Make Your Offer Standout

If a seller was looking at two offers for exactly the same price on their home, there would still be things that could make one standout more than the other. If there happens to be more than two offers, things can really get sticky for a buyer. For that reason, it is good to craft the most attractive offer possible because even if you don’t have competition now, another offer could come in during negotiations and derail all your efforts to that point.

Anything that can give the seller the peace of mind that one contract will close on time and as agreed will make them more comfortable in accepting one offer over another. Buyers can consider putting up larger than customary amounts of earnest money and limiting the contingencies to only the most essential items.

The closing costs could be more expensive to the seller based on the type of mortgage a buyer is obtaining. One buyer may be asking the seller to pay part or all of their acquisition costs and the other buyer is paying their own costs.

The borrower who has a signed, preapproval letter will appear to have a greater certainty to closing than a buyer who only says they have talked to a loan officer. Some lenders' letters are considered “gold” and others may not be worth the paper they’re written on. The seller will depend on their listing agent to advise them.

In most cases, the seller will be taking all or part of the cash they receive from the sale of their home and buying another one. If they have to put a contingency clause in the contract based on their current home selling, it weakens their position. Conversely, it will strengthen a buyer’s position if they don’t have to make their offer contingent upon selling their current home.

Even shortening the inspection periods and offering to close early or possible lease the home back to the seller for a short time can be valuable negotiating factors.

Finally, don’t overlook the value of a personal hand-written letter that tells the seller why you want their home. An emotional connection has been known to make a difference for one set of buyers getting the home.

740 7th Street N Montrose, MN 55363

Property Site: http://tour.remax-northcentral.com/home/QQENHX

Spacious eat-in kitchen with large 3x5 island. Vaulted kitchen, dining, living/ area. Walk-in closets in both bedrooms. Maintenance free siding and windows.Huge open green space beyond property lines with pond, wetland, and park for great views!, Directions HWy 12 to cty rd 12 north to left on 7th St N and the home is on the left

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 1,091

Price: $145,000

For more information about this property, please contact Jon Hoffmeister at (952) 942-3480 or jon@hoffmeisterhomes.com. You can also text 2824194 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.results.net/jon.hoffmeister

MLS ID: 4607292

5104 Bloomington Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55417

Property Site: http://tour.remax-northcentral.com/home/PWSUXX

Highlights of 8104 Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis

 

*This fabulous 1½ story home is just 4 blocks from Lake Nokomis, and is conveniently located on the bus line.

 

*Privacy fencing surrounds the backyard creating a private oasis featuring lovely landscaping. You can unwind in the Cal Spa hot tub situated on the 20 x16 deck.

 

*The sizable dining room at the front of the home features coved ceilings, two large windows and gleaming hardwood floors. This is a great space for entertaining guests!

 

*Updates in the kitchen include granite countertops and oak cabinetry featuring a large pantry and a built-in desk. The large counter-height seating area is a great convenience!

 

*The spacious addition sets this home apart! This room boasts a wood-burning fireplace set in a stone surround with an oak mantle, French doors, and a window seat that opens for storage.

 

*The spa-like bathroom has it all! You'll enjoy relaxing in the large walk-in shower or soaking in the Kohler soaking tub. There is a double sink vanity, and a 2nd makeup vanity.

 

*The freshly painted main floor bedroom is located at the front of the home and features 2 windows and beautiful hardwood flooring.

 

*The upper level bedroom features a walk-in closet and 2 skylights.

 

*The lower level consists of a family room, laundry room with 1/2 bath, storage/mechanical room, and a den which could be converted to a 3rd bedroom with the addition of an egress window.

 

*Additional features of this fine home include: updated electrical, 75-gallon hot water heater, April Aire humidifier, vinyl clad windows, vinyl siding, Leaf Guard gutters, and a 2+ car garage.

 

*A one-year HMS home warranty will be provided for the buyer of this home!

 

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 2,023

Price: $250,000

For more information about this property, please contact Jon Hoffmeister at (952) 942-3480 or jon@hoffmeisterhomes.com. You can also text 2814122 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.results.net/jon.hoffmeister

MLS ID: 4602255

Who would want to be without one?

When the 75 year old man who had been widowed four times was asked why he was getting married again, he said “for the little bit that they eat, I wouldn’t want to be without one.”

In a torrential rainfall, you wouldn’t want to be without an umbrella. It is also understandable that when purchasing or selling a home, more and more people want an agent involved.

NAR’s Homebuyers and Sellers Profile states the trend in owners trying to sell their home themselves has declined over the past ten years from 14% in 2003 to only 9% in 2014. Similarly, the number of buyers purchasing directly through an owner has decreased from 2001 to 2014 from 15% to 5%.

It is natural to think that a seller wants to get the highest price for their property while the buyer wants to pay the least possible. Negotiations may be the most valuable service provided by an agent because of the clear conflicts of interest such as the price, terms and condition.

Other areas of contention that could affect a party without an agent:

• The real estate agent who represents the other party
• The attorney who represents only one party
• Home and pest inspectors regarding condition
• The buyer’s lender regarding terms
• The lender’s appraiser regarding value
• The title company in an effort to satisfy challenges to clear title
• Municipal authorities to mitigate code violations

 Even when there are two licensed agents involved, there could be a question of representation. This is a discussion that buyers should have with a real estate professional before looking at houses.

You've Got Money!

Imagine that after checking www.SSA.gov to see what you can expect when you retire and estimated what your minimum required distributions from your retirement accounts will be, you’ve discovered that you’re not going to have enough retirement income to cover your living expenses.

Ideally, it would be perfect if the extra money you need would just come to your mailbox each month with the same certainty as your social security or retirement income.

Rental homes are a popular choice for passive income because they are an investment that most people understand based on their experience owning a home. They’re easy to manage and the rents should keep pace with inflation.

Mortgage loans for investors are available to investors with good credit and at least 20% down payments. While 30 year terms are the most common, some investors wanting to have the home paid for by retirement may choose a 15 or 20 year term.

A tried and true strategy is to choose average or slightly below average priced homes in predominantly owner-occupied neighborhoods. This will appeal to more prospective tenants wanting to live in good communities and should provide a higher level of revenue.

When an owner has a good property with a good tenant, the income is as predictable and convenient as going to the mailbox each month. To learn more about rental homes, contact your real estate professional.

Live the Dream

Consumers are more easily living the American Dream of owning a home because of the incredibly low mortgage rates. Today, most buyers can get a much lower rate than their parents or grandparents got on their first home.

In a recent housing survey, FNMA released information about consumers' thoughts on the current market. Almost two-thirds would rather buy than rent and believe that now is a good time to buy. Half of the respondents expect rent and home prices will go up.

Top Ten reasons to move the dream to reality:

1. It’s cheaper than renting in most cases
2. Avoid rental increases in the future
3. Equity build-up with amortization of each payment going to principal
4. A home is a forced savings account
5. Appreciation increases your equity and your overall investment
6. Mortgage interest and property tax deductions
7. Home equity interest deduction
8. A place you can call your own
9. A place to share with friends and family
10. Capital gains exclusion on profit

Buyers need the confidence that they can afford a home and proof for the sellers when they’re ready to submit a contract. If a buyer has steady reliable income, a good record of paying their bills, money saved for a down payment and are prepared to pay the mortgage each month, the next step is to get pre-approved by a trusted mortgage professional.

Take a look at the Rent vs. Own to see what the real cost of owning a home for your price range.

 

6605 162nd Court Lakeville, MN 55068

Property Site: http://tour.remax-northcentral.com/home/DS64KZ

Welcome to 6605 162nd Court, Rosemount! This condo features main floor, one-level living. No stairs! This is a well -maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bath townhome style unit. Updates include new furnace, A/C, and hot water heater less than one year ago. New carpet was just installed throughout the home! The entry, kitchen and dining rooms feature  beautiful  wide plank laminate flooring. You will enjoy the wood burning fireplace in the living room. From the dining room, you can walk out to the patio and the large green space with mature trees. There is a laundry room in the home with full sized washer and dryer.The home is situated at the end of the cul-de-sac, so there is very little traffic. You'll enjoy the convenience of this location. Traditional sale. Directions Cty Rd 42 to Foliage, south to 162nd Court, west to the home at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 850

Price: $89,900

For more information about this property, please contact Jon Hoffmeister at (952) 942-3480 or jon@hoffmeisterhomes.com. You can also text 2768791 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.results.net/jon.hoffmeister

MLS ID: 4597523