Is a Home Inspection Worth It?

A common questions for homebuyers is "Is a home inspection worth it?" My answer is always "yes." The reason I think is because a home is a considerable financial investment. You want to make sure the home you are buying is in good condition for not only your own enjoyment, but so that the property is resalable.

In general, a home inspector checks for things that could be potentially dangerous or hazardous, such as a faulty furnace or AC, drainage issues, foundation deficiencies, problems with the roof and other health and safety issues. Home inspectors don’t usually disclose repair costs, so if the inspection finds something amiss, hire your own contractor to determine the cost and make repairs. Some repairs may be so minor that you could fix them yourself. After a home inspection the home inspector usually provides a report with all of the conditions of the areas of the home that were inspected.

Remember, no home is perfect. Every home will have some issue on an inspection, even new homes. A home inspection is simply a chance to make sure you will be buying a quality product and getting the most for your money.For more information about please give me call at (435) 757-5533. Also if you’d like to buy a home for sale in Logan, Utah please visit my custom search Logan real estate Web site at www.LoganHomeFinder.com or please e-mail me at mike@LoganHomeFinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Help for Single Parents Looking to Buy a Home

Being a single parent is a challenge, but there is help in finding a stable home for you and your kids. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a loan program tailored to the needs of a single parent. There are many benefits to this program that cater to single parents and this is another way to find a great home for sale in Logan, Utah.

• Compensating factors can allow FHA underwriters to forgive credit imperfections. Ease of qualifying with flexible debt ratios.
• Using the 2/1 Buy-Down Program can facilitate lowering your front end housing cost ratio for more opportunities to get approved
• Single parent home buyers can utilize gifts from family members, friends, and distant relatives to meet down payment requirements
• Borrowers could be eligible for local grants that can help not only pay your down payment, but your Closing Costs as well!
• Sellers can assist single parents by paying up to 6% of your closing costs
• The FHA loan program has government regulated closing costs which control what you can be charged for when purchasing or refinancing a home.
• When using the FHA Streamline program, existing FHA loans can be quickly and affordably modified without having to qualify for a new loan.
• The FHA mortgage program offers single parents unmatched security for home retention. Ask us about the Foreclosure intervention opportunities the FHA loan affords during unexpected financial crises.

If you are a single parent, you can use this method to buy any home for sale in Logan, Utah or Cache County. Call me if you’d like more information at (435) 757-5533. You can also check out Logan, Utah homes for sale on my Web site at www.LoganHomeFinder.com. This Web site has maps of homes for sale in Logan, Utah and you can search for home for sale in Cache Valley based on your criteria.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Ideas for Selling Your Home

Getting ready to sell your home can be a daunting task, but the most important thing you can do prior to listing your home with a real estate agent. The proper preparations can make your house stand out against the competition and can help you get more for your home. Making sure you make the right preparations inside and out can make the difference! Here are some ideas to help you prepare to selling your home:

• Touch up paint or replace carpet or flooring if needed.
• Curb appeal is important! Keep the front yard neat and tidy (flowers are always a plus).
• Keep the lawn mowed, leaves raked or snow shoveled.
• Consider having a contractor or professional home inspector tour the house to look for any potential problems.
• You want to create an environment where the homebuyers can picture themselves living in the home. Depersonalize your home by putting away family photos and other personal items. Let buyers see the potential for them and their family.
• Buyers like to snoop so keep the closets organized and cupboards organized.
• De-clutter your home, garage and yard. You want to create a favorable impression so and get rid of extras and consider having a yard sale or getting a storage unit.
• Consider having your home professionally staged by someone who is familiar with interior design and who can see the potential for the space in your home.

For more tips please feel free to contact me at (435) 757-5533 and we can discuss what will be the best option for your home. I enjoy working with sellers as get ready to sell. For ideas check out my Web site at www.LoganHomeFinder.com or e-mail me at mike@loganhomefinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Buying or Renting?

Buying or renting is a common question among first time buyers. Buying a home is part of the American Dream. In a struggling economy it can be difficult to get to the point where you can buy a home. Some people own a home as an investment, but most want to own a home to have a place they can call their own. One of the benefits of buying a home is the interest the government allows homeowners to deduct part of their mortgage. If you own a home, your equity will build over time and the mortgages balances shrink.

Now the renting part of buying or renting. As a renter, you have less liability when it comes to the property you are renting. If something breaks the landlord is responsible to fix it, whereas for a homeowner repairs come out of pocket.

It pays to consider your credit score when deciding whether to rent or buy. If your credit score isn't the greatest, build it by renting and paying rent on time. A good credit score is a key part of getting a great rate on a loan. Also, consider how long you will be in a particular area.

If you have questions about whether buying or renting is best for you please give me a call at (435) 757-5533 or e-mail me at mike@loganhomefinder.com and we can go over all your options. If you’re looking for homes visit my interactive Web site www.LoganHomeFinder.com to search for homes in the Logan, Utah area. Now is a great time to buy a home for sale in Logan, Utah. I specialize in working with buyers looking for a good deal on real estate in the Logan area.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Short Sales in Logan, Utah

Ever heard short sales but don't know how they work?

A short sale is a pre-foreclosure sale when a home facing foreclosure – but not officially foreclosed on - is sold at a price less than the debt owed. A buyer gets a great deal on home and a seller avoids foreclosure.

A short sale buyer still needs to be prequalified for the purchase and have an agent already.

In May, the US Treasury offered incentive for buyers to participate in short sales. If borrowers meet the minimum requirements for the Making Home Affordable plan but didn't get a loan modification or couldn't sustain payments under a trial period then they could get a $1,500 incentive payment to pay moving expenses after doing a short sale or died-in-lieu.

There are quite a few short sales in the Logan, Utah and Cache Valley area right now. It’s a great way to buy a home or a piece of real estate. The only disadvantage is that it can take a long time because you are at the mercy of the banks and lending institutions.

I would be happy to show you short sales or other homes for sale in the Logan, Utah area. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.