Century 21 VJF Realty October Newsletter

Happy Halloween!   October 2011 Newsletter   In This Issue Our YouTube Channel NEW LISTINGS Take The Stress Out Top Priorities for First Time Buyers Importance of a Checklist Century 21 Quick Links Search for Homes Join Listingbook Open Houses Your Home’s Value Contact Us HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!   989 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley $299,999 NEW LISTINGS        20 Deans Corner Rd Brewster $1,150,000 18 The Terrace Katonah $575,000     5 Ivy Ln, Wappingers Falls $240,000 19 Elizabeth Ct Brewster $599,999 20 Saratoga, Carmel $339,000 1025 N. Horsepound Rd Carmel $325,999 24 Allen Dr, Brewster $249,999 5 Freemont Rd, Brewster $169,999 Kent Rd, Wappingers Falls $379,000   Join Our List  TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF HOME BUYING   Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you peek into windows looking for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with.Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer – you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long. 3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family – the people who will be living in the home. 4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go. 5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take. 6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself – room size, kitchen, etc. – that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life. 7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers. 8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. 9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. 10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live. ~ courtesy Realtor.org TOP PRIORITIES FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS   It’s easyfor first-time homebuyers to become overwhelmed as they begin their home search. Often, buyers get distracted by a newly renovated kitchen or finished basement, and lose sight the big picture when choosing a home. See below for three factors that should be a priority as you navigate the home buying process. 1.  Pricey proposition – Set a price point BEFORE you start looking for homes. It is important to talk with your REALTOR® about your budget so he/she can focus on homes within your price range. It’s helpful to leave yourself a financial cushion when deciding on what to spend. Factor in closing costs, repairs, down payment and even unexpected expenses to help you find a price you feel comfortable with. 2.  Location, location, location – This is one of the few things you absolutely cannot change about your property. If you need to be in close proximity to mass transit or within a specific school district, only view homes that fall within this area. Is it really your dream home if you are out of your desired commuting distance? Also, be aware of the condition of the neighborhood. Is it safe for you to live or desirable should you decide to sell down the line? 3.  Room to grow – Remember to ask yourself how long you plan on staying in your new home. Will the one-bedroom loft or two-bedroom cottage work for you in five years? THE IMPORTANCE OF A CHECKLIST   When looking for a property, the price is far from the only prerequisite. Simplify the home buying process with a checklist of necessary criteria that your new property must fulfill. When you focus on what you absolutely need in your home, you save yourself (and your real estate agent) both time and money. Share your list of priorities with your Realtor, so if needed, she can narrow down the search and eliminate any properties that are out of proximity to your work, public transportation, or desired school district. When viewing potential properties, bring your checklist, so you can easily compare and rank different homes according to how each meets your needs. Remember there is a difference between your wants and your needs. You may need three bedrooms and although you would prefer hardwood floors, they are not essential. You can always do upgrades later, such as finishing off the basement or attic space or pulling up those carpets…what you can’t change is your property’s location and the size of your lot. We suggest the following should be included on your list: number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, number of stories, presence/size of a backyard, style of kitchen, presence of a formal dining room, basement, attic and living room, amount of storage and living space, type of heat, presence of central air, and type of siding. If you plan to enlarge a home, check with your Realtor to make sure construction is a possibility. For added assistance, century21vjf.com has a buyer’s checklist that you can download here.