By Jacque Lorang
1. Sit down and look over your financial situation and your goals.
2. Call a trusted lender, or ask friends and family for a reference of a good lender.
3. Gather the documents they requested and be on time to your appointment with the lender.
4. Now you know how much home you can afford, call a trusted Realtor, or again, ask friends and family for a reference.
5. At this point your Realtor should provide you with several homes that meet your price range and criteria for you to go look at.
6. When you find a home you like it’s time to write up the Buy/sell and negotiate with the sellers.
7. Once you have a buy/sell signed by both you and the sellers get your lender back in the picture.
8. While you are working with lenders, your real estate agent should be helping you schedule a home inspection.
9. Once the Home Inspection is done, your lender should help you schedule a Home Appraisal to make sure the home is worth the purchase price or more.
10. Finally you are ready to close on the home and transfer the deed from their name to yours.
11. Congratulations, the agent hands you the keys and you are now homeowners.
For more information on buying your 1st home or for a free 1st time home buyers packet to help you get started contact Jacque Lorang at 690-5277 or ablahoo@yahoo.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
!!! BILLINGS IS NUMBER 1 IN THE NATION !!!
BILLINGS now is ranked Number 1 in the Entire Country for expected Real Estate Price Appreciation !
Several months ago I commented that Billings was ranked no. 3 from Housing Predictor.com ( a web site that forecasts the real estate market nationally). Now they have increased Billings ranking up to Number 1 ! This is number 1 from 250 cities surveyed across the entire country ! The survey researches 20 different factors to arrive at their conclusions. Billings strong job market and overall good economic outlook were major factors in their predictions.
With the recent mortgage rate announcement from Freddie Mac, that 30 year mortgage rates are the lowest they have been since they started keeping records in 1971, can anyone question that NOW is the time, and the Billings market is the place to Buy or Sell Real Estate. Add to this, the new $8000.00 tax credit for 1st time homebuyers and you have many reasons to Buy or Sell NOW. So if you have been sitting on the fence, wondering if this is the right time, wonder no more! The time to BUY or SELL is NOW.
Call or e-mail Larry or Jo Ann Thomas today, to get your real estate transaction oving forward NOW. Call...(406)628-2903 or (406)545-9249
E-mail... larrythomasbrep@msn.com or JoAThomasBREP@q.com
BILLINGS now is ranked Number 1 in the Entire Country for expected Real Estate Price Appreciation !
Several months ago I commented that Billings was ranked no. 3 from Housing Predictor.com ( a web site that forecasts the real estate market nationally). Now they have increased Billings ranking up to Number 1 ! This is number 1 from 250 cities surveyed across the entire country ! The survey researches 20 different factors to arrive at their conclusions. Billings strong job market and overall good economic outlook were major factors in their predictions.
With the recent mortgage rate announcement from Freddie Mac, that 30 year mortgage rates are the lowest they have been since they started keeping records in 1971, can anyone question that NOW is the time, and the Billings market is the place to Buy or Sell Real Estate. Add to this, the new $8000.00 tax credit for 1st time homebuyers and you have many reasons to Buy or Sell NOW. So if you have been sitting on the fence, wondering if this is the right time, wonder no more! The time to BUY or SELL is NOW.
Call or e-mail Larry or Jo Ann Thomas today, to get your real estate transaction oving forward NOW. Call...(406)628-2903 or (406)545-9249
E-mail... larrythomasbrep@msn.com or JoAThomasBREP@q.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Six reasons why you should work with a Realtor.
1. Help with a sometimes complicated process.
Buying or selling a home requires confusing forms, inspection reports, policies, mortgage documents, contracts, and a lot more. An expert with knowledge will help prepare you with the best deal and help avoid lengthy delays or costly mistakes.
2. Important info.
Realtors can provide needed information about the surrounding areas and the community. A Realtor should be able to answer questions or concerns you may have on the buying or selling process. If they do not have an immediate answer, they should know where to go or who to call to find out the information you need.
3. Finding the right property.
An agent will be able to build you a search based on your wishes and wants that you desire in your first home or your dream home.
4. Negotiations.
An agent will be able to help in negotiating in areas such as, inspections, price, terms, and much more.
5. Marketing.
Marketing is key in selling your home. Different areas of marketing include but are not limited to; Online, different newspapers, and agent yard signs. Open houses are important in showing the public your home. When you work with a Realtor, they can put your home in the system so that many other agents can see your home and then in turn show it to their clients.
6. Experience and Knowledge.
We as Realtors have a wealth of knowledge in the business, but we also should have brokers behind us 100% who have been in the industry for many years and here at Billings Real Estate Professionals, we do!
"When Team Work Matters"
Call us today to see what we can do for you.
Michelle Anderson 208-7128
Alicia Mader 690-8687
1. Help with a sometimes complicated process.
Buying or selling a home requires confusing forms, inspection reports, policies, mortgage documents, contracts, and a lot more. An expert with knowledge will help prepare you with the best deal and help avoid lengthy delays or costly mistakes.
2. Important info.
Realtors can provide needed information about the surrounding areas and the community. A Realtor should be able to answer questions or concerns you may have on the buying or selling process. If they do not have an immediate answer, they should know where to go or who to call to find out the information you need.
3. Finding the right property.
An agent will be able to build you a search based on your wishes and wants that you desire in your first home or your dream home.
4. Negotiations.
An agent will be able to help in negotiating in areas such as, inspections, price, terms, and much more.
5. Marketing.
Marketing is key in selling your home. Different areas of marketing include but are not limited to; Online, different newspapers, and agent yard signs. Open houses are important in showing the public your home. When you work with a Realtor, they can put your home in the system so that many other agents can see your home and then in turn show it to their clients.
6. Experience and Knowledge.
We as Realtors have a wealth of knowledge in the business, but we also should have brokers behind us 100% who have been in the industry for many years and here at Billings Real Estate Professionals, we do!
"When Team Work Matters"
Call us today to see what we can do for you.
Michelle Anderson 208-7128
Alicia Mader 690-8687
Sunday, March 29, 2009
First Time Homebuyers $ 8000.00 Tax Credit Available NOW !!!
First time homebuyers may be eligible for a tax credit for 10% of purchase price up to $8000.00. Meaning of course, if you purchase a home with over $80,000.00 purchase price, you could be eligible for the full $8000.00.
What constitutes a 1st time homebuyer? Generally, a buyer who has not owned a home within 3 years prior to purchase.
Does the credit have to be repaid? No, if the home is purchased between Jan 1 2009 and before Dec 2009 and not sold for 3 years.
Are there income limits to determine who is eligible ? Yes, up to $75,000 modified adjusted gross income for single and $150,000 for joint taxpayers.
What types of homes qualify? Any home purchased by an eligible 1st time homebuyer and used as a principal residence. The home may be a manufactured home, a modular and be real or personal property.
Can this credit be used for a down payment or closing costs? Yes, several mortgage brokers and lenders have developed a system to make this possible.
MORE QUESTIONS: Call Larry or Jo Ann Thomas today at 628-2903 or 545-9249. We are here to "HELP YOU TODAY FOR YOUR TOMORROWS"
First time homebuyers may be eligible for a tax credit for 10% of purchase price up to $8000.00. Meaning of course, if you purchase a home with over $80,000.00 purchase price, you could be eligible for the full $8000.00.
What constitutes a 1st time homebuyer? Generally, a buyer who has not owned a home within 3 years prior to purchase.
Does the credit have to be repaid? No, if the home is purchased between Jan 1 2009 and before Dec 2009 and not sold for 3 years.
Are there income limits to determine who is eligible ? Yes, up to $75,000 modified adjusted gross income for single and $150,000 for joint taxpayers.
What types of homes qualify? Any home purchased by an eligible 1st time homebuyer and used as a principal residence. The home may be a manufactured home, a modular and be real or personal property.
Can this credit be used for a down payment or closing costs? Yes, several mortgage brokers and lenders have developed a system to make this possible.
MORE QUESTIONS: Call Larry or Jo Ann Thomas today at 628-2903 or 545-9249. We are here to "HELP YOU TODAY FOR YOUR TOMORROWS"
Friday, March 20, 2009
7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home
By Jacque Lorang
1. Tax breaks.
2. appreciation
3. Equity.
4. Savings.
5. Predictability.
6. Freedom.
7. Stability
For more information on each of these advantages check out the next post in our archives section.
To calculate whether renting or buying is the best financial option for you, use this online calculator courtesy of Ginnie Mae
By Jacque Lorang
1. Tax breaks.
2. appreciation
3. Equity.
4. Savings.
5. Predictability.
6. Freedom.
7. Stability
For more information on each of these advantages check out the next post in our archives section.
To calculate whether renting or buying is the best financial option for you, use this online calculator courtesy of Ginnie Mae
7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home
By Jacque Lorang
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Gains. Over last five years (1998-2002) national home prices have increased at an average of 5.4 percent annually. And while there’s no guarantee of appreciation, a 2001 study by the National Association of REALTORS® found that the typical homeowner has approximately $50,000 of unrealized gain in a home.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
To calculate whether renting or buying is the best financial option for you, use this online calculator courtesy of Ginnie Mae.
By Jacque Lorang
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Gains. Over last five years (1998-2002) national home prices have increased at an average of 5.4 percent annually. And while there’s no guarantee of appreciation, a 2001 study by the National Association of REALTORS® found that the typical homeowner has approximately $50,000 of unrealized gain in a home.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
To calculate whether renting or buying is the best financial option for you, use this online calculator courtesy of Ginnie Mae.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Top 10 Tax-Friendly Cities
Sunday, March 1, 2009 provided by Kiplingter
Tax rankings are based on 2007 tax return computations for a two-income couple earning $75,000 with one school age child. The real property tax is a function of housing values, real estate tax rates, assessment levels, homeowner exemptions and credits. The auto tax figure assumes the couple owns two cars and is based on the estimated registration fees, state and local gasoline taxes, and personal property taxes, if any.
No. 1 Anchorage, Alaska
No. 2 Manchester, New Hampshire
No. 3 Cheyenne, Wyoming
No. 4 Seattle, Washington
No. 5 Las Vegas, Nevada
No. 6 Jacksonville, Florida
No. 7 Sioux Falls, South Dakota
No. 8 Phoenix, Arizona
No. 9 Billings, Montana
Income tax: $2,559
Property tax: $1,865
Sales tax: $0
Auto tax: $689
STATE & LOCAL TAX BURDEN: 6.8%
Urban Facts: Billings taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 can exclude up to $3,600 of their pension income from state taxes.
Dubbed locally as the "Magic City," Billings is supporting growth by dunning its energy, agriculture, and transportation industries.
No. 10 Chicago, Illinois
Sunday, March 1, 2009 provided by Kiplingter
Tax rankings are based on 2007 tax return computations for a two-income couple earning $75,000 with one school age child. The real property tax is a function of housing values, real estate tax rates, assessment levels, homeowner exemptions and credits. The auto tax figure assumes the couple owns two cars and is based on the estimated registration fees, state and local gasoline taxes, and personal property taxes, if any.
No. 1 Anchorage, Alaska
No. 2 Manchester, New Hampshire
No. 3 Cheyenne, Wyoming
No. 4 Seattle, Washington
No. 5 Las Vegas, Nevada
No. 6 Jacksonville, Florida
No. 7 Sioux Falls, South Dakota
No. 8 Phoenix, Arizona
No. 9 Billings, Montana
Income tax: $2,559
Property tax: $1,865
Sales tax: $0
Auto tax: $689
STATE & LOCAL TAX BURDEN: 6.8%
Urban Facts: Billings taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 can exclude up to $3,600 of their pension income from state taxes.
Dubbed locally as the "Magic City," Billings is supporting growth by dunning its energy, agriculture, and transportation industries.
No. 10 Chicago, Illinois
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