Should I Move Up To A Larger Ludlow VT Home?
Should I move up to a larger home is a question many Ludlow VT homeowners are asking. The questions below will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location.
1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home?
If you have owned your Ludlow VT home for a number of years you might have built up some equity. Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to determine your loan balance. Then give me a call to determine your home’s market value. The difference between your loan amount and market value is your equity.
2. Has your income or financial situation improved?
If your income has increased, you may be able to afford a higher mortgage payment.
3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood?
Often, the neighborhood or location you bought your first home in may no longer suit your needs. You may want to be closer to work, be in a better school district or have a home on a lake rather than close to it.
4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?
Sometimes adding on to your current home is the answer. If you will end up over-improving for the neighborhood, moving may be a better option.
5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?
In the current Ludlow VT real estate market, your home may not sell for what it would have a few years ago, but the home you buy will also be less expensive.
6. Are interest rates attractive?
A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer and interest rates are currently at record lows.
If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move. If so, please visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com to learn more about the Ludlow VT real estate market or give me a call. I’m glad to help!
Ludlow VT Real Estate: Regulatory Reform Expected With Obama Presidency
Ludlow VT Real Estate: Regulatory Reform Expected With Obama Presidency
The upcoming presidential transition comes at a time of great challenges within the housing industry and the economy at large. Consequently, many are wondering what a Barack Obama presidency will mean for real estate and housing issues.
National Association of Realtors analysts expect the Obama administration and the new Democratic-controlled Congress to focus on regulatory reform of the financial services industry, with potential changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
This fall, Obama responded to Realtor® Magazine‘s questions about the mortgage crisis, sustainable development, housing affordability and other topics. Read the Obama interview.
Learn more about Ludlow VT real estate by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.
Begin searching for Ludlow VT real estate and homes for sale.
Top 10 Events Impacting Ludlow Real Estate In 2008
Top 10 Events Impacting Ludlow Real Estate In 2008
As part of the annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report that is published every year during the first week of February, the research team wraps their four month study of the real estate industry by announcing the top 10 Newsmakers, Events and Trendsetters for the year.
The second list to be released is the top 10 events that during 2008 had the largest impact and influence on the real estate brokerage industry. Events are defined as those occurrences that transpired during the previous calendar year (2008) that made headlines and captured the attention of the real estate industry. The selection of these events was based upon their potential future impact on the industry rather than only their 2008 impact.
The Top 10 Events impacting Ludlow Real Estate for 2008 are:
1. The Bailout: September 17th
Most notably the one single event of the year was the announcement of the “Silver Bullet” designed to save the country from the subprime collapse itself and the failure/buyout of major Wall Street firms and national banks. Depending upon how effectively the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act’s $700 billion is going to be allocated and managed it may prove to be the beginning of the turning point in the current economic recession.
2. The Presidential Election
In one of the most competitive, contentious, divisive and yet historic political campaigns the country responded with the largest voter turnout in history to elect an African American, Barak Obama as president. The “I have a dream” has taken a huge step toward fulfillment. However, the new administration will have little time to reflect on victory as it faces serious economic challenges and a trillion dollar plus debt that will take years to resolve.
3. In Memory Of: Countrywide, IndyMac, WAMU, Wachovia And Others
Barely one year ago in 2007 these companies were not only household names but were considered financial giants. In one short year they have become a factoid of history. Some filed for bankruptcy while others were acquired by the likes of Bank of America, the federal government, J.P. Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. 2008 reminded us that nothing lasts forever and everything is replaceable.
4. Facing Foreclosure Frenzy
As a direct fallout of the subprime collapse, the foreclosure rate in the U.S. hit staggering levels in 2008. At the opening of the third quarter foreclosures were up 25% over the previous October with a reported one in every 452 of the country’s homes in foreclosure. RealtyTrac reported last October that there was a sharp decline in foreclosure filings but it still estimated that by the end of 2008 there would be more than one million REOs on the books.
5. Home Prices Spiral Downward
The recession devastated many real estate markets across the country with the worst-performing towns and cities in places like central California, Miami and Las Vegas posting declines of 40% in 2008. The stranglehold on financing continued to drive home prices in many other places back to 2000 – 2002 levels, with predictions of continued declines in 2009 as unemployment reaches record highs and the financial meltdown spills over to other industries.
6. NAR – DOJ Settlement
Finally the long and protracted 2½ year legal battle between NAR and the Department of Justice (DOJ) was put to rest as Judge Kennelly issued his final judgment in November. In the end, NAR’s longstanding Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy was validated as NAR was deemed to have not admitted any liability or wrongdoing and no payments were made in conjunction with the settlement. In addition, NAR has been cleared to reinstate an updated version of its Virtual Office Website (VOW) and the MLS has been preserved and strengthened in the process. Now it’s back to business.
7. Brokers Go Bust
Changing names, merging, consolidating, filing bankruptcy and closing branches was on the order of the day throughout 2008 as literally thousands of real estate brokerages companies went out of business during 2008. This included many independents as well as franchises from just about every major brand including Century 21, EXIT and RE/MAX. Also filling for bankruptcy is national franchise Help-U-Sell and Web 2.0 newcomers such as Igglo. 2009 may see even more brokers closing up shop than 2008.
8. Keeping It ShortFounded in 2006, Twitter moved into the mainstream this year as the next evolution in the social networking and micro-blogging environment. By using short text-based posts (affectionately named “tweets”), staying in touch has been given a whole new meaning.
9. ActiveRain Explodes Past 100,000 Members
As we discussed in last year’s report (Trend #1 – Two Worlds; One Industry) ActiveRain has moved to the head of the social networking line in the real estate industry. With as many as 35,000 users logged on at the same time, no one else has even come close to reaching that many Realtors® at one time. It goes without saying that ActiveRain has proven that social networking has made a home in real estate.
10. NAR Celebrates 100 Years
In May 1908, 120 men gathered in Chicago with the goal to “unite the real estate men of America.” Today the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is America’s largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. For 100 years, NAR and its members have established homeownership as a cornerstone of the American Dream and advocated private property rights as one of the fundamental principles that unite us as Americans. 2008 marked NAR’s centennial birthday.
How many of these events impacted you or were/are you aware of?
Learn more about Ludlow real estate by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.
Ludlow VT Real Estate: Is Owning Rental Property Right For You
Ludlow VT Real Estate: Is Owning Rental Property Right For You
Investing in Ludlow VT real estate and owning rental property sounds glamorous, but it isn’t for everyone.
Be sure you know what you’re getting into and understand what you are getting into before signing on the dotted line. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before purchasing an investment property:
• Where will the down payment come from for this property?
• Do you have cash reserves so you handle periods of vacancy, i.e. no income?
• How about reserves for unexpected repairs and other expenses?
• Do you need property to rent immediately or do you have time and money for a “fixer-upper”?
• Will you make needed renovations and repairs or hire someone else for the job?
• What type of property do you want: single family, apartment, duplex, condominium, or vacation property?
Thinking it through ahead of time assures that you won’t get caught making a rash decision you will regret later.
If you decide now is the time to take advantage of lower market prices and invest in Ludlow VT real estate and rental property, visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com.
When Buying A Ludlow VT Home Makes Sense
When Buying A Ludlow VT Home Makes Sense
The housing market has never been better for many potential Ludlow VT home buyers. In fact, more often than not, it is less expensive to own your own home rather than rent.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that in 57 out of the 100 most populated metro areas, renting a three-bedroom home is more expensive than monthly costs on a six percent mortgage for a typical low-priced house in the same area.
With all the news these days concerning the economic crunch and these tumultuous economic times, you might think I’m crazy saying it is a good time to buy a Ludlow VT home. Of course, buyers with strong credit are best positioned to take advantage of today’s opportunities. A high credit score will yield a lower interest rate and increase the likelihood that a loan application will be approved.
For example, a buyer with a 6 percent mortgage will pay a third less per month than a buyer who has a loan at 8 percent. This difference can be hundreds of dollars per month.
FHA loans, VA loans and government backed first-time buyer loans are all available to qualified buyers. With the current low interest rates and affordable housing prices, it is a great time to buy your Ludlow VT home.
It is also a time to keep in mind that buying a home is a long term investment…and an investment you and your family can enjoy for many years!
Ludlow VT Home Buying Mistakes; How To Avoid Them.
No matter what the condition of the housing market, purchasing a Ludlow VT home is a major commitment and a vital financial decision. A home is much more than a financial investment; it is an investment in a new lifestyle and a new way of looking at property. Those who are unprepared to make the leap from renting to home ownership can make some costly mistakes, and learning to avoid those blunders is vital.
Think With Your Head Not Your Heart
One of the most common mistakes made by first time home buyers is allowing emotion to rule the day. Although buying a home can be an emotional process, there are some things home buyers can do to prevent emotional ties from getting in the way of sound financial discipline.
While it is all too easy to picture your family relaxing in the backyard of a new home, take a step back and look at the home with the eyes of an investor. Pretend for a moment that you are not going to live in the house but are buying it as a pure investment. Is it still just as attractive, or has it lost some of its appeal? Emotional attachment is fine, but it should not overrule your good judgment.
Consider All the Costs of Home Ownership
Buying more house than they can afford is a classic blunder for many first time homeowners. One of the chief culprits behind this error is factoring in only the cost of the mortgage versus the cost of continuing to rent. While it is certainly appealing to go from collecting rent receipts to building up home equity, keep in mind that the costs of owning a home do not end with the monthly mortgage check.
Don’t Try to Time the Market
Market timing doesn’t work in the stock market, and it doesn’t work in the home market either. Although it can be tempting to try to wait for the market to hit rock bottom, you may be left out in the cold when the market starts to turn around. Many professionals, including home builders, lenders and real estate investors, have a great deal of difficulty timing the market, even with all their specialized knowledge and experience.
While some Ludlow VT home buyers will be lucky enough to sell their existing homes at the top of the market and buy their next one when the market craters, most of us will not be so lucky. There are bargains to be found in every real estate market; the key is to arm yourself with as much information as possible and shop smart.
Learn more about the Ludlow VT housing market by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com or giving us a call 800-659-1819 #103.
Making Your Ludlow VT Home More Appealing To Buyers
Does your Ludlow VT home have a façade only a homeowner could love? Selling a home can be an emotional experience, and people can lack objectivity when it comes to their own abode. Presenting a home in its best light is always important, but it’s imperative in our current competitive real estate market.
Professional advice and assistance can make the difference between “Wow!” and “Whaaa?” – a recent industry study found that staged homes 94.9 percent of staged homes sell in 35 days or less, while unstaged homes sell in 171.2 days.
Below are 7 tips to ‘setting the stage’ and making your Ludlow VT home more appealing to buyers:
1. Thoroughly clean from top to bottom, especially kitchens and baths.
A dirty house an immediate buyer turn-off. The two most important areas are the kitchen and the bathrooms. If you have not deep cleaned all counter and tile surfaces to a spotless condition, you stand the chance of having the buyers walk right back out the door.
2. De-clutter the entire house.
Clutter makes it extremely hard for the buyers to visualize moving into your home. The disorganization affects the buyer’s ability to focus on your home and they will most likely overlook your key selling features. In addition, clutter has the affect of making your home appear smaller than it is as the “open” feeling is gone.
3. Remove the personal memorabilia.
People are generally curious and when you want them to notice the beautiful entryway they may be focused on all the family pictures on the piano or all the “stuff” stuck to the front of your refrigerator. Your objective is to change the view of your home from “lived in” to “ready to move in.”
4. Neutralize inside and out.
The best way to present a home is for the wall colors to be painted a neutral color. This goes for the outside as well – a loud or non-neutral color may just keep the buyers from even stopping to see the inside.
5. Let the sun shine in with spotless windows.
Nothing is more distracting to a buyer than to be looking at a view through a dirty window. What you don’t see is often more important that what you do see.
6. Make your pets go away.
While your pets are a loving member of your family, for the buyers their presence, food and boxes are generally a turn-off. Every trace of their presence should be removed so, once again, the buyers are not distracted from the prime objective – viewing your home in the best possible light.
7. Add curb appeal.
A healthy, neat, trimmed and well maintained yard and flower beds are the keys to getting the buyers up to the front door. A well-maintained exterior translates to a well maintained home in the mind of the buyer.
Need help setting the stage and showing off your Ludlow VT home in its best light? Give us a call, we are glad to help.
New Listing in Ludlow Vermont
ZONED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL –
Front of Building
Wonderful renovated Office building on Main Street Ludlow. Was Doctors office, now just waiting for your ideas. First floor has reception area, plus 4 offices, upstairs 1 cute and comfy office. This property was updated 7 years ago and has many uses – plenty of off street parking – walk outside and see Okemo Mountain. This was once a single family home and is zoned res/comm. Don’t miss this opportunity! Just think about it – work and play at Okemo!
Reasons To Own Your Own Ludlow VT Home
You’ve probably seen lots of financial arguments about why you should invest in Luldow VT real estate and own your own home rather than rent. This includes budgeting (no rent increases) and the tax savings you’ll most likely have. Now we’re going to give you some reasons you probably haven’t heard.
1. Freedom to pursue other goals in life once the major goal of home ownership is achieved.
Strange as it sounds, many of our first-time buyers have told us that once they bought the house, other things in their life started to fall into place. It’s as if not owning took so much of their mental energy that other goals were not worked on until that big goal was reached. So buy a home and get on with your life!
2. A greater sense of belonging to the Ludlow VT community.
Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the city in which you live. You’re more interested in what happens in Ludlow, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas. Some people even become involved in local politics.
3. A commitment to something, a sense of stability.
Home ownership is an anchor, something that cannot be pulled out from under you. You’ll never get a notice that you have to move. You’re kids will never have to change schools. It gives you freedom to plan years ahead.
4. You can change things, a feeling of being in control.
It’s your home. You can add to it, remodel it, change the landscaping, do whatever projects you want. You have a feeling of being in control of something in your life. At work we don’t always have control of what happens, but your home is your castle and you have dominion over it. You can see what you’re building take shape before your eyes.
5. More control over the children than in an apartment complex
In a neighborhood, kids usually play in the yards or go to friend’s houses a few doors away. Our clients have told us that in an apartment complex they never knew where the kids were. They could be in any of hundreds of apartments, doing who knows what. In a home you get to know the neighbors and watch out for each other’s kids.
6. Children do better in school and feel more secure.
This one surprised us, but buyers have reported to us that their kids calmed down in school after they bought a house. We don’t know why, but it seems to work that way. We remember a single mom watching her son play in the yard, making steps in the slope and building things. She didn’t have to tell him to leave everything alone, like she did at the apartment complex. I guess kids feel the same need for control we adults do.
7. Time and money saved by not going to the Laundromat.
A small point, but if you have kids, you know the value of this one. You gain a whole evening a week when you buy a house! The wash gets done in between other things, or while you’re at work. What would you do with the extra evening you’ll have? How about going out for dessert with your spouse with all those quarters?
We’ve been in a home of our own for so long; we take these benefits for granted. We forgot what it’s like to be renters! If you have anything you can add to the list, please let us know via email. We would love to hear from you!
Ludlow VT Real Estate: Wall To Wall Or Buy It All?
One of the most fundamental questions when considering purchasing Ludlow VT real estate is whether to purchase a single family home or a condo. Although there are many factors to consider, the answer really lies in the buyer’s preference and lifestyle.
condo
A condo might be a good fit for those in search of a more urban, low-maintenance lifestyle. Condos typically resemble apartments with several units in the same building or complex sharing amenities (although they can also be duplexes, free-standing buildings, etc.). Although there are monthly maintenance fees involved with condo ownership, that also means, owners are not responsible for any maintenance outside their own four walls. Because condos are a shared community, ownership is often limited to a specific space.
For many home-buyers, single-family homes offer more privacy and control. When purchasing a single-family home, the buyer owns the entire building as well as the land on which it sits. Likewise, this means the maintenance of the structure and the land is the owner’s sole responsibility.
If you would like to learn more about owning Ludlow VT real estate, please call me at 802-353-1983 or visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. Request a complimentary relocation package!