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We Won't Throw You Under The Bus!

We Won't Throw You Under The Bus!
  
We hear you! We have heard lots of complaints about other home inspectors that will throw the agent under the bus. Not at Selman Home Inspections! We know and understand how hard you have worked with your clients to get them to a signed contract. Our mission is to be a valued part of your real estate transaction.
 
At Selman Home Inspections, we value our referring agents and the hard work you do. Here's how;
  1. From the time a home buyer or seller calls us, we want to know who the agents are. Our process keeps the agents informed every step of the way. Our automated Inspection Support Network makes sure you know the day and time of the inspection and automatically sends you a copy. Agents and their clients can schedule home inspection 24/7 on our website or give us a call. We even have a specialized website for your smartphone!
  2. Our home inspection process is designed to be part of your real estate transaction, not an obstacle.
  3. We both know that no home is perfect and defect free. Our inspection reports are written in a way that does not "alarm" or scare the client. We provide recommendations that take the fear out of the process.
  4. We review the inspection findings personally at the time of the inspection and explain how there are normally simple solutions to most any problem.
  5. We support our referring agents and the inspection with a Free 90 Day Warranty from Residential Warranty Services. RWS, provides a limited structural and mechanical warranty to the home buyer. So, if something does go wrong after the purchase, the client does not blame the inspector or the agent! There is a solution.
  6. Selman Home Inspection provides every client with Free RecallChek which checks the appliances in a home for recalls. And, each time RecallChek is emailed to the client, our referring agents contact information is there to promote your referral business.
  7. We welcome agents and our clients to attend as much of the inspection as they want. We are happy to explain findings as we go and recommend solutions.
  8. We understand that we are not Realtors! When a question arises that is best answered by you, the clients trusted agent, we recommend they speak with you!
  9. Every home inspection report we perform comes with an easy to read summary report. Many agents and contractors find our summary much easier to work from that the detailed report.
  10. We understand that every real estate transaction is important to you, the clients trusted agent. The home inspection is performed for the best interest of the client and our agent with due respect.
Ask your home inspection questions anytime at http://www.facebook.com/SelmanHomeInspection   
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About Us

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We take pride in our work as North Texas Home Inspection pros and strive to deliver the highest standards in quality, integrity, and value. We are dedicated to your real estate transaction and back every report with a more value and support than other North Texas Home Inspection company. Allow me to share some of the benefits of working with us and what separates us from others:

  • 24/7 Online Scheduling
  • Free! 90 Day Warranty From RWS
  • Free! RecallChek
  • Special Discounts On Home Security
  • 10% Off Lowe's Coupon
  • Crawlspace, Lawn Sprinklers, Pools, Outbuildings - No Additional Fees!
  • Free Maintenance Guide
  • Preferred Contractor List
  • Report Findings Delivered or Reviewed Onsite
  • Zip File of All Report Photos
  • Easy To Read Report Summary

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"

 

Selman Home Inspection Company
TREC License #10299
FHA/HUD # F537
Septic #113423
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Counties of WIThe Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for August of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

The home sale recovery began last summer, and sales have grown 20.7 percent year-to-date. “It’s great to see these sales so strong during the peak sales period in the state.”  said Renny Diedrich, chairman of the WRA board of directors. He noted that in a typical year, about a third of Wisconsin closings take place between June and August.

The median price rose at an annual pace of 2.9 percent in August 2012, and this continues the pattern of modest price appreciation statewide for each of the last six months. “It’s clear that in spite of slight upticks in the state unemployment rate over the last two months, the housing market continues to grow, and it’s growing at a brisk pace” said WRA President and CEO, Michael Theo.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales have been increasing substantially all year. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold. Prices have bounced in Rock County, while in Dane County WI they appear to now be stabilizing.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

August 2012
Home Sales: 6,496
Median Home Price: $143,000

August 2011
Home Sales: 5,335
Median Home Price: $140,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

August 2012
Home Sales: 669
Median Home Price: $212,500

August 2011
Home Sales: 523
Median Home Price: $214,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

August 2012
Home Sales: 186
Median Home Price: $109,750

August 2011
Home Sales: 159
Median Home Price: $97,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin July Housing Statistics

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Generally, every new home has a one-year warranty by the builder, covering defects in workmanship and materials. Builders also frequently purchase additional warranties to cover their liability and to use as marketing tools. These additional home warranties are very specific about what they cover and many warranty contracts stipulate that the original one-year warranty is replaced by the new home warranty. 

 

Like most people, your new home is probably the single largest investment of your life! You should make every effort to understand your warranty and protect your investment.  Defects in new homes fall into several categories. Among these are, obvious material and workmanship defects, and hidden material and workmanship defects.

You have probably taken care of both obvious defect categories. Appliances that do not function correctly and cosmetic issues are two of the most common. The defects that are more difficult to see are the ones that should concern you. Improper wiring, small exterior openings where moisture seeps in, poor landscaping drainage, roofing damage, and others are among the most common. 


Home Inspection

Over time, many hidden defects cause substantial damage to homes. Improper drainage can damage foundations leading to structural problems. Small exterior leaks can lead to mold, termites and other wood destroying organisms. Electrical problems often remain unnoticed until "ZAP!" and someone is injured or worse.

Your real problem is that these issues frequently take longer than one year to show up! By then, either your warranty has expired or you're into limited coverage and deductibles. You need to document issues and have repairs made during the warranty period!

 

"Hidden" defects frequently have symptoms of their existence. I use my knowledge of new construction techniques to alert me to the probability of these issues. Once alerted, I focus in on those systems for further review. I do not claim to be able to find everything hidden from the homeowner but I'll find most of it and give you an education as we go!
 
Strengthen Your Position! Documenting the condition of your home with an independent inspector gives you a legal advantage, in the event repairs are not completed. I always suggest homeowners start with a simple letter to their builder. Explain the situation, and that you expect timely repairs during your warranty period. Move to a registered letter or other steps as necessary, being careful to allow time for communications and repairs during the warranty period.

Schedule Your Warranty Home Inspection!

Your warranty home inspection should be in months eight through ten of your first year. This allows the maximum time for issues to arise and time for builder repairs during the warranty period. If you have any questions about warranty inspections, just call Selman Home Inspection at 469-371-3228. No high pressure sales tactics, just honest, informative answers to your questions. All new construction and warranty home inspections are just $250. I'll be pleased to assist you.

 

Selman Home Inspection

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust" 

 

For more safety and home maintenance tips, I encourage you to take advantage of our free Home Maintenance Guide.

Regards,
David Selman
Selman Home Inspection Company
Advanced Certified Inspector
MetroTex Member
TREC #10299
FHA/HUD #F537
Septic # 113423
469-371-3228
Email: david@SelmanHomeInspections.com
Website: http://www.SelmanHomeInspections.com 
Mobile Web: http://www.SelmanHomeInspections.mobi

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Real Estate News 8-24-2012

Stewart Title Spokane Facebook Page

5 Ways to Spot a Home with Hidden Potential
Trulia | August 23, 2012
Remember metal detectors? When I was a kid, they were all the rage, holding the emotional rush of a game with the a potential real-life treasure chest at the end.

Half of Homeowners Under 40 Are Still Underwater
The New York Times | August 23, 2012
The less time you’ve been in your home, the more likely you’ve accumulated little equity and seen the value of your property fall since 2005.

Short Sales vs Foreclosures: The Banks’ Preference
The KCM Blog | August 23, 2012
For months now, we have been letting everyone know that banks were going to begin shifting their focus when liquidating distressed properties. They would start supporting short sales over foreclosures. There is no longer any doubt this is now the new normal.

New Home Sales Up 3.6% in July, Matching Two-year High
The Los Angeles Times | August 23, 2012
Sales of new single-family homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annual level of 372,000 units in July, matching a more than two-year high for total sales, the Census Bureau said.

US Home Prices Make Big Quarterly Jump
FOX Business | August 23, 2012
Home prices rose 1.8% in the April-June period compared with the first quarter of the year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Thursday.

Some States Rank High on ‘Housing Misery’ Index
REALTOR Mag | August 23, 2012
Are some housing markets still suffering from the blues? Trulia’s Housing Misery Index takes into account the percentage of change in home prices from a state’s peak during the last decade compared to today as well as the percentage of mortgages that are either severely delinquent or in foreclosure.

Household Income Drops Sharply
The Washington Post | August 23, 2012
Inflation-adjusted median family income fell to $50,964, below where it stood before the recession.

Lost Decade for Shrinking Middle Class
The Wall Street Journal | August 22, 2012
The middle class — defined as households with between two-thirds and double the nation’s median income — has shrunk considerably over the past few decades, a decline that has been greatly exacerbated by the recession and housing bust.

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May 2012 Could Signal a Turn Around for Housing Market

There is some hope for the real estate market. According to a report published by the Commerce Department the number of homes purchased in May of 2012 was the highest number in over two years. The number of purchases increased from April to May by 7.6%. That number is the best increase since April of 2010 when the tax credit for purchasing a home was still in effect.

Rising-Rents-599e30.jpg?width=347Areas of Highest Growth

The places that saw the largest increases were the South and Northeast. The number of homes purchased in the South grew by 12.7% while the growth in the Northeast was 36.7%

Although the total number of sales across the country seems to be off pace from the 700,000 transactions favored by economists, the market is showing other signs of improvement.

Strong Signals from the Market

First and foremost, builders have begun to increase production. More construction is always a positive sign, no matter how small the increase. Second, interest rates for mortgages are still at historically low levels making it easy to afford a home. Third, and this is important too, is the stabilization of home values. Most regions around the country have noticed home values finally holding steady. All of these factors have lead to people buying up existing homes, paving the way to build more properties.

More than Just Statistics

The main reason why economists and financial analysts pay so much attention to new construction comes from their overall economic impact. Building a new home normally produces about three new year-long jobs. It also leads to an increase in taxable revenue by an average of $90,000. Although new homes are only 20% of the entire housing market, the numbers above show how constructions helps the economy thrive.

Supply is Down

At the end of May it was reported that a total of 145,000 new homes were on the market throughout the entire country. Based on current sales numbers the market should go through the existing inventory of new homes in about 4.5 months. Economic experts feel that a 6 month supply of new homes keeps the economy healthy. With a lower than average supply it is possible that home prices could go up simply because demand will be higher.

Prices Already Higher

Speaking in general averages, the price of a home bought in May of 2012 was down ever so slightly from the average price in April. However, when looking at sales from one year ago shows that average prices have gone up by 5.6%.

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Counties of WIThe Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for June of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin home sales continued to grow at a robust pace with sales of existing homes up 19.3 percent in June over June of last year... June median home prices increased 1.4 percent to $142,000 relative to the same month last year which is the fourth straight month of increasing median prices."

In a national economy that has not yet seen the kind of growth rates that typify most economic recoveries, it’s encouraging to see such strong growth in home sales over the last 12 months,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA Board of Directors.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales have been increasing substantially all year. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

June 2012
Home Sales: 6,829
Median Home Price: $142,000

June 2011
Home Sales: 5,705
Median Home Price: $140,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

June 2012
Home Sales: 822
Median Home Price: $205,500

June 2011
Home Sales: 651
Median Home Price: $211,100

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

June 2012
Home Sales: 190
Median Home Price: $113,500

June 2011
Home Sales: 170
Median Home Price: $94,500

View my report from last month. Wisconsin May Housing Statistics

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First Time Home BuyerThe real estate industry is just like any other major industry segment. The people that work within the industry use specific phrases and words that are not too common in other types of work. Understanding some of the common jargon will help first time buyers feel a little more comfortable with the process.

 

Mortgage – This is a loan that provides the financing for the purchase of a home. Buyers will sign a promissory note that explains the terms of the loan. The interest rate, amount borrowed and number of payments required to repay the debt are all laid out in this document. A mortgage is different from a car loan or a credit card since a piece of property is used as collateral for the loan.

Appraisal – This is a report that explains the home's value. A professional appraiser will inspect the home and then compare it to other similar homes in the nearby area. Based on common criteria such as location, square footage, age and amenities the appraiser assigns a market value to the property. This is slightly different from a home inspection. A home inspection is designed to point out any areas in need of repair or replacement. An appraisal simply decides how much a home is worth as it currently stands.

Contingency – These are requirements spelled out in the real estate contract that must be completed or met in order for the sale to go through.

For instance, most contracts will have a contingency concerning the appraisal. If the home is not worth the sales price then the buyer may be able to get out of the contract.

Escrow – This refers to the funds, assets or securities being held by a third party separate from the buyer and seller. The buyer will place funds in escrow as proof that they wish to go forward with the sale. Once the seller has met the conditions of the contract the funds will be released.

Disclosures – The buyer must be informed of various details by the seller prior to the purchase. Each area will have slightly different requirements for the disclosures in their location. An example would be the location of a home in a known flood zone. This would affect the homeowner's insurance and could affect the buyer's ability to pay.

Closing – This is the last phase of the property purchase. All parties involved in the transaction will meet at either an attorney's office or an escrow agent's office (title company). The seller, buyer, and any attorney will typically attend the closing. At the closing the seller will receive funds for the transaction and the buyer will sign the necessary documents for the loan. The deed will be transferred from seller to buyer. Finally, the closing costs will be paid based on the agreed terms in the contract.

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Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"My first listing contract (with another agency) expired without a single showing. I contacted Mike Collins hoping to get some straight advice about whether he thought the property would ever sell versus letting the lender foreclose on the property and save my mortgage payments for legal counsel. He was upfront from day one. He told me that it would take a while and that I'd probably have to hold it through the winter (I called him in September) but it would probably sell in the spring. His honesty made me immediately willing to hire him. He found a buyer in May and worked with my lender to close the sale in record time."

Drew V.(Marshall, WI)
Rock Realty Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

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Marshall Short Sale ClosingWe are happy to announce that last week we had another successful Wisconsin short sale closing, this time in Marshall. As you have likely heard, short sale transactions can be complex, and an experienced Short Sale Realtor® is a must.

This was a great home that the new owner is sure to enjoy! If you are thinking of selling or buying a short sale home in Wisconsin, our short sale specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625.

Or, if you are considering a short sale for your home, feel free to fill out our no obligation

Short Sale Home Evaluation Form

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Counties of WIThe Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for May of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin home sales recorded strong growth again in May, continuing the trend that began last summer. Sales of existing homes were up 18.9 percent in May 2012 compared to May 2011. In addition, median home prices in the state rose 1.5 percent to $138,000 relative to the same month last year"

It’s good to see Wisconsin’s housing market continuing a robust rebound from the depressed levels of the recession,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors. He noted that the monthly growth rates have been in the double digits since July 2011, and that year-to-date home sales are up over 20 percent in the state. The South-Central region was up 18.5 percent.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you can see, home sales have been increasing substantially this year. Both Dane and Rock counties are showing marked improvements in the number of homes sold.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

May 2012
Home Sales: 6,015
Median Home Price: $138,000

May 2011
Home Sales: 5,026
Median Home Price: $136,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

May 2012
Home Sales: 614
Median Home Price: $212,000

May 2011
Home Sales: 517
Median Home Price: $210,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

May 2012
Home Sales: 172
Median Home Price: $100,500

May 2011
Home Sales: 149
Median Home Price: $89,000

This information is courtesy of the WRA, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Please follow this link for further details: WRA Housing Statistics

View my report from last month. Wisconsin April Housing Statistics

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Counties of WIThe Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for April of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:


The strong pace of existing home sales continued, with 10 straight months of double-digit sales growth. Home sales rose 19.5 percent in April 2012 compared to April 2011, according to the most recent monthly report by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Home prices were also up for the second straight month, rising 2.4 percent to $128,000 in April compared to April 2011."


After several years of a stagnate housing market, it’s encouraging to see sustained growth in home sales, especially as we enter the summer, which is the prime season for home sales in the state,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors.


The WRA says an improving state jobs market is helping home sales. Since December, the state has added nearly 18,000 nonfarm private jobs even as government employment fell by 3,400 based on seasonally adjusted estimates.


Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you can see, home sales have been increasing substantially this year. The median sale price in Dane County has risen approximately $8,500 year over year. In Rock County Wisconsin, the median sale price has fallen, $2,450, year over year.


If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.


Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

April 2012
Home Sales: 5,252
Median Home Price: $127,900


April 2011
Home Sales: 4,365
Median Home Price: $125,000


Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

April 2012
Home Sales: 503
Median Home Price: $201,500


April 2011
Home Sales: 436
Median Home Price: $193,000


Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

April 2012
Home Sales: 140
Median Home Price: $87,500


April 2011
Home Sales: 172
Median Home Price: $89,950


This information is courtesy of the WRA, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Please follow this link for further details: WRA Housing Statistics

View my report from last month. Wisconsin March Housing Statistics

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wisconsin-county-map-278x300.gif?width=278

The Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for March of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

We certainly had a mild winter, and that may account for some of the strength in home sales last month, but it’s important to note that we’ve seen very strong growth in home sales over the last nine months,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors.

These are the strongest signals we have seen in some time going into the spring selling season,” said Keefe, who noted that the combination of low rates and modest improvements in the job market should support continued growth in sales.

The WRA says an improving state jobs market is helping home sales. Since December, the state has added nearly 18,000 nonfarm private jobs even as government employment fell by 3,400 based on seasonally adjusted estimates.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you can see, home sales have been increasing substantially this year. The median sale price in Dane County has fallen approximately $16,000 year over year. In Rock County Wisconsin, the median sale price has also fallen. $14,625, year over year.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

March 2012

Home Sales: 4,816

Median Home Price: $123,500

March 2011

Home Sales: 3,834

Median Home Price: $123,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

March 2012

Home Sales: 457

Median Home Price: $187,000

March 2011

Home Sales: 354

Median Home Price: $203,250

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

March 2012
Home Sales: 153
Median Home Price: $86,000

March 2011
Home Sales: 126
Median Home Price: $100,625

This information is courtesy of the WRA, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Please follow this link for further details: WRA Housing Statistics

View my report from last month. Wisconsin February Housing Statistics

Original Post - WI March 2012 Housing Stats  

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Putting Aside Your Emotions When Selling a Home

Because of the large investment needed to purchase a home, sellers often find themselves in a difficult situation.  This inanimate object that they have owned for years and used to develop many memories will suddenly belong to someone else.  This can be a difficult time emotionally for many people.  Here are some ways in which the seller can set aside emotions when selling a home.

Selling Your HomeValues vs. Sentiment

Everyone that tries to sell a home has the same goal in mind; to get the most that the market will bear.  However, this is a difference between asking someone to pay a fair price for a feature of the home as opposed to asking someone to pay a premium for something that is only valuable to you.  The unique door handles, exquisite bathroom fixtures or one-of-a-kind chandelier may hold great meaning for you, but they may simply be accessories to someone else.

Vacate the Home during Showings

When your real estate agent notifies you that they will be showing the home to a proposed buyer, it is best to leave the home for a little while.  Someone that has never seen your home will have a much different opinion on things like the condition of the carpet, placement of furniture and the colors of the home.  Rather than risk hurt feelings or irritation from a buyer nit-picking over small details it is best if you are not there when the buyers arrive.

Give the Real Estate Agent Room and Freedom to Work

The job of your real estate agent can be summed it in one sentence.  They are on a mission to find the one person/family that is serious about purchasing your home.  While your home may be viewed by multiple parties, it only takes one to offer a contract and close the deal.  Give the Realtor® some flexibility in handling offers and let them come to you with news, instead of going to them after every showing and phone call.

Consider the Transaction as Strictly Business

Once a seller has realized that selling their home is merely a financial transaction in the eyes of the buyer the whole process will move along much smoother.  Sellers should not react to comments about the decor or the curb appeal as a personal affront.  The buyer is simply trying to find a way to get the price lower.  This points to a good sign.  If the buyer is trying to negotiate then it means they are interested in buying the home.  The next step is coming to a mutually agreeable price.  Once again, sellers should not take a counter offer as an insult.  Instead, consider the price based on advice from the real estate agent.  Holding out for a higher offer is not always the best tactic.

For many people there is no way to get around the fact that their home has been a cherished possession for a considerable time.  However, detaching one’s self away from the physical building emotionally will help make the transition easier to handle.

Original Post - Ways to Put Aside Your Emotions When Selling a Home

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Tips for Home Sellers to Minimize Their Risk in Lease-to-Own Transactions

The economic downturn in the housing market over the past 5 years has driven up the number of sellers willing to consider leasing out their homes with an option to sell.  This can be a wise move in the right situation but sellers need to make sure they take steps to minimize their risk in these transactions.

Rent to OwnDemand an Option Fee Up Front

For the duration of the lease the seller of the home cannot market the home to would-be buyers.  This time period could be as short as one year or as long as three years depending on the renter’s financial condition.  Sellers should demand an option fee up front.  This fee can be applied to the purchase if the renter indeed manages to arrange financing at the end of the lease.  However, if the renter decides to pursue another home, they forfeit the fee.  This fee is usually in the range of 3% to 5% of the agreed purchase price in order to ensure the buyer is committed to the purchase.

Protect Against Appreciation

Once again, going back to the fact that the seller is not able to market the home while it is under a lease contract, it is possible the home could appreciate greatly in value.  It is wise for most sellers to add at least 5% to the current market price of the home when writing out the lease-to-own contract to help the seller reduce their possible loss.  At the same time, the buyer is getting a price on the home, in writing, for a future date.  This is a big plus for the buyer since they now know the price cannot rise.

Work Out a Contract for Maintenance and Repairs

In order to give the buyers the sense of actually owning the home, sellers can ask buyers to sign a contract that spells out responsibilities for maintenance and repairs.  Obviously, most renters will not be inclined to pay for major repairs such as a roof replacement or installing a new heating and air conditioning system.  But the seller may want to enforce a policy that lawn maintenance, modest repairs for plumbing and electrical needs, and other such items are the responsibility of the buyer.  This can help the buyer budget for future repairs and also help them decide if they are financially ready to purchase a home.

Carrying Additional Insurance

While the buyer/renter is in the home as a tenant sellers will require proof of renters insurance.  However, it is a good idea to carry an additional policy on their home beyond their current needs.  Catastrophic events such as tornadoes, fires and floods happen when we least expect them.  Nothing makes a tragedy worse than realizing there was not sufficient insurance coverage to handle the damage.

Many hopeful borrowers are in need of something beyond a traditional mortgage.  The lease-to-own model is a good way for sellers and buyers to reach their intended goals.  However, sellers need to be especially careful in these deals to make sure their interests are protected beyond merely the sale of the home.

Original Post - Rent-to-Own Minimizing Risks

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What a home inspection is, and is not

Home Inspection
What a home inspection is, and is not 

 

In the home buying process, a professional Realtor will always recommend that you have the home inspected. Many agents refer their clients to outstanding, honest home inspectors who perform unbiased inspections. Other agents refer inspectors who provide "soft" reports that insure the property sale goes through no matter what the truth is about the property condition. Selman Home Inspection is trusted by buyers, sellers and their agents to provide "Accurate Inspection Reports You Can Trust".

 

44.jpgWhat Is A Home Inspection

A home inspection is a complete, thorough, documented, unbiased test drive of a home you intend to buy or sell. When you hire a home inspector, the inspector should be working for the buyer or seller and not "for the agent".

 

Certified, licensed home inspectors perform home inspections by visually evaluating or comparing all of the components of a home to Today's Standards of Practiceand local building codes. Selman Home inspection performs a complete, thorough, documented, unbiased home inspection using our specialized three pass process. We believe that a home inspection process covers thousands of individual items from the foundation to the shingles including:

 

  • Roof, vents, flashings and trim
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations
  • Decks, stoops, porches, walkways and railings
  • Eaves, soffit and fascia
  • Grading and drainage
  • Foundation and crawlspace
  • Water penetration and foundation movement
  • Heating systems
  • Cooling systems
  • Main water shut-off valves
  • Water heating system
  • Plumbing fixtures and faucets
  • Electrical service line and meter box
  • Main disconnect and service amperage
  • Electrical panels, breakers and fuses
  • Grounding and bonding
  • GFCIs and AFCIs
  • Fireplace and chimney
  • Insulation and ventilation
  • Garage doors, safety sensors and openers
  • Appliances
  • Safety items
  • And much more......

42.jpgKeep in mind that no home is perfect, not even a brand new house. We are trained, certified, licensed home inspectors and evaluate each property against the Texas Standards of Practice  and today's local building standards. We are not code enforcement and an inspection is not a pass or fail report. A home inspection should be an independent evaluation and is the inspectors experienced opinion of the property condition at the time of the report which simply identifies any deficiencies. Report findings are useful in the buying and selling decisions and for understanding what action, if any, should be taken once a property is purchased.
 
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the property conditions at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is the opinion of the inspector based on observable conditions.
 
What A Home Inspection IS NOT
A home inspection is not a warranty. It is not a guarantee that there are no defects at all. And, a home inspection is not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong, fail or break once you move in or months or years down the road.
 
43.jpgNo one can possibly determine or foresee when an appliance will fail, when roof damage will occur, when plumbing will spring a leak or when HVAC will fail. Home inspectors are not fortune tellers and can not see the future. All homes are mechanical in nature and can have items fail at anytime.
 
Cosmetic issues are not the focus of a home inspection. However, most quality home inspectors will state in their report when it is their opinion that a defect is cosmetic.
 
Home inspectors for the most part do not disassemble items in a home to evaluate internal conditions. However, good inspectors will remove access panels on items such as water heaters, HVAC and main electric panels for evaluation.
 
Home inspectors are often referred to as "generalists". Inspectors are trained to identify and report visible defects in thousands of items in a home. As generalists, home inspectors are not the expert on most items and will often make report comments like "......should be further evaluated by a certified, licensed specialist." This is the clue for the buyer or seller to hire a specialist because the inspector has found suspicious conditions.
 
As a home owner, home maintenance and repairs are to be expected. No home is maintenance free and like your car, there will be mechanical issues from time to time. These issues are not the inspectors fault or something that they missed in most cases. It is just part of home ownership. 
 
Conclusion
Yes. There will be things that break down in a home like any other product, at any time. But a home inspection from a certified, licensed professional will provide a buyer or seller with tremendous insight about the current condition of a home, how well it has been maintained and the inspectors opinion about the condition of major items in a homes structure. The home inspector you choose to evaluate your home should not only provide an unbiased opinion of the property condition, but should also educate you about items in a home you may not be familiar with.
 
At Selman Home Inspection, we are happy to have you tag along during the inspection. We are happy to answer your questions and educate you about your home and general home maintenance. 

 

Selman Home Inspection

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust" 

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$25
Selman Home Inspection Savings Coupon! 

 

PRINT THIS COUPON AND SHARE IT!  Use this coupon to save $25 on a home inspection performed by Selman Home Inspection. Save $25 on a Buyer, Seller or Warranty Home Inspection. Offer expires 12/31/2012. Call 469-371-3228 to schedule your inspection services and redeem savings. Coupon must be redeemed when your inspection is scheduled. Not valid with any other offer, coupon or discount. www.SelmanHomeInspections.com 
Offer Expires: 12/31/2012
27.jpgAbout Us

 

As a Professional Home Inspector, I will communicate what is being inspected, what's being looked for, what's being done, what's being found and make suggestions about dealing with any findings. We ask for the opportunity to compete for your North Texas Home Inspection business. Given the opportunity, we will show you we are everything we say we are. We want our clients to know they made the right choice in the Home Inspector they choose to represent their investment and protect their family.

 

Selman Home Inspection Company 
FHA/HUD # F537
Septic #113423
 
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How to Buy a Home Once You Have Completed a Short Sale

Short-Sale Wisconsin

Tragedy strikes across the country every year.  People lose jobs, injuries are sustained from accidents and financial hardships cause tough decisions.  Fortunately, most things improve with the passage of time.  Read on to see how you can prepare for your next home purchase once you have sold a home via short sale.

Option 1: Big Down Payment

One constant that has remained in mortgage lending in many years is the power of a large down payment.  Although it is uncommon to see someone with a 30% or more down payment, it does happen.  Especially for people who are recipients of a windfall, such as payment on a judgment or an inheritance.  If you can rationalize the high interest rates, and you have the funds for the large down payment, then you can usually find a private lender to set up a mortgage for you.

If you choose this route, be alert to a few items.  First, the lender may have a stiff penalty for paying off the loan within the first few years.  Secondly, the lender may attempt to set up the mortgage with a balloon payment.  Avoid these two snags at all cost.

Option 2:  Wait a Few Years

If you don’t have the money for a 30% down payment you can simply wait for three years.  The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will ask that a person who sold their home via short sale to wait for three years before applying for a new mortgage.  However, if your circumstances show that the short sale was beyond your control, and you kept your payments up to date right up to the sale date, then you may be able to get the loan sooner.

People who would prefer to use conventional loans offered by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will have a similar wait.  Fannie Mae only asks that borrowers wait for two years if they are able to pay a 20% down payment.  For circumstances beyond your control Fannie may allow you a 10% down payment after a two year period.

Veterans who wish to use the VA loan will need to wait a full two years after their short sale to apply for a new loan.

Option 3: Lease with Option to Buy

It is not surprising that many home sellers have chosen to offer their homes with a lease and an option to purchase at a certain time and at a designated price.  Due to the economic slump over the past few years, home prices have dropped.  Sellers do not wish to sell their home at such a loss so many are willing to lease out the home in hopes that the market will rebound.  For buyers who are not quite ready to qualify for a traditional mortgage, buying with a lease-option could be the easiest way to get in to a home.

With a little planning and a little patience it is possible to find yourself holding the keys to your next home after you have made it through a short sale.

Original Post - Buying a Home after a Short Sale

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wisconsin-county-map-278x300.gif?width=278

The Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for February of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

This increasing sales trend began last summer and has continued at a healthy pace throughout the fall and winter. “It’s very encouraging to see sustained growth in home sales,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors. He noted that sales over the last five months have seen growth rates in double digits without any distortion from federal incentive programs.

We’re hopeful that the combination of moderating prices and low mortgage rates will carry this momentum into the next six months, which are the prime homebuying season in Wisconsin,” said Keefe.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you can see, home sales have been increasing substantially this year. The median sale price in Dane County has fallen approximately $10,000 year over year. In Rock County Wisconsin, however, the median sale price has risen almost $10,000, or 13%! Have we hit bottom in Rock County for home prices??? I certainly hope so.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

February 2012
Home Sales: 3,137
Median Home Price: $115,000

February 2011
Home Sales: 2,695
Median Home Price: $117,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

February 2012
Home Sales: 221
Median Home Price: $187,750

February 2011
Home Sales: 208
Median Home Price: $197,250

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

February 2012
Home Sales: 110
Median Home Price: $83,249

February 2011
Home Sales: 76
Median Home Price: $73,500

This information is courtesy of the WRA, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Please follow this link for further details: WRA Housing Statistics

View my report from last month. Wisconsin January Housing Statistics

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Mortgage Forgiveness is Currently Set to expire at end of 2012

One primary feature attracting many underwater homeowners to a short sale is the fact that the taxes are lowered thanks to a Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 provision. However, that credit is set to go away at the end of the year 2012. This means that homeowners who have put off selling need to get busy.

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007

Basics of the Rule

When foreclosures were the primary topic of almost every news broadcast, Congress stepped in and offered this one time transaction. Homeowners could sell their home, for less than the existing mortgage, if the lender agreed to the deal. The outstanding balance would normally be taxable as earned income to the homeowner. However, the Mortgage Forgiveness Act wiped out the taxes on any unpaid balance up to a whopping two million dollars. This act applies to short sales that occurred between 2007 and 2012.

New Area of Expertise for Real Estate Agents

Many real estate agents have chosen to specialize in certain areas. Some people prefer to work with commercial property, while others may focus their energy on single family homes. The past few years has seen a rise in the number of agents that zero in on the short sales, and for good reason. Many banks are not open to the idea of a short sale coming straight from the homeowner. But with an experienced real estate agent, the situation changes. Banks realize that these agents are quite familiar with the local area and can accurately predict a home’s true value. Using an experienced agent can help homeowners negotiate a fair sales price and remove themselves from the burden of a mortgage that is no longer feasible.

Possible Change before End of the Year

It is possible that Congress could move to extend the Mortgage Forgiveness expiration. After all, the home purchase credit initiated a couple of years ago was extended twice to encourage more people to buy homes. However, it is too early to tell if this particular act will be extended so it is better for most people to err on the side of caution and begin negotiating a sales price with their real estate agent and their lender.

Getting Everything in Order for a Short Sale

If you are considering a short sale of your home then you will need to get a bit of information together. First, you must contact your lender and ask them for a 30 day payoff on your mortgage. If you have more than one mortgage, or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), then you will need a payoff amount for each loan. Once you have these figures you can call your real estate agent and ask for their professional opinion about the value of your home. The agent will be able to access sales of homes similar to yours in the surrounding area and provide you with an accurate value. Then, you will have a strong argument to present to the lender. The lender may ask that you have an actual home sale contract in hand before accepting your offer. But at least you will be on the track to selling the home once you have spoken to a real estate agent.

Original Email - Mortgage Forgiveness Act expiring soon

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WI Market Update

Here is today's market listings update for Active foreclosure single family homes located in Rock County Wisconsin. This information was pulled from the South Central Wisconsin MLS on 3/7/2012 at 8:30 A.M.

  • 59 total Foreclosure|Bank Owned|REO homes are currently listed in Rock County, WI
  • Low listing price: $10,000
  • High listing price: $369,900
  • Average listing price: $85,857
  • Median listing price: $60,000
  • Average days on the market: 63
Click here to see these Rock County Foreclosure Homes.
 

Of course these numbers change on a daily basis, so to obtain the most up to date information on current foreclosure/bank owned homes for sale, please contact us directly at 608-921-8536. We would be happy to customize the search further for you to find the home that is just right for you.

As an extra benefit to Rock Realty home buyers, we offer a 1% broker commission rebate after closing. This could mean $1,500 back on a home purchase of $150,000. We love to hear how these rebates help our clients. Some use them for home improvements, while others simply put it in savings for future needs. It is a great option that we are happy to offer. Contact us for further details and limitations.

At Rock Realty, we currently have great single family homes listed for sale in Rock County. Feel free to visit our listings page linked below:

Rock County Wisconsin Home Listings 

Additional Foreclosure|Bank Owned Home Purchase Information

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WI Market Update

Here is today's market listings update for Active foreclosure single family homes located in Dane County Wisconsin. This information was pulled from the South Central Wisconsin MLS on 3/7/2012 at 8:15 A.M.

  • 130 total Foreclosure|Bank Owned|REO homes are currently listed in Dane County, WI
  • Low listing price: $39,900
  • High listing price: $430,000
  • Average listing price: $169,812
  • Median listing price: $154,400
  • Average days on the market: 67
Click here to see these Dane County Foreclosure Homes.
 

Of course these numbers change on a daily basis, so to obtain the most up to date information on current foreclosure/bank owned homes for sale, please contact us directly at 608-921-8536. We would be happy to customize the search further for you to find the home that is just right for you.

As an extra benefit to Rock Realty home buyers, we offer a 1% broker commission rebate after closing. This could mean $1,500 back on a home purchase of $150,000. We love to hear how these rebates help our clients. Some use them for home improvements, while others simply put it in savings for future needs. It is a great option that we are happy to offer. Contact us for further details and limitations.

At Rock Realty, we currently have great single family homes listed for sale in Dane County. Feel free to visit our listings page linked below:

Dane County Wisconsin Home Listings 

Additional Foreclosure|Bank Owned Home Purchase Information

Read more…