United States

Wells Fargo Offering Some No Cost Refinances

by Lynette December 5, 2009

If you have an existing mortgage with Wells Fargo, this may be the time to refinance. They are offering to permanently lower interest rates on existing CONVENTIONAL loans at No Cost to the borrower. What is even better, is that they aren’t requiring any documentation. You simply need your loan number to see if you [...]

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Home Sales in Wichita Are Up, Tax Credit to Thank

by Lynette November 12, 2009

There was good news for the Wichita real estate market today. According to the Wichita Business Journal, home sales in October increased by 2 percent over sales from October 2008. Many Realtors give credit to the increase in home sales to the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers. The report, from the Wichita Area [...]

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Understanding the buyer

by Lynette Chapman November 10, 2009

As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home: * The home’s condition * Asking price * Marketing strategy However, it’s important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the market. The [...]

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First Time Buyer Tax Credit Extended, Plus New Credit for Existing Homeowners Wanting to Buy Again

by Lynette November 7, 2009

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS. The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended. First Time buyers have until April 30, 2010 to enter into a contract on a new home purchase. Buyers can purchase a single-family home, a [...]

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Commercial real estate down 30 – 40% in Wichita

by Lynette October 28, 2009

This article in today’s Wichita Eagle says that commercial real estate deals are down 30 – 40% in Wichita. A big reason for the slump is the changes in loan requirements. In general, loans are harder to get and require a larger down payment. Qualified buyers are certainly at an advantage right now in Wichita. [...]

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Why You Need A Realtor® When Buying a Home

by Lynette Chapman October 20, 2009

A licensed real estate professional provides much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home. Realtors® are expert negotiators with other agents, seasoned financial advisers with customers, and superb navigators around the local neighborhood. They are members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and must abide by a Code of Ethics [...]

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Nine Great Reasons to Buy a Home

by Lynette Chapman September 29, 2009

1. Quality of life – a home provides stability and security for you and your loved ones. 2. Pride of home ownership – it’s your personal haven. 3. Historically low interest rates – around 6.5 percent in the United States. 4. Appreciation potential – your home investment can grow in value. 5. Equity buildup and [...]

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FHA loans for houses that need renovation

by Lynette Chapman August 18, 2009

I ran across this article today about FHA rehab loans. This is a great program available for buyers who want to buy a ‘fixer upper’ and don’t have a lot of cash. The down payment is only 3.5% . With this program you can finance repairs that need to be done on your new Wichita [...]

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Hope Now for Homeowners

by Lynette Chapman July 1, 2009

If you are scared of losing your Wichita home, try not to worry. The truth is you are not alone and there is someone out there who is willing to help you. I am not talking about the President’s plan, either. I am talking about an organization of mortgage companies, investors, and counselors called Hope [...]

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Sign of the Times: It is Now Cheaper to Tear Down New Homes than Sell Them

by Lynette Chapman June 25, 2009

In May 2009, a 16-unit housing project in San Bernardino County, near Los Angeles, was torn down by the Texas bank that financed the development, finding that demolishing the homes was a cheaper alternative to completing the construction. The developers had seen the homes, which were in various states of completion, fall in value by [...]

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Making Your Home Easy to Show is Very Important

by Lynette Chapman June 9, 2009

Putting your home on the market is a big decision. In this competitive market there are several steps you can take to assure a quicker sell. Most importantly, hire a real estate agent that has a full time service to set up showings. This will enable more showings because the service will be able to [...]

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Top 10 home features desired by buyers

by Lynette Chapman May 7, 2008

According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®‘ 2007 Survey of Homebuyers, here are the Top 10 home features desired by home buyers. It’s an interesting list to consider when you are selling a house or considering which home to purchase. Central air conditioning Garage (2 or more spaces) Walk-in closet in master bedroom Backyard/play area [...]

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