Thursday Sept. 29 2016
Real Estate
Page 2D • Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 Continued from 1D
Upon arriving at the home, the first thing that catches the eye is the beautiful setting. A large corner lot where flowers, rocks, green grass and extra concrete in the driveway has been put together in such a way that it creates a lovely, manicured landscaping. The home features two garages, one has access to the large backyard and the other allows the home owner to enter directly into the large laundry room. Let me tell you about the laundry room - it is wonderful space! There is a counter on one end that can be used for folding clothes or even for craft use, and there is a closet that is larger than some pantries. The shelves can be used for laundry or cleaning supplies, or used as extra space for your kitchen items.
This custom home welcomes friends and family as soon as they approach the beautiful steel front door. When you walk into the home you are immediately impressed with the space. The large foyer opens up to a great room that has tall ceilings, two ceiling fans, an impressive fireplace with wood work that shows off the elegance that Monte Graham puts into his homes. Everything is set up for your home entertainment system with surround sound in place and speakers throughout the home. Separating the family room from the kitchen is an eat at bar that encourages family to converse and be together while preparing meals. If you like to cook, you need to see this kitchen. It is a chef’s delight with
Buying a home for the first time is an exciting period in a person’s life. Deciding to buy a home often indicates buyers are ready to establish firm roots in a community where they can see themselves living for years to come. The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and first-time buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by first-time buyers regardless of their budgets or home preferences. But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nerve-wracking. • Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudorstyle home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need
the custom cabinets, granite counter tops, under cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, solid surface cook top and a large kitchen island with its own hand washing sink. There are lots of cabinets, counter space, and plenty of shelves for all your small kitchen appliances to be stored out of sight. The microwave is built into the cabinets in order to leave more counter space for food preparation or cookie decorating with the family. Closet space in bedrooms usually is a concern to most home buyers. This home features large walk-in closets in each of the four bedrooms. The closets offer hanging space, shelves, and even built in shoe racks. The master suite closet is almost
be. • Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospective borrowers can make the home-buying process go smoothly by having all of the necessary documentation ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as
as large as a small bedroom and can easily accommodate all wardrobe sizes. A favorite little feature in the master closet a wall outlet. Closet space throughout the home is a detail that Monte includes in this home on Asher. There are a total of four bedrooms, two of the bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bath and another has a full bath of its own. There is also a half bath located near the kitchen and laundry room. The master suite bath offers a Jacuzzi tub and large separate tiled shower with a glass door. The double sink vanity has drawers and cabinets with room to store away the usual bathroom clutter. Each end of the vanity features a built in medicine cabinet with wood doors that add to the elegance of the space.
Clovis News Journal Two windows in the bathroom let in a lot of light but still maintain privacy. Other than the garage entrance, there are 3 other doors that exit to the park-like back yard. One in the master suite, one in the dining nook near the family room and the other is located off of the kitchen. The back yard patio is a perfect entertaining spot that includes a ceiling fan to provide a gentle breeze on the warm fall days. The half circle flagstone patio extension is perfect for your outdoor firepit or extra space for back yard barbeques. There is a sandy area on one side that can be used for children’s play equipment or perhaps you will choose this spot for your firepit. There landscaping in the back is well placed, and provides a serene, relaxing environment.
well as your recent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. Having these materials ready in advance means you will spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you. • Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many firsttime home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing
There are many other features inside this home at 112 Asher, Clovis, including the custom wood blinds, crown molding, wood flooring and beautiful tile. Meghan Foote, the listing agent for this home, would love to give you a tour and talk about making this the place your family calls home. You can reach Meghan at the RE/ MAX First Place REALTORS office which is located at 817 E. Llano Estacado, Clovis, by stopping by or calling the office at 575-763-3729 or her cell at 575-7498075. You can also call Wes Graham, Broker/Owner of RE/ MAX First Place REALTORS. RE/MAX First Place REALTORS also has an office in Portales, NM located on the square at 120 S. Avenue A.
before they begin looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a bank will loan them, meaning they won’t spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer. • Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help first-time buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools as well as a multitude of additional issues that first-time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay of the land regarding home prices, which can ease first-time buyers’ fears about overpaying for their first homes. A home is the biggest purchase many people will ever make. Firsttime buyers may be intimidated as they begin searching for their homes, but there are several ways to make the process go smoothly.
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As men and women retire or approach retirement age, many opt to downsize their homes. Such a decision can save older adults substantial amounts of money while also liberating them from the hassle of maintaining large homes they no longer need. Downsizing to smaller homes or apartments is a significant step, one that homeowners should give ample consideration before making their final decisions. The following are a handful of tips to help homeowners determine if downsizing to smaller homes is the right move. • Get a grip on the real estate market. Downsizing is not solely about money, but it’s important that homeowners consider the real estate market before putting their homes up for sale. Speak with a local realtor or your financial advisor about the current state of your real estate market. Downsizing can help
homeowners save money on utilities, taxes and mortgage payments, but those savings may be negated if you sell your house in a buyer’s market instead of a seller’s market. If you think the current market won’t get you the price you are hoping for, delay your downsize until the market rebounds. • Take inventory of what’s in your house. Empty nesters often find that their homes are still filled with their children’s possessions, even long after those children have entered adulthood and left home. If the storage in your home is dominated by items that belong to your children and not you, then downsizing might be right for you. Tell your children you are thinking of downsizing and invite them over to pick through any items still in your home. Once they have done so and taken what they want, you can host a yard sale, ultimately donating or discarding what you
cannot sell. Once all of the items are gone, you may realize that moving into a smaller place is the financially prudent decision. • Examine your own items as well. Your children’s items are likely not the only items taking up space in your home. Take inventory of your own possessions as well, making note of items you can live without and those you
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want to keep. If the list of items you can live without is extensive, then you probably won’t have a problem moving into a smaller home. If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to many of your possessions, then you might benefit from staying put for a little while longer. • Consider your retirement lifestyle. If you have already retired or on the verge
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 • Page 3D
of retirement and plan to spend lots of time traveling, then downsizing to a smaller home may free up money you can spend on trips. And if you really do see yourself as a silver-haired jetsetter, then you likely won’t miss your current home because you won’t be home frequently enough to enjoy it. If travel is not high on your retirement to-
do list but you have a hobby, such as crafting, restoring classic cars or woodworking, that you hope to turn into a second profession, then you might benefit from staying put and converting your existing space into a workshop. Many retirees downsize their homes, but this decision requires careful consideration of a variety of factors.
Page 4D • Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016
People relocate for various reasons. Many relocate for professional opportunities, while others relocate to pursue their educations. And while some may relocate to enjoy a lower cost of living, others may find themselves relocating to satisfy their sense of adventure. Regardless of why a person is relocating, doing so without preparing for the move can make the transition that much more difficult. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 19 percent of the 35.9 million people one year and over who moved between 2012 and 2013 did so for a job-related reason. Relocating to a new city for a job is different than moving from one home to another within the same
community. Relocating to a new city can be a life-changing event that requires planning and maybe even a little luck to make it work. • Examine your finances. Moving is expensive, and it can be even more expensive when moving to an entirely new city. If you are moving to pursue career opportunities but don’t yet have a job offer in hand, examine your finances and work out a worst-case scenario in the event that your job hunt takes longer than you hoped for. Unless you have a benefactor who can help you pay your bills and avoid debt while you look for a job, make sure you have several months’ worth of living expenses saved up before moving. • Research the
Renting out a home is a great way to earn some extra income. Some homeowners rent their homes in an attempt to wait out a sagging housing market, while others see renting as a long-term commitment to their financial futures. Being a landlord has its advantages and disadvantages, and
the decision to rent out a home is one that homeowners should not take lightly. The following are a handful of factors homeowners should consider as they try to decide if renting out their homes is the right move for them.
Time
Being a landlord is a 24/7/365 commitment,
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job market. Certain cities have more opportunities for people in certain fields than others, so make sure the city you plan to relocate to is a place where you will have
ample opportunities in your chosen line of work. Otherwise you might find yourself settling for a career you don’t like or relocating again to a job market more accommodating
as tenants will expect their landlords to be on call at all times. Tenants will call their landlords should plumbing fixtures suddenly burst in the middle of the night, and landlords must be available to answer such calls no matter how inconvenient they become. If you are not willing or able to devote
the time necessary to tend to tenant needs, then being a landlord may not be for you.
Maintenance
Whereas homeowners may be able to delay making certain repairs in the homes where they lay their heads, such a luxury is not afforded when they are renting out their other properties. Repairs and maintenance of rental properties cannot be put on the back burner while you save money to fix them. In addition, if even minor repairs typically pose a problem for you, you may soon discover that hiring a handyman or discounting rent for live-in supers is cutting into your profits or making it difficult to pay bills. Before deciding to rent out your home, determine the potential costs of maintaining a second property and use that information to decide if renting the property is a sound financial investment or one that
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to someone in your field. • Research the real estate market. Before hitting the road and heading for your new home, research the real estate market in that area. Try to find out the average rental price via online forums or even online newspaper classified sections. Find out if people tend to live with roommates or go it alone in the city you’re relocating to. If you are moving to a city where you know very few people or no one at all, consider becoming someone’s roommate. The right roommate can provide an instant social network and help you learn the ropes of your adopted home. If you plan to live alone and rent, recognize that many landlords will require a guarantor
before renting to tenants with no income. • Don’t be shy. Unless you are moving to a place where you already have a built-in social network, you should expect to encounter some loneliness upon arriving in your new location. Resolve to make the most of all your new home has to offer by joining a social organization, connecting with your university’s alumni group or volunteering with local charities. If you have a job lined up, sign up for companysponsored outings or teams. Relocating to a new city can produce mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. Planning ahead and doing some homework can help you as you transition to your new home.
might put you in the red.
Help
Tenants
Many people who have rented have a horror story or two about an absentee or indifferent landlord, but landlords also have their own such stories about nightmare tenants. When mulling whether or not to rent out your home, consider who your prospective tenants will be and if your community will supply the steady stream of renters you will need to pay your mortgage and bills without jeopardizing your finances. The last things first-time or even experienced landlords want are tenants who cannot pay their rent and/or those who are disrespectful of their neighbors and their landlords, so it’s best to give ample consideration to your potential pool of renters before deciding to rent out your home.
Many landlords work with local real estate agencies or property management firms who will do much of the legwork with regard to finding tenants and maintaining properties. Research the cost of such help to determine if you can afford it and still make renting your home financially viable. Attorney fees are another cost prospective landlords must consider. Landlord-tenant laws can be difficult to decipher for first-time landlords, so it helps to have an attorney who can help you decipher these laws and how they should govern your actions as a landlord. But attorneys are not inexpensive, and they must be worked into your budget as well. Renting a home is a great way to earn extra income, but homeowners must consider a host of factors before putting their homes up for rent.
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When selling their homes, homeowners can employ several strategies in an effort to drum up interest among potential buyers. One such strategy is to host an open house, which invites prospective buyers to tour the property. Realtors have long used open houses to introduce properties to the market, and a well-planned open house can help sellers generate numerous offers in a single day. Whether working with a realtor or listing homes on their own, homeowners can follow a few simple tips to ensure their open house is a success. • Generate publicity online. Nowadays many prospective home buyers do the bulk of their research via their computers and devices. By advertising their open houses online, sellers have the potential to reach a wide array of buyers. Many real estate agents employ sites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com to promote open houses and showcase properties, so sellers can make sure their agents are taking advantage of these wildly popular sites. Some even allow sellers to list their homes on apps that buyers can peruse on their smartphones. • Generate publicity in traditional ways as well. Traditional publicity should not be overlooked when promoting an open house. A $5 “Open House” lawn sign is an effective and inexpensive way to attract buyers who are driving through desirable neighborhoods looking for their next homes. While the Internet is a valuable resource to promote your open house, the sheer volume of online listings can make it hard to reach potential buyers. A
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traditional lawn sign and a listing in your local newspaper are budgetfriendly promotional opportunities that can generate interest in your open house. • Invite your neighbors. Neighbors can be great salesmen for your home and the community where you live. Invite friendly neighbors to your open house and encourage them to chat with prospective buyers. Buyers will appreciate neighbors’ firsthand knowledge about the community, and their friendliness can help to create a strong first impression that increases buyer interest in your home. • Consider some changes to your home decor. When hosting an open house, you might not need to go so far as to stage your home, but you may want to make some changes to the decor to make your home more neutral and appealing to buyers from all walks of life. Remove any potentially controversial artwork or decorative items, replacing them with more neutral items that won’t offend or distract any potential buyers. • Leave the hosting to the professionals. Unless you’re selling the home on your own, resist the temptation to attend your open house. Let your realtor do the work. Your absence can make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves in your home, while your presence may make them uncomfortable or hesitant to explore the property and ask any questions. When hosting an open house, sellers can take several steps to make their homes more appealing to buyers.
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Real Estate
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