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FHA gives Home Buyers an Extension!

FHA Gives Home Buyers an Extension!


FHA is giving homeowners and buyers until October 4, 2010 to lock in a low monthly insurance premium.  Afterwards the monthly insurance premiums on FHA loans will increase by over 63%.

What does this mean for you the home buyer?

A home buyer purchasing a $200,000 home using a $193,000fha financing,fha guidelines, FHA mortgage before October 4 would pay an insurance premium of $88.46 per month.  After this deadline the insurance premium would jump to $148.01 per month.

In this example, the home buyer would pay $59.55 per month MORE.  Although the upfront mortgage insurance premium is going down after the October 4th deadline, the real impact to the home buyer is actually a net increase in their out of pocket costs because the monthly premium is going up by 63%.

Remember, sellers can pay the upfront premium or it can be financed into the loan amount, so buyers rarely choose to pay the upfront premium out of pocket. On the other hand, the increase in the monthly premiums will be paid right out of the buyer’s pocket with their mortgage payment each month.

So Lyn in plain english please, how will this effect me?  This change will reduce your ability to borrow by about $10,000 on a $200,000 purchase.

Ironically, home buyers who plan to be in the mortgage for less than three years and decide to pay the upfront fee themselves (instead of having the seller pay it for them), may actually save money by waiting until after October 4th to apply for an FHA loan.

Home buyers with a short term time buying strategy may actually benefit from this change because the upfront premium will be reduced to 1% from 2.25%.  This change is anticpated to impact over 30% of the home buyers in today’s market who use FHA insured financing.  

 

Lyn Sims


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2 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • September 02 2010 11:43AM

Professional Journalists Latest Trick against the Public .....

Professional journalists latest trick against the public .....


That's right real estate readers, the cat's out of the bag as they say about professional journalists and their scam.  What scam you say?  The fact that they write at considerable length about real estate sales and actually do none.  That's right, they actually do not sell real estate at all.  They professionally write about, talk about it but don't do it.  

The latest article that has got my 'big girlie undies in a bunch' is from columnist Michael Pascoe and his latest Realtor© hatchet job.  Yahoo Finance seems to think this gentlemen is credible but is he?  Does he really KNOW what he is talking about having actually sold real estate or just dishing his opinion?  Let's make the lead line as controversial as possible so that the readership tunes in to see the latest 'Realtor© scam against the public'.  Gasp!  I'll give him credit for the shock value of the lead line as it pulled me in to see what he said.

But again, let's get back to the meat and potatoes - this 'professional journalist' is just that.  A journalist.  A person that sits at a computer and types words all day picking scenarios out of the air (I cleaned that thought up there).  

So, let me ask you, if you wanted to get excellent advice on whatever subject - wouldn't you hope the adviser worked in thatprofessional credability,realtors, field?  It's like getting an opinion on brain surgery from a professional comedian - he has an opinion but is his advice VALID?

Is it valuable advice or just zesty nonsense packaged to look well?  Nice wrapper but where's the substance?  

I think as a real estate reader you should start to demand 'substance' and validity from all these columnists.  I can personally tell you the in's and out's of obtaining 203K FHA financing because I've closed actual real estate transactions doing the financing.  Would the same advice have credible value coming from someone outside the real estate realm?  I think not.

I can talk about the head ache you've given me but am I now a brain surgeon?  I think not Mr. Pascoe.


Real Estate Advice takes the Frisbee Approach

 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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9 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 29 2010 08:40PM

Roselle IL Homes - Mobile Search

Introducing m.lynsims.net!


Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go wherever you and your phone go!lyn sims,roselle IL homes,

(Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')
 
THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~
 

  1. Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
  2. Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
  3. There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
  4. My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
  5. I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
  6. Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
  7. With all the information the public can see on their celllyn sims,roselle IL homes, phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!


Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby!  Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!
 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 28 2010 11:11AM

SELLERS ADVICE - INSULTED BY THAT OFFER?

Offer too low? Sellers do you feel insulted? You shouldn't as this post mentions the buyer probably would not have taken the time to write up an offer if they really weren't intrested. This is great advice.

I just received an offer but I refuse to counter ............

Via Dan Jasmer (RE/MAX Excellence):

Have you ever been involved in selling a home where an offer was made and you refused to counter the buyers offer? Here is some advice for sellers to consider, especially in today’s economic environment.

If a buyer has taken the time to put an offer on paper and submit it to your listing agent, I think you would agree that this is a good sign that they are interested in purchasing your home.

Your agent calls and says, “great news, we just received an offer!” They come over to review it with you and you immediately get defensive. The offer price is way too low or the terms of the contract aren’t favorable. These terms could include financing contingencies, a long and drawn out closing date or a request for you to pay some of the buyers closing costs.

Do your best to leave your emotions out of this! Consider this a business transaction that, when completed, will get you to your eventual goal. That goal may be buying your dream home, retiring to a different state or country, downsizing and buyer a less expensive home allowing you to stash some cash, and the list goes on.

I have been involved in a few transactions with sellers who have absolutely refused to counter a buyer’s offer. 9 times out of 10 this is the worst thing you can do! Your strategy is that if you do not counter, the buyer will come back with a better offer in a few days. What!? This is like catching and releasing a fish where there are other fishermen around you and hoping the fish decides to come back to you because you think you have better bait on your hook. Why would you take a chance at losing an interested buyer when there is a lot of inventory for them to choose from? Chances are there’s another home out there that could work for them. You may have a special home unlike any others on the market. If priced properly, maybe holding out is the right thing to do, but that is a big risk to take. Make sure holding out for a better offer is worth the risk.

If you have received multiple offers while listed on the market that you feel have been too low, perhaps your agent is not being upfront with you. There is a high probability that your home is overpriced. If your agent has made you aware of this and you have refused to listen and agree to a price reduction, then you are missing the chance to get your home sold for the best price with the least amount of stress. I have seen more sellers that have ended up in foreclosure, short sale, not selling at all or receiving 20% less than an offer they received months or a year earlier because they held out for a better deal. As an agent, it’s hard to see this happen to a client. The agents best bet is to walk away from the listing if there is no agreement to reduce the homes price. The ability to sell your home depends on you and your agent working together to achieve that goal. If you have done your homework and hired a full time, professional and knowledgeable agent, take the time to discuss your concerns with them, they will do the same. Listen to the advice they have given you. This is their daily job. They eat, breathe and sleep real estate!

They have their finger on the pulse of the market and know what needs to be done to get your home sold.

Make the counter offer and keep the negotiations moving. This may be changing the price and terms, just the price or just the terms of the contract. You may have to go back and forth 10 times to get to a final agreement, but there is a good chance you will come to an agreement if you and the buyer are reasonable along the way. Not countering an interested buyer’s offer is not reasonable!

You may not always like what your agent has to say.  It’s not your agents’ job to agree with you all the time or be your best friend.  There are days you will not like them and you’ll wonder why you hired them. Ultimately, their job is to sell your home.  If that means you getting upset because your agent gives it to you straight, that’s ok.  You’ll thank them and get over it once your home has sold and you’ll be glad they weren't sugar coating anything.  In fact, I have a good feeling you’ll become great friends…

I hope this helps to keep you focused on the ultimate goal of selling your home!

Dan Jasmer, GRI | RE/MAX Excellence
510 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228
T: 941-284-9893 | F: 941-388-0000
http://www.jasmermatarese.com

5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2010

 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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3 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 28 2010 10:39AM

Schaumburg IL - We could use your help & vote!

awaking muse,schaumburg IL,Schaumburg's very own Awaking Muse is part of the Metropolitan Planning Council's "Secret Corner of Chicagoland" photo contest. With 25 entries up for consideration, here's your chance to vote. 

One vote per person is allowed through Friday, September 10. A fan favorite will be selected through online votes received, and three additional winners will be selected by a panel of "Placemaking experts."

Winners will be announced on Friday, September 17 and be featured in an exclusive Chicago Architecture Foundation tour this fall.

Please vote for Schaumburg, click here.  Naperville is currently ahead of us, yikes!schaumburg IL,sculpture park,awaking muse,

Sculpture Park where she hangs out!

Septemberfest 2010

 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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4 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 26 2010 01:02PM

Need a Make Under? Is your Home Overdressed?

There is a great thought behind this post besides 'remove the clutter Mr. Seller'. Most homes I see on the market truly need a 'Make Under' as mentioned here.

Excellent advice from Tessa Skeens in Texas.

Via Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX):

Happened to be home when Oprah was on this afternoon. The topic was Makeunders. Women who needed less not more. But this also applies to homes. Nate Berkus did a room Makeunder and it inspired me!

Every home that goes on sale needs a makeunder. The less of you, the quicker your home will sell. The bigger and more spacious your home looks the higher it's perceived value.

Simple room design
This means it's really important to edit your stuff so what's really important greets you (and your buyers) when you walk in the door. You want your homes' features to shine, you want buyers to say AH!

The trouble is we tend to keep adding stuff to our homes and don't stop to edit.
I compare it to getting dressed. You've got a great look going but then you keep adding accessories to your outfit. A scarf or two. All of a sudden your great look gets lost. No one will be able to focus on that perfect necklace or pair of shoes because there's too much to look at.

The best outfits are the ones with a simple color palette. A nice pair of jeans, a contrasting top and jacket and some great accent jewelry and shoes.

Your home is no different. It's an extension of who you are but it shouldn't be the catchall for everything you've ever wanted to bring home. Layering is wonderful but you have to know when to stop before your look gets lost.

Start with one room. Treat it like an extension of yourself. How would you dress it?

10 Easy Tips to "Make Under" Your Home

1. Keep in simple, Pick one or two main colors for your walls and floor. The fewer colors the more spacious your home will look.

2. Pick a third and fourth (if desired) accent color . Use these colors sparingly.

3. Keep your surfaces consistent.  Walls should be the same material if possible and painted or finished in the same color on all walls. Floors also. Keep flooring consistent throughout the house.

4. Group your family photos on one wall and use similar frames and mats to keep a unified look. Edit your photos first and keep only the ones you love.Clean simple room

5.  Group your plants also. Your plants will thrive and it reduces watering time. Toss out any that are unhealthy or dying.

6. If a room has more than one use make sure there's a dedicated space for each use. Screens or dividers can help separate living from office or exercise space.

7. Keep your window treatments clean and simple. Heavy window treatments that cut down on light can overpower a room. Invest in some light colored curtain panels instead hung on a simple pole. These look great over inexpensive 2" blinds.

8. Remove area rugs on carpet.  Visually they cut up the floor space and make the room feel smaller.

9. Edit your collections. Keep only pieces you love on display. Again grouping them will create impact and reduce visual busy-ness.

10. Keep it to 5. When in doubt, keep no more than 5 toys or 5 plants or 5 pillows or 5 frames or 5 lamps for example in a room at one time. If you want to add a new piece, take out an old one.


Remember keep it simple. Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or just want to live lighter, a professional home staging consultation can help you with your "makeunder".

Photos are not samples of Hampton Redesign staging but chosen to represent how a simplified color palette can makeunder a room.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

 

Hampton Redesign   817-891-9563   www.hamptonredesign.com

Tessa Skeens | Owner & Lead Staging Designer

Professional Home Staging and Redesign Services Serving Greater Fort Worth TX Including Aledo, Willow Park, Benbrook, Keller, Arlington, Southlake, Colleyville, Hurst, Mansfield, Burleson and Tarrant County

resa

Follow HamptonRedesign on Twitter

Facebook link

 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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5 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 24 2010 04:10PM

Closing Costs up in Illinois - not what Buyers need right now!

Just went through my main website and updated the Closing Costs per State put out every year from Bankrate. What I saw wasclosing costs,buyer agent,buyer advice, shocking!  In the State of IL there was a 36% increase over 2009.

The average costs in 2010 are now $3505 which was an increase of a whopping $876 per buyer!  The super sleuth in me says 'where is that money going and to whom?'  Who's ripping off the consumer now?  Why the increase?  The entire industry was just overhauled to keep costs down and to protect the consumer.  More disclosure helps protect the consumer right?  Hmmm.

Well for those of you that say, it's those rich loan officers driving their Porsche's, let me clarify that the loan costs only went up a measly $140.  (Gas money maybe?)  So, nope, it's not the loan officers!

How about that we have duplicate costs from the new and improved Good Faith Estimate?  Every time something is changed - have to fill out another form - of course, for the protection of the consumer!

How about appraisal fees?  FHA appraisals went up $150 in my area and that doesn't include the wonderful and constant re-inspects they are always doing at another 'trip charge' of $100 to $150.  Cha-ching, let's protect the consumer all right.  Nonsense!

The last re-inspection I had from an appraiser was to be sure the water was turned on because he forgot to check when he appraised my foreclosure listing.  I bet no one mentioned to the buyer that there would be an additional charge right?

Just when buyers need a break with closing costs and having their hard saved down payment portion whittled away by nonsense fees. The economy could use all the home buyers we can get right now!

Stop trying to make it tougher to buy a home!

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
       Lyn Sims Blog

4 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 24 2010 02:49PM

Elk Grove IL Real Estate - Mobile Search for Homes

Introducing m.lynsims.net!


Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go whereverelk grove IL real estate, you and your phone go!  (Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')
 
THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~
 

  1. Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
  2. Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
  3. There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
  4. My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
  5. I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
  6. Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
  7. With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby!  Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!
 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
       Lyn Sims Blog

0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 24 2010 01:45PM

Streamwood IL Homes - Mobile Search

Introducing m.lynsims.net!


Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go whereverlyn sims,streamwood IL homes, you and your phone go!

(Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')
 
THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~
 

  1. Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
  2. Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
  3. There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
  4. My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
  5. I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
  6. Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
  7. With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby!  Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!
 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
       Lyn Sims Blog

2 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 23 2010 10:16AM

Go with the Flow - Air Flow that is!

Is your furnace filter installed correctly?  Do you know?  Do you know where it is even located and that you have to change it at least every 2 months or so?

One thing that I see time and time again is furnace filters that are installed WRONG which makes your furnace and AC work harder and less efficiently.  You're money up in smoke - at least in the winter!

This is a great post by Jay Markanich a home inspector, enjoy!

Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):

It is probably true that on half the home inspections I do the filter is installed backwards.  It is important that the filter be installed the right way!  Why?  Because one side is stronger and meant to handle the air flow's pressure.  There is an arrow drawn on every filter to tell you the air flow direction.  Put in backwards, and as it gets loaded with dust, the filter can literally get sucked into the system and even cause damage to the fan.

Someone took the time to draw which way the filter should be installed.

That way, when it is put into the slot, you only have to put the arrow on the filter in the direction of the arrows drawn on the return duct.

What if the arrows are drawn wrong?

THESE ARROWS ARE POINTING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!!

How do you know which way the air blows?

The air will always be drawn TOWARD the blower.  From the blower it gets heated in the furnace or cooled on the AC coils.

So the air-flow arrows on the filter should point TOWARD blower.

This unit is 5 years old.  It was filthy.  The ducts in the house were filthy.  Could it be the bad information on the arrows contributing to that?

My recommendation:  If you don't know which way the air is blowing, put a piece of toilet paper on the end of a pair of pliers and stick it into the slot.  See which way the paper is drawn.  That is your air flow direction!  Don't believe me?  Check it yourself.  AND THEN DRAW YOUR ARROWS THE RIGHT WAY!

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
       Lyn Sims Blog

2 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 22 2010 11:31AM

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your Home!

Sellers here's some great advice!  Define the space!  If you have been using your Dining Room area for a children's play center, buyers will not remember the 'function' of the room any other way.  Your room's function is a 'Dining Room' - as a family eating/gathering area not a pink Barbie play area!

Define the space with the highest $$ use for the broadest range of buyers.  This also applies for your Familyroom if used as a play area.  A garage that has been transformed into a 'Man Cave'.

This is from Sharon Tara a stager from New Hampshire.  Enjoy!   

Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your New Hampshire Home

Home staging is preparing a house for sale.  It is not decorating, it is marketing...strategic marketing.   If you want to sell your New Hampshire home in the shortest time possible, a home staging consult, prior to listing, will give you all the information you need to guarantee that your product is ready for market.

Here are seven home staging steps that could mean the difference between SOLD and EXPIRED:

1.  Update Light Fixtures  

This is an area where a little money spent can make a huge difference and add tremendous perceived value to your house.  You can add thousands of dollars of value by only spending a few hundred dollars.

new lightSee More Photos

2.  Identify Red Flags

A red flag is something that gives potential buyers the impression that there is an existing problem, was a problem in the past, or could be a problem in the future.  Common examples include water stains, storage or space issues, light switches to nowhere, protruding wiring, evidence of pets, and lack of light.

poor furniture placementSee More Photos

3.  Pre-Pack Your Stuff

If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family.  The mistake most sellers make is either not removing enough or removing too much, leaving the house cold and vacant. 

cluttered roomSee More Photos

4.  Define Space and Function

Only 10% of buyers can actually visualize a room any other way than how you show it to them.   Don't expect potential buyers to try and figure out how to better arrange the furniture.  It is very important, when preparing a house for sale, to clearly define the space and function of each room. 

Define space and functionSee More Photos

5.  Maintenance Means Money

Your house is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it.  The more a buyer believes the house has been well maintained, the more valuable they perceive it to be.  Buyers should be greeted with a spotless, move-in ready home, which gives the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.

worn carpetSee More Photos

6.  Don't Underestimate The Bathroom 

The most personal room in your house is the bathroom, and it is the last place buyers want to be reminded that you live there.  Buyers know that other people are living in the house and obviously use the bathrooms, but emotionally, they don't want to think about it. 

bathroom transformationSee More Photos

 7.  Transform With Paint

The biggest bang for your buck is using paint to improve your home's appearance.  Paint will make a room cleaner, fresher, brighter, and more stylish.  It gives buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.

Paint can be used to help minimize negative features and to help showcase positive features.  It can be used to create a flow throughout the house and to create a lasting positive impression.

improve with paintSee More Photos

Consult with a professional home stager prior to listing your home for the best results!

 

______________________________________________________________________________

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LOGO     RESA-PRO

Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

Portsmouth   Rye   Greenland   Hampton   North Hampton   Exeter   Dover   Stratham  

603.661.8524

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Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

Go to Lyn's website
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5 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 18 2010 08:39AM

Hoffman Estates IL Real Estate - Mobile Search

Introducing m.lynsims.net!


Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go wherever you and your phone go!

(Click on 'The Who' and hear thehoffman estates IL real estate, original 'Goin' Mobile')
 
THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~
 

  1. Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
  2. Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
  3. There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
  4. My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
  5. I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
  6. Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
  7. With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

 

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby!  Let's go!
hoffman estates IL real estate,

 

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline

Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?

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Lyn Sims


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1 commentLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 17 2010 05:03PM

Medinah IL Homes - Search for homes here!

Looking for a home in the Medinah IL area?  


Bloomingdale IL Homes,Bloomingdale IL real estate,   Check out what's available in Medinah IL Homes now!  Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Medinah IL Homes. Home selections total 36 with some below the $250,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above 1.1 million!  Best selection is between $350,000 to $400,000. The current average listing price for Medinah IL Homes is $466,442.  Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!  Some start at just $229,000 so you better get movin' on those!

Medinah IL Homes,Medinah IL real estate,



To search for what's currently available in Medinah IL Homes, please go directly to the home search page (below) to get started.  Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!  Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Medinah IL has a few school districts because of it's unique boundaries - Medinah District 11 being the main. Other area districts.  I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.

Private School Information


 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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1 commentLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 15 2010 11:59AM

Bloomingdale IL Real Estate - Looking for a home?

Looking for a home in the Bloomingdale IL area?  


Bloomingdale IL Homes,Bloomingdale IL real estate,  Check out what's available in Bloomingdale IL Homes now!  Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Bloomingdale IL Homes.  Lots of great home selections (95 total) with some below the $200,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above 1 million!  Best selection is between $200,000 to $300,000. The current average listing price for Bloomingdale IL Homes is $445,303.  Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!  Some start at just $169,500 so you better get movin'.

Bloomingdale IL Homes,Bloomingdale IL real estate,



To search for what's currently available in Bloomingdale IL Homes, please go directly to the home search page (below) to get started.  Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!  Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Bloomingdale IL has three grade school districts because of it's unique boundaries - Bloomingdale District 13, District 93, and Keeneyville District 20.  I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.

Private School Information



 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 15 2010 11:39AM

Roselle IL Homes - Looking for real estate?

Looking for a home in the Roselle IL area?  


Hoffman Estates IL Homes,Hoffman Estates IL real estate, Check out what's available in Roselle IL Homes now!  Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Roselle IL Homes.  Lots of great home selections (121 total) with some below the $200,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that!  Best selection is between $200,000 to $300,000. The current average listing price for Roselle IL Homes is $330,916.  Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!  Some start at just $117,500 so you better get movin' at that price.

Roselle IL Homes,Roselle IL real estate,


To search for what's currently available in Roselle IL Homes, please go directly to the home search page (below) to get started.  Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!  Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Roselle IL has four grade school districts because of it's unique boundaries - Medinah District 11, District 12, Bloomingdale District 13 and Schaumburg District 54.  I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.

Private School Information





 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 14 2010 03:49PM

Hoffman Estates IL Real Estate - Looking for a home?

Looking for a home in the Hoffman Estates IL area?  


Hoffman Estates IL Homes,Hoffman Estates IL real estate, Check out what's available in Hoffman Estates IL Homes now!  Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Hoffman Estates IL Homes.  Lots of great home selections (224 total) with some below the $200,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that!  Best selection is between $200,000 to $300,000. The current average listing price for Hoffman Estates Homes is $318,883.  Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!  Some start at just $119,900 so you better get movin'.

Hoffman Estates IL Homes,Hoffman Estates IL real estate,



To search for what's currently available in Hoffman Estates IL Homes, please go directly to the homesearch page (below) to get started.  Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!  Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Hoffman Estates IL has two school districts - Consolidated U-46 and District 54.  I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.



 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 14 2010 03:13PM

Elk Grove IL Homes - Looking for real estate?

Looking for a home in the Elk Grove IL area?  


Elk Grove IL Homes,Elk Grove IL real estate,Check out what's available in Elk Grove IL Homes now!  Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Elk Grove IL Homes.  Lots of great home selections (149 total) with some below the $200,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that!  The current average listing price for Elk Grove Homes is $300,960.  Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!  Some start at just $119,900 so you better get movin'.

Elk Grove IL Homes,Elk Grove IL real estate,


To search for homes currently available in the Elk Grove IL area, please go directly to the homesearch page (below) to get started.  Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!  Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Elk Grove Village has two school districts - Consolidated District 59 and District 54.  I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.

 

 

 

Lyn Sims


Lyn's Disclaimer   LinkedIn  Facebook   Twitter  RSS Feed    Search for Homes!      Send Lyn an Email!   
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 14 2010 01:58PM

Newest Discrimination: PREGNANCY and Your Mortgage App

Schaumburg Home Buyers, IF you hear this ... get up and walk out of your loan application!

Can we say gender discrimination?

There are many great lenders who would not ask that question.  Contact me to find out about a lender who would not subject you to this discrimination!

Via Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate:

I closed on a house today where the buyer was asked by BANK OF AMERICA about their future child plans! Not if the wife was pregnant now, but FUTURE plans.

This is a young couple moving from their first to second home. At the last minute, the underwriter (of course) requested several more forms and more information. Okay, normal.

But one question they asked the husband was "Do you plan on having more children?"

WHOA.

Lani Rosales wrote about this recently on AgentGenius about this topic and her point was she was SHOCKED by the question. She didn't understand why more realtors were not outraged when this was pointed out in a Realtor Magazine article. It generated very little interest.

Well this buyer was insulted and not pleased. They have one gorgeous little girl now. They qualify for the new home on the husband's income alone. It is nobody's business if the wife is pregnant (she's not) or if they ever plan on having more children.

Why aren't more agents upset by this?

I am a full time worker and a mother of 2. I worked throughout 2 pregnancies. I understand if I had quit work our income would have dropped and perhaps we would have not been able to afford our house. I get that.

But in this case, the wife is a full time mother and her income would not "drop" if she got pregnant. How in the world does it matter?

Isn't this violating Fair Housing somehow? Discrimination?

In the past month other bloggers have posted about this being a lie (another mortgage blogger posted that lenders only ask this in case to see if the buyer will quit later, after getting pregnant). This is NOT THE CASE here and this is not hypothetical or third hand info.

This happened TODAY to a buyer client of mine and the lender was Bank of America.

 

Flickr photo courtesy CarbonNYC

 

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA. If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006. Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search! No registration is required!

We also run Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs in the area. If you need an appraisal, we are your Schuylkill County appraisal source. 


 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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0 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 14 2010 11:11AM

A Recurring Theme For Success: Bloom Where You're Planted!

This is a post that I think we should all read that might help us get through these trying economic times.  Whether selling your home, trying to refinance, whatever the case maybe, we have to 'Bloom where we're planted'.

Via Mike Jones (SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC):

Bloom where you're planted: Mike in Tucson

Bloom where you're planted: Mike in TucsonBloom where you're planted!  (If you're a pessimist, move on.)

Compare and contrast the environment for two identical, thriving cacti. 

The little guy on the left has all the luck!  Of course it's doing well!  He sprouted where there's soil for his roots, shade from that bush on the right, and level ground to retain water from the monsoon rains.

The cactus above has none of that.  The only soil to nourish its roots is that which blows into the rock crevice during a dust storm.  Perched eight feet above the desert floor on barren rock, he has no shade from the scorching sun.  Nearly all the precious moisture that comes during the monsoon season runs off the rock face to the desert floor below, and is unavailble to the cactus.

Using only resources that are available, each has survived in its own environment.  Both are perfectly healthy.  Both are in bloom. Both will set seed and reproduce.  Both are secure.  And if those flowers are any measure, both are confident in their future.

Positive Results In A Negative Environment

Security and confidence are necessary to us as well.  They are nourishment and rain.  They are the underpinning that allows us to grow as business people and as individuals.

Here's a secret.  Neither security nor confidence come from our environment ~ from our economy.  If you're truthful with yourself, you'll agree that we live in a negative environment right now, much like that little cactus in the top photo.

Security and confidence come from action, from moving forward now on the things we CAN control, and refusing to worry about the things that are beyond our control.

Seth Godin, in his new book Linchpin, says this regarding attachment to things we can't control:

Spending even one [brain cycle] on a situation out of our control has a significant opportunity cost.  Your competition is busy allocating time to create the future, and you are stuck wishing the world was different.  We're attached to a certain view, a given outcome, and when it doesn't appear, we waste time mourning the world that we wanted that isn't here.

  1. Accept your situation. 
  2. Improve it. 
  3. Bloom where you're planted.

___________________

This cactus photo makes an exceptional desktop photo for your computer.

(I don't copyright my photos anymore.
Feel free to use it as you wish.)

Right click on the image, copy and enjoy!

Click my Send Out Cards logo! 
Send a real card to someone you love. 
(It's free ~ on me. Thanks for reading my blog.)

Just click on the logo.  This is the "Netflix" of      Greeting Cards.

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson Mortgage Lender.

NMLS #223495

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE llc ~ Correspondent Mortgage Bank
Offices (AZ) Mesa, Tucson, Nogales, and Albuquerque, NM.

 

Lyn Sims


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    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

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8 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 13 2010 10:46AM

Aren't All Lenders The Same?

All Lenders are not created equal! They don't even offer the same mortgage plans!  I would love to refer you to someone that values my business referrals and gets you home you desire! 

Via Stephanie Reynolds (AgentsOfPossibility.com, REALTOR, GRI, ePro at CMI, Inc. ):

Aren't All Lenders The Same?

A lot goes into your process when buying a home. It is a big event. Finding the right neighborhood, a great floor plan, the right number of bedrooms and of course, the right price! The purchase of a home will be one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime.

One of the primary details in any home buying process is how you plan to pay for the home. If you have all cash, great! No worries! The process will be a smooth one! However, most of us are not fortunate to have that kind of cash lying around the house. That is why it is so important to work with a lender that understands the process.

Many people think what's the difference? Who ever can get me the best interest rate wins! Think again. There are many factors you should consider in choosing a lender. This one company and one loan officer could make or break the deal with one simple mis-step!

When chosing a lender, here are a few tips to consider in making a decision, not all lenders are the same:

1) Is the company you are considering a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Banker, Bank or Credit Union? How long have they been in Business? Understanding the difference between types of lenders will help you make a more informed decision in choosing the best fit for your needs. A Mortgage Broker can shop your loan with many larger lenders but do not lend their own funds. A Mortgage Banker does lend their own funds, but may be limited in the programs available. The Mortgage Banker will probably not collect the payments on the loan. They will sell the loan to a larger company. A Bank also lends their own funds and will probably collect the payments on the loan. They may have more strict lending guidelines than a Mortgage Bank. A Credit Union will also lend their own funds, may collect the payments but may also be limited in the programs available.

2) How long has the Loan Officer been doing Mortgage Loans? Experience in understanding the loan programs and the best loan for your situation can save you thousands of dollars up front as well as over 30 years.

3) Does the Loan Officer listen and understand your current financial position? It is important you are working with someone that can offer solutions to problems you may be facing. Anything from credit issues, money for a down payment, time on your job. A good Loan Officer will be able to provide advice on the best approach in handling every situation. There are programs available for with people with credit scores as low as 620, they will be able to advise you on how to improve your credit score. They will know the programs available for 100% financing in your area as well as which programs may allow gift funds. BE AWARE. If any loan officer says it is necessary for you to "fake" any documents or misrepresent anything on your loan application, this is considered LOAN FRAUD and is punishable by law. A good Loan Officer is able to help you through situations without needing to "fudge" on anything.

4) Interest Rates and Fees. Most Lenders are competitive in rates. Compare rates with different lenders and the costs associated with obtaining the loan. The thing that may vary greatly is fees. It is a good idea when shopping for a mortgage loan to ask for a Good Faith Estimate of Costs to compare what charges the lender may be charging. Settlement fees, title fees and recording fees should remain consistent but may vary by a small percentage. Once you are in escrow, these fees will be determined and should not increase.

5) Time periods. Understand how long it will take your lender to process, underwrite and close your loan. Many of the larger lenders and banks may take longer than you have on your contract. Make sure they are able to comply with contract dates or make your offer according to the time frame it will take your lender to complete the process. You do not want to face penalties from the seller for not closing on time. The Loan Officer should be able to tell you from beginning to end what to expect. Do not be left in the dark.This is YOUR loan. You should not have questions about where in the process you are.

These are just a few points to consider when looking for a lender. Any one of these items if not handled by a professional could be costly in your transaction or cause the loan to go south at the last minute. Working with a qualified Loan Officer at a reputable company will ensure less stress on your part. In addition, you should feel comfortable with this person. You are entrusting them with every aspect of your income and assets and you want to know the information will be kept confidential and handled with care. You wouldn't buy a car without driving it; you shouldn't get a loan without interviewing some lenders!

Not all lenders are the same. If you need assistance in finding a lender, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss!

Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!

Please feel free to Subscribe to All Possibilities Throughout San Diego or contact me at 619-838-4408. 

                                                     

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Lyn Sims


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8 commentsLyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs • August 11 2010 03:42PM