Flat Fee MLS, For Sale By Owner, Home Buyer Rebates

Home Purchase Applications Rise

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:36:02 +0000

The Mortgage Bankers Association announced that mortgage applications rose 1.5% from the previous week. The unadjusted purchase index also rose 1.5 percent, and it was up 7.1 percent compared to four weeks ago. For the third straight week, government-backed loans, especially Federal Housing Administration loans, drove the increase, with government loan volume rising 3.4 percent [...]

Home Purchase Applications Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Starts Down

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:09:29 +0000

In a bit of good news for resale home sellers, home builders have cut back on new construction. The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that single-family home starts fell 0.7 percent in June, following still larger declines in both May and April. Less competition from builders should help to improve individual home sellers chances of selling [...]

Housing Starts Down is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Buyer Connect

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:11:12 +0000

Richmond and Central Virginia area home buyers now have a new way to save on their real estate purchase. Bloomkey has launched a local area website, HomeBuyerConnect.com designed to reward Internet home shoppers for finding and previewing homes on their own to purchase. Through the new program buyers can receive a rebate on their home [...]

Home Buyer Connect is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Bloomkey Flat Fee MLS

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:35:18 +0000

Flat fee MLS listing has become almost ubiquitous since Bloomkey’s broker first started the online brokerage model in 1997. But one thing that stands out about Bloomkey is value. While lots of online companies provide an advertisement in the Realtor MLS and on Realtor.com, Bloomkey provides a complete suite of online For Sale By Owner [...]

Bloomkey Flat Fee MLS is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Bloomkey Keeps Home Buyer Credit Alive

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:11:45 +0000

The federal home buyer tax credit may have ended on April 30, 2010, however home buyers at Bloomkey.com can still take advantage of tremendous savings. Bloomkey’s Home Buyer Rebate Program allows home and property purchasers in selected markets to receive a rebate on their home purchase. With the easy access to real estate property for [...]

Bloomkey Keeps Home Buyer Credit Alive is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Tax Credit Rush is On

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:10:26 +0000

With less than a month left to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit, home buyers must act quickly. To take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity for a government handout, you must have a home under contract before April 30th, 2010 and close before July 31, 2010. First-time homebuyers may qualify [...]

Tax Credit Rush is On is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

HUD Makes Foreclosures Available to Investors

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:15:09 +0000

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has now waived the limitation that buyers of their foreclosure properties must live in the property for the first year. This should help to further alleviate the number of foreclosure properties currently on the market in the wake of the real estate market meltdown that began over [...]

HUD Makes Foreclosures Available to Investors is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Buyers Advised Not to Wait

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:08:25 +0000

Money Magazine reported today that buyers who wait to buy a home may be losing out on some very important incentives. First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes [...]

Home Buyers Advised Not to Wait is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

76% Think It’s a Good Time to Buy

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:51:30 +0000

According to a Reuters/University of Michigan poll, 76% of consumers polled believe now is a good time to buy a home. Economists in the Reuters poll said the bottom of the housing market has probably been reached. Home prices unexpectedly slipped in December but the annual rate of decline slowed Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller indexes showed [...]

76% Think It’s a Good Time to Buy is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Owner Equity on the Rise

admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:20:47 +0000

According to the Fed’s most recent “

Home Owner Equity on the Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

NAR Reports Sales Surge

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:49:04 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® reported a 27.2 gain for the fourth quarter of 2009. Sales increased from the third quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia; 32 states saw double-digit gains. Speaking of the federal tax credit for home buyers, Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said “The surge in home sales [...]

NAR Reports Sales Surge is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Sales Rise

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:39:51 +0000

In spite of a rough economny and continued unemployment woes, home sales rose in 2009. According to the National Association of Realtors®, there were approximately 5,156,000 existing-home sales in 2009, which was 4.9 percent higher than the 4,913,000 transactions recorded in 2008. It was the first annual sales gain since 2005. Total housing inventory at [...]

Home Sales Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Is there a difference between flat fee companies?

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:26:23 +0000

I’m often asked if there is really any difference between flat fee companies and whether there’s anything to compare, other than price, when selecting a flat fee MLS provider. The answer, of course, depends on the owner/seller’s motivation. If you just want to list or advertise your property for sale in the MLS, then cost [...]

Is there a difference between flat fee companies? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

For Sale By Owner Advertising

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:42:45 +0000

For sale by owner advertising has changed along with the real estate marketing landscape in general. Today’s marketing of real estate has expanded signficantly from a “sign in the yard and an ad in the paper”. Internet advertising allows by owner sellers access to distribution channels that circumnavigate the globe. What used to cost home [...]

For Sale By Owner Advertising is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Flat Fee MLS

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:28:57 +0000

Flat fee mls listing still remains the most popular alternative to commission based real estate brokerage services. Most home sellers who have utilized a flat-fee mls service are astounded that the service is available at such a relatively low cost, especially compared with the cost of using a traditional broker. Instead of paying a commission [...]

Flat Fee MLS is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Prices Rise for 5th Straight Month

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:40:14 +0000

The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index released Tuesday showed housing prices up 0.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted reading of 145.36 in October from September. That’s the 5th month in a row that the index has increased showing that recovery efforts have been at least somewhat successful in the residential real estate market. Although [...]

Home Prices Rise for 5th Straight Month is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Best Buyer’s Market in Decades Coming to a Close?

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:26:09 +0000

Time may be slipping away for consumers to take advantage of one of the best opportunites for home buyers in U.S. history. The continuing buyer’s market has been fueled by a much larger than normal supply of housing; the federal tax credit gives home buyer’s unprecedented tax savings; and interest rates have remained extremely attractive [...]

Best Buyer’s Market in Decades Coming to a Close? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

U.S. Homes Sales Surge

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:10:43 +0000

Existing home sales rose 7.4% in November and prices have steadied according to a new report from the U.S. Commerce Department. However, buyers and sellers need to take advantage now as the tax credit and low interest rates are not expected to last past the 2nd quarter of 2010. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the [...]

U.S. Homes Sales Surge is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Rescue Scams

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:00:17 +0000

Seems like there’s always someone out there willing to take advantage of people who are already having a tough time. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a consumer advisory detailing common mortgage modification scams. These are a few of the fraudulent tactics that con artists may use to put distressed homeowners into an [...]

Mortgage Rescue Scams is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Top Reasons to Sell During the Holiday Season

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:12:42 +0000

Everyone knows Spring is real estate season. That’s the time of the year when more houses go on the market and people are out shopping for a new home. However, what you don’t always hear is that plenty of houses are selling during the Holidays. In fact, according to National Association of Realtor statistics fully [...]

Top Reasons to Sell During the Holiday Season is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Prices Stabilizing

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:15:51 +0000

According to a new report published by home valuation website Zillow.com housing prices are finally stabilizing. Cheif economist for Zillow, Stan Humphries said that properties in 48 of the 154 markets tracked by Zillow rose in value this year. “We believe that demand will come under downward pressure as mortgage rates creep back up after [...]

Home Prices Stabilizing is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Inventory Improves

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:45:11 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported that the housing inventory picture is continuing to improve. Citing a study by compiled by ZipRealty, WSJ said “the supply of homes available for sale in 27 major metropolitan areas at the end of November was down 2.4% compared with a month earlier”. The November inventory in the 27 metro [...]

Housing Inventory Improves is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Sales Soar in October

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:27:18 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) annouced that October was the ninth consecutive month of increases in the number of pending home sales. The NAR index rose an unprecendeted 32%. Between September and October NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index rose 3.7% to 114.1 from 110 in October. But the index is 31.8% higher than a [...]

Home Sales Soar in October is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Sales Up – Mortgage Rates Down

admin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:10:23 +0000

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that sales of new homes rose 6.2 percent last month to the highest level in more than a year. The resale market is also strong. The National Association of Realtors® said Monday home resales rose 10 percent from September to October, the biggest monthly increase in a decade. Along with [...]

Home Sales Up – Mortgage Rates Down is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

NAHB Posts FAQ for Repeat/Move-Up Home Buyer Tax Credit

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:20:36 +0000

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has posted a Frequently Asked Questions section for the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit that went into effect November 6, 2009. The FAQ answers questions regarding a $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners purchasing a principal or primary residence before April 30, 2010 and closing no later [...]

NAHB Posts FAQ for Repeat/Move-Up Home Buyer Tax Credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Fannie Mae sees Growth in 2010

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:08:17 +0000

In a new report issued this week ” ECONOMICS AND MORTGAGE MARKET ANALYSIS”, Fannie Mae’s Doug Duncan and Orawin Velz said that the end of the longest recession since the Great Depression is ‘unofficially’ over. The Fannie Mae economists are projecting sales of new and existing homes to increase 11 percent next year and that [...]

Fannie Mae sees Growth in 2010 is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

NAR Economists Predicts 15% Increase in Home Sales for 2010

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:15:01 +0000

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors told a group of Realtors to expect a 15% increase in home sales for 2010. Citing the extension of the home buyer tax credit, Yun said that the supply of homes should stabilize at the historic norm of six to seven months which should bring [...]

NAR Economists Predicts 15% Increase in Home Sales for 2010 is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home-Buyer Tax Credits Explained

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:01:09 +0000

Here are the rules for the Home Buyer Tax Credit that went into effect November 7, 2009 and end on April 30th, 2009. For more details, go to federalhousingtaxcredit.com, a website sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. First-time home buyers still get a credit of as much as 10% of the purchase price, [...]

Home-Buyer Tax Credits Explained is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Flat Fee MLS Aids in Economic Recovery

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:29:40 +0000

For cash strapped homeowners, flat fee MLS listing provides a welcome alternative to traditional commission based real estate brokerage. With the devastating equity plunge felt in many area markets, quite a number of home owners simply don’t have the ability to pay a 5-6% commission. Faced with the alternative of selling by owner with limited [...]

Flat Fee MLS Aids in Economic Recovery is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Congress Extends Home Buyer Tax Credit

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:02:21 +0000

Congress today passed a bill to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit. The credit remains capped at $8,000 but income limits are higher under the new bill. President Obama is expected to sign the bill. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and by an overwhelming majority in the House. Under the new legislation, income [...]

Congress Extends Home Buyer Tax Credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Pending Home Sales Rise for 8th Straight Month

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:55:20 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) announced Monday that the volume of signed contracts to buy resale homes rose for the eighth straight month in September as buyers scrambled to take advantage of a tax credit for first-time owners that expires November 30th, 2009. It was the highest the index has been since December 2006 [...]

Pending Home Sales Rise for 8th Straight Month is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

NAR thanks Congress

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:05:36 +0000

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® thanked Congress for speedy action in passing a congressional resolution yesterday that would extend the current higher Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loan limits through 2010. The present loan limits would expire at the end of 2009 and revert to previous lower limits. “NAR commends both houses of Congress [...]

NAR thanks Congress is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Interest Rates Head Up

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:11:08 +0000

Interest rates climb for the third week in a row and the average 30 year mortgage is still attractive for home buyers at 5.03%. The Federal Reserve has pumped $1.25 trillion on mortgage-backed securities in an effort to lower rates on mortgages and loosen credit. And, slowly, Wall Street is retaking it’s place in the [...]

Interest Rates Head Up is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Senate Democrats Agree on Home Buyer Credit Extension

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:38:46 +0000

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) says Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit. The latest version extends the program to home sales signed — not closed — by April 30. Purchasers would have another 60 days to close the sale. The credit will also be expanded to include [...]

Senate Democrats Agree on Home Buyer Credit Extension is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Proposal to Extend Housing Tax Credit

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:28:22 +0000

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., in the Senate are proposing a plan that would would extend the real estate $8,000 tax credit — which expires Nov. 30 — through March 31. Under their proposal its value would drop by $2,000 for each of the subsequent three [...]

Proposal to Extend Housing Tax Credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home sales rise 9.4 percent in September

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:47:58 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® said today that home sales rose 9.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million in September. “Much of the momentum is from people responding to the first-time buyer tax credit, which is freeing many sellers to make a trade and buy another home,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR [...]

Home sales rise 9.4 percent in September is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Starts Continue to Rise

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:28:47 +0000

In more good news for the real estate recovery efforts, housing starts rose again by 0.5% in September according to the U.S Commerce Department. Single-family home construction increased 3.9% led by the South region which gained over 7% percent. Housing Starts Continue to Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee [...]

Housing Starts Continue to Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Got Real Estate Questions?

admin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:15:48 +0000

Businessweek.com answers the 25 questions on most peoples minds about real estate. If, like most people, you’re wondering, for instance, “Has the real estate market has hit bottom?” Businessweek’s answers your questions online at Answering the 25 Biggest Real Estate Questions”. So, if you need to know the short answers to “What is the lowest [...]

Got Real Estate Questions? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Market Showing Hidden Strength

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:15:53 +0000

In the ‘good news’ category for sale by owner home sellers, recent Case-Shiller Index data indicates there’s more strength in the housing market than many in the industry recognizes. Prices have appreciated in the middle- and high-priced segments of the market in many cities, not just in the low-priced segment. Prices in all categories of [...]

Housing Market Showing Hidden Strength is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Flat Fee MLS Saves Home Equity

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:36:23 +0000

Thinking of selling your home or property “for sale by owner”? Flat fee MLS listing gives you the marketing exposure you need to reach potential buyers without giving up thousands of dollars in real estate commissions. A flat fee MLS listing is the online alternative to traditional real estate brokerage. Instead of paying a relatively [...]

Flat Fee MLS Saves Home Equity is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Pending Home Sales Up for Record 6th Month

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:28:03 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said Thursday the volume of ‘contracts pending’ rose 6.4 percent from July to 103.8, beating forecasts. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected the index would rise just 98.6. The index is at the highest level since March 2007 when it was 104.5. Typically there is a one- to two-month [...]

Pending Home Sales Up for Record 6th Month is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

New Homes Sale Rise for 5 Straight Months

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:16:17 +0000

August saw new homes sales inch up 0.7% over July the Commerce Department said. The seasonally-adjusted estimate of new home inventory at the end of August was 262,000, which represents a 7.3-month supply at the current sales rate. “Price cuts and dramatic cutbacks in home construction are clearing out inventory in a big way,” said [...]

New Homes Sale Rise for 5 Straight Months is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

New RESPA Reforms Set for Jan. 1

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:47:51 +0000

On January 1, 2010 mortgage reforms under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) are scheduled to take effect. For the first time in more than 30 years, the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department is updating mortgage rules to help consumers obtain the lowest cost mortgages, avoid costly and potentially harmful loan [...]

New RESPA Reforms Set for Jan. 1 is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Rates Remain Attractive

Editor — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:23:09 +0000

Rates for 30-year home loans were unchanged this week and remain close to record-low levels. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 5.04 percent, still attractive for people looking to buy a home, the same as a week earlier, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday. In an effort to strengthen the recovery the [...]

Mortgage Rates Remain Attractive is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

FHA Loans on the Rise

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:52:12 +0000

Government-insured Federal Housing Administration loans now make up about 25% of the mortgage market. In stark contrast to the days of ‘no-money down’ lending, most banks now require at least 10% down payment on a mortgage loan. An FHA loan allows borrowers purchase a home with a down payment of as little as 3.5%. While [...]

FHA Loans on the Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Buyer Tax Credit a Success

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:51:42 +0000

By all measures the Home Buyer Tax Credit has been a success… The IRS has reported that 1.4 million taxpayers have claimed the first-time homebuyers credit. By year’s end, another approximately 400,000 buyers are expected to be to have taken advantage of the program. The credit is available to taxpayers who have not owned another [...]

Home Buyer Tax Credit a Success is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Builder Confidence Up on Housing Starts Rise

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:09:27 +0000

An index of home builders’ confidence rose in September for the third month in a row as the National Association of Home Builders said that its Housing Market Index, which it compiles for Wells Fargo, rose one point last month to 19 — the highest level since May 2008. Construction of single-family homes and apartments [...]

Builder Confidence Up on Housing Starts Rise is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Call to Action: Extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:15:44 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® today called for it’s membership to lobby Congress for an extension and expansion of the Home Buyer Tax Credit that runs out November 30th, 2009. Credited for much of the housing recovery over the past few months, the Home Buyer Tax Credit “needs to be extended for an additional period [...]

Call to Action: Extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Most Affordable Time to Buy Ever

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:49:29 +0000

The National Association of Realtors’ own affordability index, which stretches back to 1981, says that this July’s level set a lifetime record for the month. Home prices in Northeast metros such as New York—which remains the least affordable metro in the country—have dropped somewhat. But the most significant improvements are in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona, [...]

Most Affordable Time to Buy Ever is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Lower End Homes Seeing Signs of Recovery First

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:23:59 +0000

Moderately priced homes are beginning to feel the benefits of Washington’s plan for recovery sooner than those at the upper end. The divide between the mass market and the high-end (generally defined as homes that cost above $750,000) is starting to grow as consumers have begun to take advantage of the $8,000 credit for first [...]

Lower End Homes Seeing Signs of Recovery First is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

How to Claim the $8,000 Tax Credit

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:22:54 +0000

The National Association of Realtors® has published a “how-to” manual for obtaining the 2009 home buying tax credit. The general steps are: 1. Close on your home purchase by November 30, 2009, 2. Ensure that you are a qualified first-time buyer under IRS guidelines, 3. Decide which year to file under, 2008 or 2009, 4. [...]

How to Claim the $8,000 Tax Credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Rates Remain Close to Record Lows

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:34:49 +0000

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 5.08 percent, down from 5.14 percent a week earlier, remaining close to record lows mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday. Rates, while above the record low of 4.78 percent hit in the spring, are still at attractive levels for people looking to buy a home or [...]

Mortgage Rates Remain Close to Record Lows is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Pending Home Sales Set Record

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:47:48 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) contract activity for pending home sales has risen for six straight months, a record not seen in the history of the index since it began in 2001. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in July, increased 3.2 percent to 97.6 from [...]

Pending Home Sales Set Record is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Homebuyer Credits End Soon

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:26:19 +0000

Now may be the time to buy if you want to take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit. Passed earlier this year as part of the economic stimulus package, the credit is good for up to $8,000, or 10% of the purchase price, and applies to people who have not owned a home in [...]

Homebuyer Credits End Soon is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Prices Post Gains

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:29:38 +0000

Home prices in major U.S. cities rose for the second straight month in June in the latest sign the housing market may be steadying after years of declines. After three years of declines, home prices increased 2.9% in the three months ended June 30, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller report. That is the first quarter-over-quarter [...]

Home Prices Post Gains is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Existing Homes Selling Record Fast

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:51:45 +0000

Sales of previously owned single-family homes were up 7.2% compared with June and 5% from July 2008, The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported Friday. The monthly gain was the largest on record for existing-home sales, which NAR has tracked since 1999. “The housing market has decisively turned for the better,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s [...]

Existing Homes Selling Record Fast is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Affordability at 18 Year High

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:10:31 +0000

A family earning the nation’s median income of $64,000 a year could afford to buy 72.3 percent of all homes sold in the United States during the second quarter of 2009, according to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). Low interest rates and prices improved nationwide housing affordability [...]

Housing Affordability at 18 Year High is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Price Decline Slowing

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:08:53 +0000

According to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which tracks home prices across 20 major cities nationwide, the three-year housing slump slowed sharply in April and May. And several cities actually saw prices rise — among them Denver, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston, Cleveland and Dallas. Even Miami, previously falling at a rate of 3% per month, [...]

Home Price Decline Slowing is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Strongest Housing Markets

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:47:09 +0000

According to a new report by BusinessWeek based on real estate site Zillow.com’s second-quarter home value index, there are more than 30 metro areas across the country where values have risen from the first quarter of the year to the second quarter. The strongest housing markets by ranking metro areas based on the share of [...]

Strongest Housing Markets is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Buying Now More Cost Effective for Renters

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Due to lower home prices, lower mortgage rates and federal tax incentives, renters are now realizing they could be home owners for about the same or just a little more money. According to the Associated Press the gap between the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home and the median rent has fallen from $777 [...]

Home Buying Now More Cost Effective for Renters is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:12:44 +0000

Freddie Mac announced Thursday that rates for 30-year home loans have dropped for the third-straight week. Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said rate reductions over the past five weeks translate into monthly savings of $56 on a $200,000 mortgage. The average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages was 5.14 percent this week, down from 5.2 [...]

Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Homebuilder’s Outlook Improves

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:14:43 +0000

During July the National Association of Home Builders’ housing market index has climbed to the highest level in nearly a year. The home builder’s trade association reported that the index rose two points to 17, its highest poiny since September 2008. Index readings lower than 50 indicate negative sentiment about the market. The last time [...]

Homebuilder’s Outlook Improves is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Northern Virginia Association of Realtor®s Reports Gains

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:52:04 +0000

NVAR reported a total of 2,169 homes sold in June 2009, a 14.16 percent increase above June 2008 home sales of 1,900. Perhaps more importantly to housing prices in the area, active listings decreased by 27 percent from last year, with 7,617 active listings in June, compared with 10,440 homes available in June 2008. The [...]

Northern Virginia Association of Realtor®s Reports Gains is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Demand for Home Mortgages Increases

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:03:44 +0000

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association the demand for home mortgage loans rose to a seasonally adjusted 10.9 percent to 493.1 in the week ended July 3, 2009. The group’s seasonally adjusted refinancing index rose 15.2 percent last week to 1,707.7. Home purchase applications rose 6.7 percent last week to 285.6. The average 30-year mortgage [...]

Demand for Home Mortgages Increases is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Case/Schiller Index Shows Improvement

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:02:47 +0000

According to the Case/Schiller Index, a 20 city index that’s supposed to be representative of the nation as a whole, there is a clear trend that home prices declines are moderating – yet another sign the beleaguered housing market is stabilizing. Eight of the 20 metros posted price gains from March, with Dallas recording the [...]

Case/Schiller Index Shows Improvement is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Rebound Continues

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:19:40 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Pending Home Sales Indexrose 0.1% during the month of May. The index was up 6.7% compared with May 2008. It was the first four-month run up in the pending sales measure since October 2004. But the rise in sales contracts may not yield a like increase [...]

Housing Rebound Continues is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Affordability in Record Territory

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:55:42 +0000

The housing affordability index rose to 174.8 in April from an upwardly revised 171.9 in March, and was the second highest monthly reading on record after peaking at 176.9 in January of this year. According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, the total number of home sales is expected to improve but with dramatic local [...]

Housing Affordability in Record Territory is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Consumer Financial Protection Agency

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:04:28 +0000

After the excesses and misconduct within the mortgage industry leading up to the collapse of the housing market, the Obama administration has come up with a plan to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Chief among the duties for the new agency would be to enforce safeguards to ensure that consumers are protected when dealing [...]

Consumer Financial Protection Agency is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

$6 billion made available for foreclosed homes

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:05:45 +0000

The U.S. Government has made close to $6 billion available for the ‘Neighborhood Stabilization Program’, in order to reduce the number of foreclosed homes on the market. The money authorized last summer will go to state and local housing authorities and non-profit organizations involved in providing housing for middle- and low-income families. Most of the [...]

$6 billion made available for foreclosed homes is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Existing Home Sales Up in May

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:08:55 +0000

Existing home sales rose 2.4% in May to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.77 million, from a downwardly revised pace of 4.66 million in April according to the National Association of Realtors®. The median sales price nationally was pulled down to $173,000 by the fact that 1 out of every 3 sales was a foreclosure [...]

Existing Home Sales Up in May is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Rates Heading Up

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:08:06 +0000

As treasury rates continue to head up the average 30-year fixed rate climbed precipitously to 5.95% from 5.45% last week, according to a weekly national survey from Bankrate.com. Mortgage rates are often influenced by treasury rates which have themselves climbed to 4% from 2% just six months ago. Although they have risen so quickly, mortgage [...]

Mortgage Rates Heading Up is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

HUD Announces Tax Credit Use at Closing Table

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:41:05 +0000

In remarks before a special session of the NAHB Board of Directors on May 29, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced new actions that his agency is taking to help ensure that consumers can use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit at the closing table. http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=117642&hp=yes HUD Announces Tax Credit Use at Closing Table is [...]

HUD Announces Tax Credit Use at Closing Table is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Unrealistic Home Buyers?

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:13:05 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors® Confidence Index Survey, the real estate market is currently divided along two segments. 1) Distressed property, selling at a significant discount in the neighborhood of 10 to 20% in recent months and 2) Non-distressed property, selling “at market.” NAR research shows that in April ’09, 44 percent of [...]

Unrealistic Home Buyers? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Most Difficult Tasks For FSBO Sellers

admin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:48:26 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors survey of what For Sale By Owner’s said were the most difficult tasks associated with selling home: Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers: Getting the right price . . . 15% Understanding paperwork . . . 18% Preparing/fixing up home for sale . . . 15% Attracting potential [...]

Most Difficult Tasks For FSBO Sellers is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Myth of Dual Agency

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000

A little known secret about the real estate industry* (*outside the industry) is that real estate agents love to ‘double end’ a real estate sale. ‘Double ending’ is the practice whereby agents keep the entire 6% commission rather than splitting it with a buyer’s agent. In fact, most practicing real estate agents rely on the [...]

Myth of Dual Agency is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

A Bottom for the Market

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 02:26:45 +0000

According to a A-P Re/max poll April sales increased from last year in four of the Southern metro areas covered by The Associated Press-Re/Max Housing Report Washington D.C. and the Florida cities of Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Throughout the South, low prices mean good deals for buyers and a strategy change for sellers. In Miami, [...]

A Bottom for the Market is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Summer Market Starts Now

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:45:52 +0000

Been waiting for the right time to buy or sell? Now that school’s about over for most of us, the summer bug to buy that next home is beginning to bite. Plenty of available inventory makes for a buyer’s market which is actually good news for everyone. Even if you have to sell at a [...]

Summer Market Starts Now is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Be Market Savvy

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:27:35 +0000

Buying or selling a home in today’s market means being up on market pricing and trends. As noone has yet determined whether we’re at the bottom of the market, still heading down or on the way back up, it’s critical to keep up with market conditions in your area, pricing and financing options. The best [...]

Be Market Savvy is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Moving? Get a Jump on the Process

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:13:26 +0000

If you’re planning a move the best advice is to plan ahead. Even if the market is a little slower than normal, as soon as you put your home on the market you should be thinking about what you need to do to make a smooth transition to your new home. This includes interviewing movers, [...]

Moving? Get a Jump on the Process is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Bloomkey Offers MLS Specific Data Entry Online

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:35:56 +0000

Bloomkey today announced the beta-launch of a new online MLS data entry system for its Internet customers. The one-of-a-kind system allows users in selected markets to select their MLS system and complete the data fields for their MLS entry based on the selections available for that particular MLS. The problem faced by customers of online [...]

Bloomkey Offers MLS Specific Data Entry Online is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Jump in Homes Under Contract

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:47:41 +0000

The Pending Home Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) showed a 3.2% gain to 84.6 from February, when it was 82. The index stands 1.6% higher than a year ago. Pending home sales rose in March for the second consecutive month and are up year over year. The upturn may have been [...]

Jump in Homes Under Contract is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

New Construction Numbers Up

admin — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:18:49 +0000

March construction spending increased 0.3%. Still 11.1% below March 2008 expenditures builders and home owner’s can take heart that at least the market seems to be heading in the right direction. If market conditions improved, 31% of today’s homeowners indicated they would place their homes on the market within the next 12 months. The Zillow [...]

New Construction Numbers Up is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Canada Considers Competition in Real Estate Industry

admin — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:16:46 +0000

The Canadian Competition Bureau (Canada’s version of the FTC and DOJ) is considering whether some of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) rules and regulations might be anti-competitive. Attorneys for the Competition Bureau have interviewed Bloomkey’s broker, Lawrence Bunnell, on a number of occasions to determine why lower cost alternative brokerage services haven’t spread across [...]

Canada Considers Competition in Real Estate Industry is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Now’s a Great Time to Buy

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:21:10 +0000

Buying a home may be a bit more difficult today as financing has become more of a struggle than in recent years. But if you have the money and plan on staying in a home for the next three-five years or more, this is the time to buy as property prices haven’t been at these [...]

Now’s a Great Time to Buy is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Stats that Matter to You

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:03:53 +0000

The National Association of Realtors releases its report on existing-home sales for the previous month on or around the 25th of each month. The key indicator you want to watch out for is housing inventory or supply. This number represents the number of months’ worth of existing houses there are on the market. Here’s how [...]

Housing Stats that Matter to You is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Market Showing Signs of Life

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:27:26 +0000

Pending home sales rose in February thanks to low mortgage rates, lower prices and the new first-time home buyer tax credit. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeownership is now more affordable than it’s been since 1970! NAR reported that existing home sales rose 5.1% in February, the largest increase in almost 6 years. [...]

Housing Market Showing Signs of Life is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Staging

admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:33:04 +0000

Whether you’re selling a home by owner or by owner with flat-fee MLS or with a full-service real estate broker, a home staging company can be a great resource to utilize. Most of us don’t have the interior decorating skills to show off a home for sale in its best possible light. A home staging [...]

Home Staging is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Offering Home Selling Incentives

admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:39:56 +0000

Marketing a home in a competitive market calls for aggressive tactics. One marketing method often overlooked by owners and agents are home selling incentives. Incentives can come in several forms. Also, you can incentivize both buyers and buyer agents. To incentivize buyers consider offering closing cost assistance. In today’s economic climate, mortgages have become more [...]

Offering Home Selling Incentives is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

HUD Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:23:25 +0000

The Department of Housing and Urban Development wants you to be aware of the programs available to citizens through the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. To find out more about these programs and how they can help you, visit the HUD website. As part of the effort to assist the economic recovery, bloomkey is [...]

HUD Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Marketing 101

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:49:06 +0000

Marketing a home for sale means letting the greatest number of people possible know that your property is on the market. If you want to sell for the highest price, in the least amount of time, expose your property to as wide an audience as you can economically and efficiently reach. The number 1 selling [...]

Home Marketing 101 is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

So You Wanna Be a FSBO?

admin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:41:44 +0000

There’s a desire in all of us, at one point or another, to take matters into our own hands and sell a house ‘for sale by owner’. What could be more rewarding? Not only can you have the satisfaction of accomplishing the sale on your own, but you stand to save a SIGNIFICANT chunk of [...]

So You Wanna Be a FSBO? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Buyer Credit – Use It or Lose It

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:48:13 +0000

The new home buyer tax credit of $8,000 is only for first time home buyers (or buyers who haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years) who purchase a home before November 30th, 2009. So don’t wait until December to purchase. A tax credit, as opposed to home buying rebates, is basically a free [...]

Buyer Credit – Use It or Lose It is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Twitter Tips for FSBOs

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:43:02 +0000

Want to get the latest tips for selling your home for sale by owner? Follow bloomkey at Twitter.com and get tips on selling your home, saving money and enjoying the process. Twitter Tips for FSBOs is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Twitter Tips for FSBOs is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

For Sale By Owner in Florida

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:43:42 +0000

Looking for ways to sell your Florida home for sale by owner? For sale by owner in Florida can be a challenge right now, but homes are in fact selling every day. What sets these homes apart from the numerous homes that aren’t selling? One advantage is flat-fee MLS listing. Flat fee MLS listing by [...]

For Sale By Owner in Florida is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Bang for the Buck

admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:17:09 +0000

Getting ready to sell your home and wondering which improvements will make the biggest impact on home buyers? In a market like this improvements won’t necessarily bring you more money, but they may make the difference between selling and languishing on the market. According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing siding and windows bring the biggest return. [...]

Bang for the Buck is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Affordability Index Better Than Ever

admin — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:39:27 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors’ housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in December than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The NAR’s affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income. But if you put off a purchase [...]

Affordability Index Better Than Ever is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

A Good Time to Buy

admin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:42:38 +0000

Nevermind the stimulus package’s promise of a home buyer credit. Just take a look at the sales prices of homes today. House prices are at historically low levels in major markets across the U.S. Even such relatively stable markets as Richmond, Virginia are seeing price levels 3-4% lower than just a year ago. If there [...]

A Good Time to Buy is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Death of the 6% Commission

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:26:14 +0000

An opinion article in Inman News today declared the death of the 6% commission. The article titled, ’6 Percent is Dead: The fatal flaw of the percentage-based commission’ by Anthony Longo argues that while ‘some’ brokers may be worth the $50,000 commission they make per transaction in high-end markets like New York, 2009 will be [...]

Death of the 6% Commission is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Mortgage Loan Limits

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:04:26 +0000

Congress today voted on a $790 billion economic stimulus bill that includes a restoration to $729,750 of the upper loan limit in high-cost areas for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA loan guarantee programs. This means more affordable, favorable financing for upper end homes in areas where housing prices are higher. Mortgage Loan Limits is [...]

Mortgage Loan Limits is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Housing Stimulus

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:31:46 +0000

Congress continues to work on certain key aspects of an economic stimulus package to provide relief to the residential real estate market. As home prices have fallen 25 percent since the housing bubble peaked in 2006, representing a $6 trillion loss in wealth and approximately 2.2 million homes went into foreclosure in 2008, (analysts predict [...]

Housing Stimulus is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

For Sale By Owner Websites

admin — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:36:58 +0000

Where can for sale by owner home sellers find the best websites to sell their home? A current search of ‘for sale by owner’ on google netted 45 million results, so there are plenty of places for the FSBO seller to post information about their properties for sale. But if you don’t have the time [...]

For Sale By Owner Websites is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Thriving in a Down Market

admin — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:07:48 +0000

Why is bloomkey thriving and growing in the worst real estate market in the past 50 years? 1) CHOICES – First, by giving people choices in real estate services. Bloomkey allows home sellers to select just the real estate products and services they need. Bloomkey is the ONLY online flat-fee services provider to provide monthly [...]

Thriving in a Down Market is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Help on the Way for the Housing Market!

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:21:45 +0000

The House has passed and the Senate is about to review an economic stimulus bill to help the struggling economy. Real estate buyers and sellers could see some relief although does not extend the credit beyond the current July 1, 2009, sunset on the elimination of the repayment requirement on an existing $7,500 tax credit [...]

Help on the Way for the Housing Market! is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Real Estate Market Improving?

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:19:59 +0000

Gains in the home search activity in California and Florida, as well as other area of the United States, are leading many to believe that the real estate market is beginning to turn. Areas hardest hit by the real estate down turn are now showing major gains in home buyer traffic. The National Association of [...]

Real Estate Market Improving? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

‘For Sale By Owner’ Comes of Age

admin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:01:55 +0000

Selling ‘for sale by owner’ in the old days meant forgoing a huge segment of the market. Without access to the Realtor® Multiple Listing Service property sellers could expect to miss out on up to 85% of the market. Think about the impact on sales price, (not to mention the length of time it takes [...]

‘For Sale By Owner’ Comes of Age is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

For Sale By Owner Needs Help

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:33:04 +0000

The typical for sale by owner puts a sign in the yard, takes out an ad in the paper and waits for the phone to ring. That might cut it in a sellers market, but today’s buyer’s market presents another set of realities. To be successful as a FSBO in the current market you need [...]

For Sale By Owner Needs Help is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Nationwide MLS

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:15:59 +0000

More talk today about a MLS consolidation. The Connecticutt Statewide MLS has created an MLS ‘Bill of Rights’ to foster acceptance of consolidation of MLSs. The key tenents of this Bill of Rights: The right to do business throughout the state where they are licensed to practice real estate; The right to timely, accurate MLS [...]

Nationwide MLS is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

By Owner MLS Listing

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:11:55 +0000

The “mulitple listing system”, called the MLS, gives the broadest exposure possible to homes for sale. In today’s competitive market, you need the most marketing exposure possible, but attempting to sell without the benefit of the MLS can be a like trying to sell shares of stock without the stock exchange. Or, proverbially, “like trying [...]

By Owner MLS Listing is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Prepare Your Home to Sell

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:28:36 +0000

Getting ready to market your home this year? Make sure you’re ready. That means being prepared to show your home and outshining the competion. Here are a few suggestions for getting ready to sell: Prepare a Home To Sell House Selling Tip 1): NOT SEEN AND NOT HEARD Send children and pets off to stay [...]

Prepare Your Home to Sell is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home buying tax credit

admin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:54:17 +0000

Home buyers have gotten a real boost from the government, but you better get started soon. The tax credit of $7,500 for ‘first-time home buyers’ ends July 1, 2009. The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For the [...]

Home buying tax credit is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Vacant homes and Simple and Cost Effecient Staging

Editor — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:34:45 +0000

The way a property shows is critical. Step back and look at your home from a buyers prospective. Is it warm and friendly. Even if the home is vacant there are ways to make it more inviting. Prior to showing if the property has a fireplace, especially gas, start it up. During this season hang [...]

Vacant homes and Simple and Cost Effecient Staging is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

A Home for the Holidays

Editor — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:07:11 +0000

Winter months are historically known for slower home sales however this year may be the year that sales increase from the past sales of December. With low rates and fair pricing a serious buyer may conitinue his search for a home purchase. It will be less likely the buyer will be in a bidding war [...]

A Home for the Holidays is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Feature Sheets For Your Property

Editor — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:39:58 +0000

Buyers expect to find a Feature Sheet regarding the property when preiviewing. A feature sheet should include at least one photo of the property and more if possible. A buyer generally visits several homes in one day and by the end of the showing period can easily forget the details of each property. The photo [...]

Feature Sheets For Your Property is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Virtual Tour

Editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:45:03 +0000

Videos and home tours on realtor.com and MLS help buyers to get a visual on their next potential home purchase. With many people now relocating they are begining their home buying search online. Buyers can view property, price, and location prior to making a commitment to the area. In todays market buyers are more aware of home value and the ability [...]

Virtual Tour is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Holiday Curb Appeal

Editor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:56:19 +0000

It is easy to get carried away with decorating for the holidays. As a seller however you may want to consider the decor of your outside displays. Keep it simple. The curb appeal of the property is the first impression any buyer will have prior to entering the property. If the yard is overloaded with lights, deer, blow [...]

Holiday Curb Appeal is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Price Is King

Editor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:27:57 +0000

Whether you are selling a property as a for sale by owner or have enlisted the help of a traditional realtor one fact remains pricing is everything in todays market. If you are not competetive with the value of your property there is a good chance you will not sell. The fact is that the market [...]

Price Is King is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Inspection May Save You Thousands

Editor — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:12:15 +0000

A home inspector can be hired by either the seller or buyer. When purchasing a home it is important that you know the conidition of the property prior to closing. If the property is sold “as is” a home inspection is still a condition you may want to put into the offer. The term “as [...]

Home Inspection May Save You Thousands is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Sellers Should Promote Home Mortgage Rates

Editor — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:24:09 +0000

If you are selling a home in today’s market you should now know that the buyer can purchase the property by getting a loan with a very low interest rate. This can be a key factor in your advertising. If you have not yet contacted a Mortgage company you may want to consider it. Why? Most mortgage [...]

Sellers Should Promote Home Mortgage Rates is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Warranty

Editor — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:42:40 +0000

Buyers are now looking for assurances that the next home purchase they make will be an investment. They are looking for every means possible to reserve their cash now and avoid any additional costs in the near future due to new ownership. With a home that is not newly constructed comes concerns of upkeep, age of appliances and [...]

Home Warranty is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Selling A Home With A Pet In The House

Editor — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:56:21 +0000

Pets are the best but when selling a property they can be a hindrance. A number one turn off to a homebuyer is pet odor in the home. If you have a cat make sure the litter box is clean. If you have a dog be certain shedding hair is not on furniture or carpets. Other small [...]

Selling A Home With A Pet In The House is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Where did all the Real Estate Agents Go

Editor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:37:38 +0000

The decline in licensed realtors is predicted. The driop should be apparent by January. Where did they all go? When the market is good the world is flooded with Real Estate agents. The market is booming and so is their business. In a good market it takes very little to get a property sold or to [...]

Where did all the Real Estate Agents Go is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Buying A Home and Where to Start

Editor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:15:33 +0000

With the Real Estate market offering thousands of homes for sale where do you start when seriously beginning the search for your next home? First you may want to consider writing a wish list. This would be the area of choice, the style home you like, bedrooms, baths, and any amenities you would like the home to offer. [...]

Buying A Home and Where to Start is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Do improvements add value

Editor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:25:35 +0000

What home improvements can add value to your home when trying to sell ? The best person to determine that may be you. If you know you need a new roof then address it. If you are attempting to get the best price for the property then be aware of the properties that are for [...]

Do improvements add value is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Flat fee marketing platform for real estate agents

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:52:30 +0000

Looking for a way to advertise your flat fee real estate services on the Internet but not sure where to start. Bloomkey.com has recently developed a nationwide real estate marketing platform for real estate brokers. Registration is free and open to licensed real estate brokers. Bloomkey’s unique flat fee marketing system allows real estate brokers [...]

Flat fee marketing platform for real estate agents is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Flat Fee MLS Home Services Rise to the Top

Editor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:14:03 +0000

Flat Fee MLS Services are quickly gaining ground as the number one alternative for folks selling their properties in these ecomomic times. With the equity of homes decreasing across the country and the enourmous capability buyers now have to search properties for sale online sellers are realizing they can in part market the property themselves. A sellers property can be [...]

Flat Fee MLS Home Services Rise to the Top is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Getting the Maximum Exposure for your Home Sale

Editor — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:00:08 +0000

As a for sale by owner or home seller looking to maximize their exposure in this market there are now ways you can do that at less cost than the traditional methods. As a for sale by owner you may not be interested in paying Realtor commssions. At some internet broker sites you can find packages that will allow you [...]

Getting the Maximum Exposure for your Home Sale is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

The hardest part of selling a home – keeping it clean

Editor — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:34:10 +0000

Keeping the house clean. With four children, a cat, and a dog sometimes that may be a hard thing to do. It is simplier to get the house listed and check the ads than it is to get someone to pick up the towel off of the floor after their shower. No doubt a home shows better when [...]

The hardest part of selling a home – keeping it clean is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Commissions used for Buyer Savings

Editor — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:21 +0000

Searching homes for sale online has become a potential buyers pass time and why not. Most homes found on sites have photos, virtual tours and descriptive remarks. The buyer has an opportunity to preview properties without having to go to the property. The need for someone to drive them around all day to view properties is quickly becoming a thing of the past. [...]

Commissions used for Buyer Savings is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Homes are Selling

Editor — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:10:13 +0000

Homes are selling and Can sell when your price is right. How can you avoid major equity loss but still keep your property listed at fair market value. You can choose to sell your property yourself as a for sale by ownr , try to negotiate commissions with a traditional realtor or find a Flat [...]

Homes are Selling is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Holiday Home Selling

Editor — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:43:00 +0000

In today’s market with job changes and companies relocating you never know when or where your potential buyer may come from. One thing may be be for certain the buyer shopping for properties during the holidays is a Serious Buyer. It is not how many people you can get into your property to preview it but how [...]

Holiday Home Selling is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Times are a changing

Editor — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:26:10 +0000

With changes taken place across the country and prices dropping if you are in a position to purchase a home this may be the time. There are properties out there that sellers must sell and are in time crunch to do it. Circumstances from job loss to pending foreclosures are causing many sellers to drop properties [...]

Times are a changing is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

How to show a property

Editor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:50:34 +0000

If you are attempting to sell a property yourself “For Sale by Owner” there are some do’s and dont’s that can make a difference when showing the property to a potential buyer. It is not recommended that you allow anyone in your home without keeping an eye on there whereabouts but be careful on how much [...]

How to show a property is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Learn To Market Your Home in the Right Manner

Manager — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:29:19 +0000

If you pay heed to the advice of real estate experts then you can really be successful in selling your home effectively and quickly. One of the reasons why FSBO sellers have to wait for a long time for good buyers is that they market their home in only a single way. If you are [...]

Learn To Market Your Home in the Right Manner is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Sell your Home and Enjoy the Profits

Manager — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:16:27 +0000

If you were trying to become a FSBO seller, you would say that there are plenty of people to give you stiff competition. Due to the Internet and the easy method of selling a home, the number of FSBO sellers has increased in a short span of time. The real estate information for selling a [...]

Sell your Home and Enjoy the Profits is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Do Not Compare Real Estate To Stock Market

Manager — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:22:09 +0000

If you want to invest in the real estate market then you have to bear certain things in mind. Do not make the mistake of comparing real estate to a stock market. When everything in the real estate markets gets to hot to handle then people often start treating it like the stock market. The [...]

Do Not Compare Real Estate To Stock Market is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Common Traps Buyers Face While Choosing Their Dream Homes

Manager — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:43:30 +0000

Are you trying to buy a home and looking for good for sale by owner sellers? You certainly have to tread with care in the real estate world and avoid making mistakes. If you are getting a mortgage from a bank to buy your new home, then do not skip the step of getting the [...]

Common Traps Buyers Face While Choosing Their Dream Homes is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

How to Make a Good Real Estate Investment

Manager — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:12:37 +0000

Do you want to invest in the real estate market? You must be jealous of those friends who can effortlessly sail through the market, make a purchase and show it off as well. As times are changing, you too can become experienced in making real transactions as opposed to remaining a mere novice in the [...]

How to Make a Good Real Estate Investment is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Sell Your Home on Your Own and Say Goodbye to Brokers

Manager — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:05:45 +0000

Have you sold a home before? If not then you should know that it could become a very difficult task if not done with the right knowledge and in the correct way. For a first time home seller, things can get quite messy, so do all the research that is required. You should not pay [...]

Sell Your Home on Your Own and Say Goodbye to Brokers is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Dealing with a FSBO Seller

Manager — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:15 +0000

There are certain important things you need to do before you get in touch with a FSBO seller. When it comes to money matters, you cannot take any chance. If you can prove that your credit status is good and you are capable of affording the home then that will definitely put the seller as [...]

Dealing with a FSBO Seller is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Choose Your New Home after Examining It Carefully

Manager — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:17:04 +0000

After you find out the existing market value of homes in a chosen area, you should get in touch with any FSBO seller. If you have interacted with real estate agents then you will realize that talking to a FSBO seller is not as difficult as you thought. When you first contact the ” for [...]

Choose Your New Home after Examining It Carefully is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

What Should You Do Before Buying Your First Home?

Manager — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:48:48 +0000

When you are calculating the amount you want to spend for your new home, you have to draw up a proper budget, in which you should also have an emergency fund. This extra fund will be handy when you have to do some fixing up in your new home. This is a requirement in the [...]

What Should You Do Before Buying Your First Home? is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Tips for FSBO Sellers

Manager — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:45:47 +0000

Many real estate investors are choosing to sell their homes as FSBO. This allows home owners to avoid paying agents any kind of commission. As the costs of houses are on the rise, the standard commission of 6% means a lot of money. Why would you want to pay this to the owner when you [...]

Tips for FSBO Sellers is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

FSBO in the Modern Market

Manager — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:16:02 +0000

If you are interested in the real estate market, then you must be aware that it is one of the very complicated markets in the whole world. The reason behind this is that the prices of properties are never stable and they keep changing almost every other day. The only thing that does not change [...]

FSBO in the Modern Market is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

How to Make Your Home an Excellent Property for Sale

Manager — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:52:59 +0000

In the field of real estate, home staging is gaining a lot of popularity and the results are great. Before you plan to put the “for sale by owner ” tag outside or put your home under MLS Listings, think about enhancing the curb appeal of your property. You can attract numerous prospective buyers by [...]

How to Make Your Home an Excellent Property for Sale is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Earn Your Profits with FSBO

Manager — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:23:08 +0000

Do not waste time and increase your confidence as well as your chances of getting the best buyers with FSBO. You have reasons to become confident, as you are the person who gets the chance to meet prospective buyers. In this manner, you can judge whether the buyer is serious enough to buy your home. [...]

Earn Your Profits with FSBO is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Sell Your Home Using FSBO and Avoid Paying Commissions

Manager — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:35:54 +0000

Why should you pay any commission to real estate agents, when you can sell through FSBO? You need to know about some of the home selling facts. Did you know that both buying and selling agents generally receive a total commission of nearly 6% of the entire sale price of the home? This ” for [...]

Sell Your Home Using FSBO and Avoid Paying Commissions is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Home Buying: Tips to Simplify It

Manager — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:39:27 +0000

Do you wish to buy a brand new home and want feel very proud of it? If you are feeling frightened of making this real estate investment, then you do not need to worry. Here are some tips that can help you in your making your big decision. Have you decided to look for homes [...]

Home Buying: Tips to Simplify It is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

Advantages of FSBO Sale

Manager — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:26:04 +0000

FSBO or for sale by owner is the term used to describe a person who sells homes on his or her own without seeking the help of a real estate broker. More and more home owners are resorting to the FSBO method to take charge of the entire home sale process. MLS listing is also [...]

Advantages of FSBO Sale is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates

First Time Home Buyers: What You Must Not Do

Manager — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:18:49 +0000

Has it been your dream to reside in your very own home? You do not have be a very brave person to make a real estate investment. Anyone can buy a home, provided he/she has the right tools and knowledge in hand. It is essential to be aware of certain important things that you should [...]

First Time Home Buyers: What You Must Not Do is a post from: For Sale By Owner | Flat Fee MLS | Home Buyer Rebates