U.S Home Sales Jump to Fastest Rate

     I read this article about how everyday there are more and more people looking to purchase new homes. Believe it or not, the year 2005 and before a lot of people saw home ownership as a true blessing because you had to save a lot and sacrifice a lot to be able to purchase a home. Being a homeowner is still a blessing however, you don't have to sacrifice as much to get to that dream. As home sales are rising, there are more and more grant programs, rates are lower, and there is more information than ever before on how to go about purchasing your home. Check out this article:

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/finance/20121227/US.New.Home.Sales/


Til next time,

JC

How the Fiscal Cliff affects Homeowners

  I was doing a little research on how the fiscal cliff affects us and I cam across this article on how it affects homeowners:

http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/24/real_estate/mortgage-debt-forgiveness/index.html


This is the comment that worries me and others:

"So far, though, very little has been done to extend the act as Republicans and Democrats continue to butt heads over the fiscal cliff."

What is your take on it???

Til next time,

JC

How Many Ugly Homes Do You See Everyday?

     Whether you live in Baltimore, D.C, Virginia, or any other area, you have seen a vacant house before. Now vacant houses can come in many forms; a remodeled vacant house, a barely renovated vacant house, a vacant house where tenants used to live in, or just a plain ugly house. No matter what kind you see, there is someone that would love to have that house (in the right condition). If you do see any of those houses, feel free to call me. Any house that I close on, I pay referral fees up to $1,000.

Don't you need some extra money to offset the money you spent on gifts this year??

Contact me today
Jeannine
410-929-0049


Til next time,

JC

Need a Contracting Company

If you need a good contractor, try these guys,

 

Cooper Contracting Group

Dear Client, I would just like to introduce myself and my company. We are a Local Contracting Preservation and Renovation Company. Thank you for the invaluable services you provide to your clients and community. I know you are very busy right now. We are a full service contracting company specializing in servicing the needs of professionals like yourself and your clients. A simple phone call or recommendation and we will quickly repair any issue related to your client’s needs, which will get you to the settlement table. We work with many Realtors like you who pride themselves on customer service, with the ultimate goal being future business. We realize that time is of the essence in most cases, so our team will devote much time to properly repair all issues in one day if possible. Thank you for your time. If you have any questions please feel free to call me personally. I have made a list of the services we provide on a daily basis below. We are experts in the 203k loan process, inspection repairs, and tenant rollovers. We specialize in the following: :Home :Clean Outs/Evictions :Property Preservation :Lock Changes :Construction Cleanup :HVAC :Winterizing :Drywall :Flooring :Bathrooms & Kitchens Renovation-add ons :Decks & Storage Repairs-add ons :Roof Repairs :Siding :Windows :Doors :Plumbing :Electrical :Painting :Stink Bug Home Proofing :Gutter Guards :Gutter Downs :Smoke Detector Replacements :Much Much More :Rated Best Contractor in the Business Thank you in advance for your time and business. Cooper Contracting Group, LLC 443-616-6110 William Grose Save 10% on all orders over $50 Call us now! 443-616-6110 Or visit www.coopercontractinggroup.com

Cooper Contracting Group | 5200Glenarm Rd | Ste D | Glen Arm | MD | 21057   Til next time,   JC

Zip Realty at it's Best

     If you are looking for the number one real estate agency when it come to the technology and customer advancement, look no further. Here is part of an article I read today that was posted:

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2012 - ZipRealty, Inc. (http://www.ziprealty.com) (ZIPR), the leading online technology-enabled residential real estate brokerage company, today launched the second generation of Zap, a cutting-edge real estate technology solution for agents, brokers and home buyers. Zap combines ZipRealty`s industry-leading CRM with its website and mobile application, the most powerful suite of real estate marketing tools in the United States. Zap fully integrates these dynamic platforms to give prospective home buyers superior customer service, while providing agents with sophisticated insight into their clients` online home search activity.

The Zap platform is available to both ZipRealty agents and Powered by Zip (PBZ) agents, ZipRealty`s nationwide broker partners. "Together, Zap and ZipRealty.com are designed to empower a movement of agents and brokers who seek to serve their customers differently," says Lanny Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZipRealty. "Our integrated technology system provides home buyers with accurate and timely real estate information.......

For the whole article, go to http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ziprealty-launches-second-generation-zap-171602709.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter


Til next time,

JC

Get A 203k Rehab Loan

Some great information about getting a 203k rehab loan:

203(k) FHA Loans Make Good Homes Great

A 203(k) loan is an FHA insured loan that allows buyers to purchase a home and include money for renovations and/or repairs into the same mortgage loan used to purchase the home. This program loans buyers money based on the home's after-improved value. Repairs can either be required repairs or optional repairs. The minimum amount of repairs must be $5,000. With a 203(k) loan buyers can:

Build an addition Remodel an outdated kitchen or bathroom Update heating and air systems Get a new roof Update landscaping or build a new fence The 203(k) loan will help you sell more homes! It can be used to finance HUD homes, to market “fixer-uppers” and gives buyers an easy, convenient way to remodel a home to match their taste. If you would like to learn more about Prospect's Renovation programs, please contact me today! • Learn about home loans • Use loan calculators • Apply for a home loan David Groom Branch Manager Prospect Mortgage NMLS# 140971 1122 Kenilworth Drive, Ste. 510 Towson, MD 21204

House Prices are Starting to Go Up but, don't be Alarmed

.........because there is still a way to purchase a home in a competitive market. My broker was kind enough to give me some tips to talk to my buyers about and I thought I would share it with you.

"Be Prepared
Bidding isn’t just about who has the most money to throw around. Just as with any kind of scrimmage, if you’ve done your training pre-battle, you’ll fare better than those untrained. Trying to buy a home in this tight of a market can be war. Here arr ways to fortify yourself.

1. Local Knowledge: Understanding the local market is the first step in predicting what the competition will be on any given property. Your Realtor® can give you the best, most current, most exhaustive market data and help you make sense of it.

2. Understanding Median Prices: Though the median list and sold prices are aggregate, not individual numbers, you can logically assume that if a home is for sale within the price range the majority of homes in that area are sold for, the competition for that home will be stiff.

3. Understanding Days on the Market: Homes that have lingered on the market in areas with low inventory likely have issues. This does not mean the home won’t work for you. Maybe you are interested in an up-and-coming neighborhood that’s still too rough around the edges for most buyers. Perhaps you are an expert at renovation. A high DOM number isn’t a deal killer, but it is a red flag. And know also that competition for fresh listings is much higher than for stale ones.

4. Understanding the Seller’s Strategy: Using the comparative sales your Realtor® has pulled for you, you can see where, on a scale of values, the home you’re interested in, lies. If it’s on the low end of the scale, yet inventory is down, sales are up, and prices are up in this neighborhood, you have identified the seller’s likely marketing strategy. The home’s price: artificially low. Expect a bidding war to ensue." (Zip Realty)

 

There is more tips to buy a home at this link:

http://www.ziprealty.com/blog/tips-buyers-competitive-markets-part-1

 

 

Til next time,

 

JC

How to Choose a Contractor

   That is the magic subject when it comes to fixing up a home. You have to try and research to see who is the best, most cost-efficient, and most referred contractor around. Me personally, I don't think great contractors have to advertise; when a contractor is around for many years and never has to advertise to get business, that is a plus for me. I have heard so many horror stories about contractors taking money without finishing the project, doing a lousy job, or taking forever to finish. When I get into rehabbing, I plan to hire contractors based on referrals and getting tips from my mentors. I decided to do a little research today (since my Ravens were giving me heart palpitations) one some tips people gave when it comes to hiring contractors. I found a great one to read:

http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Home-Improvement-Contractor



Til next time,

JC

Breaking Down The First Step

     The first step to getting a home is getting your pre-approval letter. It's not as hard assume make think, most of the times it is a mental block because you feel that a bank will not pre-approve you.  I tell people all the time, you don't know until you try. You can go to the bank you currently do business with and see if they will give you a pre-approval letter. If not, you can reach out to other lenders as well. I will be more than happy to refer you to some lenders that I know. This is a great time to buy; the mortgage rates are low, this is a buyers market, and they are so many home buying programs you can sign up for.

Contact me today
Jay Cooper
Zip Realty
443-813-4248



Til next time,

JC

December Newsletter

Who says houses aren't selling......you have to get your purchase in now while the rates are as low as 3.45% and the house prices are low. Here is an article to prove it

http://www.ziprealty.com/blog/roll-home-prices-sixth-straight-month

Til next time,

JC

Save as Much Money as You Can

  I found a website that I knew I had to share with everyone. It is a website where you can find out the latest deals and coupons on anything from food to diapers. This is a great website to check out to help you save some money:

http://www.clippergirl.com/



Tile next time,

JC

Give Your Home a Makeover on Budget

    There used to be times where sellers could put their home on the market and it would sell in less than 90 days. Now, this market is so competitive that even in a totally renovated house, you have to have features that stand out to the seller. I spoke with a seller today who is having trouble giving her home a face lift because of money but, what sellers have to understand is that you don't need a lot of money to make your home stand out; you just need to know what to accentuate. Here is an article I read that focuses on that exact subject that I thought was good to share:

http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/easy-decorating/give-your-home-budget-friendly-makeover-00400000048832/

Til next time,

JC

A Renter Learns the Power of Home Ownership

    This is a great article I check out about a renter getting into his first home. Lesson learned: you never know until you try; if at first you don't succeed, try again.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/aaron_trompeter_realtor/2012/11/another_renter_entered_the_power_of_home_ownership



Til next time,

JC

Top Reasons People Don't Pursue Home Ownership

1. They think you have to have a lot of money to get into a home

2. They fear hearing the worst (about their credit report)

3. They fear commitment

4. Procrastination

5. They don't know the process, pro's, do's, and don'ts of home ownership


WHY YOU SHOULD OWN A HOME

1. Paying rent is like throwing money away (into someone else pocket)

2. The interest rate are lower than they have been in a long time.

3. Knowing where you stand with credit is a must

4. As rents continue to rise, you find yourself moving every 1-2 years

5. You can never really feel "at home" in a house you rent

6. A home is an asset

7. You can decorate how you want without restriction from a landlord

8. There are so many home ownership assistance programs out there to get you to the closing table

9. ...and the list goes on


Call me today and I can refer you to some loan officers (or you can choose one) and we can start looking for your new home
Jay Cooper
443-813-4248

Til next time

JC

New Trick to Battle Children and Carpet

     I hear so many people wanting all hardwood floors when they buy a home. I know I wanted hardwood floors because it look so good and it can blend with decorations more. As I was getting my hair done yesterday by my stylist (my cousin), she was telling me about the challenges having carpet and that she was going to have hardwood floors in her next home. I didn't know why because she has children over her house a lot and her carpet is always clean. When I asked her how does she keep it so clean; she said "girl, scotch-guard is a parent's best friend" lol. She told me that you ca spill a drink on the floor and between scotch guard and a good and damp rag, you would never know it was there.

I learn something new every day....i decided to pass this one along (unless I'm too late lol)

Til next time,

JC

Think You Don't Have Enough Money For a Home

    Don't sweat it. There are plenty of programs in Maryland that will help you with financial assistance towards your new home. This assistance can range from down payment assistance, closing assistance, rehab assistance, etc.

Here is a link to look up the different programs:

http://www.mdhomeprograms.com/program/all_programs.php?op=all


Contact me today so you can start looking for your new home
Jay Cooper
443-813-4248


Til next time

JC

Should You Sell Your Home in December (Video attached)

Here is a video that I thought was good about whether are not you should sell your home in December.  She had some interesting points:
    


http://xfinity.comcast.net/video/11269699535/3_tips_for_selling_your_home_in_december


Til next time,

JC

New Down Payment Assistance Program

    A fellow agent sent me an email about a new down payment assistance program in Baltimore City coming in January.  Here is part of her email:

"provides $4.5 million dollars for down payment assistance (at $15,000 each). Does NOT have to be first time buyers, but does need to be buyers fitting in the median income level
(household of 4= $98,450, household of 3= $88,650, 2= $78,800, 1=68,950).
This is a forgivable loan that goes away after 5 years (if the buyer sells prior to 5 years, it is repaid at 80% after year 1, 60% year 2, 40% year 3, etc.)
Buyers must be owner occupant, must have completed buyer certification, must not own another property at the time of purchase, must have lender pre-approval (currently offered by Wells Fargo, however, other lenders may be approved to offer it). Property must be Balt CITY." (Leslie Beard)

Now, I know this has got to appeal to you if you are looking to buy a home. IT'S MONEY THAT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK.

Contact this guy for details,
Sean Worrall 410-512-4812 cell 410-375-4096

Til next time,

JC

Estimate the Value for Your Home

     I found a great article where you can determine what the value of your home is. In this day and time a lot of people are doing short sales where they are selling the home for less than what they bought it for, simply because this is a buyer's market; also the values of homes have gone down.  Even if you are not in the market to sell your home, it is a good tool to stay up to date with the values in your area:

http://local.eppraisal.com/home-values/maryland/



Til next time,

JC

You Don't have to go Delinquent to Short Sale Your Home

That's right. I read this article where it states that homeowners to soon be able to sell their home (short sale) even if they are current on their mortgage. Now it does still affect your credit so, I wouldn't do a short sale if it is not absolutely necessary but, if you have no choice and you are underwater on your mortgage (your home is worth less than what you paid for it) then, this may an option for you.



http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/10/24/nondelinquent-borrowers-soon-be-eligible-for-short-sales?om_rid=AACLfE&om_mid=_BQiDNaB8uxylQP&om_ntype=RMODaily


Til next time,

JC

Starting a Business

     Here is a great article about how to start a business:

http://www.choosemaryland.org/startbusiness/pages/default.aspx

If you are having a hard time trying to decide what kind of business to start, think about what you would love to do if money was not a worry. A lot of times our hobbies and recreational things we do are great ways to make money. Take some time and write of list of what you would love to do and "Just Do It"

Til next time,

JC

Where to Put Your Money?

   There are a lot of people who are unsure of where to put their money. It isn't as easy as it used to be to invest money because the risks are higher that it ever was before. With the recession not being fully back on track, social security looks like it won't be there to long, and 401K not being as reliable as you thought it would be, it leaves people between a rock and a hard place.  I personally have pulled my money out of stock because you really have to be focused on many areas of the stock from the business, trends, etc. I cannot tell you where to put your money but, I read a great article that can help you if you are looking for the answers:

http://www.moneycrashers.com/safest-investments-for-your-money/

Til next time,

JC