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It’s nippy out there, so beware…Most will agree with the statement, “don’t fix it until it’s broken?” Not a wise way to approach major appliances, such as your HVAC. Just when the temperatures drop to record lows, that is when your furnace will decide to quit. There are many things you can do to prolong the use of these systems. Click on the following link to make sure your toes stay toasty warm at home this winter…
Buying a Home •
December 23, 2018
How Much Does It All Cost?
Is this your situation…You saved for many months and now have found your perfect home, but still not sure if you can afford it? There are many parts to the puzzle of buying a home. In addition to having money for the house, there are costs involved to actually make it come to fruition. These costs are sometimes out of pocket before the closing or added to your Closing Statement. Speaking to a Realtor at the onset of your search, can help you keep your emotions in check by having us guiding you on where more of your funds are needed. These costs will be quoted to you prior to the closing, so that you are prepared to bring them to the closing table. These fees include costs for your attorney if using one (sometimes title companies are used and we can discuss that later), title search and insurance, survey, loan application if not paying cash, recording fees, inspections, and others. There are also ways that you can incorporate the seller assisting with these costs per your contract. If you would like to know what these costs can add up to and what else is involved…let’s chat! Contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com. I would be happy to assist and make sure you a well-informed buyer.
Buying a Home •
December 23, 2018
What Not to Do When Buying a Home
Closing day is near, but you may not get the house?…Many buyers have been in this position, either by the fault of their own doing, or when unfortunately were not warned. When purchasing a home, there is a process that this completed by the lender so you can, hopefully qualify for a loan. It all starts with a loan pre-approval, whereby your credit is checked, proof of assets are requested and your employment is verified. Also, besides having your credit looked into, there are other debts that you may have which may be looked into further, too. If you say you have funds for a deposit, they should be available. You should not be taking out a loan or running up your credit cards to get it. This will be used as additional debt against your income. In addition to income, the lender requires the history of where other funds may have come from if deposited in your bank accounts. These funds could have been from another purchaser that may not necessarily on the loan application with you or may be considered as a gift from a family member. There are rules regarding these situations, so always keep a paper trail. After verification, your file will now go through an under-writing process. This is when all information that has been submitted with your loan application is checked and re-checked to ensure you are a good candidate for the loan. Now the fun part begins…wrong! This is not the time to start purchasing furniture, buy another car, or run up your credit. Why you ask? Right before the closing date, your file will go back into under-writing for a review. If there had been changes which negatively impact the prior information given and cannot be reversed…guess what? No Loan..No Home! Don’t be fooled by the “0% interest with no payments for a year.” That entire additional debt will still be held against you. Lastly, make sure your stay employed at your current job. You don’t want to switch employers before the closing, as a history of employment is still required. It is also just as important to verify all requirements with your lender; Each may differ from the next. Let’s chat, so that we can discuss the lending process and what needs to be considered when purchasing a home. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com. If all is in check, you will be unpacking in no time…and yes… you can then order that new furniture!!
Selling A Home •
December 23, 2018
Don’t Get Caught Up In Your Net Numbers
You are finally ready to list your home and think you have it all figured out…but wait…what happened to the profit you thought you would be receiving at the closing? Well…just as there are costs involved to purchase a home, there are costs to sell, as well. It is very important that you discuss your NET with a Realtor, so that you know where you stand. You don’t want to find out that you don’t have as much as you think. Let me simplify this for you. To begin, you will need a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). We use data of the comparable closed homes in your market and make adjustments in price for different criteria to arrive at a range of value for the subject home (your home). After this is determinded, now we can go over the costs involved which will be deducted from the approximate sold price. These costs include commissions, attorney fees, your loan payoff, recording fees, etc…. Depening on the township in which you reside, you may as the seller be responsible to obtain a CCO (Continued Certificate of Occupancy) and Fire/Smoke Certifications. If this is the case, it is also best to be prepared about any repairs or updates needed to obtain these. As your Realtor it is my job to make you you understand the bottom line, so you can move forward without surprises towards a smooth closing. Let’s Chat!! Call me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to discuss further and start the process of finding your new home.
Selling A Home •
December 23, 2018
Waiting To Sell Doesn’t Make Sense
Ready to Sell?…Why Wait?…Now is a great time to move forward! …The Spring Market is the time when all feel it is best to sell their homes. However, not necessarily true. Yes, the weather is nicer and the trees are blooming, but it’s also the time for those “just looking”.
Here are 5 great reasons why the holidays is a great time to sell your home…
1…Homes show better when decorated.
2…Relocation buyers are out there now.
3….Buyers looking for homes during the holidays, are serious buyer and ready to purchase now.
4…The supply of listings increases after the holidays; less competition now.
5… Buyers are out every season. The desire for home ownership does not end during the holidays.
Let’s chat about how I can market your home during the holidays. Contact me today…732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.
Living In Your Home •
December 23, 2018
Wait For It…Wait For It…
Announcing the color of 2019...According to Realtor Magazine by the National Association of Realtors, Pantone, the company known for their top color predictions, has disclosed their #1 color for 2019….Living Coral. Well there you have it! Just when all has been converted to a more neutral palette of grays and whites, a splash of color is the new trend, and what better color, than the warm, but vibrant coral. You can use this to brighten walls in your homes or just add a touch of color. So during the cold months when we are all stuck inside awaiting the first signs of a hopefully warm spring, you can change up your home with a splash of color. It has been known that paint is the cheapest and easiest way to update your home and give you a new sense of newness. If you will be looking to sell your home, there is no time like the present. If you would like other ideas or suggestions to get your home sale ready, contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com.
Buying a Home •
December 19, 2018
To Buy or Not to Buy?
Need Answers to Your Questions?…You may feel that buying a home is a daunting experience, and the ‘not knowing” leaves you feeling like you are in the dark. It doesn’t have to feel this way. Working with a Realtor can alleviate much stress and anxiety regarding the process. I like to guide my clients straight through the process from the beginning to the end. This is supposed to be an enjoyable and exciting time. There is so much to celebrate. After the dust settles, there are many things to consider when buying a home…the right time, interest rates, etc…. Let’s chat to help you make a more informed decision. Here is a free guide to help you begin your process and give you some additional insight. Contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com to get you on the road to your new home.
ERA News •
December 13, 2018
Toys For Tots Collection…Now Thru Dec. 19th
Tis the Season of Giving!!…We are happy and proud to be part of the Toys For Tots Collection. There is still time to donate a toy and bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Just stop by our office at 2677 Hwy 516, Old Bridge and we will be happy to assist with your donation. Collection is ongoing until December 19th. Contact me should be further assistance or if you have any questions at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Housing Market •
December 7, 2018
Extra Time to Lock In Your Rates
There is still time…Haven’t found your house yet, or begun to look. You have some time. There has been a steady increase in interest rates throughout the year. However, you’re in luck. There seems to be a step back and rates have declined slightly. For some, this makes a big difference with your purchase power. It is a great time to talk with your lender if you have already applied for a loan to see when is the best time for you to lock in your rate. If you haven’t gotten that far yet, or would like to know more about the process, call me at 732-995-5609 to discuss further.
Here is a snapshot from Realtor Magazine and what Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist has to Say.
December 7, 2018
© REALTOR® Magazine
Home buyers may be finding a window of opportunity to lock in lower rates. Mortgage rates fell this week, after several weeks of moderating, Freddie Mac reports.
“Mortgage rates declined this week amid a steep sell-off in U.S. stocks,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “This week’s rate reaction to the volatile stock market is a welcome relief to prospective home buyers who have recently experienced rising rates and rising home prices.”
Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Dec. 6:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.75 percent, with an average 0.5 point, down from last week’s 4.81 percent average. Last year at his time, 30-year rates averaged 3.94 percent.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.21 percent, with an average 0.4 point, falling from last week’s 4.25 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.36 percent.
- 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 4.07 percent, with an average 0.3 point, a decrease from last week’s 4.12 percent average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.36 percent.
Source: Freddie Mac
Selling A Home •
December 5, 2018
Winter…Great Time to Sell Your Home.
Let it Show…Let it Show…Let it Show!...Thinking of selling your home, but feel it is best to wait for the spring? Here is some food for thought. There are buyers for all seasons; so why wait? Winter is the time for serious buyers out on the hunt for their new home. Just think, on a day like today a cold wet snowy, not so safe to be on the road kind of day, buyers who need a new home are out. And I am out there with them. Those are the showings you do not want to decline as a homeowner. Why wait until spring when the market is buzzing with tons of competition. Homes in the winter exude a cozy feeling, and buyers may stay inside longer to view, not to go back into the cold. If they like your home in a blizzard, they will absolutely love it all year round. Call me at 732-995-5609 to discuss a plan and let’s get your home ready for the market and that new owner.
