Moving Tips From Relocation Experts By: Mark Goedert | - There are several important things you should know before you hire a mover. The first two things to remember throughout the process is to keep your cool and plan ahead.
Scratches happen; nerves get frayed. Keep things in perspective; know that you cannot prevent every little accident, but you can take steps to avoid most surprises. Hiring professional movers can save you from making some expensive mistakes. Here are some tips to help your move go smoothly:
First Time Home Buyer Tips: Finding A Home By: Mark Goedert | - There really is no great secret to finding a home. Though there are countless theories and techniques, finding a house comes down to perseverance and luck. You must be willing to work at putting yourself in the right place at the right time to find your dream home.
Home Buyer Resources: Choosing A Real Estate Agent By: Mark Goedert | - The home buying process can be complicated, especially if you do not work with a real estate professional who is looking out for your best interest. There are several different types of real estate agents; each with different priorities. Choosing the right real estate agent is critical. Here are the three main types of realtors:
First Time Home Buyer Information: How's Your Credit Score? By: Mark Goedert | - Your credit report is an important part of the mortgage application process; lenders want to see your long-term debts including credit cards, car payments, student loans, etc They will also be looking at your payment history. Some lenders will accept a recent copy of your credit report if you have one; otherwise, you will have to pay a fee for them to run your credit.
First Time Homebuyer Information: Preparing Your Mortgage Application By: Mark Goedert | - As a first time homebuyer a crucial step is getting your finances in order. Once you have a handle on your income and expenses you will have an idea as to how much you can afford and the amount you will need to borrow.
Lenders require verification of income and expense records for each person who will be named on the mortgage and title of the home. You can help move the process along by bringing the following documents with you when you visit a lender:
New Home Buyer Information: Measuring Your Home Buying Power By: Mark Goedert | - There are many factors you need to consider when shopping for a home; how much you can afford is likely at the top of the list. Your budget affects your choice of home, the neighborhood it is in, size and other features. Your financial situation is also a deciding factor on which type of financing will work for you.
First-time Homebuyer Guide: Adjustable-rate Mortgages (arms) By: Mark Goedert | - Adjustable-rate mortgages, also called ARMs have a fluctuating interest rate based on several current market factors. The terms of the mortgage will spell out how often and how much the interest rate can change over the life of the loan.
ARMs typically have lower introductory interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages, making them appealing to one who doesnt plan to own their home very long before selling.
Home Buyer Programs: Break-down Of A Mortgage Payment By: Mark Goedert | - A mortgage payment typically consists of principal and interest; some people also pay escrow for property taxes and insurance. There may also be an additional charge for PMI or private mortgage insurance.
Most people are surprised at how much of their payment is applied to interest and how little is applied to principal. In fact, the largest part of your mortgage payment is likely to be interest early in the loan.
Home Buyer Information: About Mortgage Terms By: Mark Goedert | - The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage has been the popular choice for homebuyers; however, today, lenders are offering a variety of loan types including 15, 20 and 40 year mortgages. Here is some basic information for new home buyers to make a wise choice in financing.
The Shorter Loan Term
Some home owners choose a shorter loan term to save on the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. Of course a shorter loan term means a higher mortgage payment.
Down River Realtors Contribute Neighborhood Stabilization By: Mark Goedert | - The rising rate of foreclosures has left vacant homes that become dangerous eye-sores in neighborhoods and further decrease values of nearby properties. As a result of the mortgage melt-down these foreclosed, vacant and abandoned homes were clustered in areas making it difficult to market and sell property in an entire neighborhood. Recovery strategies are critical to address the neighborhood impacts of foreclosures and assist in rebuilding a healthy real estate and financial market.
How Broadband Deployment Benefits Realtors In Lenawee County By: Mark Goedert | - The purpose of this bill is to fund grants to promote broadband deployment in underserved areas and for mapping availability of broadband service in the US. Entities eligible to apply for a grant include municipalities, public/private partnerships and private companies who comply with specific conditions.
Tax Credits & Grants For Energy Efficient Housing In Metro Detroit By: Mark Goedert | - A bill was recently passed providing many provisions for realtors and home buyers. The energy efficient housing tax credits and grants promote green jobs and energy independence; ARRA invests in efforts to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.
Macomb County Realtors Advice: Tax Credit For First-time Home Buyers By: Mark Goedert | - First-time home buyers purchasing a home are eligible for the tax credit. The purchase must occur between 1/1/09 and 12/1/10. The law defines a first-time home buyer as one who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period of time prior to the purchase. With married couples, both spouses must meet the 3-year requirement to qualify for this credit.
