The quick answer: You bet! With record low interest rates, there are a lot of us out there refinancing or purchasing a home. However, so many are wowed by the interest rate and the long term savings that we do not look at the fees charged at closing to get the loan. If lenders are saving the borrower money, they have to make up the profits somewhere and that could be in the fees. This video explains how you should compare and negotiate to get your best deal.
I’m one that really enjoys DIY, or “Do it Yourself” projects around the home. For instance, I’ve changed many a light fixture and painted many rooms in our home. I get real satisfaction from seeing a job well done, and knowing I did it myself. However, a $20 light fixture is dramatically different than attempting making decisions in regards to your largest financial asset without counsel. That’s something I definitely would not recommend at all. Read the rest…
Home sweet home – that is, until it hits the market. Then your beloved property becomes just another piece of inventory. Unfortunately for sellers, your home isn’t as special to buyers as it is to you. With competition at its peak this time of year, there are many properties vying for the buyer’s attention. Read the rest…
Well, here I go again, on another political rant. (At least I warned you.) As a result of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fiasco, there has been a lawsuit settlement reached between the NY Attorney General, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While the proposed law seems good on the surface (it’s meant to protect us, right?), there are some serious flaws that will hurt borrowers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents. It will most likely hinder efforts to sell property in the future. Read the rest…
It’s easy to fall victim to all of the “Chicken Littles” of the world and believe that the economic sky is indeed falling. However, how did all of this start, and are we truly in such bad shape? Dave Ramsey takes this topic on and deals with many of our questions and concerns, one by one – including the real estate market. How bad is it, and will it recover? If so, by how much? What will be the leading indicators that we are in a recovery? Should we invest in gold? How can my 401(k) be so worthless now, and should I cash it out?
Got questions? This video most likely will provide the answers you are seeking. Check it out!
It’s official, folks! First time buyers can use the $8,000 tax credit on closing costs or down payment on FHA loans! There must be a catch, as it sounds too good to be true. You’re right. Read the rest…
I thought I’d take a quick look at what has been happening in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Ballentine, Blythewood (and so on) markets. Our Multiple Listing Service covers areas as far northwest as Newberry, as far west as Aiken, South Carolina and southeast to Orangeburg. In that coverage area, during the first quarter of this year (January – April 2008), we had 19,035 residential houses available for sale. At that time last year, 18,782 properties were for sale. Read the rest…
Think the “housing crisis” is all doom and gloom for everyone? Apparently not for some, according to an article from CNN/Money. Just a few years ago, clients moving to South Carolina from those six markets mentioned in the article couldn’t believe the low prices and slow appreciation rate in the Columbia, South Carolina marketplace. However, those who moved away from those areas now can REALLY appreciate the slow but steady growth we consistently have here in the Midlands. Read the rest…
For those of you who have read this blog for a while, you know I think the whole concept of having some sort of meltdown or crisis in the real estate economy is a bunch of “hooey”. Perhaps I’m a bit spoiled, here in Columbia, South Carolina where the market is basically insulated from any wild swings in property values. However, for those that are convinced we are in crisis mode, this video is just for you.
Okay, maybe it isn’t that melodramatic, but you should prepare yourself mentally and sometimes emotionally for selling your home.
While those of us in South Carolina (especially the Columbia marketplace) aren’t experiencing some of the roller coaster emotions that others in this nation are, it is still a good idea to know what you are about to enter into before putting that “For Sale” sign in the yard.
Well, here I go again, on another political rant. (At least I warned you.) As a result of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fiasco, there has been a lawsuit settlement reached between the NY Attorney General, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While the proposed law seems good on the surface (it’s meant to protect us, right?), there are some serious flaws that will hurt borrowers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents. It will most likely hinder efforts to sell property in the future. 
It’s official, folks! First time buyers can use the $8,000 tax credit on closing costs or down payment on FHA loans! There must be a catch, as it sounds too good to be true. You’re right. 
Okay, maybe it isn’t that melodramatic, but you should prepare yourself mentally and sometimes emotionally for selling your home. 
