Working with a real estate agent effectively to buy a home

A good real estate agent can support and assist his clients, but how they handle the process of searching for and buying a home will affect how helpful he or she can be.

 

Taking advice

People may find it hard to trust in their agents' judgment, since they are the ones who will be buying and living in a home once the decision is made. However, agents are professional experts who commonly have years of experience, not just in their job but in a specific housing market.

Talking over what the buyers want and walking through homes that are not quite right may require patience, but ultimately can help the agent and buyers refine their search so that they know what to look for. Once agents have a specific concept of the type of home to find, they can better serve buyers.

 

Sometimes, buyers may be attracted to characteristics of a home that does not meet their needs. If an agent's advice conflicts with their own instincts, buyers may wish to re-evaluate what they are looking for and ask themselves whether the property has those characteristics. If not, the agent may have saved them from making a mistake.

Trusting an agent

Trust applies not only to judgments on whether a property is right, but also on price and other factors. By the time negotiations are beginning, the homebuyers should have had a chance to develop trust with their agent.

When the time comes to make offers, homebuyers should remember that their agent has experience in both the negotiation process and, generally, the local real estate market. This makes him or her better suited to evaluate what is a fair price than most consumers. While the agent cannot make all negotiation decisions for his or her client, the point of hiring an expert is to benefit from his or her advice.

 

 

Written by Coldwell Banker


Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

2013 Strategies For Softer Housing Markets

Across the U.S., housing is currently at a five-month supply. That's considered a healthy seller's market.

But when supplies build to seven months or more, the advantage moves to the buyer.

If you're a seller in a market that was hot but now not, you may be wondering what went wrong. Should you pull your home out of the race? Not if you want to sell.

Markets are constantly in motion even when they appear to be resting. The retreat in sales volume or sales prices may be short or it can last for a long time.

Most factors that impact housing are out of your control. You can't influence mortgage interest rates or create jobs that bring down the unemployment rate. But there are things you can do to help your home sell in a softer market.

Don't panic

Ask your real estate agent to give you a market analysis that will help you understand three-month to six-month trends. You'll be better prepared if you know that it may take longer to find a buyer.

Compete on condition

The closer to move-in ready you can make your home, the better. Put your home in clean, white-glove condition and stage it attractively to show off its best features.

Plan for demanding buyers

Buyers may ask you to pay closing costs, or to provide a home warranty, or make other concessions. Your real estate agent should be able to tell you which incentives may work with your listing. So be prepared to leave the washer/dryer, stainless fridge or your favorite chandelier.

Price reasonably

If you want a quick sale, price below current comparables. If you can afford to wait longer to sell, price at current comparables. Whatever you do, don't price above the market.

Expect low-ball offers

No matter what price you put on your home, you are bound to get ridiculously low offers. That's the culture we live in. Encourage your agent to answer politely and to provide a copy of the comparables so the buyer can see you've priced to be competitive in the current market.

One thing you can count upon is that a softer market will get firmer. All it takes is home buyers willing to invest. By giving them a great home at a great price, you'll make it easy for buyers to say yes.

  Written by Blanche Evans


Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

What You Need to Know About Buying a Home During the Holiday Season

If you’re house hunting over the holidays, you’re likely a serious buyer with an immediate need. Perhaps you have to relocate for a new job opportunity, or there’s been a change in your personal life? Regardless, while you may assume it’s not an ideal time to be looking — namely because there isn’t much to look at — there are some advantages to buying this time of year.

Less competition
Let’s start with the obvious one: less competition. This lowers the chances of multiple offers and bidding wars (something we saw a lot of last spring/summer), and should translate into a bigger discount for you. Know your market! This is where sites like Zillow come in handy. Start your research below for comps in your area and to see what homes are selling for.

http://www.livinglaketahoe.com/

Serious home sellers
Why would sellers pick such an inconvenient time — while everyone is busy entertaining family and friends and enjoying the spirit of the holidays — to list their properties? Probably because they need to sell and may feel compelled to do so before the end of the year for tax purposes. What this means for you: less hassle when it comes to negotiating; a greater willingness, on the part of the seller, to agree to concessions; less chance of the seller waffling; and greater respect for your offer, even if it’s a little lower than the seller was perhaps expecting.

Faster mortgage approval
Lenders aren’t as busy this time of year, and less volume could mean faster approval. Some lenders might even be willing to reduce fees during the off-peak season in hopes of gaining your business. Regardless, don’t just go with the first lender who comes along. It pays to shop around. Get multiple quotes and check out lender reviews on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace.

Greater affordability
Sure, home prices have been rising, but they’re typically lower in December than during any other month (so you don’t have to be as aggressive with your initial first offer, compared with buying during peak to high season). Zillow’s third quarter Real Estate Market Reports showed home value appreciation slowing. As we enter the slower home shopping season many overheated markets are moving away from bubble brink and ultimately becoming more affordable than they have been historically. If you want to take advantage of low interest rates, the time to act is now.

Written by Vera Gibbons

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
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Benefits Of House-Hunting During The Holiday Season

  When you're writing out the holiday shopping list, maybe it's time to put your name on it and a home as the gift. If you've been considering buying a home, here are a few reasons why shopping for one during the holiday season can benefit you.

Yes, it may involve you really prioritizing your time; the holiday season is a busy time. But if you can make time to house-hunt and you have already been pre-approved so you know how much home you can afford, then this could be a very good experience. And it may lead you to a new home in time for Christmas!

Like many businesses, the holiday season can cause things to slow way down. That's often the case for real estate. However, that doesn't mean you won't find eager sellers hoping you'll make an offer on their homes. Even though there are parties, kids' social activities and end-of-the-year work commitments, real estate sellers are still ready to let you step inside their homes to see if you'll find one is a good fit.

When real estate slows down, that means mortgages slow down. So this is a good time to get a mortgage. There's a chance your loan will move through the process faster. That doesn't mean you will have lax guidelines, rather it means that if there are fewer loans to process, yours can move along faster.

Some say that you have fewer options because inventory drops during the holiday season. While that may be true, it doesn't mean that every seller takes their home off the market. Sellers with their homes on the market during the end-of-the-year months are typically serious sellers. There may be tax reasons motivating a seller to sell before the end of the year which could create greater opportunities for negotiation. There's likely a sense of urgency on the seller's side.

Often home prices are lower in December than in other months. If you wait until the spring, you're likely to wish you'd, at least, done some house-hunting. Industry reporting services often show home appreciation slows in the fourth quarter, making homes more affordable.

Since it is a busy time of year, you may find that there aren't many buyers shopping for homes, which is exactly why this may be a good time to house-hunt. Fewer buyers could mean a great opportunity for you to make an offer and negotiate a favorable price. However, fewer homes to choose from could mean you have more difficulty finding precisely what you're looking for. But too many homes can also create a no-win situation by confusing and overwhelming you.

Shop smart by making a list of the "must-have" and the "really-would-like" items. Carry the list with you or use a home-buyers' app to keep it on your smartphone. It's much like a holiday gift shopping list - better to know who you're buying for, how much you want to spend, and, at least, an idea of what you'd like to get that person. Same goes for a home.

Simplify the house-hunting process by having some written notes about what you intend to buy. Of course, things do change, so be open to discovering that dream home that has something on your list you never knew you needed or wanted. Your list will just help you evaluate and prioritize which things in a home are most important to you. Then instead of unwrapping this holiday season, you might be wrapping up and packing up your belongings!

Written by: Phoebe Chongchua /Realty Times
November 22, 2013

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Home buying in Fall | Keys to Negotiating the Autumn Housing Market

So, you’re finally off the fence and ready to buy a home before prices — and mortgage rates – rise any further. Here’s what you need to know about jumping into the market at this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Market: The bottom line is that different markets behave differently during the fall. According to Zillow’s August Real Estate Market Reports, national home values rose 0.4 percent from July, marking the third consecutive month in which monthly home values rose more slowly than the month prior. However, markets in California, Las Vegas and Minneapolis are still seeing an extremely brisk pace of home value appreciation (2 percent or higher). As we exit 2013′s selling season, we will start to see a slowdown in home value appreciation.

Selection Is Limited: Many frustrated sellers who weren’t able to unload their properties during the busy peak spring/summer buying season may take their homes off the market, particularly as the holidays approach and the action comes to a screeching halt. This means you can expect the selection to be even more limited than it currently is in some markets.

There’s Room to Negotiate: Was there a home you saw and loved a few months ago? Is it still on the market? If it hasn’t sold after one of the hottest real estate summers since the economic downturn, you likely have room to negotiate. While some buyers will pull their homes off the market, others who have been holding out for the best possible price may now be ready to come down. While some homeowners are determined to get a set price, others may simply want out at this juncture.

Check Maintenance Areas: Fall is the ideal time to check things such as gutter drainage and the general upkeep of the yard. How does everything look? Does anything need repair? Visit the home on a rainy day and see for yourself. Then go inside and check out the furnace, looking for drafts, leakage issues and other possible structural/maintenance problems. If they’re apparent, determine how much money it’s going to take to get everything up to snuff and factor that into your offer, adjusting your price accordingly.
 

Written by Select Group Real Estate

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

 

Market Conditions for Incline Village, Nevada

Market Conditions for Incline Village, Nevada Reported by Alvin Steinberg, CRS, Broker/salesman As of November 13, 2013. Current Market Rating: 4 1 2 3 4 5 Buyer's Seller's Current Price Trend: 4 1 2 3 4 5 Falling Rising

WELCOME TO INCLINE VILLAGE!
As of late, Incline Village is now experiencing a strong Seller's market with prices going up 2% per month so far...
The median sold price for a single family home has risen to $928,000. We now have a 7 month supply of inventory.
The median price for condominiums is $407,000.

January 1, 2013 as become a Sellers market. Homes are now selling at asking price and sometimes maybe 3% off asking price.So, don't hesitate, please come to Lake Tahoe and make your investment before prices even go higher. Now November and sales are continuing on a steady basis.With interest rates still very low, now is a fantastic time to buy. Don't miss out !

We expect even a better year for 2014.

Please feel free to call me anytime at 1-800-666-4718.

Thanks!

ALVIN

P.S. We embrace and live the Values and High standards of honesty, integrity and always doing the right thing.


Location Characteristics: The most exciting place to live is Lake Tahoe NV. Lake Tahoe offers practically every sport you can think of from Golf, Tennis, Snow Skiing, Sailing, Water Skiing, Hiking and many other sports. We are the only planned community around the Lake. We also have a recreation center with an indoor pool and a workout area. Movie theater with first run movies.We have only approximately 9000 full time residence. Very low crime, only 40 minutes to Reno International Airport.

A Certified Residential Specialist, Top 4% of all real estate agent earned this designation in the nation's REALTORS®, Alvin has the necessary experience, in-depth knowledge, and negotiating skills to carry out smooth transactions that are mutually beneficial for both the buyer and seller.


Please go to my web site for more details or call me for a complete package. www.LivingLakeTahoe.com


About Alvin Steinberg, CRS:
Alvin Steinberg has been in Real Estate since 1972 and carries a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) in both California and Nevada. Alvin and his team are dedicated in providing you professional service whether you are buying or selling property in beautiful Lake Tahoe. One call does it all Call Alvin’s Team.

Buying or Selling: Now May Be the Time

As we enter the winter months, many expect the real estate market to begin to slow down. However, this winter there are many reasons that both buyers and sellers should consider moving forward with their real estate goals instead of waiting until the spring.

BUYERS
Waiting until the spring will probably mean increases in the two elements that determine the cost of purchasing a home: home prices and mortgage rates.

SELLERS
A seller will get the best price when demand is high and inventory is low. Demand will remain strong throughout this winter (see above) while inventory historically shrinks this time of year.

Ask Your Real Estate Agent for your Valuation

Real estate agents are experts at estimating the value of homes. Some of that expertise comes from being educated about the market, and some of it is instinct. Agents often view or show hundreds of homes in your area every month, so they have a good idea of the going rate for a home like yours. A qualified real estate agent can prepare a valuation report to give you a rough estimate of the value of your home.























Written by The KCM Crew

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com