Steps to Buying a Home

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 1:27 pm, January 18th, 2011

Before you shop for a new home the first step should be a meeting with a lender to make sure that you qualify for financing.  A lender will be able to tell you your credit score, how much financing you qualify for, how much money down you will have to have, and the important documents that you will need to provide to process your application.

 The next step is to find a home and make an offer.  Your real estate professional will work closely with your lender to get a pre-approval letter to present with the offer.

Once your contract is accepted, then it is important to meet with the lender asap to sign documents and get the ball rolling on your loan. The lender will send an appraiser out to asssess the value of the home. Once your loan has been approved, then the lender will issue a “committment” letter. 

 Your real estate agent will help you schedule the necessary inspections and help with negotiations in those areas if need be. Prior to closing you will receive a statement detailing all the funds and fees necessary to bring to closing. You will need to bring a certified check to the attorneys office with you.

 Move in and enjoy!!

Steps to Buying a Home

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 1:27 pm, January 18th, 2011

Before you shop for a new home the first step should be a meeting with a lender to make sure that you qualify for financing.  A lender will be able to tell you your credit score, how much financing you qualify for, how much money down you will have to have, and the important documents that you will need to provide to process your application.

 The next step is to find a home and make an offer.  Your real estate professional will work closely with your lender to get a pre-approval letter to present with the offer.

Once your contract is accepted, then it is important to meet with the lender asap to sign documents and get the ball rolling on your loan. The lender will send an appraiser out to asssess the value of the home. Once your loan has been approved, then the lender will issue a “committment” letter. 

 Your real estate agent will help you schedule the necessary inspections and help with negotiations in those areas if need be. Prior to closing you will receive a statement detailing all the funds and fees necessary to bring to closing. You will need to bring a certified check to the attorneys office with you.

 Move in and enjoy!!

Should I use a Buyers Agent to Purchase Real Estate

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 1:27 pm, January 10th, 2011

A much asked question when one is contemplating purchasing real estate in Raleigh North Carolina is “Should I use a Buyers Agent” or “Why should I use a Buyers Agent”

There are several reasons that you should consider enlisting the services of a Realtor. One is that a Realtor has access to the MLS (Multiple List Service) that is a powerful tool in accessing information to help you make more informed decisions. Another reason is that the homes you are looking at are listed with agents that have a binding agreement to act in the best interest of the seller. You deserve full representation and that is what a Buyers Agent can provided; usually with the Seller paying their commission.

A good Buyers agent has experience and can help you negotiate a deal , can help you to maximize your time , and can help put you in contact with people that can help to make your transaction a smooth one. For a free no obligation interview please feel free to call:

 Betty Bargoil, Broker

Fonville Morisey

919-601-4478

or email:

bbargoil@fmrealty.com
Â

Should I use a Buyers Agent to Purchase Real Estate

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 1:27 pm, January 10th, 2011

A much asked question when one is contemplating purchasing real estate in Raleigh North Carolina is “Should I use a Buyers Agent” or “Why should I use a Buyers Agent”

There are several reasons that you should consider enlisting the services of a Realtor. One is that a Realtor has access to the MLS (Multiple List Service) that is a powerful tool in accessing information to help you make more informed decisions. Another reason is that the homes you are looking at are listed with agents that have a binding agreement to act in the best interest of the seller. You deserve full representation and that is what a Buyers Agent can provided; usually with the Seller paying their commission.

A good Buyers agent has experience and can help you negotiate a deal , can help you to maximize your time , and can help put you in contact with people that can help to make your transaction a smooth one. For a free no obligation interview please feel free to call:

 Betty Bargoil, Broker

Fonville Morisey

919-601-4478

or email:

bbargoil@fmrealty.com
Â

Raleigh - one of top cities to live in

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 10:55 am, June 24th, 2010

Forbes magazine rated Raleigh one of the top 3 most innovative cities in the US. This was from a study conducted of the l00 largest US metropolitan areas that were ranked according to each areas patent per person, venture capital investment per capita,and ratio of high-tech, science and creative jobs.

 Forbes also ranked Raleigh the 4th highest for science and tech jobs.

will a short sale save my credit

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 10:22 am, June 15th, 2010

If you are in a house that you cant afford or you owe more money on it than you can sell it for, beware of those that tell you selling through the process of a “short sale” may be the answer to your problems. Selling via “short sale” is means you sell the property for less than what you owe the bank. Of course the bank must agree to this solution.  As with a foreclosure this can still negatively affect your credit score.  It is a prediction of future risk. There may be a chance to sell your house on the open market and your house may be worth more than you think. Do not wait too long to consult a real estate professional. Time is not on your side if you are having trouble making your payments.

Foreclosure process

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 10:11 am, June 15th, 2010

If you are stuck in a house that you cant afford, there may be help. Seek the help of a real estate professional before it is too late. Your home may be worth more than you think. If your property is at risk you have a right to know all of your options. Selling your house on the open market is by far the most under utilized option. The fact is that selling your home will give you the most money and may help save your credit. We have helped several families and may be able to help you.

Tax credit

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 12:47 pm, January 22nd, 2010

On November 5, 2009, the Worker Homeownership and Business Act passed the House with my support.  The legislation extends the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers to homes that were purchased prior to May 1, 2010.

This bill also established a new tax credit of $6500 for certain non-first-time home buyers.  To be eligible for the new credit, the home buyer must have owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years.  Either tax credit can be utilized until June 30, 2010, provided the home buyer has entered into a binding contract on a principal residence by April 30, 2010.

Raleigh NC Real Estate - First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 6:22 am, March 13th, 2009
  • Available to first-time home buyers.  You also qualify if you have not owned a home within the last 3 years.  
  • The tax credit is not a loan and does not require repayment*
  • The tax credit reduces the home buyer’s tax liability; if the buyer’s liability is less than $8,000, the remaining credit will be issued as a check
  • Home purchase must be for a primary residence
  • The credit is available on home purchases between January 1, 2009 and  December 1, 2009.  You must close by December 1, 2009.
  • If you are single and make $75,000 or more, or are married and make $150,000 or more, you do not qualify for the tax credit
  • The credit is not eligible if the seller is a relative of the buyer

*If the home is sold within 3-years, the $8,000 tax credit must be re-paid

Hope for investors in Raleigh NC

Posted by Betty Bargoil @ 12:30 pm, February 10th, 2009

…..on Friday, Fannie Mae issued an amendment to their current policy with regard to the number of “financed” properties they will allow a borrower to have.  Under current guidelines, the number of financed properties is capped at four (4):

Effective March 1st:
Fannie Mae will allow investor and second home borrowers to own five to ten financed properties if they meet certain eligibility and underwriting requirements.  
Specific requirements include:
Down payment of 25% is required.
Minimum Credit Score of 720
No History of Bankruptcy or Foreclosure in the last 7 years.
No delinquencies within the past 12 months on any mortgage loan.
Reserve requirements after closing include 6 months on the subject property as well as 6 months additional on each other financed property over 4, two months if under 4 financed properties.
Attached is a link to the actual FNMA announcement.