Archive for July 2007

221 Middle Street

July 18, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

221 Middle Street

Fayette City, PA 

Beautiful spacious home with large covered porch.

4 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath

Updated 200amp electrical, & Remolded Kitchen!!

Lots of storage. Finished area in basement can be used as 4th bedroom or a game room.

Beautifully detailed stuco walls Inside & Out! Great Corner Lot!

The Included HSA Home Warranty = Peace of Mind!

 

For more detialed information visit

 www.toddfry.mandiespudich.com 

or call 724 205 1654

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$5,000 Credit to buyer

July 11, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

114 Jamison is now offering a $5,000 credit to they buyer at closing

to cover basic remodeling expenses for the

 bathroom floors and kitchen counters!

Or to be used on the home in any way the buyer should see fit!

 

For more information Log on to

ToddFry.MandieSpudich.com

or Call

724-205-1654

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!! JUST REDUCED !!

July 11, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

538 5th Ave

Just Rduced

Was $95,900

Now Only $89,900

 

For more information log on to

ToddFry.MandieSpudich.com

or Call

724-205-1654

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How Much Can I Afford?

July 10, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

You should always Consult a Financial Profesional for information specific to your situation, but here are some basic guides that can help you get an idea of where you stand. 

Conventional fixed-rate mortgage

  • 80 percent to 90 percent loan-to-value. Payments no more than 28 percent of income.

  • Under 80 percent loan-to-value. Payments no more than 32 percent of income.

ARM mortgages

  • Payments no more than 28 percent of income.

FHA loans

  • Payments no more than 29 percent of income. 

Note: Payments include taxes and insurance as well as mortgage debt.

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Moving Check-List

July 10, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

Moving Checklist

q     Weed out items you won’t be moving; hold a garage sale or donate them to charity.

q     Get estimates from moving companies.

q     Make a list of people and organizations—credit cards, magazines, college alumni Associations—that will need to be notified of the move.

q    

Look at schools and day care facilities in new area. Forward school records.

q     Complete change-of-address forms.

q     Contact doctors and ask for referrals if you’re moving to a new city. Forward medical records.

q     Check homeowners’ policy to see if possessions are covered during the move.

q     Decide how you’ll move valuables.

q     Get information on driver’s license, insurance policy, license plates, and auto stickers if you’re moving to a new city.

q     Contact utility companies—gas and electric—in both cities.

q     Register with an Internet service provider.

q     Contact phone service—see if your long distance, cellular, and pager carriers operate in the area.

q     Contact satellite and cable TV providers.

q     Empty and defrost refrigerator.

q     Map out driving route to new city.

TIP:  Pack one or two boxes of must-haves—children’s toys, toilet articles and towels, can opener, flashlight, light bulbs,

paper plates and cups—and carry it with you so you can find it fast after the move.

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Tips For Sellers

July 10, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

 Remove Wall Paper One thing I hear from a large majority of my clients is that they would reall rather have clean painted walls rather than wall paper. Many times when wall paper is present buyers will turn away due to the work they feel will need to be done to remove it. By doing this for them you will appeal to a wider audience thereby increasing the value of your home.
 Clear out the Clutter  When selling, square footage is key so clear out all of the things that do not need to be present to make your space feel larger.
Take Down Personal Effects  The fewer personal effects in the space the more easily a buyer can envision themselves living in your home.
Whenever possible remove all signs of pets 

 Many times buyers will see pets in a home to be an indication of possible problems, real or not, such as a need to replace he carpet, scratches on the walls and baseboards and oher such issues. So when you are expecting buyers take the pets to a friends home and pick up the toys and other accessories they may have if at all possible. This will help the home to show better and in turn sell quicker.
 Use light neuteral colors  Lighter colors, such as white and pastels, can make a room feel larger and more open.  This little trick will help create the illusion of more space which will translate into more buyer appeal and a higher final sale price.
 Clan Up  I know this sounds obvious, but be sure to clean up.  Not just hte obvious things such as vacuuming, but also remember to take out the garbage, wash down the cabinets, clean the stove top, wash the dishes, and straighten out closets and cupboards.
 Make Simple Repairs  Oil squeeky door hinges, replace torn screens, replace burnt out light bulbs, repair running toilets, replace worn out washers to fix leaking faucets, fill in nail holes in the walls…etc.  These repairs may cost you a few dollars now, but can save you much more by way of a timely sale with out repair credits.
 Light a Fire If you have a fireplace and it is cold outside starting a fire before buyers show up is a great way to play up that special feature and make the buyers will feel more comfortable in your home
 Turn up the Air If it is the middle of summer, keep the home cool as possible.  Avoid using the oven if you know buers will be coming by.  If you have central air this should be set to a comfortable temperature whenever possible, showing the buyers how valuable a feature it is.  If you do not have central air open up the windows and doors to let a breath of fresh air in. 
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Tips for First Time Buyers

July 10, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

Make A List of Needs, Wants & Deal Breakers

 By making a list of these things and proritizeing them now you can save yourself a great deal time trying to make decisions later.  Also this will help your Realtor to find you your perfect home.

 Be Open Minded

 When telling your agent what youa re after in a home try to be open minded.  While you may prefer a certain criteria, if it is not a deal breaker do not count it out… more often than not buyers pickout homes they would never have looked at if not for keeping an open mind.

 Look Past the Decorative

While you may not like the personal decor of a home, the layout and structure may be just what you are after.  Try not to look at things like this that can easily be changed such as wall colors, window treatments, and carpeting to name a few. 

Get Pre-Qualified by a Lender 

This will help you to determine a realistic price range and save you a great deal of frustration.  Also, this information must be obtained prior to writing up an offer anyway, so it will make that process much quicker and easier.  A reputable lender will not charge you for this or obligate you to use their services, and it only takes a matter of minuets over the phone.

 Be Realistic

If you are looking at a home that is near perfect condition,, but ther is a leaking faucet, do not be discouraged.  Try to put the repairs needed into perspective.  Even walking into a new construction you can find a few little things that need repairing, as long as the structure and foundation are secure try not to sweat the small stuff.

 Ask Questions

If you have ANY questions—ASK!

If you are concerned about a potential defect call and inspector…  If you have legal concerns call an attorny…

Make sure you find out now because once you sign the paperwork it may be too late!
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Negotiating Strategies That Work

July 10, 2007 by Mandie Spudich.

While Negotiating, no matter what side you are on,

always keep in mind your ultimate goal.

  •  

    • Remember that price is NOT the only point to look at on a sales contract !  Consider the offer as a whole:

      • When do they want to close?

      • What Inspections have they elected and what have they waived?

        • If they elect only the Property and Pest inspections and waive the rest you can see that the buyer is not going to be as likely to nitpick on what the report comes back with.

      • Do they have a “House to Sell” contingenecy? If so:

        • How long have they given themselves to sell

        • Is it already on the market and if so do they have a buyer already?

        • Have they given you the option to continue marketing your property in the meantime and accept backup offers?

        • Are they alowing you to take a better offer that does not have the contingency on it if one would come your way?

        • Is there a “first right of refusal”

    • Prioritize key factors and detremine what your throw away points may be this way you can use them as leverage.  Throw away points are negotiation points that you would like, but are not adiment about.  Knowing ahead of time what those points are can make it easier for you to tell the other party that in exchange for one of your requirements, you will give in on the throw away item.  This allows the other party to feel that you are really being more reasonable and that they have gotten something out of the deal as well.

    • Put price differences into perspective, 

      • Sellers: how much do you stand to loose if your property sits on the market for another month or more?  When you add up all of the expenses including: mortgage payments, taxes, insurance premiums, utilities costs, lawn and garden care, and other general maintance items will you very well may loose the very amount that you are argueing over in no time.  After all you never know how long it will be untill you receive another offer.  Also statistics have shown that your first offer is more often the best! 

      • Buyers: How much will your monthly payment increase if you raise your offer by a few thousand dollars?  Often times, it is a mere $5-20 depending on the value of the home.  To do this accurately consult your financer and ask them what the big picture is, just be sure not to overextend yourself.

Above all Else, Remeber that a well negotiated deal will leave everyone feeling good about the sale.

You do not have to bulldoze the other party to say that you won…afterall we are all working toward the same goal.

 

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