2017年1月16日 星期一

Attracting Buyers

There is a common body of knowledge among real estate professionals that indicates that the longer a home is on the market, the lower the price will be. Many sellers discount this belief in the beginning because they feel confident their home will sell quickly.

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Lowering the price is the most obvious thing that can be done to encourage buyers but it might be good to look at what builders do. Builders offer a variety of incentives such as upgrades, seller-paid closing costs, interest rate buy downs, washers, dryers, refrigerators or big screen TVs. 
Interestingly, much of the resale market doesn’t employ these techniques. 

According to the latest NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Profile, 64% of sellers did not offer any incentives at all.

21% of sellers offer a home warranty. 16% of sellers offered assistance with closing costs and 6% offered credit toward remodeling or repairs.  

The attached chart indicates that while 80% of sellers were not willing to offer incentives in the beginning of their marketing period, as weeks passes and their home hasn’t sold, closer to half did add incentives.

The ideal outcome is to maximize proceeds in the shortest time possible with the fewest unexpected issues. This involves having a firm understanding of current, local market conditions and crafting a marketing plan that will insure results.

There is so much at stake, the value of a trusted real estate professional is essential.


Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  


Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

2017年1月9日 星期一

Rent or Buy


The ironic thing about people who think they can’t afford to buy a home for themselves, end up buying the home for their landlord. There are several facts that support this notion.

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Mortgages, whether held by an owner-occupant or an investor, are usually amortized so that each payment reduces the principal amount owed so that the loan will be repaid totally over the term. A tenant is inadvertently retiring the landlord’s mortgage with his monthly rent.

In most cases, the mortgage payment including taxes and insurance will be lower than the rent tenants are paying. Some experts are saying that we may never again experience the incredibly low mortgage interest rates currently available.

Renting precludes a person from enjoying the advantage a home has as a leveraged investment. When the borrowed funds cost less than the investment is returning, the rate of return on the down payment grows much faster. As you can see from the chart, a 2% appreciation on a home could result in big returns on the down payment. In most cases, there are very few or no alternative investments that offer homeowners similar returns.

Even if a buyer agrees with all of these things but doesn’t have the down payment or cannot qualify for a loan, they still need to investigate further. To find out exactly what types of loans are available and the specific down payment required which can be a whole lot less than 20%, they need to consult with an experienced, trusted loan professional (an Internet lender or a “BIG” bank may not be the best choice.) Call for a recommendation.


Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

2017年1月3日 星期二

Facts or Myths

“It’s impossible to get low down payment loans.” – MYTH!
FHA down payments are 3.5% and VA is 0%. In some areas, there may be some 0% down payment USDA loans available. FNMA and Freddie Mac have 3% down payment programs.

“It takes perfect credit to get a loan.” - MYTH!
There is a relationship of better rates to better credit but many issues on a credit report can be explained or corrected. The way to know for sure is to speak to a reliable lender.

 “If I’ve had a bankruptcy or foreclosure, I can’t qualify.” - MYTH!
Credit history following a bankruptcy or foreclosure is very important and there can be extenuating circumstances. It only takes a few moments with a reliable lending professional to find out if your individual situation will allow you to qualify for a new mortgage.

 “Getting pre-approved is expensive.” - MTYH!
Usually, the only expense to getting pre-approved is the cost of the credit report which could be around $35. The advantage is that you will know that you qualify for a particular mortgage amount. 

“I should wait to qualify until I find a home.” - MYTH!
It can take weeks to qualify for a mortgage especially if there are issues that need to be corrected. The best interest rates are only available for the highest credit scores. It is to your advantage to start the qualifying process early in your home search.

 “All lenders are the same.” - MYTH!
Reliable lending professionals will explain the entire process before collecting fees, quote fees up-front, have competitive products, do what is necessary to get the loan approved and close at the locked rate and terms. Ask for recommendations from recent borrowers.

“Adjustable Rate Mortgages are more expensive than fixed rate mortgages.” - MYTH!
Adjustable Rate Mortgages can be less expensive than fixed rate mortgages if the buyer’s circumstances warrant it. If a buyer is only going to be in a home for a few years before selling, it can be determined if an ARM loan will result in the lowest way to finance the property. There are many variables and you need to be aware of them before deciding which type of loan to finance your home purchase.

Buyers and Sellers need solid information to make good decisions. Call us with your questions or to get a recommendation of a reliable lender who can give you the real facts.

Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

2016年12月19日 星期一

Can 0.5% Really equal 5%

Since the election, rates have started going up and it will have a direct effect on the cost of housing. There is a rule of thumb that a ½% change in interest is approximately equal to 5% change in price.
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As the interest rates go up, it will cost you more to live in the very same home or to keep the payment the same, you’ll have to buy a lower priced home.

Before rates rise too much, it may be the best time to buy a home whether you’re going to use it for your principal residence or a rental property. Low interest rates and lower prices make housing more affordable.
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Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

What a Difference 50 years Makes

In 1966, a gallon of gas was $0.32 and today, it is $2.49. A dozen eggs were $0.60 but they’ve only doubled to $1.33. A gallon of milk was $0.99 and today, it costs $3.98. You could send a letter for five cents and now, it costs forty-seven cents. 

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The average cost of a new car in 1966 was $3,500 and today, it will cost $33,560. New cars have more features than the earlier models but they’re still ten times more expensive. The median price of a new home was $21,700 and now, is $304,500.

Interestingly, mortgage rates are actually lower today at 4-4.5% than they were fifty years ago when they were just under 7%. The rates have been low for long enough that many people have been lulled into believing that they are not going to go up.

Yes, rates are a little higher but in perspective, they’re still a bargain. Years from now, will you be remembering and comparing what they were back when?




Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

2016年12月14日 星期三

It Isn't Final Until It's Funded


Mortgage approval isn’t final until it’s funded.  Things can change prior to the loan being closed that can affect a pre-approval such as changes in the borrowers’ financial situation or possibly, factors beyond their control like interest rate changes.40783733-250.jpg
Good advice to buyers is to do nothing that can affect your credit report until the loan closes. Opening new credit cards, taking on new debt for a car or furniture or changing jobs could affect the lender’s decision if they believe you may no longer be able to repay the loan.
The benefits of buyer’s pre-approval are definitive: it saves time, money and removes the uncertainty of knowing whether the buyer is qualified. The direct benefits include:
  • Amount the buyer can borrow - decreases as interest rates rise
  • Looking at “Right” homes - price, size, amenities, location
  • Find the best loan - rate, term, type
  • Uncover credit issues early - time to cure possible problems 
  • Bargaining power - price, terms, & timing 
  • Close quicker - verifications have been made
It is a very common practice for mortgage lenders to require income and bank verifications and to re-run the borrowers’ credit one final time just prior to closing. Mortgage approval isn’t final until it’s funded.

Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy HuangMBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, 
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888  
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate

2016年11月10日 星期四

A Cost to Consider


Homeownership, part of the American Dream: a home of your own where you can feel safe, raise your family, share with your friends and enjoy life. The benefits are easily recognizable but maintenance is just a real and should be considered.Maintenance.png
Property taxes and insurance are two of the largest e
xpenses homeowners have aside from their mortgage interest.

But, as any homeowner knows, there will be occasional expenses for repairing toilets, faucets, windows and other things. There are also the significantly larger expenses that arise like replacing a water heater or HVAC unit. And don’t overlook the periodic maintenance like painting or floor coverings.

Financial experts suggest that homeowners save one to four percent of the home’s value per year for repairs and maintenance. Two to eight thousand dollars a year may sound like more than you’ll need but the cost of an air conditioning unit can easily be $6,000.

Some homeowners purchase home warranties to avoid the unexpected costs. An annual premium instead of an unexpected large expenditure. Coverage varies from company to company and are not intended to cover existing conditions.

The alternative to not saving for these anticipated expenditures means that a homeowner might have to put it on a credit card at a very high interest rate or get a home improvement loan. Appreciation is a distinct benefit of home ownership and deferred maintenance can limit the value as well as lengthen the market time when it sells.

Texas law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage service click here
Wendy Huang, MBA,SRS, GRI, CRS, IRES, e-pro, ASP, ALHS, SFR, RFC, RE/MAX Premier Group, RE/MAX Hall of Fame,
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement ; Over 22 years' experience!
Helping Over 1000 Families Meet Their Real Estate Needs !!!
Direct: 972-365-7888 
Has your home value gone up in the past 6 months? Click  here for a Free INSTANT Report ! '
Plano real estate, Frisco real estate, Allen real estate, DFW real estate, Dallas real estate, McKinney real estate, Coppell real estate, Highland park real estate, TX real estate, Addison Real Estate, Allen Real Estate, Anna Real Estate, Carrollton Real Estate, Collin County Real Estate, Coppell Real Estate, Dallas Real Estate, Denton County Real Estate, Distressed Properties, Flower Mound Real Estate, Frisco Real Estate, Irving Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, Murphy Real Estate, North Dallas Real Estate, Parker Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Prosper Real Estate, Richardson Real Estate, The Colony Real Estate, Wylie Real Estate