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Archive for the ‘Buying Tips’ Category

Moving can be stressful for everyone in the family, but don’t forget to talk about it in advance with your children. Make sure to answer all their questions as honestly as possible. One way to help them in advance is to show them their new room, and help them decide where their furniture and belongings will go. For young children, read books such as “The Berenstain Bears: Moving Day” or “Who Will be My Friends?” by Syd Hoff. Help them sort, pack and label their belongings, and celebrate afterwards with a fun meal. Put together a Moving Day Kit, with essential items they might need. If you are moving to a new town or school district, make sure to help them say goodbye to their friends, and help them stay in touch if possible.

via Tips For Helping Children Move | Turner Maine Homes.

Are you hoping to afford a home in the near future? Here are a few suggestions to help put your financial house in order before applying for loans. Talk to me at the start — I will target my advice specifically for you and your situation.

1. Make a budget and find ways to save. Track ALL your expenses for several months, and factor in emergency expenses such as car repairs or those that occur only once or twice a year. Include the basics, too, such as groceries, and ALL SMALL expenses. Look for ways to save, whether by cutting out that morning cup of coffee or eating more dinners at home.
2. Keep your job! Having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.
3. Increase your income. Now’s the time to ask for a raise, or time to consider taking on a second job to get your income level up.
4. Save for your down payment. Decide on a certain amount each month to save each month, just for your down payment. The best interest rates are offered to those with larger down payments. I can help you come up with a monthly amount to aim for, that will be within reach.
5. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of your income. This includes your mortgage, typically ranging from 25 to 28% of your net household income. Your monthly payments on the rest of your debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — need  to be between 8 and 10% of your net monthly income.
6. Establish a good credit history. Use credit cards to build your credit history, but be vigilant about payments and smart about how much you charge. It is VERY important to make payments by the due date. Pay off the entire balance promptly. It is very easy for this to backfire if you are late with payments, or charge more than you pay off each month.

In general, I find there is a chain of events that takes place when an offer comes in on your home. The buyer typically brings in a home inspector who may find…

more… Maine Real Estate Tips – Do Needed Repairs Early | Turner Maine Homes.

Negotiations for the sale of your home can be affected by emotional factors. For example, it is easy to be offended by someone who is making an offer on your property. Even if the buyers love your house, they are trying to negotiate the best possible price and terms. They probably will not let you know how much they want your home until they have negotiated a purchase agreement. Read On.

more… Maine Home Buyers & Sellers ~ Negotiating Factors | Maine Waterfront Real Estate.