Although the federal tax credit has expired, some home buyers still have the opportunity to cash in on another kind of rebate, which can amount to several thousand dollars.

A growing number of home buyers are using online tools to find and view homes listed for sale, which can be an efficient, time saving process for home buyers and real estate agents.

Taking advantage of a good opportunity to convert their time and effort into cash, some home buyers are using an unusual source of funds to help pay for their closing costs. Online access to home listings, which used to be available only to real estate agents, now lets home buyers negotiate cash rebates from real estate agent commissions.

Many agents who specialize in representing buyers are willing to sharing their sales commission in order to gain more clients, while reducing their time expenditure. Before a buyer makes an offer to purchase a home, an agreement can be made with a real estate agent to represent them in exchange for a share of the agent’s commission, which is paid by the home seller.

The amount of money a home buyer can get from a cash rebate depends on 2 things: share of the commission, which is negotiable with the agent; and the sales price of the home.

For Example:

A sales commission offered to a buyer’s agent by the seller may be 3% of the home price. If a home sells for $390,000, and the agent agrees to give a 50% share of the commission, the amount of rebate to the buyer would be $5,850.

Rebate money can be applied to the buyer’s closing costs at the close of the transaction, providing there are no restrictions from the buyer’s lender, or state laws that regulate real estate transactions. A few states do not allow rebates.

Cash rebates can be negotiated to buy an existing home, and in many cases, a new home. Some builders offer broker co-op commission to real estate agents who bring in clients to buy a new home. The buyer’s agent may be required to accompany them when initially visiting the home models, and when signing the paperwork.

Considering the high cost of buying a home and the chance to save thousand dollars on costs, less hand holding from a real estate agent seems like a fair trade.

Written by R. Smith: Home Loans, FHA Mortgage Rates, New Homes San Diego

Maintenance fees and costs vary across different types of houses. These costs must be known by first time homebuyers and factored into their buying decision.

Specific types of MN homes for sale have unique maintenance costs attached to them. These could range from government and local taxes to community association fees. If you are a first time homebuyer, take the time to know the maintenance costs for each house you are interested in; as this can spare you from future headaches. Here is a basic breakdown of maintenance costs associated with different types of homes:

Condos: Condos or flats are increasingly becoming popular for first time house buyers. Condominiums are a form of real property wherein individual units in a multi-unit complex or building may be owned but each owner has access to common facilities such as hallways, main entrances, stairs and elevators. As such, you’ll need to pay fees depending on your stake in the building.

The total expenses of the building is divided by a resident’s percent of ownership to arrive at the maintenance cost for each resident, explains Ilyce Glink, author of the book ‘100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask’. The total building expenses include the building’s emergency reserve account, and the final cost may fluctuate over the course of the year.

Townhomes: The fees associated with town homes are the same as any independently owned homes incur. However, some MN townhomes are part of a homeowner’s association, in which case you will need to pay a monthly fee for maintenance. These monthly association fees usually comprise of repair and maintenance costs of common exteriors and landscapes.

Mobile houses: Homeowners of mobile and pre-fabricated homes shoulder all fees in operating and maintaining their homes. These fees are comprised of, but not limited to, water, sewage and garbage, electricity, cable and other services. But some mobile home parks do charge a fee for renting land space. In addition, each park has specific requirements and rules that a homeowner must first agree to.

Single-Family Home: Owners of single-family houses are the only ones responsible for their houses’ operating and maintenance costs. Even if the home is within a community setting, the homeowner will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, landscaping, lawn services and other fees associated with maintaining a home. You will also be responsible for all real estate taxes and government fees; check with the realtor and a financial advisor to get an estimate on what this may be.

Lenders may at times include maintenance fees and other costs in your loan package. I advise that you first talk with your realtor and determine the maintenance costs for the house you’re interested in. Only then should you deal with a lender so that you can get the best possible loan package that is within your budget.

Any house has maintenance costs attached to it. It is better to know more about these costs while you are still searching rather than be surprised by every fee you have to pay after you bought the house. Compare the total costs for each house you are interested in next to each other by using simple spreadsheets or checklists. In this way, you are making an informed choice that you are less likely to regret.

You have just found out that you have to move. There is a lot of planning to do for you and your family. You need to think about new schools, new job, and new community activities. But don’t forget to plan one of the most important first steps. How are you going to sell this house? With the current market for real estate you could panic with just the thought of it. It doesn’t have to be that way. You must sit down and plan your methodology of getting out ahead of the crowd to get your house noticed.

Home Search – How Do They Know?

By this time everyone knows that having your property shown on the internet is an important first step. Potential buyers have consistently acknowledged that the internet is usually the first place they look to find a new home. Marketing step number one is to make sure either you or your representative will have your home placed on the internet for maximum exposure.

SELLING YOUR HOME RESOURCES!

That’s Not News

Getting your home on the internet now tells the world there is a prospective home to be bought. But as a buyer how do I notice your home? You have to tell the home buyer this is the house that fits your needs. Well doesn’t the home buyer already know what their needs are? Maybe yes and maybe no. Do you know that most home buyers end up purchasing a home that does not fir the original type of home they said they wanted? You see by getting in the mind and not the emotion of the home buyer you can clearly spell out the benefits of your home. If you understand the profile of the type of person buying your home, then you market specifically to that person. You must be clear why this house is for them. A confused mind will choose no decision and not buy. Tell them why your house is the one that fits their profile needs. You are being generous by pointing out the benefits. You wouldn’t want someone selling you a home you ended up being miserable in. You are helping your buyer see the benefit. They still make the choice.

The Price is Right

Okay, your house is on the internet, you have developed a marketing plan targeted to your prospective buyer profile and now we just wait for the traffic. Not so fast. This real estate market is tough right now and it is definitely a buyer’s market. There are large numbers of homes in foreclosures, being sold as short sales or marked down significantly to move the sale. How do you justify that? You don’t. Your job is to ask a fair market value for your house based on comparable sales in your neighborhood or area. This is no time to be putting a premium on the price of your home because three years ago some neighbor got a lot more money from their home sale. Real estate is supply and demand and these factors will determine the value of your home. Hopefully, over time you will end up in a sellers’ market and you will be able to command a higher price. This is important because most really interested buyers will view your home within the first thirty to forty-five days of the listing period. If your home is grossly overpriced your best buyers will walk out the door.

Article Provided by Author: Jill D. Schmitt – Broker/Associate Selling Your Gainesville Florida Home