If you’ve been sitting on the real estate fence waiting to see where the housing market heads, believe it or not, right now might just be the PERFECT time to buy a new Fort Mill SC home.
Here are 5 reasons why:
1. The governments $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit is set to expire on Dec. 1st. That means you’ve got to actually close on your new home. And because it typically takes at least 30 days to go from contract to close, you need to start taking action RIGHT NOW.
2. Believe it or not, there is some 100% financing programs still available. Now, these programs come with many more requirements and restrictions than similar programs that were available previously, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find them anymore. Just be sure to shop around with lenders as some may offer different programs than others.
3. Everything is on clearance. Home sellers know this is a buyers market because many homes are selling at or below the original purchase price. There are many short sales and foreclosures available in the Fort Mill SC area, which means you can now get twice the home for half the price. There really are some amazing deals available IF you have time on your side and a knowledgeable agent.
4. Interest rates may never be this low again. As the economy improves, interest rates will undoubtedly rise and if you don’t act soon you may miss the opportunity. Don’t be one that says “if I had only…”! The best thing to do is to find one of the many free mortgage calculators on the web and play with the numbers. You will find your mortgage monthly payment goes up much quicker with interest rates than if the house price drops a few thousand
5. Local builder incentives are growing. Because the inventory of homes available is growing, builders are willing to customize new homes for a fraction of what was available in the past. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the inventory of pre-built home, look at local builders for the many build-to-suit options available.
If you’re looking to purchase a new home in the Fort Mill SC in spite of the current economy, this really is a great time to take action. These five reasons are just a few of the many why right now might be your best time to take action!
Filed under Carolina Real Estate, Fort Mill SC, Home Buyers, Interest Rates by 
This article comes courtesy of HouseMasters.com:
Many news reports point to the sub prime lending mess as the cause for the housing slump. But home sellers should know that plenty of people with good credit are simply cautious buyers, which can keep sales down.
In most areas it’s a buyer’s market, so people can be picky. “Most buyers in this market will try to re-negotiate based on the findings of their home inspection. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs or lower the price, they may walk away because they knew other properties are available,” says Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster.
With approximately two million home inspections collectively performed by its franchise offices, HouseMaster is aware of a number of conditions that are more likely to scare buyers away.
But sellers do not have to stand by with their fingers crossed to secure a fair sale.
“More and more home sellers are getting a pre-listing home inspection that helps identify potential deal-breaking issues before the house is listed on the market,” Kuhn says. “This way, sellers can fix problems and worry less about a buyer walking away late in the deal process.”
According to Kuhn, the following are “The Fearsome Four” when it comes to real estate deals:
- Roofing Concerns: A new homeowner does not want the expense of roof replacement shortly after closing. Many sellers believe that if their roof is not presently leaking it is in acceptable condition. But an astute buyer knows that a worn roof needs to be replaced before it leaks.
- Electrical Problems: Older panels are often undersized and might even pose a fire hazard. Although an upgrade is usually straightforward, the potential fire risk can be scary for prospective buyers.
- Structural Issues: Major structural issues are one of the least common defects found in homes, but when they do occur, they can be costly to repair, and can really stop a buyer in his tracks. Fortunately, there are often repair options that will make the sales process go smoother. But it will often require another inspection by a structural engineer or repair professional, and additional time, to determine what can be done.
- Synthetic Stucco or Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS): Overall EIFS can be effective, economical alternatives to traditional stucco. Unfortunately improper installation can lead to trapped moisture behind the siding. This can cause structural damage and mold, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to correct.
“Sellers lose some advantage when they are caught off guard by issues, even minor ones. In a market where every edge counts, sellers can use tools like pre-listing home inspections and repair records to show that they are conscientious and have taken appropriate steps to sell responsibly and competitively,” Kuhn says.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.
More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.
This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.
Filed under Fort Mill SC, Home Buyers, Home Sellers by
Even as the turbulent real estate market flips and flops, trying to make up its mind which direction it wants to go, there are still plenty of people either putting their homes up for sale or are biting the bullet and purchasing their new dream home.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should go ahead and purchase your new dream home in spite of the current economic conditions, here are 3 reasons why it might just be the perfect time to buy a home:
- You want to move up to a more expensive home. We’re most definitely in a buyer’s market right now here in the Rock Hill SC and Fort Mill SC area, so if you’ve had your eye on a more expensive home, now is definitely the time to act. I wouldn’t expect home prices to come up any time soon, but I also wouldn’t expect them to drop much more than where they’re at. That being said, you might not be able to get that dream home of yours at such a steal-of-a-price ever again!
- It’s a buyer’s market, plain and simple. If you’re not currently tied to a property or don’t have to worry about unloading your current home, then you’re definitely in the driver’s seat. Many home sellers are concerned about even getting a ‘fair’ offer for their homes, which plays to your advantage. This kind of market allows you to dictate more of the terms of the sale and in many cases, the seller is much more willing to listen.
- Interest rates are still relatively low. There’s been a lot made about how tough the loan market is these days, but in reality, if you have decent credit, can put down a solid down payment, and are serious about buying a home there’s absolutely NO REASON why you shouldn’t expect to get a good loan. In fact, rates are still extremely low when compared to historical averages and when you can lock in a good rate, you’ll be able to enjoy it for the life of the loan, no matter what rates do.
So, if you’ve considered making the leap and purchasing a new house in the Rock Hill SC or Fort Mill SC area, now is definitely a great time to act. We’ve been fortunate in that the real estate market has stayed relatively strong when compared to other areas of the country and with the advantages you hold as a home buyer, the time couldn’t be any better to take action and buy your dream home!
Filed under Buy Your Dream House, Carolina Real Estate, Fort Mill SC, Home Buyers, Interest Rates, Market Trends, Mortgage Rates, Rock Hill SC by
