Cold in Billings

We are setting records for cold in Billings and other parts of Montana.  Billings is still better than many parts of the United States.  We are listed as one of the top places in the United States to live.  Our weather is starting to warm up.  The cold weather usually does not last long.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

Changes to bidding on HUD acquired properties

The changes are as follows:

·         The Exclusive period for properties that are IN will be reduced to 15 days. Bids submitted during the initial 10 days will still be sealed. After the 10^th day the bids will be reviewed daily. If no acceptable bid is received by day 15, the property will enter the Extended period.

·         The exclusive period for properties that are UI remains unchanged.

·         Bids received on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be opened in one batch on Monday. These bids will be considered as having been submitted simultaneously. In the event that Monday is a federal holiday, the batch will include bids received Monday and  will be opened on the following business day.

·         If a federal holiday falls during the week, any bids submitted that day will be grouped with the bids from the previous day.

·         NOTE: Bids will not be batched together if the listing period ends over the weekend or on a holiday. For example if the listing period ends Saturday, bids received Sunday will not be included in the batch to be opened the following business day.

 

       Call Louise Johnston  670-9864

 

I am going to list my home. What should I do to get ready?

1. Maintain your landscape--make sure the lawn is cut and leaves are picked up. Mums or fall flowers on the deck are always a nice touch.
2. Keep your house warm. Prospective buyers are turned off by a cold house.
3. Let in the light. During the day open the curtains and drapes. At night put on all the lights.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.

 

 

Is there a major project that will increase my home's value?

Exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

If you are thinking of selling your home soon, your fix-up dollars may be better spent on some professional home staging.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

Should buyers stall large purchases until after closing?

Definitely do not make or commit to any large purchases until after closing on a home because prior to closing the lender will pull up credit reports and if the buyer has even applied for a new credit card, this could affect their credit standing and could possibly be turned down for their loan.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

What two things should you do before you go to a Mortgage lender?

I recommend you do the following before you visit the mortgage lender.  First, it is tougher to qualify for the best rates if you're carrying a lot of revolving debt, such as credit card balances. Pay those down as much as possible. Second, make sure your credit report is free of blemishes that can damage your chances of borrowing.

 

Call Lisa Baumberger 406-208-5560

How do I know what mortgage amount I can afford?

As a general guideline, your monthly mortgage payment, including principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowners insurance, should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income.  This varies depending on what other debt and expenses you have.

 

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208=5560

I can only afford to make some home improvements before I put my home on the market. Which improvements will give me the most benefit in selling my home:

• Emphasize the essentials over the extras by investing in basic upgrades, such as fresh paint (use neutral colors) and new fixtures
• Know that curb appeal is vital; exterior projects can sometimes provide a greater return on investment than interior projects
• Avoid over-improvement by sticking to what is proportional in your neighborhood
• Consider renovating/updating bathrooms or the kitchen
• Removing pet or smoke odors is an absolute necessity
• Install new carpet or professional clean existing carpet

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 406-208-5560

 

I want my home to sell fast. What can I do to increase the appeal of my home before I list it for sale?

• Get rid of the clutter, it makes the home look unattractive and much smaller.
• Take down all photos, and personal items.  You want buyers to picture themselves in the home.
• Clean, Clean, Clean!
• Define spaces so that buyers don’t have to guess what rooms are used for.
• Remove any extra furniture, but try not to leave rooms completely empty.
• Remove any odors.
• Clean out and organize closets.
• Clean up the yard, trim bushes and trees, pull weeds.

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208=5560

How long does it take to buy a home?

Once you have found the home you want to purchase, it will take approximately 45 days before you close and can move in.  During this time, the title company is preparing the Title Commitment, the lender is putting together and getting approval on the loan, an appraiser is sent out to determine the value of the home, and you can have a home inspector do an inspection on the home.

 

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208-5560

How do I have a successful open house?

Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in holding a successful open house.

-Be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent the day before the open house. Take careful notes and follow all of his/her recommendations.
-Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house.

-Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like.

-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
-Ask the real estate agent to create a professional-looking sign in sheet for all visitors.

-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house.

-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members

-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house.

-Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. .
-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house.

-Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant.

-Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

 

 

 

What should I do inside my home to get it ready to sell?

• Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on

the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items. In general, a sparsely decorated home helps

the buyer mentally move in with their own things.

• Rearrange or remove some of the furniture in your home, if necessary. Many times home owners

have too much furniture in a room. When it comes to selling your home, thin out overcrowded

rooms to make the rooms appear larger.

• Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it has not been used for three

months, put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, magnets, pictures, etc.

• In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from the countertops, tub, shower stall and

commode top. Keep only the most necessary cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small

group on the counter. Coordinate towels in one or two colors only.

• Take down, reduce, or rearrange pictures and objects on walls. Patch and paint all walls, if

necessary.

• Review the house interior, room by room, and:

1. Paint any room needing paint.

2. Clean carpet and draperies that need it.

3. Clean windows.

• If you need room to store extra possessions use the garage or rent a storage unit.

• During showings turn on ALL lights and lamps.

• Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.  406-248-4409

What should I do outside my home to get it ready to sell?

• Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc.,

• Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.

• Look at all plants. Plants are like children, they grow so fast. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows.  You cannot sell a house if you cannot see it!

• Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas and put down fresh mulching material.

• Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized during the growing season.

• Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys, etc.

• Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door. The first impression, or curb appeal, is very important.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.

What should I do to get my home ready to sell?

Curb appeal is very important.  You have to get people in your house to sell it.

 

Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc.,

• Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept & cleaned.

• Look at all plants. Plants are like children, they grow so fast. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows:  You cannot sell a house if you cannot see it!

• Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas and put down fresh mulching material.

• Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized.

• Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys, etc.

• Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door. The first impression, or curb appeal, is very important.

IN GENERAL

Try to look at your house through the eyes of a buyer, as though you have never seen it before. This exercise will help you see what needs to be done.

 

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs  248-4099

What are the two most important factors when selling a home?

Check your curb appeal and make sure it is the best that you can get.

Inside get rid of all clutter and clean, clean, clean

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs 406-248-4409

What is the most accurate way of determining the number of animal units the property you are looking at will carry?

Ask the present owner what his experiences were when it comes to what the property can support.

Call Carson Schaff for all of your farm and ranch needs.  406-568-2233

Why should I work with only one Realtor?

1. You probably know the Realtor and can trust that agent.
2. One agent will work hard with you if they know you are not jumping around to various other agents.
3. One agent will represent you better.
4. One agent can coordinate activities better

Call Duane Dittmer for all of your real estate needs 855-7449

Should I have a home inspection done before I list my house?

 Most often an inspection is done and paid for by the buyer after an accepted offer.  It is a great tool to tell the buyer everything about the property.  There may be repair or safety items the buyer may want repaired before closing.  If after the inspection the buyer may decide not to purchase the property because of one or more problmes with the property.  Property inspections are just one of the many items your professionals realtor will guide you through to successful closing of your new home!!

Call Pam Woodard for all of your real estate needs  855-1440

What should I do? I am haivng an open house.

-Any needed home repairs should be completed It is crucial that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends.-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. -Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. -Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. -Play soft music in the background during the open house. -Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. -If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.

What should I not pack when I move?

Items that require disassembly or special packaging should be left to the professionals.
Heat-sensitive itemslike candles, CD's computer peripherals, etc. Take them in your climate-controlled car.
Irreplaceable Papers and Objects
Hazardous, Flammable and spillable items
Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs  406-248-4409

What are the two most important factors when selling a home?

Check your curb appeal and make sure it is the best that you can get.

Inside get rid of all clutter and clean, clean, clean

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs 406-248-4409

I ws told I need a letter showing I am prequalified. Why do i need this?

If you are serious about buying a new home, you will need to know how much money you can borrow and what mortgage payment you can afford.   Many realtors will want you to be preapproved for a home loan before they start showing you houses.

The best place to start is with your own bank or credit union.  Your realtor can also recommend a lender they have worked with and who has a proven track record of providing quality service.  The loan officer will check your credit and review your most current pay stubs, W-2s tax returns and bank statements.  Most lenders can tell you right away if you are approved and how much you can afford. Once a seller has accepted your offer, you can still shop for your mortgage with other lenders to make sure you are getting the best deal.

The best homes that come up on the market sell the fastest.  When you find that perfect home you will want to move quickly.  When you are ready to make an offer, the sellers will want to see that you are preapproved for a loan and can afford their home.  Because you are preapproved, your lender can provide an up-to-date letter for the specific property to submit with your offer.

Call me today to let me help make your home buying experience enjoyable and successful.   

Colleen Foreman

cforereal@aol.com

406-671-0412

 

What are some inexpensive things that I can do tyo prepare my home for sale?

1. Repair ceiling and wall cracks
2. Repair or replace leaking faucets
3. Repair banister, handrails, cabinets, drawers, and doors
4. Caulk and grout tubs, showers, sinks and tile
5. Add fresh paint
6. Tight door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates
7. Lubricate door hinges and locks

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208-5560

 

What can I do to Sell my home?

Provide convenient Parking—they do not want to walk far.


Keep odors under control—windows are not open too much yet so all homes tend to get stuffy.

Cultivate a Festive Look—decorations based upon the season are great, but take them down when the season is over

Don't Igonore the Outdoors—keep walks and steps clear
Don't Roast buyers—65 degrees is about right as they may still be wearing jackets

Keep Seasonal clothing under control—buyers do not want to see the mudroom filled with shoes or the hall closet overflowing.

Encourage Day time shows—a home shows best in daylight. Be ready for showings at 9:00 a.m.                                                                                                 Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs  248-4409

What is green landscaping?

Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling. Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. On average your investment in is returned in 8 years


An 8-foot (2.4-meter) deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree, for example, costs about as much as an awning for one large window and can ultimately save your household hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs, yet still admit some winter sunshine to reduce heating and lighting costs.

Landscaping can save you money in summer or winter. Well landscaped areas can reduce surrounding air temperature by as much as 9°F. Air directly under trees can be as much as 25°F less then areas nearby. Shade can reduce air-conditioning costs by 15% to 50% compared to an unshaded home. And as much as 75% when comparing small mobile homes

Windbreaks can keep you home warmer in the winter by shielding your home against the colder wind. Homes with windbreaks placed only on the windward side showed an average of 25% less fuel consumption then similar unprotected homes.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.

I am prequalified for a VA loan and I am interested in a home that has a pressure treated wood foundation. Will VA approve that type of foundation for my loan?

Yes.  A pressure treated wood foundation that has been properly installed, and meets current building codes, is acceptable for VA, FHA and Rural Development Loans.


Call Terry Pollert for all your real estate needs 406-2408-8018

When a Realtor is showing my home, would it be best for me to be there and answer any questions the buyers may have?

No! Buyers typically don't feel comfortable touring a Seller's home when they are there.  The Buyers will have trouble visualizing themselves living in the Sellers home. They are usually afraid to open cabinet, and closet doors, and to closely inspect the property when they feel the Seller is watching them.  The Buyer's Realtor is trained to stay close to the Buyers to help them with their inspection of the Sellers property. The Relator will make sure the property to left in the same condition they found it in. The Realtor will make sure all exterior doors and windows are locked and secured when they leave.

Call Terry Pollert for all of your real estate needs 406-208-8018

Do I have to contact the Realtor that has listed a property that I am interested in?

No.  You should contact a Realtor you know and trust! Your Realtor will represent you as a buyer's representative and act in your best interest. If you do not know a Realtor you may then want to interview the listing agent and decide if you want the listing agent to represent you and the seller.

Contact Terry Pollert for all of your real estate needs 406-208-8018

How much do I have to pay a Realtor to help me find a home?

Normally a Buyer doesn't pay a Realtor for their services.  The Brokerage fee is paid by the Seller, at Closing.  This is a good reason why Buyers should enlist a Realtor to help them find the property they are looking for.  Realtors have alot of information available on real estate that is on the market and they are well trained to protect the welfare and rights of their clients.




Call Terry Pollert for all of your real estate needs 208-8018

Will owning a home give me a tax break?

While it's always a good idea to check with a tax professional who knows your situation, in most cases you will receive a mortgage interest deduction. Unless your loan is more than $1 million, you can fully deduct the mortgage interest you pay on your home.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all your real estate needs 406-208-5560

What is equity?

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you currently owe if you were to pay it off. For example, if today’s market value of your home is $200,000 and your mortgage payoff balance is $150,000 then you have $50,000 of equity in your home.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560

Two things to do before you go to a mortgage lender

I recommend you do the following before you visit the mortgage lender. First, it is tougher to qualify for the best rates if you're carrying a lot of revolving debt, such as credit card balances. Pay those down as much as possible. Second, make sure your credit report is free of blemishes that can damage your chances of borrowing.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560

How long does it take to buy a house?

Once you have found the home you want to purchase, it will take approximately 45 days before you close and can move in. During this time, the title company is preparing the Title Commitment, the lender is putting together and getting approval on the loan, an appraiser is sent out to determine the value of the home, and you can have a home inspector do an inspection on the home.


Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 406-208-5560

How do I know what mortage amount I can afford?

As a general guideline, your monthly mortgage payment, including principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowners insurance, should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income. This varies depending on what other debt and expenses you have.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560

What is a HUD Home?

A HUD home is a residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.


HUD stands for The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.


Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560  

What should I expect from my real estate agent when he/she lists my home?

Questions – your agent should thoroughly get to know you, your situation, your expectations and your home


Comparative Market Analysis – this will help you determine how much you want to list your home for

Commitment – make sure you find out exactly what your agent is willing to do to help you sell your home (i.e.: open houses, advertising)

Great photos and an informative listing – your agent should take a lot of photos of the interior and exterior of your home. Your agent should also take the time to submit a very informative and descriptive listing to the MLS. This is what buyers look at to determine if they want to view your home.

Communication – your agent should provide you with suggestions of what you can do to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and what you can do to get it ready for sale.   Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208-5560

I can only afford to make some home improvements before I put my home on the market. Which improvements are the most benefit in selling my home?

Emphasize the essentials over the extras by investing in basic upgrades, such as fresh paint (use neutral colors) and new fixtures


Know that curb appeal is vital; exterior projects can sometimes provide a greater return on investment than interior projects

Avoid over-improvement by sticking to what's proportional in your neighborhood

Consider renovating/updating bathrooms or the kitchen

Removing pet or smoke odors is an absolute necessity

Install new carpet or professional clean existing carpet

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 406-208-5560

I want my home to sell fast. What can I do to increase the appeal of my home before I list it for sale?

Get rid of the clutter, it makes the home look unattractive and much smaller.


Take down all photos, and personal items. You want buyers to picture themselves in the home.

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Define spaces so that buyers don’t have to guess what rooms are used for.

Remove any extra furniture, but try not to leave rooms completely empty.

Remove any odors.

Clean out and organize closets.

Clean up the yard, trim bushes and trees, pull weeds.  

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208-5560

What should I do to prepare my home for showing?

Outside the home:
Ensure that your home has the appeal you would like if you were purchasing it
Touch up the paint
Get rid of all clutter
Prune bushes and trim trees
Remove dead plants and trees
Keep the lawn mowed and the leaves cleaned up

Inside the home:
Touch up the paint
Clean the carpets and draperies
Clean windows
Clear away all of the clutter and extra furniture
Organize closets
Get rid of any pets or smoke smells
Keep your home very tidy all the time for those spontaneous showings

During showings:
Turn on all lights and lamps
Play light music
Use a lightly scented candle to make the home smell good

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560