PAGE PREVIEW
Buying or Selling a Home With Pest Issues Buying a Home With Pest Issues Purchasing a home with pest issues can be a major concern, as pests can cause damage to the structure of the home and create health problems for the occupants. It is important to have a professional pest inspection completed before purchasing a home to identify any existing or potential pest issues. Pest infestations can have serious consequences for the integrity of a home and the health of its occupants. Termites, for example, can cause significant damage to the structural wood of a home if left unchecked. Other pests, such as mice and rats, can damage wiring and insulation, posing a fire hazard. They can also carry diseases, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or contact with contaminated surfaces. It is important to have a professional pest inspection completed before purchasing a home to identify any existing or potential pest issues. A pest inspector will look for signs of infestations, such as droppings, nests, and damage to wood and other building materials. They will also look for potential entry points and conditions that may attract pests, such as excess moisture or standing water. If the inspection reveals the presence of pests, you should consider negotiating with the seller to have the pests treated or for a credit towards the cost of treatment. You may also want to consult with a real estate lawyer to determine your rights and options as a buyer. In addition, you should consider the long-term cost of pest control and make sure it is factored into your budget for maintaining the home. Pest control can be expensive, and it is important to have a plan in place to address any future pest issues. Selling a Home With Pest Issues If you are selling a home that has pest issues, it is important to be proactive in addressing the problem and transparent with potential buyers. Pest infestations can be a major concern for buyers, as pests can cause damage to the structure of the home and create health problems for the occupants. The first step in selling a home with pest issues is to have the pests professionally treated. A pest control company can figure out how bad the problem is and suggest a plan for treatment. Make sure to do what they tell you to do and give the treatment enough time to work. It is also a good idea to have the home re-inspected  to ensure that the pests have been effectively eliminated. Next, it is important to disclose the pest issue to potential buyers. Most states require sellers to tell buyers about any major problems, like pest infestations, that they are aware of. This can be done through a property disclosure statement, which should be provided to potential buyers as part of the home sale process. It’s important to be honest and clear in your disclosure, because not telling the truth about known major flaws can cause legal problems in the future. It is also a good idea to provide documentation of the pest treatment, such as receipts or a certificate of treatment. This will show that you have taken steps to deal with the pest problem, which can help buyers feel less worried. Lastly, you might want to think about giving the buyer a credit toward the cost of future pest control. This can help ease their concerns and make the home more attractive to potential buyers. If you can’t offer credit, you might have to lower the price of the home to make up for the cost of pest control. It is important to be flexible and open to negotiation in order to make the sale. Final Thoughts In the end, whether or not you buy a home with pest problems will depend on your personal situation and how willing you are to take risks. If you are okay with how much it will cost and how much work it will take to get rid of the pests and are sure that the problem can be solved, you might want to think about making the purchase. However, if the pest issue is significant or the cost of treatment is prohibitive, it may be best to look for a home without pest issues.
PAGE PREVIEW
Can I Sell my House During Foreclosure Introduction For someone who is unable to keep up with mortgage payments or other liens on the home, the foreclosure process is frequently drawn out and difficult. For those who are currently going through this process, there may be ways to continue without losing everything. Because of this, the people who live in the house can stay there until the dispute is completely settled. The homeowner should stay in their home, talk to a real estate lawyer, and do research to avoid a situation in which debts may still be owed for different reasons. This might result in a better outcome. The house can still be sold for a profit while the foreclosure process is ongoing. The current owner may sell the property for more than what is owed in mortgage payments if the property has not yet been sold through an auction. This would then generate enough income to pay off the mortgage debt and leave money on the table to buy a new home or rent or lease an existing one. This has to be completed, though, before the property is sold at auction to fund the foreclosure process. This calls for prompt action and proper documentation Aspects to Consider with Foreclosure A bank agent who starts the foreclosure process may be contacted by someone who is unable to make the required mortgage or loan payments to keep the account open. The homeowner may have other options, though, as these processes can take months or even years, depending on a number of factors. In some circumstances, the financial lending company may look for an alternative to foreclosure. It’s possible that a payment extension will be given. It might be possible to refinance or make a new payment plan by adding to the original agreement. Before leaving the property to foreclosure, it is best to get in touch and talk with the company to discuss any potential alternate routes. Others look at the contract for the lending facility to see what might be possible based on the fine print. To make sure that the payments are made at a lower interest rate or payment amount, another company may be contacted, or there may be a grace period to get the needed funds. Before taking any other action, it is best to seek the advice of a real estate attorney if this is not possible. He or she might explain that the best course of action might be to sell the property. However, the homeowner might only have a limited amount of time to do so. This means that before continuing with a sale before an auction, he or she should make sure that all of that information is known. Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer or Agent While the home is going through the foreclosure process, a seasoned and knowledgeable real estate agent might be able to get in touch with the lending institution and try to negotiate so that the property has time to sell. This may be a good way for the agent in charge of the case to make sure the homeowner gets their money, even if the bank or another institution won’t work with them. Before the sale can happen, a realtor might need to conduct a market analysis on the property to determine its true value. Then, to bargain with the bank, third-party authorization forms are typically required. In general, it is preferable to sell the house for a profit as opposed to a short sale or auction, where the owner receives nothing after the house is bought by the buyer. Due to the foreclosure process costing the company money and not always recovering all of the money owed, lending institutions believe working with the sale is a better alternative than going through with the foreclosure. It might take 90 to 120 days to complete a short sale in which the owner receives no money. During this time, the homeowner may still be making mortgage payments. Depending on the state in which the house is located, the foreclosure process can take weeks or months to complete. The completion of all paperwork can occasionally take up to or even longer than a year. Depending on the state, the owner usually has up to 90 days to fix a late payment so that the problem can be fixed and business can go on as usual. A realtor or real estate agent should be hired to help sell the house if this is not possible. A real estate lawyer should be hired to handle these things from start to finish to make sure that everything is valid, legal, and done the right way.
PAGE PREVIEW
Closing Costs – What to Expect When you sell your house, there are many hidden closing costs that can eat into your profits. This article highlights what those common closing costs are. From agent commissions to transfer taxes, it’s important to be aware of all the potential expenses. One of the biggest costs you can expect is the real estate commission. This is a fee paid to the agent who represents the buyer. The commission is typically a percentage of the sale price, so it can add up to a significant amount of money. Fortunately, many closing costs are tax-deductible, and they can be offset against the proceeds of the sale. However, it’s important to be aware of all the potential costs involved so you can budget accordingly. Below are some of the most common closing costs and how you can budget accordingly: Agent commissions: Realtor commissions are the fees real estate agents charge for their services. The fee is typically a percentage of the total sale price of the home, and it is paid at closing. While realtor commissions can vary depending on the agent and the market, they are typically around 5-6% of the sale price. For example, on a $200,000 home, the realtor commission would be $10,000-$12,000. Realtor commissions are negotiable, and some sellers may negotiate a lower rate. However, it is important to remember that the real estate agent is providing a valuable service and is entitled to fair compensation. It is important to understand realtor commissions so you can factor it into your budget. Appraisal fee:  A home appraisal is an important part of the closing process on your home purchase. The appraiser will visit the property and assess the value of the home, taking into account factors such as the location, condition of the property, and recent comparable sales in the area. This appraisal will be used to determine the amount of closing costs that the buyer will need to pay. In some cases, the appraised value of the home may be lower than the purchase price, in which case the buyer may need to negotiate with the seller to bring the price down to match the appraisal. In other cases, the appraised value may be higher than the asking price, giving the buyer some negotiating power when it comes to closing costs. Either way, it is important to have a clear understanding of your home’s value before heading into closing. Legal fees: You may need to hire a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of your sale, or if you are selling directly to a buyer.. Their fees will vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the location of the property. In some cases, the seller is responsible for paying all the legal fees associated with the sale, this includes any fees associated with the transfer of ownership of the property. Title insurance: This is a type of insurance that protects the seller against any claims made on the title to your property. It is typically required by the lender if you have a mortgage. The exact amount you will pay as a seller will depend on the specifics of your title insurance policy. However, knowing the typical closing costs can help make sure you’re not caught off guard. Mortgage discharge fee: If you have a mortgage on the property, you will need to pay a fee to have it discharged. This fee is typically around $200-$300. These fees are a common closing cost associated with refinancing your home. Discharge fees are paid to the lender to cancel an existing mortgage and create a new one. The fee is typically a percentage of the total loan amount but can vary depending on the lender. Be sure to ask about the fee and get an estimate from your lender before making any decisions about refinancing. Property taxes: One often forgotten potential closing cost is property taxes. Depending on the location of the property and the value of the home, property taxes can be quite expensive. In some cases, they can even exceed the mortgage payments! As a result, it’s important to be aware of the property tax situation before you purchase a property because they must be paid in full before the sale can be completed. Credit report: One cost that is often overlooked is the cost of ordering a credit report. A credit report is necessary because lenders use credit report scores to determine if buyers qualify for a loan and what interest rate they receive. While the cost of ordering a credit report may seem insignificant, it can add up – especially if you’re closing on multiple properties. For example, if you’re closing on a home and an investment property, you’ll need to order two credit reports. The cost of ordering two credit reports can range from $30-$50, depending on the provider. Pest inspection: A pest inspection can help identify any potential problem areas like termites and dry rot from pests, which could lead to costly repairs down the road. This will help uncover any hidden issues and help you with negotiating repairs or treatment prior to closing. Recording fees: To finalize the sale, you will need to pay recording fees. This amount is charged by your local government for registering the deed to your new home. Utility bills: Any outstanding utility bills will need to be paid before the property changes hands. These are the fees associated with finalizing the purchase, and they can add up quickly. utility bills are one of the most common closing costs. If you’re buying a home that is already occupied, you’ll need to pay for the utilities that have been used, through the date of closing. This can include things like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. In some cases, you may also be responsible for paying the seller’s utility bills if they haven’t been paid up to date to ensure you can have services turned on in your name. As you can see, there are a number of different closing costs that can add up when selling your house. It’s important to be aware of all of them so that you can budget accordingly and avoid any nasty surprises at the end of the process.

Key Signs You Should Sell Your Home When You Retire

by | 0 comments

Key Signs You Should Sell Your Home When You Retire
LinkedIn
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Follow by Email

Key Signs You Should Sell Your Home When You Retire

Introduction

It might be difficult to balance lifestyle and money concerns once you retire. It may appear more cost-effective to remain in your home if you own it. Other things to think about are maintenance costs and whether you’re spending a fortune to heat and cool rooms that aren’t being used.

When you retire, selling your property may also enable you to relocate closer to your grandchildren or perhaps to a location with more activities and interests, like golf courses, the ocean, or mountains. 

Check out these 12 essential indications that you should retire and sell your property.

You Need the Funds

Most Americans do not have enough money saved for retirement, according to the 2019 savings survey from GOBankingRates.

Selling your home, especially in our present seller’s market, can give you a comfortable life savings if you fit this description and have paid off your mortgage.

Your savings can increase and last for the rest of your life if you invest some of the money from the sale of your home. Consider low-risk investments like annuities, dividend-paying equities, municipal bonds, and real estate investment trusts (REIT) for the greatest outcomes.

You Have the Money to Pay the Moving Costs

While downsizing by selling your home can save you money in the long run, keep in mind that you will still have to pay for your move, which can be expensive.

The projected cost to relocate a three-bedroom house ranges from $1,500 to over $10,000, assuming the average retired couple or individual will employ movers rather than handle all of the packing, loading, and moving themselves. The expense of the move increases with how far away your new residence is. But even when you stay in the same place, expenses can build up.

You Want Improved Amenities

You don’t have to move into a home without modern amenities if you’re downsizing to save money. In fact, if the property you’re selling is older, you might be missing out on certain modern conveniences right now, such smart home features and an open-concept layout.

Avoid repeating the same error if the storage space in your present home is inadequate. You might want your new house to have built-in storage, walk-in closets, and a spacious garage for parking automobiles and storing boxes of mementos.

It Would Be Too Expensive to Age in Place

It makes sense to desire to age in place or remain in your own house as you become older, but doing so frequently necessitates making some home improvements. For instance, if you have mobility challenges, you may need to have a ramp built to supplement the front stairs, add a bedroom and a complete bathroom to the first floor, make the bathroom accessible with handicap bars and a walk-in tub, and modify the height of the kitchen sink or even the dishwasher.

The average cost of staying put and remodeling your current home can range anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000. Moving to a new house that is ready for aging-in-place might be more economical.

You Want to Reduce Yard Work

The work and effort you put into keeping the backyard might be made worthwhile by watching your kids play in the sprinklers on a hot summer afternoon. But when the kids become older, all that planting, watering, mowing, and weeding may get tiresome and time-consuming.

When you retire, you can avoid yard work and snow shovelling by moving from a large single-family home to a condo. You may reclaim your Saturday afternoons and use them to play golf or spend time with the grandchildren at the pool.

You Pay a Lot of Taxes

Selling your home and moving to a state with lower taxes, like Maryland or Washington, could help you save money if you currently reside in a state with a high property tax burden, like New Jersey or Connecticut. This is important for people on limited incomes because even an extra $500 or $1,000 a year can significantly improve your quality of life.

Before making a decision, confirm the cost of housing in the state where you plan to move. Only when housing costs are equal to or less than what you are presently paying will this money-saving strategy be effective. The same is true of daily living costs like food, utilities, medical care, and transportation.

Your Neighborhood is Changing

One of the largest generations in history, millennials are now starting to buy houses, establish roots, and start their own families after the bulk of them entered the workforce. This indicates that many cities are making an effort to appeal to younger generations by establishing businesses and services like coffee shops, hip restaurants, organic markets, home improvement stores, yoga studios, and independent boutiques.

The changes happening in your community might not be to your taste if you don’t like change or prefer to hang out with other retirees. Make sure the demographics, amenities, and cost of living in any cities or towns you are thinking about match your needs by doing some research on them.

You Want to  Reduce Utility Cost

Utilities can take a big bite out of your monthly savings, especially if you reside somewhere with intense heat or cold. One of the key drivers of downsizing is affordability. According to Steve Chen, founder of NewRetirement, “affordability is a key concern – are the carrying costs for the property, including maintenance, sustainable?”

When your huge property is packed with people, central heating and air conditioning may be cost-effective. However, if your children have left home and it is only you and your spouse, this efficiency rapidly goes to waste as you heat and cool unused spaces. You may save a ton of money each month on utilities by downsizing. Additionally, energy-efficient construction features like renewable resources, solar energy, cutting-edge insulation, and other eco-friendly choices are frequently used in the construction of new homes.

You Might be Able to Profit

Selling your property in the current market could result in a large profit if you own it outright or have a lot of equity. According to CNN, the nationwide housing shortage has created a hot real estate market where property prices have increased by 13% over the past year. If you are getting close to retirement, the money you get from selling your home could help you save money for the future.

The Weather is Better

Good-bye, cold weather. Freedom is one of retirement’s many advantages. Florida isn’t the only place with a warm climate. Arizona, California, and parts of Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia are also warm.

Just remember to take other aspects into account when making your choice. Seniors who don’t want to drive in retirement, for instance, may prefer to select cities with decent public transit networks.

You Wish to be Nearer to the Grandchildren

If your kids and grandkids live in a different state from you, you may have to sell your home, move, and move again in order to downsize after you retire. You may use this as an opportunity to downsize, perhaps moving from a house to a condo, or you might try renting.

One error you must avoid is making a hasty choice for the future. When relocating, people don’t always consider things thoroughly, which can lead to them not enjoying the new city or town.

To ensure that the neighbourhood facilities are to your taste, think about taking a lengthy vacation in the place where you intend to relocate. Look into the local healthcare systems as well as the cultural scene, parks, and other amenities for activities you enjoy.

You’re Attracted to Living in a Condo

Saying good-bye to chores like upkeep and landscaping and hello to free time can be the result of selling your home and relocating to a condo.

You’ll have more time and energy to do things you enjoy because you’ll have less to do when you have less space. Additionally, many condo buildings nowadays are integrated communities. This means that your complex might feature a pool, gym, spa, common room, and even planned activities, along with new options for socialising and making friends. A condo normally has a lower mortgage than a house, so in addition to having a simpler lifestyle, you could be able to increase your retirement funds.

LinkedIn
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Follow by Email
Greg Bilbro

Greg Bilbro

Greg Bilbro is the CEO and co-founder of Fair Property Buyers. After 20 years as a residential Realtor, Greg founded Fair Property Buyers, a nationwide group of real estate professionals committed to helping homeowners sell their problem properties quickly and easily. Fair Property Buyers helps people across the U.S. sell their homes for a fair cash price, without the hassles. Prior to starting Fair Property Buyers, Greg was a Series 7 and 63 securities and registered investment advisor with New York Life and NYLife Securities, where he was named “Rookie of the Year,” and named the youngest Partner in the U.S. Greg is a native of Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico. He currently hangs his hat in Scottsdale, Arizona with his sidekick Frenchie, “Bity".

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *