OCTOBER IS HERE!

This has to be my favorite time of the year. Summer is nice but to hot at times and expensive because of entertaining the kids while out of school. (Those are my daughters in the pics) Funny, I don't remember my parents entertaining me. It was get outside and play....and we did! My kids are bored all the time. I would like to be bored for a day! And by the way, when does a 14 year old daughter snap out of the mood swings? Years ago I could do no wrong, now I can't do anything right! :o)

The fall market has picked up, interest rates are still low. There is so much inventory out there to choose from if you are looking to buy. I see some great houses for low money. If you are still waiting for the market prices to go down even more, well, this may be it. I can't predict the future and either can the media. I say go for it now because you never know what tomorrow will bring. I bought my home 2 years ago, if I tried to sell it today I would take a loss, but I would make out the difference on what I bought. Either way you can't lose!

Enjoy your fall and e-mail me or call if you have any questions for me!

THINK RESALE...

There are things you may want to consider when looking for a home. I know if you really love a house then you are not thinking "RESALE" but there may come a day when you outgrow your home, etc.... and need to sell. Read on for information:
Buying a Home With Resale Value
Location – Local Community, Town or City
Before you can actually pick out a house, you need to choose what cities or communities you would like to live in. There are many factors you should pay attention to, not only for yourself, but because you intend to eventually sell the home to someone else. Carefully choosing your community is the first step in "location, location, location" and can help maximize your future potential resale value.
Economic Stability
When choosing a community for your purchase, it makes the most sense to buy in a city with a viable and stable economy. Five, ten, or even fifteen years from now – when you want to sell your home – you can have a reasonable expectation that your community will still be a desirable place to live.
In addition to residential neighborhoods, there should be a healthy mixture of commercial and business districts. These not only provide jobs to the local residents, but also add an income source that the city can use to upgrade and maintain roads and city services.
In fact, you should take a drive and see how well the community is maintained. You have probably heard of "pride of ownership" when referring to an individual home or an automobile. Look to live in a city that demonstrates community pride, as well.
You should also look into local crime statistics and see how the city compares to the national average and other local communities. Is the police force effective and responsive to community needs? Are fire stations located strategically around the community so that they also can respond quickly in an emergency?
Another area of inquiry is community services. Does the city sponsor youth sports and have well maintained athletic facilities and parks? Do they sponsor community events, such as an annual parade? Are there activities available for children, teenagers and senior citizens?
Your local agent, if they are a good one, will have amassed a wealth of information on these subjects of inquiry. It is also another reason to always use a local agent.
Schools
Even if you do not have school-age children and do not intend to have children, you must pay attention to the local school system. That is because when you sell the property, many of your potential buyers will have concerns of this nature.
You will want to know if the local schools are overcrowded. Take a drive around and see if there are auxiliary trailers outside the local schools. Call up the local school district and see if elementary aged children always attend the school closest to their home. If not, ask why. Are there enough schools to support the local population? If not, are there plans to build new schools? How will building new schools affect local property taxes?
You should also check to see how local students score on the standardized tests. You can ask your agent about these things, but you should also get the local phone numbers so you can ask yourself.
There are also school reports available for free on the Internet.
Property Taxes
Property taxes may be higher in one town than another nearby city. This can sometimes affect whether potential homebuyers view a community as a desirable place to live. Often, they will choose not to purchase in a community with higher taxes, though this decision is not always justified. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community services.

HELLO

Just a little more information about my new partnership with Bob Wentworth. We came to the realization that we would have more to offer clients working as a team. Double the marketing, at no extra cost to you. When we list a property we both market it on all of our websites, www.MariaTolman.com, www.bobwentworthsells.com, www.TheHomeTeamSells.net and www.Realtor.com, www.PropertyPromotions.net, www.galleryofhomes.com, etc..... We also include newspaper advertising and of course the MLS. The MLS not only allows us to get the attention of buyers but also hundreds of other real estate agents who are working with buyers.
If you are looking to buy a home we will work with you to help find the best home, for the best price, for you. And working with a Realtor to find a home costs you ZERO!
It is best to have a Realtor represent you when you are searching for a home. Many people will call the Real Estate agent who is selling the property, the listing agent. That is fine except you should know that the listing agent is working for the seller and is looking out for their best interests and not yours. You should be represented by a Buyers agent to make sure your best interests are covered.
Well, I hope I left you with some useful information. And remember, please don't hesitate to e-mail or call me. :o)