February 10, 2010 by Mandie Spudich.

There are only 80 days left till the home buyer tax credit runs out and it WILL NOT be renewed again, once this happens, it is very likely that sales will stagnate, however in these precious few days the market activity is going to boom! Lets take advantage of that and get your home the exposure it deserves! Call me to list your home today!

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January 21, 2010 by Mandie Spudich.

Click Here for Printable Version

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November 12, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

Quick Reference Chart

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May 14, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

The Goverment has just announced that the $8,000 Frist time home buyer tax credit (NOT A LOAN) Will be made available to buyers using FHA loans as the down payment to purchase their home!!!!  For Specific details, call your Mortgage Rep ( I can send you the info of several if you do not have one yet)! With Rates this low, the Ability to use this as your down payment, and Home Prices Still being down, there truely has never been a better time to buy!

 If you would like to set up a showing please let me know and I will be happy to set up an appointment for you.  And as always, if you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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April 9, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

When selling your home, it’s likely that your primary focus is receiving the highest price possible for your property.And while this is certainly an important factor, there are other details that must be considered when you receive an official offer on your home in the form of a Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC).  Negotiating this wordy and legally binding document can seem daunting, but understanding the information contained in the REPC will save you time, money and heartache during the process of selling your home. 

The Real Estate Purchase Contract, also known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement, or a Real Estate Contract, is an agreement between a buyer and a seller to purchase real estate.  Your first encounter with a particular purchase contract will be in the form of an offer from a potential buyer. After reviewing the offer, you have three options: to accept the terms of the offer, thus entering into a contract; to change the terms of the offer in a counter-offer; or to reject the offer wholesale.  

After considering the price offered by the buyer, savvy sellers will then determine if the Real Estate Purchase Agreement contains any contingencies. One common possibility is that the offer to purchase your property is contingent on the sale of the buyer’s home. If the buyers’ property sells, the sale goes through. But, if it does not, the sale is off and the buyers’ deposit is usually returned. There are ways to structure a contingent sale offer to make it less risky for sellers. One way is to include a release clause in the contract, which allows sellers to continue marketing their home in the hopes of finding a better offer. If such an offer comes along, the sellers notify the buyers that they must remove the contingency by a certain date and show that they are able to close. Otherwise, they must withdraw from the contract. The sellers are then free to proceed with the other offer. 

Another red flag to watch for is a request by the buyer for excessive time to secure financing. This is a reality for many first-time home buyers or even veteran buyers whose credit is spread thin. If you’re not comfortable with the extended time frame, you can request that the buyer provide you with proof of loan application and/or a letter of loan qualification by a certain date. A well-priced offer can also seem less appealing if the seller offers a low earnest money deposit or asks you to pay the closing costs. Feel free to counter any elements of the offer that don’t sit well with you. 

And, don’t forget to take note of your requirements in the offer. Some buyers will include a clause that penalizes sellers who don’t move from the property by a specific date. Be confident that you can vacate your home by the date requested before accepting the offer. On the other hand, you may want the closing process to move swiftly. Even if the offered price is less than you wanted, a buyer who can close and take possession quickly can counterbalance the lower price.  

It is generally accepted that all attached fixtures and appliances will be sold with your home, but the buyer must list these carefully in the offer to purchase. Such appliances and fixtures can include ovens and dishwashers, window treatments, light fixtures, fireplace mantels and even landscaping features like trees and flowers. Additionally, buyers can request the inclusion of certain furnishings and personal property. If you have items that you do not wish to include when selling your home—whether the washer/dryer, an heirloom rosebush, or all your furniture—it’s a good idea to let your real estate agent know from the get-go, so he or she can help mitigate the expectations of buyers.  

The bottom line? It pays to spend 20 minutes reviewing a blank real estate purchase contract as soon as you put your house on the market. That way, when you receive an offer, you’ll be ready to break it down into its specifics, and respond confidently.  

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today. 

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March 17, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

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March 4, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

$8000 Tax Credit Over View 1

$8000 Tax Credit Over View 2

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February 5, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

Open House

Sunday Feb 8, 1 pm-4 pm

357 McDonald Drive

North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Brand New Price

$89,900

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January 23, 2009 by Mandie Spudich.

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November 14, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

1. There is less competition for buyers
2. Winter prospects are more serious buyers
3. Your home looks better during the holidays
4. One of the highest percentages of “listing sold” to “listings taken” occurs during this time of the year
5. You may receive more money for you home now because you have less competition
6. Throughout the holiday season you may restrict showings during your personal family events
7. Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays — especially during vacations.
8. January is traditionally the biggest month for corporate transfers — and you must be on the market to capture those buyers.
9. By selling now, you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the following year if you want it.
10. When you sell during the winter, you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many homes are on the market.
11. You may have fewer actual showings, but the ones you do have will be motivated and qualified.
12. Corporate transferees, who need to buy a home now, can’t wait until spring.

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October 27, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

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October 9, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

If you are looking into buying a home or business you have to watch this video!

It will only take you 2 min!

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August 12, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

If you are considering the sale of your business or other commercial property, take a few moments to review this information. 

You won’t regret it!

Commercial Sales Information

Click the hyperlink above and then choose “Open” to view this file.

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July 10, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

Take a a few min to read this great article to help you decide if For Sale By Owner is right for you.  There are lots of tips for going it on your own.  Always weigh all of your options and interview a good agent before you make your final decision.  I’d love to come out and talk with you and help you decided what is the best choice for YOU.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/newhomes/chi-local-scene_chomes_0704jul04,0,7309156.story

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May 22, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

Commitment & Qualification

  A Rent to Own Contract is very vague and gives the buyer the OPTION of purchasing the home at the end of the contract term.

An Installment Land Contract is a full fledged sales contract providing for seller financing for a specified term followed by a balloon payoff at the end–This is usually accompanied by an executed purchase agreement that would be standard in any other home sale.   Along with this is a pre-qualification letter from your lender stating that at the end of the term you will be finance-able for the balance barring any unforeseen circumstances.   Also in this contract your monthly payments will included principal and interest just like a regular mortgage would and you reduce the amount owed based on the agreed upon payment schedule.

The Installment land contract is a very good purchasing option for anyone who has a bankruptcy, credit that is borderline, or is waiting for a sum of money to have as a down payment.  The key is that you must be able to provide evidence that you will be able to obtain appropriate financing when the time comes.

Having an experienced agent who is well versed and experienced in this type of sale is critical to getting it done properly and accepted!  Not all agents are created equally, it is important that you find one who knows what all is involved with this type of contract and the best way to find out is to ask!  

 For more detailed information

 Call:  724 864 2121 Ext 20

Or

Email: mandie@blog.mandiespudich.com

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April 24, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

I have just been awarded the

Accredited Buyer Representative Designation

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

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April 1, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

! ! ! ! ! ! Just Reduced ! ! ! ! ! !

2839 Josephine Street

South Side — Pittsburgh PA

$219,000

$199,950

For more detailed information visit

www.mandiespudich.com

or call 724 205 1654

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March 28, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

Trying to sell your home on your own? I understand – really. That’s why I would like to share with you some important information that I think everyone selling their home on their own should know.

 Like with any major sale or purchase, there are a variety of things you need to keep straight and that are critical to a successful transaction. We’ve taken the liberty of offering you what we think are the five most important aspects of selling your home on your own and have explained them for you below. 

1. Seller Disclosure – Are you aware that, according to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, you are required to provide a seller disclosure form to interested buyers? 

2. Pre-Approval – Are you certain that the buyers who are looking at your home can actually afford your home? Do you have a guaranteed method by which you can get buyers pre-approved? 

3. Home Inspection Reduces Risk – Have you had a pre-inspection done on your property to reduce any risks associated with the sale of your home and give interested buyers peace of mind? 

4. Accurate Pricing – In today’s market, pricing your home accurately relative to other homes on the market can be the fastest route to a quick sale. Do you have easy access to accurate market data, a list of recently sold properties and a list of homes currently for sale in your area that are similar to your’s? 

5. Getting Feedback from Buyers – Whenever you’re selling any product of any kind, it’s always good to know what your buyers think. Do you have an effective system that enables you to speak to with or at least hear from the buyers who have toured your home? 

If you have questions about these five very important facets of selling your home or on any aspect of real estate sales, don’t hesitate to contact me! 

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March 18, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

Real estate agents continue to be the leading information source used by homebuyers. In a world filled with newspaper advertisements, real estate magazines, yard signs and the Internet, thirty-eight percent of home buyers first find the home they ultimately purchase through services of a real estate agent. 

w 84% of buyers said they would probably or definitely use the same agent again in a future transaction or recommend to a friend  

w 40% of home buyers were purchasing for the first time

w More than half of buyers had no children residing at home

w 77% of buyers bought their home with the assistance of an agent

w 79% of recent homebuyers used only one agent throughout the process

w 62% of recent home-buying households were represented by married couples

w The median age of recent homebuyers was 39 years 

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February 27, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

It is easier than you might think….

The key is to Act Quickly rather than Reacting Hastily

If you are in a situation where you believe that foreclosure is imminent you need to carefully weigh your options.

First, contact the bank and find out if refinancing your home is an option.

If it is not, then it is time to make your next move.  By placing your home on the market as early as possible you will give yourself the opportunity to avoid having a foreclosure on your home and possibly even making a little money in the process depending on how much you owe and what your home is worth in the current market conditions.

If your debt on the home is greater than the sale price, many banks will grant you what they call a “short sale” .  This is when the bank agrees to take what you will make from the sale of your home, even tough it is less than what you actually owe, and let you walk away free and clear owing nothing further.  They do this to avoid the legal fees and time that would be incurred in the foreclosure process.

  Now you will not be able to walk away with any money form this option, but if you were to not accept the sale then they would have foreclosed on the home anyway and you would not only not make a profit, but you would have a major black mark on your credit report.

So if it is time to make a choice, call your local mortgage representative and then,

if necessary,

a qualified real estate professional (perferablly a Realtor)

and do everything you can to keep your good name and credit clean! 

For more detailed information visit

 www.mandiespudich.com 

or call 724 205 1654

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