buyer are you still on the fence?

2008-09-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Due to the "buyers market", most buyers are still on the fence. They are seeing prices continue to drop so they are afraid to put a bid on a property. They want to wait it out or exhaust all of their options before making a decision. On the flip side of this trend is nothing lasts forever and properties are still selling. The house you looked at 2-3 months ago most likely has an offer on the table. If you see a property that works for you, go for it. Especially if you plan on living in the home for more than 5 years! The market will turn around soon enough and you will have a decent profit by the time you sell.

Mortgage rates!

2008-09-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to lock in your mortgage rate. Rates were on the rise from March 2008-July 2008. In March and April it was a slow rise and no one really cared or noticed! Around June 1st, I heard many people complaining about the rates, myself included. Although I do remember purchasing my first property in the year 2000 when the rate was 8.5%. In the past I have had mortgage rates of 5.35% and 4.75% (unheard of on a 30 year fixed in today's market).

Recently rates have dropped. Analysts think the rate will rise again and they attribute this to increased concerns in financial markets that the Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates in order to make sure inflation does not get out of control.

At the present time, home prices are still dropping, so that might make you feel better about whatever rate you lock in at. If you are planning on buying soon try to lock your rate. If you have time to play the waiting game, check the rates daily. Remember when checking rates daily, they could be down in the morning and up by the late afternoon.

I have a contact person at Bank of America. Bank of America is featuring loans with no closing costs and no fees for clients with great credit scores. If you would like more information or names of mortgage brokers in your area feel free to email me at AnnGrant2008@gmail.com

I work in real estate in NY (Westchester and Putnam counties) as well as CT (Middlesex and Hartford counties---I especially love East Hampton, Colchester, Hebron, and Marlborough CT as I now live up this way!