We Know Urban Realty

Monday, June 29, 2015

What Is the Difference Between an Agent and a Broker?

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Buying or selling a home may be just one of the biggest financial deals you will make in your life, add the key element of your lifestyle, where and what area you desire to live; turning it into one large decision.

As your real estate agent helps you in every step of the buying or selling process, the skills and qualifications of that agent can eventually make a major difference in your real estate experience.

There are three main titles that signify levels of training and licensing in the real estate profession, but several other forms of specialist certification which may be relevant to your real estate transaction.

Real Estate Broker

Although some of the requirements vary from state to state, a broker is generally required to complete over 100 hours of classes, have at least a year's experience as a real estate agent, and pass exams. Brokers are legally able to handle deposits and escrow accounts.

In most states, real estate agents must work under the supervision of brokers. A licensed broker working under the supervision of another broker is often called an "Associate Broker." If choosing an agent who is not a broker, you should make sure that the agent works for a reputable brokerage.

Real Estate Agent

Like brokers, real estate agents must be licensed by the state in which they are working, something that requires completing a certain amount of coursework, usually at least 50 hours, and passing a licensing exam.

While real estate agents can list and show houses and work with customers, they are normally employed or supervised by brokers. While all brokers must be real estate agents, not all real estate agents are brokers.

REALTOR®

To use the title REALTOR®, a real estate agent must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, and have agreed to follow its code of ethics.

Certified Real Property Appraiser

Although a real estate agent is expert at understanding the market, and helping you determine selling prices and offers for properties, if you intend to get a mortgage, you must get an appraisal conducted by a state-certified appraiser.

Appraisers have a duty to be objective and unbiased when evaluating properties. The Appraiser Qualifications Board sets training standards for appraisers.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Members of the National Association of REALTORS® who have completed advanced training and passed an examination on addressing the particular real estate needs of seniors can obtain SRES® certification.

Agents with this designation are adept at helping seniors who may be downsizing, moving to transitional living arrangements, or setting up multi-generational trusts.

Military Relocation Professional

Relocating as a military family brings with it unique challenges, especially in dealing with VA financing and other aspects of the military relocation process.

This certification requires completing specific coursework and passing an exam focused especially on VA loans and military paperwork.

National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation

Many urban professionals are concerned about the impact of their home choices on the environment. ‘What is the Green Resource Council’ trains and certifies real estate agents to work with homeowners concerned with finding or selling green housing.

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Arizona, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Some Pitfalls to Watch for When Buying a Starter Home

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First time home-buyers are the power behind the real estate recovery. Without entry-level buyers, existing homes do not give sellers the ability to buy other homes. When it comes to the real estate economy, buyers of starter homes save the day.

Unfortunately, entry level home buyers frequently work with less experienced real estate professionals who are not as well prepared to support the inexperienced buyer who needs more explanation and coaching.

The first home purchase is often more stressful than second or third home purchases. Stress and anxiety are contributing factors to the high statistics of pitfalls and setbacks that seem to accompany first home purchases.

Valuable Facts and Tips When Buying a Starter Home

• A small house with a yard is not the ideal starter home for everyone. Entry level buyers have the most success when homes have been viewed on a more recreational and educational level before pre-qualifying for a loan and submitting an offer to purchase.

Although a downtown high rise condo is not your mother’s first home, a condominium project in an urban setting does not require a major investment in gardening tools, or in many cases, a second car. It is important to know what one really desires as well as what is within a person’s capabilities.

• Once an offer to purchase has been signed by both buyer and seller and the flurry of emotion following acceptance has calmed, the sales contract should be carefully read and reviewed by the buyers in a different setting with minimal distractions. The purpose of this review is to adjust the initial plan of action to conform to what is now a legally binding contract. There are inevitable questions that are best answered early on during the escrow and predictably will come up only after the deal is signed.

• Begin loan process immediately. An appraisal that is not timely, a missing employment verification, or an overlooked bank verification are just a few of the details that will hold up a sale closing and sabotage moving plans for all parties. By starting the financial procedure right away, margins of time are available to solve problems that are minor early on and major when it is time to close the escrow.

• Real estate agents representing first time home buyers are often the hardest workers when it comes to showing property. The lack of experience shows itself with overlooked details that grow into major issues. If questions arising from sales contract reviews are not answered clearly, insist on clarity from the escrow agent, loan officer or broker in charge of the agents’ real estate office as soon as possible.

A home purchase is the largest and most permanent investment most people will ever make. It is normal to have doubts. Whether it is a little cottage in the woods, or a downtown high rise condo; the essential considerations of the home to provide a sense of safety and security, and that the monthly loan payment, projected maintenance costs, insurance and dues are within the capabilities of the buyer(s). If that is the situation, they should make an offer!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Does It Make Sense to Buy a New Home Before You Sell?

Does It Make Sense to Buy a New Home Before You Sell? from Kay Frenzer-Zeeh

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Advantages of Buying a Condo

After many years of living in a single family home, many people begin to consider condominium ownership as a good alternative for their changing needs.

Condominium living in an urban environment is significantly different than the big home in the suburbs.

It can be the perfect option for young singles who are free to spend their time as they like and for older people thinking about shedding their big home in the suburbs.

If you’re shopping for a new residence, consider the many advantages of owning a condominium:

No Maintenance

If you are moving from a single family home, you are fully aware of the time and money this type of housing requires. High rise condos allow residents to avoid the long weekends of grass mowing and gutter cleaning, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. Maintenance expenses for the condominium are included in your regular monthly or quarterly condominium fee, so you can budget your money more easily.

Shared Amenities

Many condominium lofts and apartments have swimming pools, exercise rooms and clubrooms that are shared in common with other residents. The expense and maintenance for these items are included in your fees, so that you and your guests can enjoy them completely trouble-free.

Close to Urban Excitement

Urban condos are close to restaurants, theaters, shopping venues, museums and other activities, so that you can spend more time enjoying yourself and less time getting there. High rise condos are often located near city centers, which provide many opportunities to participate in civic events, such as holiday festivals, farmer’s markets and specifically- scheduled activities.

Easy Transportation

Urban condos also allow you to access public transportation easily; so that you can get anywhere you need to go. Buses, taxis, subways and walkways are easily accessible and provide cost-effective transportation throughout the area.

For Young Professionals

The purchase of a condominium puts young professionals in the middle of urban activities. These residents often spend long hours at their jobs and don’t have time for long commutes and maintenance. A condominium in an urban neighborhood allows them to easily meet with friends and enjoy all that the city provides.

For Retirees

For older people who have raised their families and now look forward to more freedom in life, the urban condominium can mean increased recreational opportunities and chances to get out with friends more easily. Maintenance expenses for the condominium are included in condominium fees, which make budgeting retirement income easier. Access to public transportation means that you don’t need a car, which can be an important feature for those who can no longer drive.

A Good Investment

Condominiums tend to hold their value under most market conditions. Many people look to condominium living for a variety of reasons, and the number of condominiums that are available tend to be limited. In some cases, condominiums can also provide rental income. For these reasons, your condominium purchase is likely to be a good investment for years to come.

The right condominium can add new dimensions to your life and can make life easier and more enjoyable for people, both young and old.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

A Few Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Home

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When you're buying a home, it's not feasible to have an inspection done on every home that you tour, but it's important to know about any potential problems before you make a commitment. The same principle applies when you're considering a downtown high rise condo.

Homeowner's Association

It's essential to know what the HOA is like before committing to the sale. Each homeowner's association has different rules and a board that makes decisions regarding homeowner's rights.

One way to learn about the HOA is to get copies of the minutes of recent meetings. Some HOA's are more flexible than others. Make sure you understand what improvements or changes you can make to your property that don't conflict with the HOA.

Fees Included in the Price

Most buyers looking for downtown condos to buy calculate what they'll pay for their mortgage but don't always consider additional fees. When you buy a condo, you have to pay a monthly fee that may include:

Landscaping
Maintenance of common areas
Master insurance
Snow or refuse removal

What most buyers don't know is that the monthly fee isn't the same for every tenant. If you buy a condo that's assessed at a higher rate than some others in the building, your monthly fee may be higher. When you're signing the contract for your condo, the fees must be itemized and included in the contract. The monthly fee may change if the owner of the building plans on making upgrades. If there's a high delinquency rate, the fees may be raised.

Out of Pocket Maintenance and Repairs

It's customary to take out a homeowner's insurance policy when you buy a downtown high rise condo. The HOA fee in many cases includes a master insurance plan that covers damage to the building. Even though some states don't require separate insurance apart from the HOA fees, it's a good idea to have a policy to cover damage to personal items.

Rates of Delinquency

If a substantial number of homeowners in a building are delinquent in paying their HOA fees, it may not be possible to be approved for a mortgage. The same rule often applies when a large number of residents in a building are renters rather than owners. Even if you have a superior credit rating, the building may be considered an apartment building and your mortgage could be denied.

Telltale Signs of Damage

When you're inspecting the condo you want to buy, make sure to look for recent paint jobs in one area or peeling ceilings that could indicate water damage. Check doors and windows to see that they open and shut as they should. Check electrical outlets and fixtures and look for signs of mildew or mold. It's best to contact a home inspector to check out the condo thoroughly before you sign a contract.

The Appraiser's Role

Your lender will have an appraiser inspect the condo to make sure that it's worth the asking price. Buyers have the right to look at the appraisal. Sometimes, the appraiser may make not of potential issues that the buyer should know about before signing the contract.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

An Overview of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit

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Planning to settle in a new place? Interested in buying urban condos? If this is the first time you will be buying a home, you need to take note of certain things. First things first; you need to save money for your down payment and other subsequent payments. You also have to consider other government compliance requirements.

But did you know getting a new home is a lot easier than before? Can you believe the state and federal government provide plenty of grants, which makes the entire home acquisition process trouble-free and uncomplicated? What’s more, tax credits and similar options are afforded to many first-time home buyers.

Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

Did you know you can avail of tax credits and federal or state grants? These social legislation measures are aimed at making life easier for people seeking to buy a new home for the first time. If you haven’t purchased a home yet but is planning to acquire one for the first time, these measures set in place under the law can help you afford the payments to your first home.

Do you consider yourself as a first-time home buyer? If you answered “yes” to all these questions, you may be qualified as one under pertinent social legislation:

Have you owned a home during the 3 years immediately preceding its purchase date?
Are you a single parent who never owned a home under your name?
Have you only owned a home together your spouse?

In addition, a displaced homemaker who only owned a home together with his or her spouse may be qualified as a first-time home buyer; this also includes a person who has built his or her home without observing the appropriate building regulations or has not affixed his or her home to a permanent foundation.

Are you wondering what benefits can be derived by such individual? For those who qualify as a home acquisition first-timer, they can avail of special tax holidays like tax credits or refunds or other special benefits or grants from the government. With these privileges, the dream of having a new home becomes closer to reality.

Are you familiar with the Home Mortgage Interest Deduction program of the Internal Revenue Service? This is one of the many tax benefits, which can be enjoyed by people who meet the requirements to be recognized as a first-time buyer. Here, the IRS allows these individuals to deduct the interests paid to lenders against the tax liabilities due.

Another tax benefit that is available to first-timers is the Deduction of Points/Loan Origination Fees. The aggregate amount of fees paid for the home mortgage can be applied as a deduction to any outstanding tax liability. In addition, first-timers can also avail of property tax deductions.

Contact the Professionals

If you don’t know much about the goings-on in the real estate business, it pays to ask the professionals. For everything you need to know about urban condos, it is highly advisable that you speak with the professionals. With their knowledge and experience, they can help you look for the best condo unit that suits your needs and fits your budget.

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Does the Buyer or Seller Hire the Appraiser?

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People in the market for downtown Phoenix condos often seek information on getting a real estate appraisal on their potential new home. As with other property, the fair selling price on Scottsdale condos is determined by a real estate appraisal.

What Is an Appraisal?

An appraisal is intended to be an unbiased estimate of a fair price for a property. First, the appraiser visually inspects the property, noting such features as location, condition, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, extras like a garage or pool. Measurements and photos are taken and the physical report completed. A less complete approach called a drive by appraisal involves the appraiser driving by the property and then researching real estate records; it is not accepted by most lenders.

After a physical assessment is done, the appraiser determines value by using sales comparisons, cost approach or both. The sales approach takes into consideration recent sales of similar homes in the area using standard formulas to account for such differences as size variances, fireplaces, mudrooms or garages. The cost approach, on the other hand, uses local building costs and labor rates to figure out how much the house would cost to build. The most common type of appraisal is the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), which combines the sales and cost approaches.

What is a Real Estate Appraiser?

A real estate appraiser is a licensed contractor usually hired by the lender. Knowledgeable about real estate, an appraising professional knows how to evaluate properties, such Phoenix condos, on the basis of neighborhood, housing trends, physical condition and a host of other variables that go into determining the current value of a home. To get a fair appraisal, it’s best to hire a professional who works with a number of lenders so that there is no conflict of interest.

What Is the Purpose of an Appraisal?

Mortgage lenders generally require an appraisal because they will only loan an amount of money in line with the property’s appraised value. With the high price of homes and condos in today’s marketplace, it’s important to ensure the loan is paying for a home worth its selling price. If the appraisal comes in below the amount of the sale, either the buyer must put more money down or the contract must be renegotiated to account for the lower value.

Who Pays for the Appraisal?

Because the lender is requiring the appraisal, it’s usually the buyer who pays the bill. In most sales, the lender orders the appraisal, the buyer pays for it and then the lender takes a close look at the appraisal itself before approving the mortgage. While drive by appraisals cost less than complete property appraisals, they are often not accepted by mortgage lenders. If the home doesn’t appraise for the agreed upon selling price, the buyer may ask for a second appraisal from a different appraiser. Appraisals are usually paid for at closing, and you should be sure to keep a copy for your own records.

Exceptions to the Rule

In a few cases, sellers may be expected for the appraisal. For instance, in FHA-insured mortgages, the seller or mortgage lender is expected to foot the bill for a second appraisal. Because the real estate business is built on endless negotiations, a bank or other lender can feel free to allow a seller to pay for the appraisal.