Helpful Questions To Ask The Seller Before Moving In

Cascades Furnished Home For Rent.  Gorgeous turnkey LIMOGE builder’s model features spectacular lake views from the family room and large master bedroom.  Professionally decorated with lots of built-in area in spacious family room, neutral 18″ ceramic tile in living areas.

Helpful questions to ask the Seller before moving in. Buying a new home is a very exciting time.  There are many things to do and to get done and many things to remember.  Sometimes you can hardly wait until the seller moves out so that you can have the house all to yourself.  But wait just a minute -I would be willing to bet that the seller has loads of information that could make your life a whole lot easier once the house is yours.  It is to your advantage to gather a list of important questions and talk to the seller if possible.

It is generally not considered appropriate for the buyer to just knock on the seller’s door or call them directly and start asking questions.  However, talk to your realtor about helping you get your questions answered before the seller has moved and is no longer available.

Here is a list of important questions that in all of the excitement you may not have thought to ask.

1. Do you have any information about the repair history of the house

2. Do you have any warranty paperwork and owners manuals for anything that is staying with the house

3. Do you have paint colors available so that they can be matched for touch ups etc.

4. Do you have the phone numbers for any contractors you have used for repairs and landscaping on the house.  You may want a contractor that is familiar with the house or perhaps you like the way the lawn looks and would like to keep the landscaping service

5. Where are the best restaurants, dry cleaners, daycare centers etc. located

6. Is there a neighborhood watch program and how do you get in touch with the organizer

7. Is there a Homeowners Association and where is the clubhouse – if applicable

8. What are the trash days and what are the requirements.  Is there a trash bag limit and what do you do with bulk items

9. What is the history of the house.  Things that are not disclosed on the disclosure form – such as an interesting story, the prior uses of the house, do they have a set maintenance schedule in place.  Is there anything that works but is a bit quirky when operating it.  This could save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs when you find out something works but is just a bit quirky

10. Don’t forget to leave the garage door openers

11. Where are the emergency cut offs, the breaker box and utility meters and any tools needed to use them.  What about that wrench that is needed to operate the fireplace – is it available

12. Don’t forget to ask about the sprinkler system, landscape lighting, septic tank, basement pumps, pool pumps, well pumps, hot tubs operating systems.  All of these items may be things you know how to operate or possibly not.  So it is best to ask.

Hopefully, these questions will help make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.  Don’t forget to talk to your realtor, they may have additional questions that would be pertinent to ask about the home you are going to be moving into.  Your realtor is there to help you in any way they can so don’t hesitate to ask if you need help with something.  That is what they are there for.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com,  www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com,  www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.PGAVillage-Homes.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest

What is a “short sale”

What is a “short sale?”

A short sale occurs when the net proceeds from the sale of a home are not enough to cover the sellers’ mortgage obligations and closing costs, such as property taxes, transfer taxes, and the brokers’ commission. The seller is unwilling or unable to cover the difference.

Who do you contact first?

Seller must contact a qualify Real Estate office specializing in short sale negotiations.  Please feel free to contact Bold Real Estate Group for more information or concerns about the short sale process.

How do I get the lender to reduce the amount of the mortgage owed?

Many lenders will not negotiate the mortgage balance until a written Contract for Sale and Purchase has been received. The seller is often asked to submit income tax returns, income stubs and other information so that the lender can determine if it is truly a hardship case. The bank will also need comps or a broker’s price opinion showing your estimate of value.  Bold Real Estate Group short sale division will assist with all negotiations towards a successful resolution.

What if the lender won’t reduce the amount of the mortgage?

Unfortunately, not all lenders will reduce the amount of the mortgage if they feel that the seller can pay the deficiency. In this case, the seller will have to either sign a Promissory Note to the lender, borrow funds from relatives or other sources, or the sale won’t go.

Are there any tax implications for the forgiveness of debt?

The forgiveness of any debt is imputed income to the seller for tax purposes. A 1099 is usually given to the seller at closing and the imputed income is listed on the HUD-1.

What is Necessary from a Successful Short Sale Negotiator?

• Sophisticated financial knowledge
• Understand the lender’s language
• Reliable – a company with name to protect
• Time, time and more time
• Accurate paperwork
• Experience
• Legal knowledge
• Negotiation skills
• Strong supportive administration
• Capability to handle high volume
• Legal reasonability

Bold Real Estate Group Short Sale division is dedicated to working with home sellers towards a successful resolution of the Short Sale process.  Our legal assistant will collect and review all the necessary documents, research tax, title and liens on the property and purchase contract for lender review.  Our legal assistant will not collect a retainer fee for services.  Legal fees and Real Estate commission will be paid by the lender as part of their NET loss for the short sale approval.  Your lender is contacted weekly for updates and make sure positive progress is being made on the file.  Please feel to contact our office with any questions or concerns regarding our short sale process.   For a confidential appointment, please contact us at communityinfo@comcast.net

Are you considering upgrading to a bigger home?

Today’s low home prices and low interest rates have made home ownership so much more attractive. And, while first time home buyers are taking advantage of this market, they aren’t the only would-be buyers interested in making a home purchase. There are plenty of current home owners considering upgrading to a larger home.

In many markets, home owners are looking at homes in the next price range as good buys, especially since foreclosures, short sales and a slow market are resulting in good deals. It sure is tempting to upgrade, isn’t it? But with an unstable market, is it really a good idea for you? Many are upgrading while others are downsizing.

Why are you considering Moving Up?

More house, more bills; upgrading will surely mean more bills; a larger utility bill, more property taxes, probably an increase in your mortgage; and consider the market in your area. Is this upgrade a good investment, especially for your area? Are you getting a bargain with home pricing and the low interest rates? Many home buyers have been following the market ups and downs and still want more than they can afford; of course, if this is a great deal that works to your benefit financially then it could be in the cards to move up to a bigger home. But nowadays, homeowners should consult a Realtor, a mortgage broker and a financial planner. As we all have seen, what sounds good today, may not appreciate tomorrow.

There are many Pros to upgrading to a larger home including a ridiculously low interest rate which you’ll probably not see again. More home for a lower price. Homes are priced so low today you could get an executive estate home for half the price. 4 years ago, that executive estate was very close to a cool Million and today, you can probably get it for $600,000 in many areas.

But while many homebuyers are considering such a sweet upgrade consider any sacrifices you make. You know those multiple vacations you can afford now? Will you be able to afford them when your home responsibility doubles in cost? What about the new car you hope to get soon? That’s another car note to add to your monthly debt.

It’s a simple comparison to look at your home now and how much home you could bargain for but during that process, be sure to envision how your living standards could change. Many prospective home up-graders are not willing to sacrifice their current lifestyle. What about you?

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing Florida Cities:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island.  View thousands of listings www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com, www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com, www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com, www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com

Factors To Help Sell Your Home Quicker

The ideal home means different things to different people; but the most appealing home always will possess a clear and clean sense of style. Yet many of us allow our personal style to get in the way and that can interfere with selling your home.  A few fixes can help you sell your home quicker.

Clutter Control

Every room of the house should be organized so that potential buyers can easily walk through. It can be a headache and an extra burden but think about placing items in storage, especially out-of-season items.

Take a walk around your kitchen and ask yourself, what do you really need? Start by storing bulky appliances that you rarely use. They quickly take up lots of counter space that you want to render useful to buyers.

The bedroom should reveal an oasis however it often becomes a repository for heaps of clothing and portable tech gadgets. Everything has a place so if it doesn’t fit or it’s in the wrong room, move it or lose it.

What’s in a Room

Did you know the number two reason people select a particular house is because of kitchen space? Eight out of ten home buyers who walk through a house remember what the kitchen looks like and what its benefits verses faults were. This leads to the question — what is the most significant part of the kitchen? Choices include floors, appliances, lighting, but the part that stands out the most are the kitchen cabinets. It is the most dominant aspect of the kitchen, and the easiest way to create a “wow” factor. Everyone remembers the kitchen cabinets; it could be because of the color or stain, the design of the cabinet, or mostly because of the clean feel that a new kitchen cabinet provides.

Does Your Front Door say “Welcome”

And finally, Curb Appeal really sells the house.  Exterior features for new or existing homes will make your house say “welcome” when you return after work or when guests come to call.

Think of your home’s façade, lighting, landscaping, and exterior elevation to name a few; these items can easily customize a home when everyone else on the block seems a bit standard.

Give your home a different feel and stand out from the crowd.

About the Author: Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing: Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island and New York real estate.

View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com or www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com or www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com

A Home Modification Grant For The Disabled

People with disabilities often have difficulties living in their homes. Home modifications, such as widened doorways, handicapped bath fixtures, wheel chair ramps and vertical lifts, can improve their mobility and quality of life. But most handicapped people find it difficult to locate funds for these much needed home modifications – but there are funds in the form of grants from several government sponsored programs. While the government does not directly disperse funds, they do give grant money to several sources that turn around and hand out funds to those that apply for them.

Centers for Independent Living

The government provides grant money to various independent living centers in each state and relies on these centers to disperse money to handicapped people in need.

Christian Fund for the Disabled

A matching grant program designed to meet the spiritual and practical needs of people affected by disability. For details, call 818-707-5664

Push America

In addition to the numerous projects and programs Push America provides that benefit people with disabilities, they also provide grants for scholarships, additional funding and rewards for service. For details, call 704-504-2400

Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April)

The nation’s largest volunteer housing rehabilitation organization and the only national-level organization that focuses exclusively on the home repair and improvement needs of lower-income homeowners, Rebuilding Together is uniquely qualified and poised to deliver home modification services across the country. For details, call 1-800-4REHAB9

VA Specially Adapted Housing Grants

This VA grant is available to veterans who meet a specific list of conditions which include (but aren’t limited to) permanent, total service-connected disability.  The grant provides financial assistance up to $12,756 to construct and install modifications that enable safe mobility around the home. Borrowers shopping for a home with a VA mortgage should know about the VA 2101(a) Specially Adapted Housing grant–a flexible option qualifying disabled vets can use to purchase a home suitable for their needs.

These are just a few home modification grants but there are plenty of other grants available that cater to specific needs such as head injury, diabetes, help to families with disabled children and state sponsored grants for the disabled. All it takes is a little research and a few applications to get you started.

About the Author:  Millie Gil has been a successful Licensed Real Estate agent for over 25 years in Florida.  Millie is Vice President of Bold Real Estate Group, a boutique agency committed to concierge personalized service for discerning buyers, sellers and renters of residential and commercial properties.  For more information please forward your request to communityinfo@comcast.net

Servicing Florida Cities:  Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach,  Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce,  Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Neptune Beach, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Saint Johns, Saint Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fleming Island.  View thousands of listings  www.Northeast-Florida-Relocation.com, www.BoldRealEstateGroup.com, www.NewYork-Florida-RealEstate.com www.TheCascadesAtStLucieWest.com