Buying in June
From Zillow: June may seem like a relatively flat month for shopping (and saving), but it’s actually one of the better times to buy a number of homeowner-centric items. And, because June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year, you have even more time to shop! Deal-hunters, consider the following: A … Continue reading
Real Estate Boosts Local Economy
Buffalo ranks 40th in April’s On Numbers Economic Index. Strong home values are behind that performance. On Numbers researchers say the price of a typical home in Buffalo Niagara is up almost 7% since 2008. That’s the sharpest increase in the nation. 90 of 102 markets actually suffered declines in that same period. A strong … Continue reading
Why Do Short Sales Take So Long?
From Zillow.com: It’s a question many real estate agents hear from clients: Why do short sales take so long? Despite improving real estate markets, short sales and foreclosure sales will be with us for the foreseeable future. Many homeowners are still underwater, and at any time in the coming years, these folks may face a … Continue reading
Avoiding House Hunt Heartbreak
House hunting is a little like dating: you see a series of homes until you find “the one.” But much like dating, falling in love can hurt. 1. Prepare to Get Your Feelings Hurt Just because you feel a connection doesn’t mean a seller has to sell to you. In high stakes bidding wars, all … Continue reading
Germany’s Growing Housing Market May Be Growing Too Fast
Germany is one of the most conservative countries when it comes to homebuying– less than half of the citizens in Germany own property. This is thanks to tough lending rules and expectations of high down payments, which means it is difficult for Germans to buy homes unless they are financially sound. The European debt crisis, … Continue reading
Tips for Young Buyers
Have a five-year plan Unlike the boom years, don’t assume a home purchased today will appreciate in value within five years. If you’re unsure about your five-year plans, it’s better to rent. Use technology creatively It’s well-documented that Gen X-ers and Gen Y-ers start their home search online. Real estate listing sites, mortgage calculators and … Continue reading
Owning a Home: Good Idea For Young People?
If there’s anything we’ve learned in the past few years about real estate, it’s that property doesn’t always go up in value. And because it doesn’t, you shouldn’t just buy property and assume that you’re going to earn equity and wealth from that ownership. Instead, buying a home should be a personal decision based on … Continue reading
Tips for Buying in 2013
You’ve saved your pennies and are interested in buying a home for the long haul: with low interests rates, you figure you can’t find a better time. What’s next? 1. Find a Lender: Make sure to get qualified for a loan– this will help you set a price range and prepare for any changes in … Continue reading
Six Effects the Holidays Have on Local Markets
1. Online Marketing Becomes Very Important: With buyers extremely busy around the holiday season, putting your home online means that buyers can decide ahead of time if your home is worth their time. Especially in Buffalo, buyers don’t want to spend their weekends traipsing in and out of homes that don’t end up being worth … Continue reading
Four Reasons to List or Buy in December
Tis the season to sell and buy! Here are the top four reasons sellers should list and buyers should purchase prior to ringing in the New Year. The commitment factor Buyers searching for homes over the holidays are serious, committed and ready to go, often motivated by a deadline-oriented relocation brought on by a career switch or … Continue reading
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