Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring

Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring Simplifying The Market

Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up. Continue reading “Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring”

Ten reasons not to Buy/Sell FSBO

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I’ve had many experiences with a FSBO and none have been good. I want them to be, but I find, beyond this list that there are serious problems. For starters, they over price the home and have convoluted reasons why this is the right price. For starters, you could put in $100k in upgrades that you think will now increase the sale price to $100k. It’s not that kind of math! There are many articles that will tell you the percentage you can expect to get, or the return on that investment and none are 100%, even kitchens return about 80%. But, there are unwritten returns, for example, your house will sell faster and be more desirable. Recently a house was priced about $70k over any other house in the neighborhood. So, it’s over priced, by far, but this FSBO believed he should get every penny back and flat out rejected my clients offer. I’ll wait for him to come to his senses. For starters, with no comps, this will never appraise, even if he did get asking price. The most important aspect is the buyers, they are educated, have the ability to find other houses in that price point, and are very smart consumers. That house is now sitting on the market, but he didn’t want to open a conversation with me, even though I was the only one with an offer on the table. He has no one giving him sound advice, so his house will sit. My clients will move along and find something else. Here’s a nice list of solid reasons you don’t want to FSBO.

  1. Lack of experience: Selling a home is a complex process that requires knowledge of the market, legal requirements, and negotiation skills. A FSBO (For Sale By Owner) may not have the experience to navigate these challenges effectively.
  2. Limited exposure: A FSBO may not have the same resources and networks as a professional real estate agent to promote their property to potential buyers. This can limit the number of people who see the property and ultimately reduce the chances of a sale.
  3. Pricing issues: A FSBO may not have the same knowledge of the local market as a professional real estate agent, which can lead to them pricing their property too high or too low.
  4. Difficulty handling paperwork: Selling a home requires a lot of paperwork, including legal documents and disclosures. A FSBO may not be familiar with the paperwork required or may make errors that can lead to legal complications.
  5. Lack of professional representation: A professional real estate agent can provide guidance and representation to both buyers and sellers in negotiations, paperwork and inspections.
  6. Limited marketing and advertising: Professional real estate agents have access to marketing and advertising resources that can help promote a property to potential buyers. A FSBO may not have the same resources and may not be able to effectively market their property.
  7. Limited knowledge of legal requirements: A FSBO may not be familiar with all the legal requirements related to selling a home and this can lead to mistakes that can cause problems down the road.
  8. Limited negotiation skills: Professional real estate agents are trained negotiators and can help buyers and sellers come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial. A FSBO may not have the same skills and may struggle to negotiate a fair deal.
  9. Limited ability to handle contingencies: A professional real estate agent can help buyers and sellers navigate contingencies such as inspections, appraisals, and financing. A FSBO may not have the same knowledge and experience to handle these contingencies effectively.
  10. Limited ability to handle difficult situations: Real estate transactions can be complex and difficult to navigate, and a FSBO may not have the same knowledge and experience to handle difficult situations that may arise during the buying or selling process.

Discovering Hamburg Michigan

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Hamburg Michigan is a small town located in Livingston County, just south of Ann Arbor. It’s a quiet, friendly community with a population of just over 4,000 people. The town is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, and its close proximity to Ann Arbor, making it a great place to live for those who want the convenience of a big city while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a small town. Hamburg is also home to several businesses, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to live for those who want to enjoy the amenities of a larger city without having to live in it.
Buying a home in Hamburg Michigan has many benefits. First, the town is close to Ann Arbor, making it easy to commute to work or visit the city for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Second, Hamburg is known for its excellent schools, making it a great place to raise a family. Third, the town offers a variety of home types, from single-family homes to townhomes to apartments, so buyers can find the perfect home for their needs. Finally, Hamburg is known for its low taxes and affordable home prices, making it a great place to buy a home without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for the best realtor in the area, take a look at what we can do for you and who we are.

Access to Shopping and Dining
Hamburg is home to several restaurants, shops, and businesses, so residents don’t have to travel to Ann Arbor to find what they need. The town also has several grocery stores, banks, and other services, so residents can find everything they need without having to leave town. In addition, Hamburg is close to several larger cities, including Brighton, Pinckney, and Howell, so residents can find even more shopping and dining options in these nearby towns.

Local Parks and Recreation
Hamburg is known for its excellent parks and recreational facilities. The town has several parks, including the Hamburg Township Park, which features a playground, walking trails, and a disc golf course. The town also has several lakes, including Lake Hamburg, which offers fishing, swimming, and boating. Finally, the town is home to several golf courses, so golfers can enjoy a round of golf without having to travel far from home.

Home Prices and Taxes
Hamburg is known for its affordable home prices and low taxes. The median home price in the town is $208,000, and the median property tax rate is 1.14%. This makes Hamburg a great place to buy a home without breaking the bank.

Homeowner’s Associations
Many of the neighborhoods in Hamburg are part of homeowner’s associations. These associations provide a variety of benefits, including maintaining common areas, enforcing neighborhood rules, and organizing social activities. They also provide a sense of community and can help ensure that the neighborhood remains a desirable place to live.

Financing a home in Hamburg

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A. Mortgages and Down Payments
When buying a home in Hamburg, buyers will need to secure financing. The most common type of financing is a mortgage, which requires a down payment of at least 3.5% of the purchase price. Buyers should also consider other financing options, such as government-backed loans and private loans, to ensure they get the best deal on their home loan.

B. Tax Benefits
When buying a home in Hamburg, buyers can take advantage of several tax benefits. For example, homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on their mortgage, as well as their property taxes, from their federal taxes. This can help reduce the amount of taxes they owe and potentially save them money in the long run.

C. Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is required when buying a home in Hamburg. This insurance covers the home and its contents in the event of a disaster, such as a fire or flood. It also provides liability coverage in case someone is injured on the property. Homeowner’s insurance is an important part of owning a home, and buyers should make sure they get the right coverage for their needs.

Closing

A. Steps in the Closing Process
The closing process is the final step in buying a home in Hamburg. During the closing process, buyers and sellers will sign the necessary paperwork and transfer the deed and title to the buyer. The buyer will also pay any closing costs and fees, such as real estate taxes and title insurance. Once all of the paperwork is signed and the closing is complete, the buyer will officially become the owner of the home.

B. Moving and Settling In
Once the closing is complete, the buyer will need to move into the home and begin the process of settling in. This includes unpacking, setting up utilities, and getting to know the neighbors. The buyer should also make sure to register to vote and obtain a driver’s license in the town of Hamburg.

C. Enjoying Life in Hamburg Michigan
Once the buyer is settled in, they can begin to enjoy all that Hamburg has to offer. The town is home to several parks, lakes, and trails, so residents can enjoy the outdoors. The town is also home to several businesses, restaurants, and shops, so residents can find what they need without having to travel far. Finally, the town is close to Ann Arbor, making it easy to take advantage of the city’s amenities. With so much to offer, Hamburg is a great place to call home.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines Simplifying The Market

If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed, and understanding what that really means is mission critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening today. Here’s a deeper look.

According to the Year-End 2022 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report from ATTOM, foreclosure filings are up 115% from 2021, but down 34% from 2019. As media headlines grab onto this 115% increase, it’s more important than ever to put that percentage into context.

While the number of foreclosure filings did more than double last year, we need to remember why that happened and how it compares to more normal, pre-pandemic years in the market. Thanks to the forbearance program and other relief options for homeowners, foreclosure filings were down to record-low levels in 2020 and 2021, so any increase last year is — no surprise — a jump up. Rick Sharga, Executive VP of Market Intelligence at ATTOM, notes:

“Eighteen months after the end of the government’s foreclosure moratorium, and with less than five percent of the 8.4 million borrowers who entered the CARES Act forbearance program remaining, foreclosure activity remains significantly lower than it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems clear that government and mortgage industry efforts during the pandemic, coupled with a strong economy, have helped prevent millions of unnecessary foreclosures.”

Clearly, these options meant millions of homeowners could stay in their homes, allowing them to get back on their feet during a very challenging period. With home values rising at the same time, many homeowners who may have found themselves facing foreclosure under other circumstances were able to leverage their equity and sell their houses rather than face foreclosure, and that trend continues today.

And remember, as the graph below shows, foreclosures today are far below the record-high 2.9 million that were reported in 2010 when the housing market crashed.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines | Simplifying The Market

So, while foreclosures are rising, keeping perspective in mind is key. As Bill McBride, Founder and Author of Calculated Risk, noted just last week:

“The bottom line is there will be an increase in foreclosures over the next year (from record low levels), but there will not be a huge wave of distressed sales as happened following the housing bubble. The distressed sales during the housing bust led to cascading price declines, and that will not happen this time.”