Posts Tagged ‘Realtors’

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Short Sales 101

Miniature Ann Arbor House in Hands

Ann Arbor Real Estate Information: Short Sales 101

We keep hearing about them in the news, so what are they? Wikipedia defines a Short Sale as follows: A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property’s loan.

Once upon a time, being involved in a Short Sale held a stigma. It usually indicated that you were unable to make your payments. Today, that is not the case. Homeowners who are relocating due to job changes or other circumstances may qualify for Short Sale programs and it doesn’t have to destroy your credit rating.

Why is this so important to work with a specially trained Agent?

1. The process can be both lengthy and frustrating.

2. Not all Homeowners qualify for Short Sale programs.

3. IRS could determine forgiveness is income.

4. Your credit is at stake.

5. Release of lien is not the same as release of obligation.

6. Current government programs are changing rapidly.

7. Short Sale homes are sometimes stigmatized.

No one can guarantee the outcome of your Short Sale, but here at Prudential Snyder & Company, we have trained Realtors who are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the Short Sale process. We know the paperwork, the expectations, and the pitfalls of working with the banks. We will work diligently to make sure that the process is as low stress as we can make it.

As always, we are here in the Greater Ann Arbor Area to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs. Plus, we have a great network of Agents across the US who can assist with properties in other areas. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or

734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Ann Arbor Real Estate Tip: First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

 

Ann Arbor Realtor at Desk with computerAs both the weather and the market continue to heat up, we’re finding that here in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, more and more first-time home buyers are beginning their home searches. Although the internet is a great place to do research on area properties, it is always a good idea to solicit the advice of a Real Estate Professional. The folks at Real Estate Checklists and Systems (www.realestatechecklists.com) put together the following list of common mistakes… we are here to help you avoid making them!

 

 

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

 

 

We offer FREE no obligation HomeBuyer Seminars and workshops to help you learn about the purchasing process. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us. Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your Ann Arbor Area real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends.

 

Our website offers a plethora of information on Buying, Selling, Area Open Houses, and more. Visit us at www.prusnyder.com or email info@prusnyder.com for more details. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Monday, March 1st, 2010

The HomeBuyer Tax Credit

Ann Arbor Michigan TheatreAnn Arbor Real Estate Information: HomeBuyer Tax Cradit

The Homebuyer Credit (available to both first time & some repeat purchasers) is available for homes which go under contract BEFORE April 30th, so don’t miss out on this phenomenal opportunity. For more information on the program details and eligibility, call or email us!

We are here to assist you with any of your Ann Arbor area real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

IPhone for Home Searches?

Ann Arbor Home Search on Iphone

Explore the Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Market using our Mobile Phone Application!

Ready To Explore ? http://www.prusnyder.com/iphone

Search from thousands of MLS listings in a list or interactive map view and see:

» Complete Listing Details
» High Resolution Pictures
» Virtual Tours

Features:

» Contact the Listing Agent with One click
» Get directions and create your own personalized house tour
» Explore the Neighborhood
» Schools
» Recent Sales
» Restaurants

SEARCH FOR ANN ARBOR AREA HOMES

In our commitment to being the Local Innovation Leader, we at Prudential Snyder & Company would like to invite you to CLICK TO THE FUTURE of Real Estate!

 

As always, we are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Thursday, January 14th, 2010

DOES FIDO NEED FASHION?

Ann Arbor Dogs Need Exercise In the Winter tooWe’ve all seen dogs in jackets, sweaters and boots, but is it really more than a fashion statement? Absolutely!  If you live in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, you know it’s cold outside!

 

Even though it’s winter, Fido’s got energy stored up and still needs to go for walks or spend time burning energy off in the yard. According to VetInfo.com, it really is important for short-haired animals that are going to spend any time outdoors in the frigid cold be bundled up. Sweaters or jackets are recommended, as well as limiting the amount of time they’re outside as they can get hypothermia just like people do.

If your dog will wear boots (mine prefer to eat them) it will help protect their pads, which dry out in the winter. If they won’t wear them, use Bag Balm to keep them from cracking and drying (great on dry noses and ears, too, plus it’s non-toxic if they lick it). If Fluffy the Cat goes outside, Bag Balm is good for her paws too.

Make sure that you keep Fido’s tags up to date. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time because familiar smells and landmarks can be buried in the snow.

If you have a pet that spends any time outside at all, you’ll want to provide them with some kind of shelter from the elements. There are lots of different dog houses available, or they can be made inexpensively and filled with straw or old blankets to add extra warmth.

From dog houses to family homes, we’re here to help out whenever we can. Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors is here to assist with all of your family’s real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Thursday, January 7th, 2010

5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell

Ann Arbor Real Estate Tip: Selling Your Home with Feng Shui

 

Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001)
Ann Arbor Home Feng Shui
To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

If you would like more information or have questions about staging your home for sale, just give us a call!

As always, Prudential Snyder& Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs.  Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7500 weekdays or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends.  We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime! Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 

 
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

DECORATING SAFETY TIPS

Ann Arbor Real Estate Tip: Decorating Safety

 

Every year about 12,500 people are treated for falls, cuts, and shocks related to Holiday decorating! Don’t become a statistic. Keep safety in mind at all times. Here are some other basics to remember:

Ann Arbor Home Decorating Injured Arm

  • Candles: Only use them when you’re in the room; candles start over 11,000 fires every year. Don’t use near trees or evergreens as these burn easily.

  • Artificial Trees: Make sure you only buy “fire resistant” trees. They’ll still burn, but are much less likely to catch fire and if they do, they extinguish more easily.

  • Live Trees: Make sure it’s fresh. Set it up away from radiators, fireplaces, and other heat sources. Make sure it’s always got lots of water so it doesn’t dry out. Don’t let it block doorways or traffic flow.

  • Lights: Use fused plug lights. Don’t attach more than 3 strands of lights to a single extension cord. NEVER use electric lights on a metallic tree. Turn them off when you leave home.

  • Fireplaces: Don’t burn wrapping paper in fireplaces, they can cause flash fires.

Be careful and enjoy decorating!

As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

A SPECIAL THANKS

Soldier Saluting American FlagThere’s a link from the US Department of Defense (DoD): http://tinyurl.com/pfe98t which allows you to submit messages directly to soldiers around the world. If you don’t know a soldier personally, it’s a great way to post a message for any of them to see. If you’re interested in sending postcards or care packages for the holidays, there is information on the DoD site on how to do that as well.

As you gather together during the holiday season, remember to take a brief moment and say thank you for all of the soldiers who sacrifice for us daily. Never take for granted the gift of freedom and the challenges that our soldiers face daily. Many of them won’t be able to see their families or even take the day off, so think of them and be grateful for all of the time that you have with friends and family.

We hope you all enjoy a safe & happy holiday!

As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

SELLING DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

House lights Ann Arbor Homes for sale during Holiday Season

Listing Your Ann Arbor Property During the Holidays

 

Here are some simple guidelines for homes listed during the Holiday Season:

  • Keep your walkways and landings free of snow and ice.
  • Make sure your outdoor lights are working. If you have special holiday lights, make sure they’re lit during showings.
  • Put extra doormats near the doors so that snow and mud aren’t tracked into your home.
  • Decorate minimally so you don’t detract from the features of your home.
  • Downsize your tree so it doesn’t make the room seem small.
  • Put the bulk of gifts into a closet or under a bed.
  • Use more red than green – red is an emotional color.
  • Use amber lights to give a warm glow to your rooms.
  • Keep the temperature warm in the home, you want it to be inviting.
  • Consider baking cookies near showing times so the house is filled with the aroma.

This time of year tends to bring out serious buyers and there is generally less competition now than in the spring. Remember that the more time a buyer stays in your home, the more vested they become, so keep the warmth and good cheer of the season as alluring as possible.

As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!

 
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION

 

Negotiate Button for Ann Arbor Realtors with Prudential Snyder Can Help You Negotiate

Ann Arbor Real Estate Tip: Dealing with Bank Negotiators

We all know that there are no emotional ties between the bank negotiator and the homes they sell. They are looking at bottom line net prices only. So if you walk through a home and hate the carpet or it smells like animal urine, the walls are filled with nail holes, and there’s ½ inch of water in the basement, take that into account when you determine your offer price and/or ask for concessions in the original contract. Asset Managers understand that there are issues that may come up in inspections that were not known ahead of time, but if you write an offer and have it accepted, then go back to the bank and ask for items that should have been noticed and considered in your inital offer, they tend to get annoyed.

In order to make your transaction go as smoothly as possible, make sure you adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Do your due diligence. Your Buyers Agent will assist you with confirming taxes, school boundaries, outstanding leins, square footage, etc.
  • Make sure you have all facts gathered & inspections completed prior to requesting seller repairs or concessions.
  • Include repair bids to expedite the negotiation process.
  • Choose realistic closing dates. Underwriters are swamped and new guidelines that are bogging the process, so be sure to allow proper time.
  • Listen to your Realtor. They are here to work in your best interest, they know the market, and they can usually get a feel for when you’re hitting the nerves of the negotiator. If your Realtor tells you to stand down on an issue, it’s probably in your best interest to do so. Remember, you’re not fully under contract until negotiations are completed and contingency removals are signed off on, so the bank can refuse to negotiate if you become difficult to work with, and move on to the next prospective buyer.

For many Foreclosure Asset Managers, the only issues that they will address are health and safety concerns. With short sales, often the bank will allow NO repairs or additional concessions. When a purchase is an “as is” sale, inspections done are for informational purposes only – the buyer will have the opportunity to walk away from the sale if the inspection issues are great, but it doesn’t mean that they will re-negotiate price.

As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!