The Advantages of Buying a New Home
For many home buyers, the choice between a resale home and a brand new home is easy: new homes offer a whole range of advantages that are simply not available in a resale property. Here are some of the reasons that have convinced others to buy new.
You know what you get. With a new home, there are no surprises when you move in. You know how the house was built and what went into it-what you can see and what is hidden behind the walls. You also know exactly how to operate and maintain your home's systems and equipment. If you have questions later, your builder will be there to give you a helpful and accurate answer.
You get what you want. Why live with other people's taste in interior decoration? Or spend the next few years redoing the previous owners' home improvements when you can get what you want from the very start. From layout to cabinets to carpeting, new home builders offer a wide selection of standard and up-grade options. You can pick and choose what suits your own lifestyle, personality and budget.
High-quality construction. The technology of home building has improved tremendously over the past few decades and new homes are built better than ever before. They are solidly constructed and well designed for today's lifestyles. They are highly energy efficient, with excellent indoor air quality. From heating systems to roofing shingles and windows, today's building products work better, last longer and often look better. The result is a brand new home that is far more comfortable and healthier, easier to maintain and more enjoyable to live in.
You know the builder. In the end, the quality of your home depends on the quality of your builder. When you buy a new home, you also buy the company's reputation in the community, its track record with past clients and its commitment to customers. That adds up to extra confidence and reassurance for you.
Well-designed communities. New developments are designed to foster a spirit of neighbourliness by carefully balancing private and public areas. Increasingly, verandahs and porches present an open and welcoming facade towards the street, while garages are located at the side or back of homes. Walkways and bikepaths meander through developments, and playgrounds and ballparks keep youngsters safely occupied. "Neo-classical" developments are now appearing that reflect villages of bygone days, with homes close to the sidewalk, white picket fencing throughout, a "commons" area-some with a bandstand or clock tower-and village stores to serve the community. These developments are attracting a lot of interest from both builders and consumers.
Warranty. Resale homes simply do not come with a comprehensive warranty. If something goes wrong, you have do deal with it, there and then, no matter what it costs. Buying a new home, on the other hand, offers peace of mind. Professional builders stand behind their work with an after-sales service program and a guaranteed third-party warranty. Your builder will explain how this warranty works so you can be sure you are getting the coverage that you want. Ask to see a copy of the warranty document, before you sign a contract.
You know what your housing costs will be. This allows you to budget properly and with confidence-great news for first-time home buyers. With today's low interest rates and competitive housing prices, home ownership need not cost any more than what you spend on rent.
When you buy new from a professional builder, you are in control. You know what you get, and you will get what you want. You also know what itjavascript:void(0) will cost, today and in the future.
Contact New Home Specialist Eric Kistner at 423-218-2008 to answer all of your home buying questions.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
KW STIMULUS PLAN
The "KW Stimulus"
The "KW Stimulus" is simply a suggestion to the "very motivated" seller to offer to pay for mortgage interest rate "buy-down" points for a potential Buyer. So, after the Seller offers closing cost assistance (maybe 2% of price) , a home warranty ($400), and the whatever else, the "KW Stimulus" reminds us all "giving never gets old", and suggests an up-front cash outlay by the Seller to cover "points".
1) Leverage, baby ! You, the "motivated seller" can honestly say you are saving the Buyers BIG BUCKS. Like possibly thousands or tens of thousands over the life of their mortgage. And you are. That 1/2 % reduction of interest on a $200,000 home is worth a monthly payment reduction of $60, but this amounts to a total interest paid savings of over $20,000 over the life of a 30 year, fixed rate mortgage.
2) And if the home is sold VA or FHA, that killer mortgage is assumable. The rate becomes a marketable asset. You are giving them something that will help them sell when it comes time to do so !
Brilliant.
Honestly, you have to hand it to the leaders at Keller Williams. They have taken existing information and gift wrapped it to help both Buyers and Sellers alike. While, of course, continuing to grow the most educated, skilled force of agents anywhere. I am truly glad to be part of that team.
In closure, a word of warning. Panic is expensive. So is impatience. Any fool can give something away. When the only option offered is "drop price", be concerned. While that may indeed be necessary to meet whatever goals YOU have set, there are always multiple options you must be both aware of and pursuing.
For instance, before slabbing $10,000 off the asking price, does your home ALWAYS look stellar from the curb? This probably costs much, much less to accomplish than $10,000.
Have you considered partnering with your agent to fund an "over the top" marketing plan for the home? Billboard advertisement ($700), color newspaper ads($250), use your home to sponsor the neighborhood yard sale / local charity event ($500) ? Postcard mailers with a color picture of your home mailed to 2000 people selected using detailed demographic information ($1,000). ***Costs are estimates. But - you get the picture.
In these difficult times, it is natural to see the glass as half empty. Natural, but wrong. Where there exists great challenges (for Sellers), there exists great opportunities (for Buyers). And in realizing that, Sellers become aware of what they need to do to reach their goals as well !
And that piece of wisdom is what best describes "KW Stimulus ". Understand what is attracting the Buyer, AUGMENT IT to differentiate yourself from everyone else - but do so in a way your contribution is leveraged to deliver maximum value.
That is what you should expect from your agent. And if your agent is with Keller Williams, I like your chances of getting just that.
The "KW Stimulus" is simply a suggestion to the "very motivated" seller to offer to pay for mortgage interest rate "buy-down" points for a potential Buyer. So, after the Seller offers closing cost assistance (maybe 2% of price) , a home warranty ($400), and the whatever else, the "KW Stimulus" reminds us all "giving never gets old", and suggests an up-front cash outlay by the Seller to cover "points".
1) Leverage, baby ! You, the "motivated seller" can honestly say you are saving the Buyers BIG BUCKS. Like possibly thousands or tens of thousands over the life of their mortgage. And you are. That 1/2 % reduction of interest on a $200,000 home is worth a monthly payment reduction of $60, but this amounts to a total interest paid savings of over $20,000 over the life of a 30 year, fixed rate mortgage.
2) And if the home is sold VA or FHA, that killer mortgage is assumable. The rate becomes a marketable asset. You are giving them something that will help them sell when it comes time to do so !
Brilliant.
Honestly, you have to hand it to the leaders at Keller Williams. They have taken existing information and gift wrapped it to help both Buyers and Sellers alike. While, of course, continuing to grow the most educated, skilled force of agents anywhere. I am truly glad to be part of that team.
In closure, a word of warning. Panic is expensive. So is impatience. Any fool can give something away. When the only option offered is "drop price", be concerned. While that may indeed be necessary to meet whatever goals YOU have set, there are always multiple options you must be both aware of and pursuing.
For instance, before slabbing $10,000 off the asking price, does your home ALWAYS look stellar from the curb? This probably costs much, much less to accomplish than $10,000.
Have you considered partnering with your agent to fund an "over the top" marketing plan for the home? Billboard advertisement ($700), color newspaper ads($250), use your home to sponsor the neighborhood yard sale / local charity event ($500) ? Postcard mailers with a color picture of your home mailed to 2000 people selected using detailed demographic information ($1,000). ***Costs are estimates. But - you get the picture.
In these difficult times, it is natural to see the glass as half empty. Natural, but wrong. Where there exists great challenges (for Sellers), there exists great opportunities (for Buyers). And in realizing that, Sellers become aware of what they need to do to reach their goals as well !
And that piece of wisdom is what best describes "KW Stimulus ". Understand what is attracting the Buyer, AUGMENT IT to differentiate yourself from everyone else - but do so in a way your contribution is leveraged to deliver maximum value.
That is what you should expect from your agent. And if your agent is with Keller Williams, I like your chances of getting just that.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Edinburgh Move – Trade in program
The Edinburgh Move – Trade in program
By Eric Kistner
Introducing the “Edinburgh Move.” This program allows qualified homes to be “traded” for a new Maverick Home! You as the client have the luxury of not having to move twice; your new home is built while you still live in your existing home. It is now simpler than ever to buy a new home in Kingsport!
With historically low mortgage rates, this program further enhances the clients’ opportunity to purchase now and take advantage of these awesome rates, and lower building costs.
It’s simple. You work with Edinburgh Homes’ professional home designer to create your dream home. Once your new home is complete, Edinburgh Homes buys your existing home for a pre-agreed price, and you close on your dream home the same day.
Edinburgh Homes has three communities to choose from, or will work with you to find just the lot to suit your needs. An extraordinary opportunity exists in the marketplace. Low mortgage rates, low building costs and the opportunity to sell your existing home is why we created the Edinburgh Move Program.
Visit us today to determine if your home and home purchase criteria qualify for the “Edinburgh Move” trade program.
Check out our website at edinburghcommunity.com or give me a call at 423-366-0431
By Eric Kistner
Introducing the “Edinburgh Move.” This program allows qualified homes to be “traded” for a new Maverick Home! You as the client have the luxury of not having to move twice; your new home is built while you still live in your existing home. It is now simpler than ever to buy a new home in Kingsport!
With historically low mortgage rates, this program further enhances the clients’ opportunity to purchase now and take advantage of these awesome rates, and lower building costs.
It’s simple. You work with Edinburgh Homes’ professional home designer to create your dream home. Once your new home is complete, Edinburgh Homes buys your existing home for a pre-agreed price, and you close on your dream home the same day.
Edinburgh Homes has three communities to choose from, or will work with you to find just the lot to suit your needs. An extraordinary opportunity exists in the marketplace. Low mortgage rates, low building costs and the opportunity to sell your existing home is why we created the Edinburgh Move Program.
Visit us today to determine if your home and home purchase criteria qualify for the “Edinburgh Move” trade program.
Check out our website at edinburghcommunity.com or give me a call at 423-366-0431
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Six Selling Myths Uncovered
Six Selling Myths Uncovered
Myth #1: You should always price your home high and negotiate down.
Truth: Pricing homes in Kingsport too high can be as bad as pricing too low. If you list too high, you’ll miss out on buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because buyers who are interested in your home are scared off by the price and won’t even take the time to look at it. By the time you correct the price and list your home at its fair market value, you will have lost that window of opportunity when your home draws the most attention from the public and real estate agents; i.e. the first 30 days that it is on the market. A well-trained real estate agent who looks out for your best interests will consult with you on your home’s fair market value and different pricing strategies for the current market.
Myth #2: Minor repairs can wait until later. There are more important things to be done.
Truth: Minor repairs make your house more marketable, allowing you to maximize your return (or minimize loss) on the sale. Most buyers are looking for homes that are ready for them to move into. If your home happens to attract a buyer who is willing to make repairs, he/she will begin asking for repair allowances that come out of your asking price. The amount of an allowance that you have to offer a buyer is usually more than what it would cost for you to make the repair (or hire someone to make the repair). Remember, buyers are comparing your home to other homes that are currently on the market. Your home should be inviting so that everyone who looks at it can see themselves living there.
Myth #3: Once a potential buyer sees the inside of your home, curb appeal won’t matter.
Truth: Buyers probably won’t make it to the inside of the home if the outside of your home does not appeal to them. Buyers and their agents often do drive-bys before deciding whether a home is worth their time to look inside. Your home’s exterior must make a good first impression so that buyers are compelled to stop and come inside. All it takes is keeping the lawn mowed, shrubs and trees trimmed, gardens weeded and edged, and clutter put away.
Myth #4: Your home must be every home buyer’s dream home.
Truth: If you get carried away with repairs and replacements to your home, you may end up over-improving the house. There is a point where improving your home doesn’t pay off. The key is to consider what competing properties feature and look like. A highly-motivated real estate agent will consult with you on what competing properties have to offer – he/she can even show you competing properties so that you can make sound home improvement decisions.
Myth #5: You are better off selling your home on your own and saving money on the commission you would have paid to a real estate agent.
Truth: Statistically, many sellers who attempt to sell their homes on their own cannot consummate the sale without the service of a real estate agent. Homeowners who succeed in selling their home by themselves usually net less than if they had a real estate agent working for them. The National Association of REALTORSâ surveys consumers every year, including homeowners who succeeded in selling their home without a real estate agent. Over 70% of these homeowners say that they would never do it again.
Myth #6: When you receive an offer, you should make the buyer wait. This gives you a better negotiating position.
Truth: You should reply immediately to an offer! When a buyer makes an offer, that buyer is, at that moment in time, ready to buy your home. Moods can change, and you don’t want to lose the sale because you have stalled in replying.
Call me to buy or sell ... TODAY... Eric Kistner with Keller Williams 247-5510 or my cell at 366-0431
Myth #1: You should always price your home high and negotiate down.
Truth: Pricing homes in Kingsport too high can be as bad as pricing too low. If you list too high, you’ll miss out on buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because buyers who are interested in your home are scared off by the price and won’t even take the time to look at it. By the time you correct the price and list your home at its fair market value, you will have lost that window of opportunity when your home draws the most attention from the public and real estate agents; i.e. the first 30 days that it is on the market. A well-trained real estate agent who looks out for your best interests will consult with you on your home’s fair market value and different pricing strategies for the current market.
Myth #2: Minor repairs can wait until later. There are more important things to be done.
Truth: Minor repairs make your house more marketable, allowing you to maximize your return (or minimize loss) on the sale. Most buyers are looking for homes that are ready for them to move into. If your home happens to attract a buyer who is willing to make repairs, he/she will begin asking for repair allowances that come out of your asking price. The amount of an allowance that you have to offer a buyer is usually more than what it would cost for you to make the repair (or hire someone to make the repair). Remember, buyers are comparing your home to other homes that are currently on the market. Your home should be inviting so that everyone who looks at it can see themselves living there.
Myth #3: Once a potential buyer sees the inside of your home, curb appeal won’t matter.
Truth: Buyers probably won’t make it to the inside of the home if the outside of your home does not appeal to them. Buyers and their agents often do drive-bys before deciding whether a home is worth their time to look inside. Your home’s exterior must make a good first impression so that buyers are compelled to stop and come inside. All it takes is keeping the lawn mowed, shrubs and trees trimmed, gardens weeded and edged, and clutter put away.
Myth #4: Your home must be every home buyer’s dream home.
Truth: If you get carried away with repairs and replacements to your home, you may end up over-improving the house. There is a point where improving your home doesn’t pay off. The key is to consider what competing properties feature and look like. A highly-motivated real estate agent will consult with you on what competing properties have to offer – he/she can even show you competing properties so that you can make sound home improvement decisions.
Myth #5: You are better off selling your home on your own and saving money on the commission you would have paid to a real estate agent.
Truth: Statistically, many sellers who attempt to sell their homes on their own cannot consummate the sale without the service of a real estate agent. Homeowners who succeed in selling their home by themselves usually net less than if they had a real estate agent working for them. The National Association of REALTORSâ surveys consumers every year, including homeowners who succeeded in selling their home without a real estate agent. Over 70% of these homeowners say that they would never do it again.
Myth #6: When you receive an offer, you should make the buyer wait. This gives you a better negotiating position.
Truth: You should reply immediately to an offer! When a buyer makes an offer, that buyer is, at that moment in time, ready to buy your home. Moods can change, and you don’t want to lose the sale because you have stalled in replying.
Call me to buy or sell ... TODAY... Eric Kistner with Keller Williams 247-5510 or my cell at 366-0431
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
10 Reasons To Buy New
10 REASONS TO BUY NEW
One of the first decisions when looking for a home is whether to buy new or purchase an existing home. While there are some advantages to purchasing resale such as an established neighborhood or included upgrades, there are also many benefits of buying a new home including:
1. New Home Pricing
The price of a new home used to be more expensive than an existing one, with falling land costs, that is no longer true. Your new home is likely to need fewer repairs or replacements since everything is new. Even better, homes usually appreciate with time and when you buy a new home located in a desirable neighborhood, the value may increase even more and you likely will have a greater resale appeal if and when you sell.
2. Your Neighborhood Is Well Planned
Builders know that a key factor in selling homes is to build them in well-planned, desirable neighborhoods. This is accomplished by carefully selecting lots in locations with a quality reputation and desirable amenities for future residents including top-ranked educational facilities and best-in-class dining, shopping and recreation.
3. Up-To-Date Design
New and better ways of constructing homes are consistently being generated. Also, as consumer trends change, new construction can respond with floorplans to accommodate customer needs that some existing homes do not include such as great rooms (oversized family rooms), larger closets, media niches and larger state-of-the-art kitchens.
4. Warranties
A new home comes with something no older home can provide.... the builder's limited warranty. This is your assurance that you are getting what you paid for and that your builder stands behind their product. A warranty typically covers new appliances, carpets, mechanical equipment and overall construction of a new home for a period of time.
5. Energy Efficiency
New homes are more energy efficient because they are better insulated, have better windows and more efficient central heating and air conditioning systems.
6. Wired for State-of-the-Art Technology
With the abundance of home computers, home media centers, surround sound and other modern conveniences, new homes are being wired to accommodate state-of-the-art technology that wasn't available when many existing homes were built.
7. Healthy Living
New homes may offer health advantages. Asbestos is no longer used in shingles, floor tiles, ceilings or insulation. And most often, lead is no longer used in paint, and formaldehyde emissions have been virtually eliminated from plywood and particle board.
8. Low Maintenance
New homebuilders use the latest and greatest materials that technology can offer. The result? New homes are virtually maintenance free for many years.
9. Help Through the Process
To help make the new home buying process more manageable, builders provide customers with a team of trusted professionals to guide them through the process. This is especially helpful for first-time buyers.
10. A New Home Is All Yours
There is truly no place like home, and when you purchase new construction, you are able to create the setting you desire. The flooring, window coverings, appliances in the kitchen are all special touches that make your home distinct and special will be exactly what you decide.
If you have any questions or would like to tour a New Home Community in Kingsport, Johnson City, Boone's Creek or Gray, Tennessee call a new home specialist at 423-218-2008 or check out our website at edinburghcommunity.com
One of the first decisions when looking for a home is whether to buy new or purchase an existing home. While there are some advantages to purchasing resale such as an established neighborhood or included upgrades, there are also many benefits of buying a new home including:
1. New Home Pricing
The price of a new home used to be more expensive than an existing one, with falling land costs, that is no longer true. Your new home is likely to need fewer repairs or replacements since everything is new. Even better, homes usually appreciate with time and when you buy a new home located in a desirable neighborhood, the value may increase even more and you likely will have a greater resale appeal if and when you sell.
2. Your Neighborhood Is Well Planned
Builders know that a key factor in selling homes is to build them in well-planned, desirable neighborhoods. This is accomplished by carefully selecting lots in locations with a quality reputation and desirable amenities for future residents including top-ranked educational facilities and best-in-class dining, shopping and recreation.
3. Up-To-Date Design
New and better ways of constructing homes are consistently being generated. Also, as consumer trends change, new construction can respond with floorplans to accommodate customer needs that some existing homes do not include such as great rooms (oversized family rooms), larger closets, media niches and larger state-of-the-art kitchens.
4. Warranties
A new home comes with something no older home can provide.... the builder's limited warranty. This is your assurance that you are getting what you paid for and that your builder stands behind their product. A warranty typically covers new appliances, carpets, mechanical equipment and overall construction of a new home for a period of time.
5. Energy Efficiency
New homes are more energy efficient because they are better insulated, have better windows and more efficient central heating and air conditioning systems.
6. Wired for State-of-the-Art Technology
With the abundance of home computers, home media centers, surround sound and other modern conveniences, new homes are being wired to accommodate state-of-the-art technology that wasn't available when many existing homes were built.
7. Healthy Living
New homes may offer health advantages. Asbestos is no longer used in shingles, floor tiles, ceilings or insulation. And most often, lead is no longer used in paint, and formaldehyde emissions have been virtually eliminated from plywood and particle board.
8. Low Maintenance
New homebuilders use the latest and greatest materials that technology can offer. The result? New homes are virtually maintenance free for many years.
9. Help Through the Process
To help make the new home buying process more manageable, builders provide customers with a team of trusted professionals to guide them through the process. This is especially helpful for first-time buyers.
10. A New Home Is All Yours
There is truly no place like home, and when you purchase new construction, you are able to create the setting you desire. The flooring, window coverings, appliances in the kitchen are all special touches that make your home distinct and special will be exactly what you decide.
If you have any questions or would like to tour a New Home Community in Kingsport, Johnson City, Boone's Creek or Gray, Tennessee call a new home specialist at 423-218-2008 or check out our website at edinburghcommunity.com
Friday, February 25, 2011
Grilling Shish Kebabs Made Easy!
Cooking Shish Kebabs the Right Way
Ah, Shish Kebabs. Many people’s memory of a shish kebab is an incongruous combination of uncooked vegetables and tough chewy overcooked meat. Whether it is a flaccid bit of zucchini or the escaping tomato, there are many ways do shish kebabs wrong, which is why they have a pretty bad rep. We were determined to find a way that is both pleasurable to eat, and doesn’t require a lot of fluffing around. I tried a number of different techniques from my disturbingly large collection of cookbooks as well as online, and we found a lot of recipes but none that really satisfied all our criteria.
The main problem with shish kebabs is that the meat cooks much faster than most vegetables. This makes your vegetable choices actually quite limited. We had the best results with bell peppers and onions. They cook at a similar rate to lamb and the combination suits perfectly. We tried using a rub on the kebab, but because the meat cooks too quickly, it leaves an unappetizing taste and texture. However, marinades work fantastically.
Basic Grilled Shish Kebab
2 and 1/4 pounds of lamb (preferably leg of lamb – shank end), trimmed of fat and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large onion (preferably red), cut into 3/4 inch pieces
3 medium bell peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
Step 1.
Combine lamb and your choice of marinade (see below) in a large bowl or plastic bag for as long as you can (minimum 2 hours or preferably overnight).
Step 2.
If using wood skewers, pre-soak at least 30 mins in advance so they don’t catch fire.
Step 3.
Start preheating the barbecue.
Step 4.
Thread each skewer in this order:
1 piece of meat
1 stack of onion (about 3 layers)
2 pieces of pepper
Repeat to fill your skewer – ending with a piece of meat.
Step 5.
Grill the kebabs uncovered until meat is browned all over. Cook for roughly 7 minutes for medium rare but this will vary depending on how hot your grill gets.
Shish Kebab Marinades
Both of these marinades simply need to be processed in your food processor until smooth. Enjoy.
Rosemary and Mint Marinade
10 large mint leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons juice from a fresh lemon
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
A few turns of freshly ground black pepper
Parsley Marinade with Ginger and Spices
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1 jalapeño chile
2 tablespons fresh ginger, grated roughly
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
A few turns of freshly ground black pepper
Ah, Shish Kebabs. Many people’s memory of a shish kebab is an incongruous combination of uncooked vegetables and tough chewy overcooked meat. Whether it is a flaccid bit of zucchini or the escaping tomato, there are many ways do shish kebabs wrong, which is why they have a pretty bad rep. We were determined to find a way that is both pleasurable to eat, and doesn’t require a lot of fluffing around. I tried a number of different techniques from my disturbingly large collection of cookbooks as well as online, and we found a lot of recipes but none that really satisfied all our criteria.
The main problem with shish kebabs is that the meat cooks much faster than most vegetables. This makes your vegetable choices actually quite limited. We had the best results with bell peppers and onions. They cook at a similar rate to lamb and the combination suits perfectly. We tried using a rub on the kebab, but because the meat cooks too quickly, it leaves an unappetizing taste and texture. However, marinades work fantastically.
Basic Grilled Shish Kebab
2 and 1/4 pounds of lamb (preferably leg of lamb – shank end), trimmed of fat and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large onion (preferably red), cut into 3/4 inch pieces
3 medium bell peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
Step 1.
Combine lamb and your choice of marinade (see below) in a large bowl or plastic bag for as long as you can (minimum 2 hours or preferably overnight).
Step 2.
If using wood skewers, pre-soak at least 30 mins in advance so they don’t catch fire.
Step 3.
Start preheating the barbecue.
Step 4.
Thread each skewer in this order:
1 piece of meat
1 stack of onion (about 3 layers)
2 pieces of pepper
Repeat to fill your skewer – ending with a piece of meat.
Step 5.
Grill the kebabs uncovered until meat is browned all over. Cook for roughly 7 minutes for medium rare but this will vary depending on how hot your grill gets.
Shish Kebab Marinades
Both of these marinades simply need to be processed in your food processor until smooth. Enjoy.
Rosemary and Mint Marinade
10 large mint leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons juice from a fresh lemon
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
A few turns of freshly ground black pepper
Parsley Marinade with Ginger and Spices
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1 jalapeño chile
2 tablespons fresh ginger, grated roughly
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
A few turns of freshly ground black pepper
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Trading Homes is Easy - Part 3
Trading Homes Is Easier Than You Think (Part 3 of 3)
One of the largest hurdles families face in the search for a new home is what to do about the home they are currently living in. We hope this three part series helps illustrate how trading a home can benefit a family.
The first of this series discusses the most common hurdles families face when seeking to move to a new home. The second part discussed how a new home builder offering a Trade In Your Homeprogram can help overcome these challenges. This third part of the series will discuss how the steps of a trade program work.
Where to start
As not all builders are able or willing to trade homes, it would be wise to research which builders do offer this option and then review their program and available homes. Once you have determined which builder, set a time to meet with him or her to discuss what you are seeking to accomplish.
What you will need to know
Your builder will want to know some information from you to do a preliminary evaluation. Here is a list of some of the items you should know;
The address and a description of your home including the room count, lot size, square footages and special features.
Condition of the major systems of the house such as your water heaters, appliances, heaters, air conditioners, roof, etc…
Disclosure of any items requiring attention such as leaks, foundation problems, etc… Remember you are legally obligated to disclose such items and being upfront will minimize these issues becoming a problem later in the process.
Your asking price on what you would list your home for with a Realtor and what you would expect to sell it for.
He will also need to know how much do you owe on your home as well as if you have any other resources you are able to use for a down payment.
Please be upfront with your builder. Every family I have worked with who has tried to be coy or not be upfront about their circumstances has had their trade fall through and they ended up not getting the house they wanted. This must be a win-win to work.
Can I Negotiate
Yes you can negotiate; however, take a step back and look at the big picture.
You are asking the builder to pay top dollar for your home but you want to buy the new home for a discount. The reality is the builder is doing you a favor in taking your home. If the builder was going to discount his new home to sell it, he could do that and not have to bother with taking a used home in trade.
The net effect is that if you want the builder to give you a fair price for your home on a net basis, you will need to use his asking price as the benchmark.
Another reason this is important is the builder will need to utilize his proceeds from the sale of his new home to use as the down payment on your old home. If he were to discount the price of the new home he may not have enough cash to move forward with the trade.
This has to be a win-win, if you are looking for a discounted price on a new home you will need to be ready to move forward without trading in your existing home.
The Evaluation
The builder will take your information and begin to research your home.
This will involve a host of different steps including; ordering a Comparative Market Analysis of your home, reviewing sales of similar homes in the area, physically inspecting your home, hiring a licensed inspector to inspect your home and other such similar items. This will give him the information he needs to assign a trade value for your home.
Next Step
Once you and the builder have come to an understanding, contracts will be executed. There will be two contracts, one for each transaction, which will both be contingent on the other contract being executed and closed.
The contracts will be delivered to the title company and the respective lenders. Once the lenders have completed their paperwork a closing date will be finalized.
During this time the builder will proceed with his traditional new homeowner orientation and walk through on your new home. He will also work to have his crews assemble resources for any needed repairs for your old home.
At Closing
On the closing day, all parties will meet at the title company and sign their respective papers. As most families will want some time to move, it is very common for a short term lease to be executed on the traded in home allowing time for the family to move out and clean up the house.
While this transition is in place the builder will often begin to work on scheduling the repairs and marketing of the traded in home.
Thank You
During down markets, trading home is a great means of moving without taking the risks and hassles associated with attempting to sell your old home. In a hot market, trading may offer a great means of being able to purchase the house you want before someone else beats you to it while you try to sell your old home.
Either way, if you are considering a move, look at all your options including trading. This concludes the three part series on trading in your home. To see the entire series visit our blog.
If you have a question on how to a trade program works, please feel free to email your questions to our offices. The Edinburgh Group is a full service building firm serving the Upper East Tennessee area. We offer new luxury homes, premium remodels, green building/remodeling, home care services, storm/roof repairs and commercial building contracting.
Please feel free to leave your comments, drop us an email at edinburghhomes@gmail.com or call our office at 423-723-0280.
If your family is not quite ready for us at this time, we will be at your service when you are in need or wish to request our assistance. If you know a family or client who may be in need of our services, we welcome and honor your referrals.
One of the largest hurdles families face in the search for a new home is what to do about the home they are currently living in. We hope this three part series helps illustrate how trading a home can benefit a family.
The first of this series discusses the most common hurdles families face when seeking to move to a new home. The second part discussed how a new home builder offering a Trade In Your Homeprogram can help overcome these challenges. This third part of the series will discuss how the steps of a trade program work.
Where to start
As not all builders are able or willing to trade homes, it would be wise to research which builders do offer this option and then review their program and available homes. Once you have determined which builder, set a time to meet with him or her to discuss what you are seeking to accomplish.
What you will need to know
Your builder will want to know some information from you to do a preliminary evaluation. Here is a list of some of the items you should know;
The address and a description of your home including the room count, lot size, square footages and special features.
Condition of the major systems of the house such as your water heaters, appliances, heaters, air conditioners, roof, etc…
Disclosure of any items requiring attention such as leaks, foundation problems, etc… Remember you are legally obligated to disclose such items and being upfront will minimize these issues becoming a problem later in the process.
Your asking price on what you would list your home for with a Realtor and what you would expect to sell it for.
He will also need to know how much do you owe on your home as well as if you have any other resources you are able to use for a down payment.
Please be upfront with your builder. Every family I have worked with who has tried to be coy or not be upfront about their circumstances has had their trade fall through and they ended up not getting the house they wanted. This must be a win-win to work.
Can I Negotiate
Yes you can negotiate; however, take a step back and look at the big picture.
You are asking the builder to pay top dollar for your home but you want to buy the new home for a discount. The reality is the builder is doing you a favor in taking your home. If the builder was going to discount his new home to sell it, he could do that and not have to bother with taking a used home in trade.
The net effect is that if you want the builder to give you a fair price for your home on a net basis, you will need to use his asking price as the benchmark.
Another reason this is important is the builder will need to utilize his proceeds from the sale of his new home to use as the down payment on your old home. If he were to discount the price of the new home he may not have enough cash to move forward with the trade.
This has to be a win-win, if you are looking for a discounted price on a new home you will need to be ready to move forward without trading in your existing home.
The Evaluation
The builder will take your information and begin to research your home.
This will involve a host of different steps including; ordering a Comparative Market Analysis of your home, reviewing sales of similar homes in the area, physically inspecting your home, hiring a licensed inspector to inspect your home and other such similar items. This will give him the information he needs to assign a trade value for your home.
Next Step
Once you and the builder have come to an understanding, contracts will be executed. There will be two contracts, one for each transaction, which will both be contingent on the other contract being executed and closed.
The contracts will be delivered to the title company and the respective lenders. Once the lenders have completed their paperwork a closing date will be finalized.
During this time the builder will proceed with his traditional new homeowner orientation and walk through on your new home. He will also work to have his crews assemble resources for any needed repairs for your old home.
At Closing
On the closing day, all parties will meet at the title company and sign their respective papers. As most families will want some time to move, it is very common for a short term lease to be executed on the traded in home allowing time for the family to move out and clean up the house.
While this transition is in place the builder will often begin to work on scheduling the repairs and marketing of the traded in home.
Thank You
During down markets, trading home is a great means of moving without taking the risks and hassles associated with attempting to sell your old home. In a hot market, trading may offer a great means of being able to purchase the house you want before someone else beats you to it while you try to sell your old home.
Either way, if you are considering a move, look at all your options including trading. This concludes the three part series on trading in your home. To see the entire series visit our blog.
If you have a question on how to a trade program works, please feel free to email your questions to our offices. The Edinburgh Group is a full service building firm serving the Upper East Tennessee area. We offer new luxury homes, premium remodels, green building/remodeling, home care services, storm/roof repairs and commercial building contracting.
Please feel free to leave your comments, drop us an email at edinburghhomes@gmail.com or call our office at 423-723-0280.
If your family is not quite ready for us at this time, we will be at your service when you are in need or wish to request our assistance. If you know a family or client who may be in need of our services, we welcome and honor your referrals.
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