#hinsdale real estate agents

[prperspectives]

Practical Real Estate Advice From Industry Experts

Selling a home when you are in a huge amount of debt can be scary and overwhelming. How quickly your home sells often depends on the real estate agent you choose. You can use the guideline that has been provided below to learn what to look for when hiring a real estate agent.

When you are trying to sell your home, make sure that the realtor that you hire is knowledgeable about the internet. This is because the first impression is key when trying to sell and this first impression actually happens on the internet. More and more buyers start their search by looking at listings on the internet. This includes looking at detailed pictures and video tours of properties.

When selling, keep your house staged in a ready state to attract buyers. People want to be able to imagine themselves in a home when they are considering buying. A warm home still filled with pictures, and furnishings will allow the prospective buyer a chance to see their items in place of yours. A cold, empty sterile property is not an inviting place to live.

Something that most sellers overlook are the light switches. It may not seem important, but old or dirty light switches can send a negative vibe. People naturally look at light switches, and most likely you'll use them while showing the home. So put out a little extra money and replace all the old light switches in the home and make them look nice.

Clearing your schedule for a showing will increase the value of that time spent and make a better impression on potential buyers. Turn your phone off, keep the children quiet and avoid any other possible interruptions of the showing. You do not want anything distracting a prospective buyer from inspecting your home and imagining themselves living there.

As you can tell from the article above, these tips aren't of the fluff variety. We have laid out the cold, hard truth about selling in real estate, and if you follow these tips to the letter, you should be able to improve your standing despite any market conditions. Use this information to succeed in the market.

Read more here Read This

[in-love-with-my-bae]

You Against The World - The Most Important Real Estate Selling Tips Available

Be very weary of the fluff in the market when you're seeking out real estate selling advice. Some people have a vested interest in your failure, and you would do well to never forget that fact. Check out the article below to get some great tips on how you can sell your properties in a hurry.

When selling a home, it is important to make the space feel as open and clean as possible. Take extra pieces of furniture and personal belongings that you don't need on a daily basis to storage and re-arrange what is left to make the home feel open.

If you are selling your residence in the fall, use the colors of the season to decorate your house and help you make a sale. Items like pumpkins or mums are nice accents to place in front of your home; they draw potential buyers into your residence and help make a good first impression.

When selling, keep your house staged in a ready state to attract buyers. People want to be able to imagine themselves in a home when they are considering buying. A warm home still filled with pictures, and furnishings will allow the prospective buyer a chance to see their items in place of yours. A cold, empty sterile property is not an inviting place to live.

One tip to use when it comes to real estate is that losing your home to foreclosure is not a guarantee that you will not ever be a home owner again. There are governmental backed programs that can provide assistance with purchasing a home to those who need extra help. Keep in mind that this may require a higher down payment or interest rate.

Being prepared as a seller is extremely important if you hope to be successful. The market is not going to wait for you. Use these tips in order to get your foot in the door and quickly and effectively push your property for top market value. As long as you can follow these tips, you should have no problems.

Read more here This Site

[straightouttacybertron]

Selling Your Home: Advice From Those Who Have Been There

You can never learn enough about a profession you are passionate about. Especially real estate as it is a diverse and complex market indeed. However, you can gain great knowledge about selling real estate to use to your advantage in increasing your sales and influence in the market. With tips like these, you can definitely soar above the rest in the industry.

Many studies have shown that a goal that is written is more likely to become a reality. When buying or selling a home, take a minute to write down the goals that you have. Set a budget and a schedule to work with and you will find it quite helpful in either side of the market.

When selling your home, always hire a Realtor who will take quality pictures of your property. A virtual tour is essential in today's market as well. Remember that your property will be marketed on the internet and so, top notch visual presentation is key to attracting potential buyers.

Trying to sell real estate? Staging is an important tool that can help you sell your property quickly. Buyers are more likely to be impressed by a home that they can see themselves living in. Try to make things look as simple as possible by removing unnecessary items and taking down personal collections or pictures.

Trying to sell real estate? Staging is an important tool that can help you sell your property quickly. Buyers are more likely to be impressed by a home that they can see themselves living in. Try to make things look as simple as possible by removing unnecessary items and taking down personal collections or pictures.

Now, don't you feel a bit better after reading those tips? That was a lot of information to think about and read, but at least now you know what to do and where to begin with your real estate selling. Plus, you can always refer back to the above list of tips just in case you forget.

Read more here This Author

[mistresskaterina]

Great Advice To Sell Your Home Quickly

Are you thinking of selling real estate, but the enormity of the decision is scaring you? Selling is really not that difficult. It just takes a lot of planning. There are many things that you can do to get ready. Read about how you can prepare to make the big move.

If you are trying to sell your home, keep personal items minimally visible. Potential buyers who visit your home are hoping to picture themselves living there. Having personal photos and mementos everywhere only serves to remind them that it is someone else's home. You can bring out and proudly display everything once you are in your new home.

If you are having difficulty selling your home, think about lowering the price. Try listing it on more websites or have different real estate agencies help you. When people visit your home, make sure it looks clean and safe and that you are presenting the advantages of the house first.

To sell your home at a fair price, ask several real estate agent to estimate its value and ask them how much their agencies will charge you for listing and selling your home. If you cannot find a quick agency, you can list your home yourself very easily on the internet.

To help you sell your home, consider painting every wall a neutral color. Choose colors other than beige or white; a potential buyer walks through your home and tries to envision themselves living there. If the color of the walls are too bold or too bland, they won't think that the house fits their personality, and they will move on.

Success is never going to be handed to you, but that doesn't mean that you have to waver in fear of whether or not you can truly be successful at selling real estate. If you are dedicated and passionate in selling homes, you can easily use these tips to boost your overall confidence and gain a greater sense of selling in a market you better understand.

Read more here

[snorkmaiden69]

How To Sell Your House In A Tough Market

In this day and age, there is not enough information that you can get in regards to selling real estate. You might not only need help making your own new decisions, but you may also need to solidify what you already know. This article should help you due to the clear and concise manner that information is provided.

You're putting your house on the market. Great!! First piece of advice is to listen to your Realtor, who knows all about the local Real Estate market. If you don't have one, or want to do it yourself, then the first thing you need to do is to clean up!! Get rid of junk and clutter. Rent a storage unit if you need to. You have to pretend that it's not yours anymore. Good luck!

When people are selling their home they don't always think of the little things. Potential buyers want to be able to picture their own things and family in the home. Or maybe they want to daydream about what they would do to the home. So try to help that vision out by putting some of your things in storage. Also painting your walls white will help them to imagine their own colors.

If you are selling your home, make a plan before listing it. Find a listing price but also find a price that you are willing to let your home go for. Set some dates to hold open houses, prior to listing so that you can be sure to be ready for the day when it comes.

Clearing your schedule for a showing will increase the value of that time spent and make a better impression on potential buyers. Turn your phone off, keep the children quiet and avoid any other possible interruptions of the showing. You do not want anything distracting a prospective buyer from inspecting your home and imagining themselves living there.

The well-prepared real estate seller is the profitable real estate seller. In this article, you may have discovered a few ideas that will help get you ready for the rough-and-tumble real estate market. It is important for you to continue your real estate education. The more you learn, the better you will be treated when you sell property.

Read more here Check it Out

[loveshaoran]

Sell Your Home Quickly And Easily With These Tips

Be very weary of the fluff in the market when you're seeking out real estate selling advice. Some people have a vested interest in your failure, and you would do well to never forget that fact. Check out the article below to get some great tips on how you can sell your properties in a hurry.

To sell your home quickly, you should pay attention to its appearance when people come and visit it. Clean up the house thoroughly and paint the walls if necessary. Your goal is to make potential buyers realize what they could do with this house by showing them the comfortable home you have created.

If you are trying to update your home for sell, don't forget about the front door. This is one of the first areas that people see when they are considering buying your home. Updating the doors and surrounding windows can make a significant change to the look of the home making it more attractive to prospective buyers.

A professional loft conversion is a popular home improvement that could increase the value of your house by up to 20 percent. You can convert an attic into storage space, a bathroom, bedroom or office. Typically over 30 percent of a property's space is located in the attic, so by carrying out a conversion, home owners can gain a lot more living space without having to go through the stressful and costly process of relocating.

To get the best value in real estate start by finding the right agent to work with. An agent who works in the business full time is going to have access to better contacts that you'll need than someone working part time in the business. They will know more about the trends in the market as well.

The well-prepared real estate seller is the profitable real estate seller. In this article, you may have discovered a few ideas that will help get you ready for the rough-and-tumble real estate market. It is important for you to continue your real estate education. The more you learn, the better you will be treated when you sell property.

Read more here The Most Complete Run-Down

[beetlejuices-raggedy-ann-doll]

How To Negotiate Agent Fees When Selling Your Home

Selling real estate on today's market can be a bit more difficult that it has been in previous years. This article was written to help you make the best decisions and get the most out of you selling experience. Read each tip carefully and apply it to your selling plan.

Windows are an important part of selling your house. Make sure they're nice and clean both inside and out. If they're old, try to fix them up with paint or replace them. You'll also want to make sure the drapes are wide open to allow natural light into the room.

Do not be afraid to speak up for yourself when you feel that your real estate agent is not giving your home enough attention. The agent is like your employee and should be receptive to your needs. In order to get your house sold quickly, the agent should give proper attention to it and the value of your property should not make a difference.

To quickly sell your home, make sure your house has curb appeal. Planting flowers and grooming the landscaping will help. If you can't paint the entire house, paint the trim and the front door. Usually, these areas wear sooner than the siding, and this quick project can really give your home a welcome facelift.

Keep in mind that the offer process is not personal. A low ball offer on your home is not an affront to you. Just as you are trying to get the most money out of your home, the buyers are trying to get the best deal. Do not reject a buyer from making a follow up offer if the initial bid is too low.

Now that you've spent a few minutes of your busy day reading about how you can properly sell your home in any market, the next step is to obviously put these tips to work for you via action. It's not always going to be easy to sell a home, but using these tips will help to simplify the process.

Read more here Additional Info

[nightmare-afton-cosplay]

Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode

realtor.com

The glory days of traveling the countryside on rails are gone, but a cool relic can put a little locomotion behind those memories. In Hinsdale, NH, we’ve found a blast from the railroad past—available for a mere $160,000.

Though the old train tracks in town are now a trail for walking and biking, passers-by could easily mistake 52 Depot Road as an active train station. That’s how pristine this former station is—it’s a conversion worth sounding the whistle.

“This was definitely a labor of love for the owner,” says listing agent Robert Inman.

The building’s late owner had an affinity for all things railroad-related. The interior of the single-bedroom home resembles a museum. Many of the building’s original fixtures would look at home in a vintage railroad exhibition. The owner painstakingly transformed every corner of the station into a pristine living space.

“He kept the ticket window, and the waiting area is still in its original condition. What’s now the porch was once the platform where customers would board the train,” says Inman.

Train station

realtor.com

Kitchen

realtor.com

Even the station’s loading dock is fully operational and the original bathroom doors still function as they did when rail travelers waited for their train.

Original ticket window

realtor.com

Though the station owner never worked for the railroad, his son did. The son also added a couple of rail cars and a section of track to the property.

“These items still belong to the late owner’s son,” says Inman, “but they’re a really nice touch while they’re here.”

Train cars and track

realtor.com

Now, the area that was once the site for bright lights and loud air whistles is a quiet residential neighborhood. The only remnant of a once-bustling station is the converted station.

“It really is an amazing property,” says Inman. We have a feeling it won’t take long for a buyer to jump on board.

The post Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/train-station-turned-cozy-abode/

[mystlnewsonline]

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Offices and Agents in Chicago, Illinois Receive Industry Recognition

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Offices and Agents in Chicago, Illinois Receive Industry Recognition

  CHICAGO/ FEBRUARY 21, 2019 (STL.News)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group offices and agents in the greater Chicago, Illinois area were recognized across multiple categories in Chicago Agent Magazine’s 2019 Real Data Report. The firm’s Michigan Avenue office ranked among the Top 10 in Chicagoland and Top 5 in Cook County and Lincoln Park ranked among the Top 15 offices in…

[countrysideroofingil-blog]

Reasons For roof replacement in Hinsdale and Arlington Heights

The decision to replace the roof is a big one for any homeowner as it can have a long term effect on the entire house. The budget is also a significant consideration when it comes to roof replacement in Hinsdale and Arlington Heights. That is why many homeowners tend to take a back seat when it comes to changing the roof altogether. For them, repairing the roof is a better option over replacement.

 Repairs can work out fine if that can ensure that the roof is fine. Often, the roof of a house reaches the end of its lifespan, and there is nothing more to do. If the homeowner still falls back on repairs, that can result in a more significant financial blow. A roof replacement will pay in the long run, and not only that, it promises several benefits for one’s home too.

 So, what are the benefits of considering a new roof replacement?

 Safety- That is the first thing that a new roof guarantees. One cannot compromise on the safety of the family members. Old and aging roofs not only appear as an eyesore, but it is also a safety hazard. A damaged and aging roof can not only fall on someone and injure them, but it is also prone to leaks leading to water damage inside the house. Water damage can result in the growth of mold and mildew, which is a severe health hazard. Installing a new roof can curb down these problems.

 More energy-efficient- In earlier times, homeowners did not have the many roofing options in their hands. Energy-efficient roofs were not available during those times. Things are different now. The majority of the roofing systems are designed nowadays, keeping efficiency in mind. The roofs are designed to absorb less sunlight and reflect more of the same, thus preventing overheating of the roof. Among the many choices available in current times, metal roofs seem to perform better energy-wise. With the roof getting less heated, the need to put the HVAC unit always on a high is also not there. This helps in lowering the energy bills.

 Positive effect on the curb appeal- Many homeowners want their house to stand out. That is why many get help from well-known window companies in Palatine and Naperville to pick beautiful windows for the home. Getting a new roof can have the same result. A new roof can increase the curb appeal of the house. According to real estate agents, the roof accounts for a significant percentage of a property’s curb appeal. An outdated roof means that there will be leaks and water seepage can cause stains and moss to grow. That will ruin the overall beauty of the house. Installing a new roof is better.

 Helps fetch a fair price on the market- This cannot be denied that a new roof can out the house in a favorable position in the real estate market. Prospective buyers take into account the aesthetic appeal as well as the functionality of the property before buying the same. Buyers want to spend in a property where they will not be burdened with the hassle of making repairs or replacements. With a reliable, new, and energy-efficient roof, the house is going to be a real prize.

 Keeping these benefits in mind will help one to decide whether repairing or replacing the roof is a wise choice. A new roof is an investment that will pay in the long run.

[cathrynstreich]

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Expands West Suburban Footprint to Downers Grove, Ill.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group has announced a new location in Downers Grove, adding to the firm’s already extensive footprint in the West suburbs.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group

Located at 5150 Main St., the office is in the heart of the downtown Downers Grove community, one block south of the Metra Station and near the popular Cellar Door Wine Shop and Bistro. The office will complement the firm’s existing offices in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Naperville, Oak Park and Wheaton. “This is an exciting announcement as we have steadily grown our presence in Downers Grove and throughout the Western suburbs. When we found a Main Street location in Downers Grove, we knew it was the ideal spot,” says Mark Pasquesi, president of brokerage for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. “Terri Doney, our Hinsdale office managing broker, will also manage the Downers Grove office. Terri has done an outstanding job managing that office, which is the largest real estate office in Hinsdale. This expansion is also exciting because it follows our new office locations in Oak Park and Michigan City. And this is another opportunity for us to share the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group operational excellence and extensive marketing reach with agents and clients who want a better real estate experience.”

“We’ve seen our business in Downers Grove grow by more than 11 percent already this year,” says Doney. “Having a storefront office here gives us an even greater opportunity to provide our signature level of support to our clients in Downers Grove and the surrounding communities. The office location is ideal because it’s one block south of the Metra Station near Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, the library, post office, a public parking garage, Tivoli Theater and shopping. Main Street is such a vibrant area with terrific restaurants and boutiques. I’m so excited to have an office in Downers Grove.”

The approximately 1,750-square-foot open floorplan will have a pleasing gray and white color palette, and a combination of refinished hardwood, plank flooring and carpet. Large pane windows allow for significant light.

This announcement follows the firm’s February 2019 expansion in Michigan City, Ind., and the October 2018 expansion in Oak Park, Ill.

For more information, please visit www.koenigrubloff.com

The post Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Expands West Suburban Footprint to Downers Grove, Ill. appeared first on RISMedia.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Expands West Suburban Footprint to Downers Grove, Ill. published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

[fthbarlingtontx]

Tips On Buying A Home

Contents

Real estate market?

Active trade lines

Time home buyers

Home buying process manageable

Time home buyer question.

Looking to make a profit in New York’s competitive real estate market? The recent sales of several townhouses profiled by The Wall Street Journal’s “House of the Day” can provide a blueprint for would.

Purchasing a new-construction home is different from buying a resale home. Here are some tips and items to keep in mind if you have a client interested in purchasing new construction. 1. Why clients.

Buying a house can be an exciting and emotional process. Before you start your home search in earnest, though, you’ll want to understand the ins and outs of the homebuying process.

2Nd Time Home Buyer Programs Buyer does not need to be 1st time Home Buyer. Seller can contribute up to 6% towards Closing Costs. Buyers cannot have more than $15,000 in non-retirement liquid assets. Excess of $15,000 must be used as down payment. Borrower must have three active trade lines, no alternative credit. Higher Income limits than typical state or county programs.Guide To First Time Home Buying First-time home buyer guide If you’re a first-time buyer wondering what you need to buy a house or flat, you’ve come to the right place. This guide takes you through the process of buying your first home, including saving your deposit and applying for a mortgage.

Advice on buying a home, for first-time home buyers and current homeowners. Here’s how to find your dream home, make an offer and close on the deal.

Top tips for first-time home buyers. The challenge of buying a home for the first time can seem so daunting that it’s tempting to either just go with the first house that falls in your price range or continue to rent. To help you demystify the process and get the most out of the purchase, we’ll examine what you’ll need to consider before you buy,

A: Buying a vacation home is different than buying a primary residence; however, it is still all about lot, location and community. When we bought our current primary residence in Lafayette in 2001 we.

Tips for Buying Your First Home and Mistakes to Avoid Hire an Agent. Find a Home to Buy. Get a Loan. Negotiate the Offer.

Tips, Tricks and Techniques Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a veteran, buying a home is a complex process. This home buying guide will help you to figure out what kind of home you might like, which amenities are most important to you and how to estimate your price range.

It’s time. Buying your very first home is one of life’s biggest thrills, but it comes with a few chills, too. Never fear: We’ve got first time home buyer tips that answer all the questions you were afraid to ask – plus those you never thought to.

What To Expect When Buying Your First House Buying a house requires a lot of time and effort, but these 10 steps can help make the home buying process manageable and help you make the best decisions possible. Step 1: Start Your Research Early As soon as you can, start reading web sites, newspapers, and magazines that have real estate listings.What Qualifies You As A First Time Home Buyer Qualifying as a first-time home buyer opens you up to a range of programs that can expedite your path to homeownership, and the status isn’t necessarily restricted to those individuals who have.

Whether you’re just thinking about buying a home or about to close, we help you take control of the process. Beware of Mortgage Closing Scams Scammers are targeting homebuyers, days before closing on their new home.

First Time Home Buyer Where To Start Patti Michels, Real estate agent in Hinsdale, Illinois “[Prospective buyers] need to immediately start with the lender,” agrees. How much house can I afford?’ is the first-time home buyer question.Is It Easy To Get A Home Loan What To Expect When Buying Your First House Buying a house requires a lot of time and effort, but these 10 steps can help make the home buying process manageable and help you make the best decisions possible. Step 1: Start Your Research Early As soon as you can, start reading web sites, newspapers, and magazines that have real estate listings.First Time Home Buyer Homes For Sale At the North carolina housing finance agency, we have assisted thousands of North. First-time buyers and military veterans may be eligible for the NC Home. that now is the time to become a homeowner, contact a preferred real estate.Tips For First Time Home Buyer Tips For First Time Home Buyers. Are you a first time buyer? When you are buying a home or property for the first time, there are many things to take into consideration. To make the entire home buying process easier, the first thing you should do is put a game plan in motion. First and foremost is planning ahead.

https://ift.tt/2L2CbGM

[spearsilk0-blog]

Luxury trends crisscrossing the suburbs and city alike

It’s not easy to stay up to date on the latest in luxury real estate. The true trajectory and intensity of trends in this specialized market can be obscured by noise in the data when sample sizes or time frames are too small.

That’s according to the annual report put out by Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury program, titled “The Report: State of Luxury 2019.” The authors of the report caution agents to avoid month-to-month comparisons and keep a long-term perspective.

Dawn McKenna

Chicago is one of the many cities identified as “power markets” in the report this year, a distinction that didn’t surprise Dawn McKenna. “Chicago is absolutely a power market,” said the team leader of the Dawn McKenna Group at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “As a real estate professional serving both the city and western suburbs of Chicago, this means I am able to offer my clients a wide variety of lifestyle opportunities including luxury rentals, condos and single-family homes all within close proximity to transportation including two international airports.”

While the report singles out a number of factors driving the luxury market internationally, from generational issues to wellness to technology, McKenna said one particular trend is so impactful here that it actually caused her to change the geographic concentration of her business. “Urban migration is the most relevant trend driving the luxury market in Chicago. I moved my team from the western suburbs to the city in July 2017 because I saw a shift in my clients’ needs,” she said. McKenna realized that dozens of her clients were making similar moves, “downsizing from Hinsdale, buying a smaller condo in Chicago and potentially becoming snowbirds with a part-time residence in Naples, Florida.”

Of course, amenities are an important consideration for luxury buyers as well. “The majority of luxury buyers today demand a number of amenities, including a fitness center, pool deck, full-service spa, screening room, golf simulator, wine tasting room, business center, on-demand cleaning service and private chefs,” McKenna said. But while she noted that high-end buyers are always looking for spaces that cater to their hobbies and interests, there’s an intangible element that agents would be unwise to ignore. “Don’t forget security and privacy. They are often overlooked, but critical, amenities.”

As a consistently top-producing agent in Chicagoland, McKenna knows it’s not easy to make it in the high-end market, whether in the suburbs or the city. “Chicago can be overwhelming,” she said. “I would advise any local agent looking to break into the luxury market to start by finding their niche within the city, become an expert in that one area and grow from there.”

Source: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2019/04/15/luxury-trends-crisscrossing-the-suburbs-and-city-alike/

[gillespialfredoe01806ld]

Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode

realtor.com

The glory days of traveling the countryside on rails are gone, but a cool relic can put a little locomotion behind those memories. In Hinsdale, NH, we’ve found a blast from the railroad past—available for a mere $160,000.

Though the old train tracks in town are now a trail for walking and biking, passers-by could easily mistake 52 Depot Road as an active train station. That’s how pristine this former station is—it’s a conversion worth sounding the whistle.

“This was definitely a labor of love for the owner,” says listing agent Robert Inman.

The building’s late owner had an affinity for all things railroad-related. The interior of the single-bedroom home resembles a museum. Many of the building’s original fixtures would look at home in a vintage railroad exhibition. The owner painstakingly transformed every corner of the station into a pristine living space.

“He kept the ticket window, and the waiting area is still in its original condition. What’s now the porch was once the platform where customers would board the train,” says Inman.

Train station

realtor.com

Kitchen

realtor.com

Even the station’s loading dock is fully operational and the original bathroom doors still function as they did when rail travelers waited for their train.

Original ticket window

realtor.com

Though the station owner never worked for the railroad, his son did. The son also added a couple of rail cars and a section of track to the property.

“These items still belong to the late owner’s son,” says Inman, “but they’re a really nice touch while they’re here.”

Train cars and track

realtor.com

Now, the area that was once the site for bright lights and loud air whistles is a quiet residential neighborhood. The only remnant of a once-bustling station is the converted station.

“It really is an amazing property,” says Inman. We have a feeling it won’t take long for a buyer to jump on board.

The post Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from DIYS http://bit.ly/2GolOlL

[davidoespailla]

Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode

realtor.com

The glory days of traveling the countryside on rails are gone, but a cool relic can put a little locomotion behind those memories. In Hinsdale, NH, we’ve found a blast from the railroad past—available for a mere $160,000.

Though the old train tracks in town are now a trail for walking and biking, passers-by could easily mistake 52 Depot Road as an active train station. That’s how pristine this former station is—it’s a conversion worth sounding the whistle.

“This was definitely a labor of love for the owner,” says listing agent Robert Inman.

The building’s late owner had an affinity for all things railroad-related. The interior of the single-bedroom home resembles a museum. Many of the building’s original fixtures would look at home in a vintage railroad exhibition. The owner painstakingly transformed every corner of the station into a pristine living space.

“He kept the ticket window, and the waiting area is still in its original condition. What’s now the porch was once the platform where customers would board the train,” says Inman.

Train station

realtor.com

Kitchen

realtor.com

Even the station’s loading dock is fully operational and the original bathroom doors still function as they did when rail travelers waited for their train.

Original ticket window

realtor.com

Though the station owner never worked for the railroad, his son did. The son also added a couple of rail cars and a section of track to the property.

“These items still belong to the late owner’s son,” says Inman, “but they’re a really nice touch while they’re here.”

Train cars and track

realtor.com

Now, the area that was once the site for bright lights and loud air whistles is a quiet residential neighborhood. The only remnant of a once-bustling station is the converted station.

“It really is an amazing property,” says Inman. We have a feeling it won’t take long for a buyer to jump on board.

The post Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Loco for Locomotives? This Former Train Station Rings All the Bells and Whistles as a Cozy Abode

[themeehangroupofremax-blog]

Buying a House in 2018: What You Need to Know

Buying a house is a minefield full of “I didn’t know that.” From choosing the right home to qualifying for the best mortgage, you want to minimize the things you don’t know. Lower your “didn’t-know” ratio. With a shifting lending landscape, rising interest rates and down payment priorities based on your local market, here’s what you’ll need to know about buying a home this year.

What’s the first step to buying a house?

With acute shortages of homes for sale in so many markets throughout the nation, getting a preapproval for a home loan is more important than ever. Cash buyers used to give sellers confidence that a deal would close quickly, but there are fewer cash buyers. And when houses weren’t in such short supply, buyers didn’t face the pressures of intense seller’s markets. With a lender lined up and a preapproval letter in your pocket, sellers know you’re serious. “With a preapproval, feel comfortable that, ‘Hey, this guy is a legit person who is going to buy and close,’” says Mat Ishbia, CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage in Troy, Michigan. “ need to immediately start with the lender,” agrees Patti Michels, a real estate agent in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. “See what you can afford and see what your hurdles are going to be.” Michels says shopping for homes before gaining a loan preapproval is a big home buyer mistake. “ don’t realize how many underwriting deal breakers there are” that can hijack — or significantly delay — getting a mortgage.Those home loan approval pitfalls can include issues with student loans, significant recent cash deposits, and the manner in which self-employed income is reported.

How much house can I afford?

‘How much house can I afford?’ is the first-time home buyer question Ishbia says he is asked most often. He offers a rule-of-thumb to help. “Instead of telling them about debt-to-income ratios,” Ishbia says he tells first-timers to consider three times their income as a starting point. So, if you and your spouse have a combined annual income of $110,000, “most likely $330,000 is your price range, plus or minus a couple of percent,” he says. But rather than guessing, you can simply take the first step — talking to a lender. “That’s why you get the mortgage first,” Ishbia adds.

What’s up with rising interest rates?

Another change impacting the real estate market is rising interest rates. Michels says it’s definitely a concern for prospective buyers she’s talked to, who are thinking, “let’s do this sooner rather than later.” In fact, 82% of millennials (ages 18-34), the largest share of current first-time home buyers, say buying a home is a priority, according to NerdWallet’s 2018 Home Buyer Report. » MORE: How to buy a home when mortgage rates are rising

What credit score do I need?

A credit score of 620 is typically the minimum that mortgage lenders are looking for, Ishbia says, though some lenders will go as low as 580 or below. “What I would consider is average credit is 620 to 680,” Ishbia says. “Very good credit is 680 to 740, and if you’re over 740, you’re spotless.” » MORE: How credit score affects your mortgage rate

How much do I need to put down on a house?

“People still think they need 20% down,” Ishbia says. “Three percent down, 5% down are the ways people are buying homes. Ten percent down is the average in the nation right now. You don’t need 20% down to buy a home. It’s the biggest myth out there.” Except if you’re in a competitive real estate market, Michels cautions. “I think 20% down — especially in a tight market — is going to come into play,” she says. “If somebody else has 10% and you’ve got 20, that’s going to be a factor.” Michels says listing agents will usually advise sellers to go with the buyer who has the most cash on the table. “When it comes into play is when you’re up against someone else on a home you really want,” she adds.

How long does it take to buy from start to finish?

“You know what’s changed in the last three years in mortgages? Speed to closing is more important now than ever,” Ishbia says. Application-to-closing times are shrinking. For the 12-month period ended in May 2018, average closing times for purchase and refinance loans combined were about 42 days, according to Ellie Mae, a mortgage industry technology provider. For refi loans alone, the average was about 39 days. For the same period in 2012-2013, the averages were 49 days for all and 50 for refis. The article Buying a House in 2018: What You Need to Know originally appeared on NerdWallet. Read the full article