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The CENTURY 21 Newsletter
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07/17/2009
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I am pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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CENTURY 21 American Heritage
c21ah@comcast.net
3191 Cypress Mill Road
Brunswick , GA 31525
Phone 912.264.2121
Fax 912.267.9808
http://www.c21ah.com
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Interested in Buying a Foreclosure?
Barely a day goes by without the media reporting on the flood of foreclosures taking place across the United States. According to a RealtyTrac press release issued on May 13, one in 374 houses in the U.S. received a foreclosure filing in April, the highest monthly rate since the company began tracking in 2005.
But instead of seeing doom and gloom from these numbers, many view foreclosures as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy bank-owned properties at below-market rates.
Some seek to buy in bulk, and they often get the best deals. Individual purchasers may find foreclosures to be a bit more challenging.
"The only way to pick up these properties for cents on the dollar is to have cash upfront and buy a minimum of about 10 properties," said Manny Alvarez, an agent with CENTURY 21 Hansen Realty in Wilton Manors, Fla. "For individual purchasers, banks don't like to go below 7 percent of the market price within the first 30 days of their listing."
Still, Alvarez said there are deals to be had-and discounts do vary throughout the nation.
Here are some tips for buying a foreclosure:
- Make sure you have the cash not only for the purchase but for any repairs required after you close-these properties are often distressed and require extensive repairs, Alvarez said. Plus, traditional financing may not be available.
- View the house in person, and get it inspected.
- Don't make an unreasonable offer. Many banks are getting multiple offers now, and your offer can be rejected before you have a chance to increase it.
- Get a title search-either from the bank or on your own-and have it checked by an expert.
If you're interested in a foreclosure, it's essential to work with an experienced agent who can negotiate aggressively with the bank. Give our office a call, and we can refer you to a CENTURY 21 Sales Professional who is qualified in this area.
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12 Tips to Slash Your Energy Bill.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/save_energy.html, a typical American family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. But you can save energy-and money-with these tips to make your home more energy-efficient.
- Get a home energy survey from your local utility. Many will do a free analysis of your home and provide specific ways to save money on your utility bill.
- Replace old furnaces and air conditioners with newer ones that are more energy efficient.
- Install programmable thermostats.
- Swap light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs bearing the Energy Star label.
- Air dry dishes.
- Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room.
- Turn off computers and TVs when they are not being used.
- Plug home electronic devices into power strips, and turn them off when the equipment is not being used. These devices often have a "standby" mode that uses power even when they are off.
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
- Install a low-flow head on your shower. Opt for showers, not baths.
- Only run the washer or dishwasher with full loads.
- Purchase appliances that have the Energy Star label.
These tips can help you lower your energy use up to 25 percent, according to the DOE. That will not only save you money now, but reduced utility bills could also help you command a higher price for your home when you sell.
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Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows
Housing affordability hit an all-time high in early April, as the average 30-year home loan slid to 4.78 percent, the lowest rate since Freddie Mac began tracking it in 1971. These low rates offer buyers unprecedented opportunities to save money on a new home.
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114 Hickory Pine, Brunswick
4 bedroom - 2 bath
MLS# 569277
REDUCED!! NOW BEING SOLD AS A SHORT SALE AND WILL REQUIRE LENDER APPROVAL. This 4 bedroom home is locatd on a quiet street at the end of a cul-de-sac. It boasts a beautiful spacious view of the 11th green and lagoon. A View with entertainment! This is also one of the bigger lots on the street. Step from the screened porch onto the patio and you are ready for grilling. Master suite includes 2 walk-in closets, separate shower, whirlpool tub and double vanities. If you would like to live in a gated community with beautiful landscaping, tennis courts, swimming pool, marina, golf club, and even it's own Grill & Bistro, the price is right and here is your opportunity to live on beautiful Oak Grove Island!
$248,500 - View Listing
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© 2009 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Century 21© is a registered trademark licensed to Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Each CENTURY 21 office is independently owned and operated. All rights reserved.
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Proud supporter of Easter Seals
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