HUD PROPERTIES

We list and sell HUD acquired properties. We have a number of experienced agents who know exactly what needs to be done in order to sell these properties. Give us a call and we will be glad to help you.

Billings Real Estate Professionals

10 THINGS TO DO TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOME

1. Check smoke detectors


2. Install a carbon monoxide detector


3. Service your heating system


4. Upgrade your thermostat--an older one that is a couple of degrees off can increase your bill


5. Trim trees--trees overhanging your home can be a real hazard.


6. Check the gutters--make sure they are clean and ready for winter


7. Break out the caulk--caulk around windows, doors, pipes, exterior electrical outlets and any other exterior areas where cold air might enter.


8. Drain sprinkler systems


9. Adjust exterior grade--make sure the grade around your home slopes away from your home.


10. Change light timers--if you have exterior lights on timers you need to adjust them

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

3 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME THIS FALL

1. Maintain your landscape--make sure 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 of the lights.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals with all your real estate needs. 248-4409

TIME TO OWN INSTEAD OF RENT

Renters are now spending more of their household budget on housing than homeowners do. The percentage for renters has increased more than for homeowners. The interest rate has never been lower, so now is the time to buy. Contact us for help in owning your new home.

Billings Real Estate Professionals 248-4409

MAKE YOUR HOME READY TO SHOW

Curb appeal is very important. Start outside and make sure that your home has the appeal you would like if you were purchasing it. Check the paint, get rid of any garbage, prune bushes, remove dead plants.





Inside review home room by room and

1. Paint any room needing paint




2. Clean carpets and draperies that need it




3. Clean windows




4. Clear unnecessary objects from furniture. In general, a sparsely decorated home helps the buyer mentally 'move in' with their own things.




5. During showings turn on ALL lights and lamps.




6. Play light FM mustic every day int he house, for all viewings.




7. Make sure there are no odors in the house

For all your real estate needs, contact Billings Real Estate Professionasl

6 TIPS FOR YOUR OPEN HOUSE

1. Visit other open houses in your neighborhood. Get a feel for how the competition is putting its best foot forward, or not. This will help you see your home in new eyes, in the eyes of a buyer.


2. Move. Literally pretend you are moving and pack up almost everything you do not use on a daily basis. Remember they open closets, drawers, cupbaord and garages.


3. Invite the neighbors. They are probably anxious to see your home, and they may know of someone who might be interested.


4. Enlist the neighbors. They want your home to sell for top price as it affects their property also. If you need cars moved or barking dogs taken care of, they will probably be glad to help with this.


5. Mow your neighbor's lawn. You need to exercise good judgement here, but if it is someone elderly or down on their luck and their place needs sprucing up, volunteer to help.


6. Get over yourself. Let your agent or a pro stager help you decide what should stay and what should go.

30-YEAR MOTGAGE RATE FALLS TO LOWEST ON RECORD

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, there is no time like the present. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has fallen to its lowest level on records dating to 1971. The was reported in the Billings Gazette on Friday.

The rate on the most popular mortgage dipped to 4.15 person from 4.32 percent a week ago, Freddie Mac said Thursday. Its previous low of 4.17 percent was reached in November.

The last time long-term rates were lower was in the 1950's.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals and let us help you find your new home.

GOOGLE BEFORE YOU BUY

Sellers may want to google in order to see recently sold property in their area and also what other information prospective buyers may find.

Buyers will also find recently sold properties in the area. They could also find crime reports and foreclsorure reports for the area. There may be personal information about the homeowner that could influence how a prospective buyer negotiates an offer.

Unusual finds could include historic information about the neighborhood.

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

BUY NOW OR PAY MORE LATER

With all the talk of possible US Government default, it's enough to make anyone nervous and hesitate to make any long term commitments. However it comes out, the end result will most certainly be an increase in interest rates because we are in danger of losing the governments AAA credit raing which will mean that every dollar that the government borrows will cost more in interest. The downgraded federal credit rating will also mean that many states and local city governments will also experience a reduced credit raing because of the dependence on federal funds. All this will equal increased interest rates across the board for everything. These increased costs will thereby fuel inflation, putting added pressure on rising interest rates. So if you are seriously considering buy a home, now is the time before interest rates rise. Call Billings Real Estate Professsionals or Larry or Jo Ann Thomas at Laurel Real Estate Professionals 406-628-2903 or cell 406-545-9249 and let us find your home today and lock in your interest rate with your lender now!!!

MORTGAGE RATES HIT A 2-MONTH HIGH

Mortgage rates increased for the second week in a row and the third time in the last four weeks. As investors grapple with the state of the US economyic recovery, quarterly corporate earnings and a dealine for increasing the debit ceiling, mortgage rates could increase.

If you are purchasing a home, you might want to lock in your mortgage rate.

For all your real estate needs contact Billings Real Estate Professionals

DOS & DON'TS FOR OPEN HOUSES

1. Use Open houses as a convenient time for touring homes with your agent.





2. Open every door if you are serviously interested in a home.





3. Don't open every drawer--do not look in personal drawers to furniture





4. Offer hospitality to buyers--make sure there is parking





5. Intensively clean and de-odorize the place





6. Don't overdo the sensory staging--some people have severe allergies





7. Don't underdo the curb appeal, landscaping and exterior prep





8. Take the take-aways--fliers that you can note your reactions

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

BEFORE YOU LIST YOUR HOME

OUTSIDE

1. Go around the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood etc.



2. Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are clean



3. Looks at all plants. Keep plants from blocking windows. You can't sell a house if you cannot see it!



4. Remove any dead plants.



5. Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized.



6. Clear patios or decks of all small items.



7. Check the condition of the paint on your home. First impression or "curb appeal" is very important.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals to list or purchase a home. We have agents ready and willing to help you with all your real estate needs.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY

Interest rates have never been lower. This is a great time to purchase a home.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for professional help with your home purchase or to list and sell your home.

STAGING ENABLES SELLERS TO PORTRAY A LIFESTYLE THAT PROSPECTIVE BUYERS CAN RELATE AND ASPIRE TO

• Get rid of stuff



• Depersonalize



• Clean, Clean Clean



• Update old and deteriorating spaces



• Define spaces--don't have buyers guess what rooms are used for



• Fill empty rooms



• Lighten up spaces



• Open up indoor walkways



• Clean out closets and leave them one-third empty



• Curb appeal really counts



• Be model-ready--pose rooms well for good photo shoots

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

Be Choosy With Home Improvement Projects

• 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


• Consier adding a bathroom, bedroom or renovating the kitchen, which are appealing features for home buyers


• Projects that add square footage to bring a house up to - but not significantly beyond - community norms typically yield good returns.

HOMEBUYER TURN-OFFS

1. Stalker-ish Sellers--Follow the buyer all over the house
2. Shabby dirty crowded and/or smelly houses
3. Irrational seller expection (I.E. overpriced)
4. Feeling misled
5. New ugly home improvements
6. Crazy listing photos (or not photos at all)

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

RENT OR BUY A HOME

Here are some questions to ask when making this decision:

1. What will monthly costs be, and can I afford the payments?
2. What other debt do I have?
3. What is my credit score? Can I qualify for a good interest rate?
4. How much will taxes, monthly maintenace, or other fees cost?
5. How many years will I stay here?

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all your real estate needs. We will give you personal service. We have 21 agents to help you with your needs.

TAX BENEFITS OF BUYING A HOME

1. Home mortgage interest deduction
2. home equity loan deduction
3. property tax decution
4. deductible homebuying expenses--various closing costs
5. 14 days of free rental income

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

MOLD IN YOUR HOME

How do you find the mold in your home? sometimes it is easy--it may be right in front of you, or you will find it by its distinctly musty smell. Though it is harder to find hidden mold, you can do so by looking behind and beneath fixed materials and appliances--anywhere near where water flows or where air does not penetrate readily. Also look for signs of discoloration on walls and ceilings, this can denote a moisture buildup behind which mold may lurk.

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

HUDHomestore.com

All HUD acquired properties are listed on HUDHomestore.com. If you are interested in bidding on one of these properties, let Billings Real Estate Professionals help you with this.

4 TIPS TO KEEP HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE COSTS DOWN

1. Shop around. Some insurance companies have been raising house insruance costs to recoup losses.
2. Re-evaluate coverage amounts. Many policies have inflation protection provisions, which automatically increase coverage amounts.
3. Check personal credit reports. Your personal credit affects your premium.
4. Small claims can become expenseive. Filing a cliam for every broken window or leaky pipe can increase premiums by 10-15%

Check homeownersinsurance.net for more information.

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