Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved?

Having been a Loan officer for several years, this is a little something I do know about.  Many Buyers really don't know the difference between being Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved.  Let me be the first to tell you, the differences are tremendous and may be the between getting your offer accepted on your dream home or losing out on it.

A Pre-Qualification can come in many ways, and whether you are buying a car or buying a house it means the same thing.  This means that based on what you TELL the Lender, and based on the Lender's guidelines, you are PRE-QUALIFIED to receive a loan.  This Pre-Qual letter means NADA! and may cause your offer for that coveted home to be brushed aside and will never be taken seriously by a Seller or their Agent.

What every buyer needs BEFORE they begin their home search, is to be PRE-APPROVED by a Lender.  The difference is, a Lender will request, at the bare minimum, 1 month's worth of check stubs, 2 months bank statements (Showing your Down Payment, Closing Cost monies and Reserves, if needed), and your W2's for the last two years.  The Lender will also request your approval to run your credit.  This process, and only this process is how you are PRE-APPROVED for a home loan.  This PRE-APPROVAL, which in most cases, last for roughly 90 days, will give you, the buyer, a range of a purchase price as well as give you an idea of how much you can afford.  Many buyers have an idea of how much they think they can afford or want to pay per month, but sometimes their wants may not coincide with the Lender.

Please take a few moments before you search for your home and get PRE-APPROVED by a Lender.  If you need help locating a Lender, Aaron Roberts and Associates will be glad to assist you.


As always, we know you have a choice when it comes to Broker representation, but we hope you choose Aaron Roberts and Associates for your next Real Estate Sale or Purchase.

Aaron L. Roberts

CA Dept. of Real Estate-Broker Lic. #01172649

 

9107 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 450
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.NiceHomes4Sale.com

877-536-1700 Office

323-216-0165 Cell

310-933-4147 Fax

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Should I Use a Buyer's Agent?

This question brings up a very sticky issue.  Should you use your own Agent when making an offer on a property or should you just go directly to the Listing Agent?

When wanting to present an offer on a home, there is one constant, there will be a Listing Agent ready to receive it.  But as a Listing Agent, his/her first allegiance is to the Seller and it is in his/her power to do everything which is in the their client's best interest.  Agents walk a thin line when trying to represent the Buyer and Seller (Dual Agency), in a Real Estate transaction.

Some Buyers believe they will get a better deal or have a better chance when using the Listing Agent to present their offer to the Seller.  This is not necessarily so, and may put the Buyer at risk to an Agent bent on collecting a Double Sided Commission and not doing what's best for ALL parties involved.

As a Buyer, do your homework and make the best choice you can, for there is no right or wrong answer to this Age-Old question.

As always, we know you have a choice when it comes to Broker representation, but we hope you choose Aaron Roberts and Associates for your next Real Estate Sale or Purchase.

Aaron L. Roberts

CA Dept. of Real Estate-Broker Lic. #01172649

 

9107 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 450
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.NiceHomes4Sale.com

877-536-1700 Office

323-216-0165 Cell

310-933-4147 Fax

Follow Me: Facebook

Follow Me: Twitter

Follow Me: Google+

Join Me: LinkedIn

Pricing Your Home For Sale

Each of us have something we love, which if we had to part with, could not put a Price Tag on it.  One of those items is our home.

Many homeowners put a great deal of time, money and love into their homes, and when it comes time to sell, whether by Short Sale or Standard Sale, they sometimes demand a price which cannot be obtained.  Selling a home is much different than any other sales or negotiating process and pricing a home right the first time is key to a quick sale.  If a property is priced too high, many potential buyers and Agents who are searching for a home for their clients will be put off and never consider the property.  Pricing a home too high can also cause a home to sit stale and that is never a good thing.  It's never a good thing to price a property Higher than the going Market Rate with the expectations you can negotiate down if need be.

If you are a potential Seller and are curious to the Value of Your Home, please check with your Real Estate Broker.

For Information on Buying or Selling a home, please feel free to contact me.

Aaron L. Roberts

CA Dept. of Real Estate-Broker Lic. #01172649

 

9107 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 450
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.NiceHomes4Sale.com

877-536-1700 Office

323-216-0165 Cell

310-933-4147 Fax

Follow Me: Facebook

Follow Me: Twitter

Follow Me: Google+

Join Me: LinkedIn

Curb Appeal

Recently I was contacted by email on www.NiceHomes4Sale.com, by a potential client possibly looking to sell their home.  They wanted to know what the phrase "Curb Appeal" meant.  Well let me just say, this time beauty may not be in the eye of the beholder.

When looking to sell a home, what may look good to you the Seller, may not Appeal to a prospective Buyer.  You want to make sure your home Appeals to a Prospective Buyer from not only the inside, but the outside too.  Keep the look of your home plain and simple.  Make sure your yard is well manicured and cosmetically sound, so it not only Buyers, but so other Agents are excited to see view your home. "Curb Appeal" is just what it says, you home Appeals to the buyer from the curb.

If you are looking to Sell your home, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Aaron Roberts and Associates
@Keller Williams Realty
877-536-1700
NiceHomes4Sale@gmail.com
www.NiceHomes4Sale.com

Spring is Buying Season, are You Selling?

Do you want to make the move, or have you made a decision to retire overseas? You're just one of numerous homeowners looking to sell their homes and starting a new life in another country.

Increasingly, home owners are trying to find alternatives for selling their property with the help of an estate adviser. With a stagnating real estate market, many people are realizing that they can market up earlier and get the money they need to shift abroad with a certified property buyer.

It is amazing how fast an enjoyable move can become depleted on your time, effort and bank balance. If you are asking yourself where you can advertise your house quickly for money, it is either because you have had your property in the marketplace for some time without good results or because you have to move without delay. Whatever your reason is, an authentic cash buyer can usually assist you to sell your property sooner. Selling your property for money would become simple when you get the assistance of a reliable property buyer. With a secured cash payment, you don't have to loaf around waiting for houses to sell in the marketplace.

Everybody knows that selling a house nowadays is troublesome. The issue is when is the perfect time to market and sell a home? The best answer is of course spring. Even with a down housing business, spring is always a preferred time for homeowners looking to sell their homes. The fact is that the majority of homeowners start looking at new homes to purchase during the spring months. There are a lot of reasons for this.

·      They've been hoping to see a house all winter but its been very cold to explore neighborhoods.

·      Purchasers would like to relish their summer time in their new residence.

·      Buyers who have kids would prefer to be settled in their new home before the school period commences.

These are only a few of the points why spring is regarded as the peak marketing season. Now what measures should you consider, if you are one of those homeowners looking to sell their homes?

·      Speak with a real estate agent to provide a detailed assessment of current market traits.

·      Hire a home inspector to discover any maintenance that must be carried out in your house.

·      Retain the services of a handy man for making all small repairs and put an exciting new layer of paint internally and externally because buyers always prefer homes that are nicely maintained.

·      Ensure that your Real estate agent is competitive in promoting your home on the internet. 88% of buyers search on the internet when searching for a home.

These are some basis recommendations for homeowners looking to sell their homes.


Log on to www.NiceHomes4Sale.com for Listing and more information... 

I Have No Money to Pay My Agent

Today I've found out there is a misconception from some future homeowners, who are under the impression that they are responsible for the payment of commissions to the Agent who represents them in purchasing a home.  Some have even said they paid the agent an upfront fee, just to provide them with their services.  As a Real Estate Broker, I'd like to put this to rest.

All commissions for both the Seller's Agent and the Buyer's Agent are paid by the Seller, at The Close of Escrow, from the proceeds of the sale of the property.  In no way shape or form are you the buyer, required to pay an Agent for helping you find a home.  If you come across an Agent asking for upfront payment to provide you with his/her services, please proceed to the next one

Please log on to www.NiceHomes4Sale.com for listings... Follow me @ www.Faecbook.com/CaliRealEstate. Follow me on Twitter @Aaron_Roberts1...

Aaron Roberts
Broker Associate
DRE# 01172649
Keller Williams Westchester - Playa

What Home Inspection?

I recently went to a gathering and ran into a couple, who had just purchased their first home roughly a year ago.  They preceded to tell me although they are very happy in their new home, it didn't come without a struggle.  You see this home wasn't their first choice and was preceded by what they called "A Nightmare".  They were the victims of a Real Estate agent more concerned with lining his pocket and not the well being of his client.


The couple came upon a property which was priced too good to be true and upon a first look at the property, the husband noticed several red flags, which in his opinion, would have cost in excess of $70,000 to correct.  The wife on the other hand, was able to look past the imperfections and only saw the potential.  This of course is a recipe for disaster when the buyers are represented by a pushy agent, who is only concerned with his earnings.  The agent sensed the wife's admiration for the home, immediately began to apply "The Full Court Press" and proceeded to convince the couple that time was of the essence and they needed to make an offer quickly because the had to close escrow in 15 days.  The agent was able to convince the the couple to WAVE THEIR RIGHT TO A HOME INSPECTION, in order to speed up the escrow process.  Needless to say that was the beginning to their nightmare.  To make a long story short, at a later visit to the home, the wife this time began to take notice to some very disturbing things and then demanded to have the house inspected, much to the chagrin of their agent.


The couple ordered their inspection and at the conclusion, were told by the inspector that in all his years, there have only been 2 occasions when he has not recommended the purchase of a home and this would be his third.  The couple then pulled out of the purchase process and after a bit of a struggle was able to get their deposit back.  The couple lost a bit of money but were lucky to get their deposit back.


As always log on to www.NiceHomes4Sale.com for up to date Real Estate Listings.  Reach me at aaron@aaronrandassoc.com. 

Want To Buy A Home, But Don't Know Where to Start?

If you're buying your first home, or even if you're upgrading, the first and most important step is to meet with a knowledgeable and trusted mortgage professional.  A mortgage professional can Pre-Approve you, which will tell you where you stand in the Home Buying process.

By being Pre-Approved, you the Buyer, will have an idea on how much home you can afford and how much it will cost you on a monthly basis to live in your home (Principle & Interest Payment, Taxes and Insurance).

Also Sellers in today's market will require a Pre-Approval letter from your lender, Proof of Funds and  FICO scores at the time you submit an offer, so let's not be caught of guard.
GET PRE-APPROVED!!!  Log on to www.NiceHomes4Sale.com for Available Properties.

Check periodically for Information about the Home Buying process and other Real Estate News.

As always, I can be reached at 877-536-1700 or by email at aaron@aaronrandassoc.com.

When Should You Buy A Home?

   NOW!!!  The opportunity to be a homeowner might never be better.  Rates are at historic lows, property values are are 10 year lows.  It is predicted 2012 is the year for a Real Estate recovery, so now is the time to strike.  For available listing and more information, please log on to www.NiceHomes4Sale.com.

   Follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CaliRealEstate 

On Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Aaron_Roberts1, and LinkedIn at www.Linkedin.com/in/AaronLRoberts

                                                      This is my first blog, so stay tuned for more to follow.