Archive for January 2008

Go Nascar

Ok, off the topic but we got to have fun also.
Looking forward to Nascar starting up again.

Can we get a house with no money down?

Well with all the trouble that the lending market is having there are still a few thing that your real estate agent can help you with to lower your cost of getting you into your home.
Some buyers reduce the cash needed at settlement by scheduling closing at the end of the month. But there are several other ways to save on closing costs that may work better in the long run.

We’re a little tight on cash. How can we shift some settlement costs to reduce out of pocket expenses?

Skip late-month settlement
Since interest on the loan is paid to the end of the month at settlement, the interest payment gets lower as you get closer to the end of the month. But another approach is to wait a few days until the beginning of the next month. That way, you'll need to pay more up front at settlement, but you'll gain a whole month's delay before the first full mortgage payment is due, because mortgage interest is paid in arrears, after the month has passed.

Reduce out-of-pocket cash
Another way to reduce the cash needed at settlement takes some advance planning. By negotiating with the seller, the buyer may be able to pay more for the home and finance it, while the seller puts an equal amount toward out-of-pocket settlement costs.

Finance closing costs
A third option is to find a lender who will finance closing costs by wrapping them into the mortgage. This method may, however, cost more over the long run, as lenders often will then charge a higher interest rate for a "no closing costs" loan.

You cant get away from paying nothing but there are things you can do to help you into your new home.

Do you have a favorite trades person or service provider?

Tell us about them and we will include them in our latest Referral Directory.

How to make your home sell quickly.


Including Advice From Your Local Real Estate Guru
Lonnie Snyder

Here are 8 hot tips to help you out.

1. Make certain that everything is spotless, clean and fresh . . . Windows are particularly important.
2. Clear out any clutter and personal items. Making certain that the kitchen counters and table tops look sparse and inviting.
3. Replace light bulbs with high wattage. Prune back plants that block light and keep drapes and any blinds open at all times.
4. Create open spaces and draw attention to the strongest selling point in every room.
5. Choose light, neutral shades of paint to brighten walls and make rooms appear larger.
6. Freshen the yard, filling in bare spots with annuals and shrubs. Add fresh bark and keep the lawn green and mowed.
7. Create a stylish entrance always keeping in mind that first impression are lasting ones.
8. Look at your home through a buyer’s eyes. Making certain it is inviting and open enough so that future residents can visually place their furniture and belongings.

Making a Move?

When you're thinking about making a move, consider:
__ how much money you want to spend.
__ what type of home you would like.
__ where you would like to live.
__ when you want to move.
__ how much you qualify for and what financing works best.

Getting pre-qualified by a lender is a good idea in the beginning stage. This will help you determine your choices of homes and neighborhoods and keep your expectations realistic. When you start your search, get pre-approved for a loan as soon as possible. This will involve a credit check and employment verification, and once this is done all that needs to be done is for the lender to appraise the home.

Why is pre-approval so important? Pre-approval strengthens your position. A seller typically chooses an offer that is pre-approved over someone whose financial picture is still in question. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or has a real estate need or question, visit me at for buying and selling tips, MLS property searches, town and community information and more, or call me at .
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Lonnie Snyder 206-406-2710

Practicing good seller's etiquette

Let's face it: When your house goes on the market, you're not only opening the door to prospective buyers, but also sometimes to unknown vendors and naïve or unqualified buyers. As with any business transaction, there is an expected protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, alert your agent so he or she can address and remedy the problem.
The aggressive agent.
When your agent puts your house on the market, typically all promotional materials state clearly that your agent is the primary contact for buyers and buyers' agents. However, sometimes a buyer's agent will contact a seller directly to try to either win over their business or cut the seller's agent out of the deal. This is not reputable behavior and you should report it to your agent immediately if it happens to you.
The unscrupulous vendor.
Have you ever started a business or moved into a new house and suddenly found your mailbox full of junk mail? Unfortunately, this also can happen when you put your house on the market. When you sell your home, it necessitates all kinds of new purchasing decisions and less-than-ethical vendors are keenly aware of this. Though MLS organizations enforce rules on how posted information is used, some companies have found ways to cull information from various sources to produce mass mailing lists. If you find yourself regularly emptying your mailbox of junk, let your agent know. He or she can tap the appropriate sources to prompt an investigation into the matter.
The naïve buyer.
Yard signs, Internet listings and other advertisements can generate a lot of buzz for your home. Some prospective buyers - particularly first-timers - will be so buzzed to see your home that they'll simply drop by. If this happens, no matter how nice these unexpected visitors are, it's best not to humor their enthusiasm by discussing your home or giving an impromptu tour. Instead, politely let them know that your real estate agent is in charge of scheduling tours and provide them with the agent's contact information. If you attempt to handle these surprise visits on your own, you might inadvertently disclose information that could hurt you during negotiations down the road.