Real Estate Information

 Everybody Wins!!!!! The National Association of Realtors® is projecting that for all of 2012 the affordability index will be at an annual high with little movement in mortgage interest rates or home prices. The report goes on to say that housing inventory levels have become much more balanced in most of the country. If access to credit improve we should see a increase in home sales and an even brooder stabilization in areas with job growth. All and all 2012 looks like a positive year for the housing industry when things are balanced that is good for both buyers and sellers.

When it was all over, an emotional Bubba Watson hugged his caddie tightly, his shoulders shaking with sobs. The Milton High graduate -- from the small town of Bagdad -- won his first major golf tournament on the PGA Tour at the Masters in Augusta, Ga. And he couldn't have done it in a more dramatic fashion. Watson finished the final round tied with Sweden's Louis Oosthuizen at 10-under, forcing the two to square off in a sudden-death playoff. After both parred on No. 18, the first hole of their playoff, they moved on to No. 10 where the unthinkable happened. Watson's tee shot missed right landing deep into the woods. His hopes of improvement from there were slim until Oosthuizen also went wide right, though he was barely off the fairway. That's when Watson did what he's known for -- making shots of incredible length. With barely a view of the green, Watson blasted out of the woods and astounded fans when his ball landed within 15 feet of the pin. Oosthuizen ended up having to three-put for bogey, while Watson easily two-putted for the win. "I was there earlier today during regulation, so I was used to it," Watson said of the dramatic shot that led to the life-changing experience of being a Masters champion. "I knew what I was facing there, had a good lie, had a gap where I had to hook it -- I don't know -- 40 yards or so. I'm pretty good at hooking it, so I just hooked it up there and somehow, it landed close to the hole." Making the win even more special to Watson was the recent adoption of his 1-month-old son, Caleb. "I never got this far in my dreams, to talk," Watson said. "To go home to my new son is going to be fun." The victory means Watson will be able to play in the Masters for the rest of his life and have his name mentioned along with the world's elite golfers, past and present.

Source : http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120408001

You found that perfect house after hunting for only a couple of weekends but your hesitant to make an immediate commitment. You want to buy the house but are reluctant to make and offer and wonder if you should look at more properties.

It doesn’t matter if you are in a buyers market or a sellers market; the best homes usually get snapped up quick. When you find a well-priced home, you may not have much time to think it over.  Although it is difficult to make such an enormous purchasing decision without at least "sleeping on it," if you hesitate you could lose the house to another buyer.

That’s where your Professional Real Estate Agent comes in. Working with a Professional real estate agent and make your decision much easier. Your agent can answer any questions you may have and provide information about recent sales of homes in the area. Also remember your agent is going to help you find a home that you want to buy and help maximize your time by not showing you homes that don’t interest you.

You’re prefect home is out there and its waiting on you don’t give up you will find it.

Here is a situation that many buyers have experienced. After searching for weeks, you found the perfect home and you made a very low offer. The sellers responded with a counter-offer which was several thousand dollars lower than their asking price. You came back with a slightly higher bid, and they came down some more. After many days of back and forth, you finally reached a meeting of the minds, and you are very pleased with the results.

If you have driven a hard bargain in purchasing a house, be sensitive to the seller's feelings as the transaction proceeds. They may be suffering from the impact of a rough negotiation. Try to minimize any additional requests you might make of the sellers. As you move toward your closing date, keep in mind that the sellers may not share your elation. If you are considerate and avoid making excessive demands, you can help everyone walk away from the transaction feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Who represents the homebuyer in the transaction? The most common scenario is for homebuyers to purchase a home with the help of the seller's listing agent. In this case, known as "dual agent representation," the real estate agent assists both the sellers and the buyers. However, it is also possible for the buyers to ask another realtor to represent their interests exclusively, acting as the "buyer's agent," a service which is available at no additional cost to the homebuyer.

Any licensed real estate agent can act as your buyer's agent, helping you to locate and look at properties in your price range. However, if that real estate agent works for the same brokerage that is listing a particular property, dual agency or designated agent rules will then apply. The buyer's agent will advise the buyer if issues arise such as termite damage or significant material defects appearing on the home inspection report. If the home appraisal comes in at less than the asking price, the agent will represent the buyer's interest, working with the seller and the lender to negotiate a satisfactory resolution.

Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners. This naturally occurring substance has been found in homes throughout the country. It is odorless, colorless and undetectable without sophisticated testing. Radon has been linked to many diseases, and environmental experts caution that it should be tested. Remember that if radon gas is detected, it can usually be removed at a relatively low cost with simple ventilation systems.

If you are concerned about radon in your home, you can have it tested. You can contact your nearest branch of the Environmental Protection Agency for information about how to find a reputable company qualified to perform the tests.

If you are buying a new home in an area where radon has been a problem, you might consider including a radon test as part of the structural contingency clause. And if you are planning to sell your home, you can test it for radon before placing it on the market. If there is no problem, your fears will be put to rest, and even if radon is detected, it is neither difficult nor costly to correct.

You have seen it all over the years in the Pensacola Real Estate Market and across the board--interest rates rise and fall, sales prices escalate and decline.  No matter what phase the market is in, it is always important to price your home in your area competitively. How can you price your home with confidence?

The first step is to contact a professional real estate agent for a comparative market analysis. The agent will look at recent sales of comparable homes in your area and give you information about other properties that are currently on the market. By comparing the size, location and condition of your home to the competition, your agent can help you determine how much to ask for your home. Even in an active market, an inflated price may frighten prospective buyers away. A house that is over-priced can take additional weeks or months to sell, and the final sale price may even be lower than if the sellers had started out more realistically. The price is based on market conditions, comparable sales, and your agents years of experience in the marketplace.

When your home is being shown, you want prospective buyers to feel good as soon as they step into the living room. It pays to give special attention to maximizing the amount of light in your home because dark homes are depressing to many people. When prospective buyers give real estate agents feedback on the homes that we show, they often cite a light, airy feeling as a major attraction.

Begin your preparation for showing your home by cleaning the windows and curtains thoroughly. Open the drapes and blinds to let the sunshine in. Even on a bright day it helps to turn on some lights in the main rooms of the house. If you are using shades or heavy drapes to eliminate a less-than-perfect view, you may want to consider replacing them with translucent curtains in a light color. Sunshine definitely helps to sell homes!

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.