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Mistakes Serious South Central Vermont Home Sellers Don’t Want To Make

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The current economic climate has created an extremely competitive market for South Central Vermont home sellers. High inventories and the abundance of deals on foreclosures puts to pressure on South Central Vermont home sellers to have properties in showing condition and to be puzzle housepriced right. Many sellers want to initially price their property on the high end of the market and underestimate the costs of having a property sit on the market unsold. Maintenance costs, taxes and insurance are ongoing. Another thing to consider is the benefits of having invested the money that can be made with a fast sale vs. the cost of sitting on the market for a long period of time. 

The saying ‘time is money’ is never more true than when selling a South Central Vermont home, For example,

In January, you put your property on the market for $500,000. In February, your agent recommends a price reduction of $10,000 to $490,000, but you decide to wait out the market a little longer. Assuming your monthly payment on the property is $4,000-5,000 per month (including mortgage, property taxes, and insurance), and it hasn’t sold in six months, by June you have spent $24,000-30,000. This $30,000 expense has lowered the property value from $500,000 to $470,000. If you had lowered the selling price in February to $490,000 and obtained a faster sale, you would have had ended up with more money in your pocket. 

South Central Vermont property values recently have been declining 5-10 percent a month. A property that might have sold in January or February for $490,000, will most likely only sell for $440,000-465,000 in June. So how do you sell your South Central Vermont home faster and for more money? 

Selling South Central Vermont Home Fast and For More Money

1. Take a look at comparable home sales in your neighborhood and price at your 5% below the last comparable sale within a three-month prior period. 

2. Work with an experienced real estate agent who has market knowledge in your neighborhood. 

3. Have your South Central Vermont home is saleable condition. Have your ‘honey-do list’ complete, your yard ship-shape and your home ready to show at a moments notice. 

Your efforts will be rewarded! 

Learn more about selling your South Central Vermont home faster and for more money. 

What’s your South Central Vermont home worth?

Buying South Central Vermont Home With Good Bones

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It doesn’t matter if you are buying your first South Central Vermont home or are a veteran home buyer, you will have list of ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ for your new South Central Vermont home. The ‘wants’ are things that would be nice to have such as a gas fireplace or granite counters. The ‘needs’ are things like, well a ‘bathroom’ or the number of bedrooms to suit your family. It is rare that you will get all your ‘wants’ and needs’ in the home you buy.

houses2The key to maximizing your South Central Vermont home investment today is distinguishing between the types of ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ you’re better off buying as part of the property, and those you could add later without too much trouble and expense. Here’s some information to help you prioritize the amenities on your list.

Location:

Location is the one thing you can’t change about a property. Location is about being in a desirable neighborhood and close to (but not necessarily next to) valued amenities or planned ones — employment opportunities, good schools, shopping, public transportation, major highways, parks and recreation, cultural activities, etc. A good location is also about not being on a high-traffic street, near noise, next to run-down properties, in a flood plain, etc.

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Will You Owe Capital Gains When Selling Your South Central Vermont Home

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Something to consider when selling your home is the Capital Gains ramifications. Will you owe Uncle Sam money after the sale of your South Central Vermont home? Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for your property and what you sell it for. Here is how you calculate your Capital Gains. 

Calculating Capital Gains

(+) PURCHASE PRICE – Price paid for property

(+) COST OF PURCHASE – Transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF SALE – Repairs, commissions, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT – Room additions, deck, for example, though not replacing existing

(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME

(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME

(=) CAPITAL GAIN 

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains

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Don’t Let Credit Score Myths Get In The Way When Buying A South Central Vermont Home

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The most important piece of a person’s financial life is their credit score. Whether buying a new South Central Vermont home, applying for a job, refinancing, paying off debt, or getting utility service, your credit score will drive the outcome. One would think that Americans are all aware of what the scores are measuring and what factors play a part. But, most Americans do not know enough about the three digit rating or what is involved. Do not let these credit score myths get in your way when preparing for the purchase of your next South Central Vermont home.

credit scoreMyth: Checking a credit report can either damage or lower your score.
A credit report can be conducted by you or someone like an employer as many times as desired with out having any impact on your credit score. Reviewing your credit report will never change your credit score. Just make sure that reports are retrieved through the bureaus or a legitimate score seller.

Myth: Age, sex, and income are factors that affect your score.
None of this information plays a role in determining your score. A higher income may make it easier to pay off debts, but income and net worth have no impact of credit scores.   

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Selling Your South Central Vermont Home In Changing Market

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In today’s rapidly changing economy, many South Central Vermont home owners wonder or worry about selling their home for the best price, and terms in the shortest period of time. 

Here are 9 helpful hints if you are considering selling your South Central Vermont home:

  • checklistBe realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
  • Know your true bottom line for both price and time.
  • As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.
  • Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.
  • Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.
  • Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator. Buyers will know your house is well cared for.
  • Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn and shrubs are neatly trimmed.
  • Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.
  • Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.
  • Do a walk-thru with your Realtor before listing your property.

Learn more about selling your South Central Vermont home by visiting ISellVermontRealEstate.com.

What’s your South Central Vermont home worth?

Tax Benefits of Owning a South Central Vermont Home

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New tax code changes create benefits for owners of a South Central Vermont home. For years, many people have usually turned away from considering taking on the financial responsibilities of being a homeowner. Renters and prospective home owners are well aware of all the financial stress that comes with owning a home, which makes them hesitant to make the big step and commitment. What might not be known is that homeowners are receiving more tax benefits now than ever before. The Internal Revenue Services, known as the IRS, has made owning a South Central Vermont home a more favorable option in several ways. 

tax creditMonthly house payments bring the biggest tax benefit to home owners. The interest included in the monthly mortgage payments is tax deductible as long as the loan is for less than a million dollars. IRS guidelines also allow deductions for interest on refinancing and home equity loans. However, they do put limits on how much is actually allowed to be deducted. Borrowing against the equity of your South Central Vermont home is an option renters do not have. Renters also do not have the ability to file federal tax deductions on their monthly rental payments. 

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Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your South Central Vermont Home

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Selling your South Central Vermont home should be a smooth profitable transaction. But it could end up being an unsuccessful, draining experience, especially if the appropriate precautions and preparations are not observed. A majority of the time, the chance for success lies within the hands of the hired real estate expert. In order to guarantee optimal results, the sellers must be willing to cooperate and consider the houseprofessional advice of their real estate agent. Agonizing over a listing price, making the property presentable, rushing for last minute showings, answering inconvenient calls, and frazzling thoughts of not being able to sell are all stressful components of selling your South Central Vermont home. If you and your South Central Vermont home are not properly prepared there is a great risk of losing thousands of dollars in an unsuccessful transaction. Included in the following section are five of the most common, costly mistakes homeowners can easily avoid when selling their South Central Vermont home. 

Do not believe all real estate professionals are the same, choose wisely

The process of selling your home involves many tedious details and critical decisions. Real estate professionals are experts in handling these situations and offering knowledgeable guidance to sellers. It is crucial to research several professionals in order to find a suitable match with experience selling homes similar to yours. Real estate agents use different methods to sell their listings. Innovative professionals who promote listings with newer techniques to attract buyers are always more successful than professionals relying on traditional strategies. 24-7 advertising, excessive exposure and lead generation are important services agents offer to aid in selling your home. Hiring and utilizing the right real estate professional can significantly maximize the chances for a smooth, profitable transaction. 

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Auctions and Foreclosed South Central Vermont Homes

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The number of people experiencing their South Central Vermont home entering foreclosure is steadily increasing. Also increasing, is the number of bargains just waiting for home buyers to make a move. In RealtyTrac’s April 2009 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report™ they found that default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions were reported on

auction

342,038 properties during the month of April alone. The increasing numbers have contributed to the thirty two percent increase since last year’s April 2008 report. The report also showed one in every three hundred and seventy four homes received a foreclosure filing in April. These statistics prove foreclosure to be a growing threat to home owners. On the other hand, the foreclosure situation is benefiting people looking to purchase real estate in this buyer’s market.

The amount of foreclosure properties on the market opens the door to opportunity for buyers. One way for buyers to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase a foreclosed South Central Vermont  home is through an auction. It is important for people, especially first timers, to become educated on how to buy a home at a foreclosure auction. The first place to start would be to look up general information about the process on the internet. Then, it might be a good idea to contact a real estate agent or real estate attorney for professional help and advising. Auctions can be organized in public places or held at local courthouses. It is best to avoid auctions held at courthouses because professional investors are common competitors and there is not much, if any, time to research the physical condition and financial background of the property being auctioned. Instead, find foreclosure auction notices in the local newspaper, online, or by contacting a city official for upcoming auction dates. It is important for buyers to research the property before deciding if they will bid on it. Prior to determining your bid gather some important information about to property such as, the estimated market value, outstanding loan balances, property liens, ownership history, title information, and calculate possible monthly expenses as the future homeowner. Once a little research is done on the property, enough knowledge will be available to determine the appropriate bid.  Thoroughly looking farther in to the property can maximize your chances of getting a good bargain. 

There are also other options for foreclosure buyers to consider. Today, most foreclosure properties have large or multiple mortgages. This takes away from the likelihood of getting a bargain at an auction because banks will ask for bids that are more than the actual value of the property. The first alternative is to buy the property before it goes to auction, which is called a pre-foreclosure. To do this check the city records to find foreclosure properties. Then, contact the owners by writing a letter of interest. Follow up with a phone call and hope they are willing to accept an offer. Another route is to wait to see if the property sells at the auction. If the property does not see it will be put on the market by the bank it is owned by. In this case you will be able to buy the house just like it was regular real estate. Another benefit to this option is the ability to conduct a home inspection and get a mortgage. Remember, when considering the purchase of a  South Central Vermont home through an auction make sure plenty of research is done to maximize the potential of getting a good deal. Also keep in mind that if the odds are not looking good for the auction there are always other paths to take. 

Learn more about South Central Vermont homes for sale.

How To Live In Small Spaces

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Finding ways to deal with small spaces in your new South Central Vermont home can be tricky. Everyone likes the place they call home to be somewhere they can kick back and relax. However, it is hard to relax in areas that are cluttered and uncomfortable. Strategic interior design can make a big difference when dealing with small living spaces. Colors, lighting, organization, and décor can make spaces appear smaller or larger. Here are some solutions to make your South Central Vermont home look and feel cozier. 

people in houseOrganization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive knick-knacks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything. 

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How To Sell Your Vermont Home Fast!

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The number of Vermont homes for sale has increased dramatically in the last year, causing homes to stay on the market for longer periods of time. If you are selling a home and want it to sell FAST, you’ll be interested in my FREE e-Book, ‘450 Ideas To Sell Your Home Faster’. Here you will learn tips and tricks to make your home sell faster and for more money.

Get your copy today and give me, Irene Gaffigan, a call at 800-659-1819 #103 with any questions you might have or to get a current market valuation on your Vermont home.

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