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New Springfield Mo Short Sale Program Requirements To Begin April 5th

New Springfield Mo Short Sale Program Requirements to begin April 5th

After working Springfield Mo short sales for the past few years, the Federal Reserve is stepping in to assist banking institutions that participate in the program.  This will be a big change in the way some banks handle short sales.  Maureen Megowan, Remax Palos Verdes Realty wrote a great post  about the new changes.

VIA: Maureen Megowan: 

For those institutions that have signed up to participate in the Federal Reserve's new program to stimulate short sales of delinquent loans, called the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA).the new program requirements take effect on April 5th. This program was made available for first lien mortgage loans that are not owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac .

Those financial institutions that wanted to participate in the program needed to execute an agreement with Fannie Mae in its capacity as financial agent for the United States (as designated by Treasury) to participate in HAMP ( the Home Affordable Modification Program, a previous program to help borrowers modify their delinquent loans) on or before December 31, 2009. This program is effective through December 31, 2012. 

 

Only those institutions that have applied to participate in this program are held to the program requirements, and they do not apply to loans owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which account for over 50% of all loans outstanding. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are following several of the guidelines of this program such as the amount allowed to be paid to junior mortgage holders from the sales proceeds.

The HAFA program simplifies and streamlines the use of short sales by incorporating the following unique features:

-  Complements HAMP by providing viable alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP eligible. Servicers must evaluate a borrower for a HAMP modification prior to any consideration being given to HAFA options .

-  Utilizes borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis.

-  Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms prior to the property listing.

Prohibits the servicer from requiring, as a condition of approving the short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement.

Requires that borrowers be fully released from future liability for the debt.

-  Uses standard processes, documents and time frames.

-   Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers and investors.  Among the financial incentives are the following:

1) The servicer will be paid $1,000 to cover administrative and processing costs

2) The investor will be paid a maximum of $1,000 for allowing a total of up to $3,000 in short-sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders, or for allowing payment of up to $3,000 to subordinate lien holders. This reimbursement will be earned on a one-for-three matching basis. For each three dollars an investor pays to secure release of a subordinate lien, the investor will be entitled to one dollar of reimbursement. To receive an incentive, subordinate lien holders must release their liens and waive all future claims against the borrower. Each lien holder, in order of priority, may be paid three percent (3%) of the unpaid principal balance of their loan, until the $3,000 aggregate cap is reached. Payments will be made at closing from the gross sale proceeds and must be reflected on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

3) Following the successful closing of a short sale or DIL, the borrower shall be entitled to an incentive payment of $1,500 to assist with relocation expenses.

A loan meets the basic eligibility criteria if all of the following conditions are met:

 The property is the borrower's principal residence;

 The mortgage loan is a first lien mortgage originated on or before January 1, 2009;

 The mortgage is delinquent or default is reasonably foreseeable;

 The current unpaid principal balance is equal to or less than $729,7501; and

 The borrower's total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of the borrower's gross income.

Servicers must consider possible HAMP eligible borrowers for HAFA within 30 calendar days of the date the borrower:

 Does not qualify for a Trial Period Plan;

 Does not successfully complete a Trial Period Plan;

 Is delinquent on a HAMP modification by missing at least two consecutive payments; or

 Requests a short sale

The program offers borrowers the opportunity to get their short sale parameters preapproved by the lender through a Short Sale Agreement ( " SSA" ) . This SSA must include  the following:

- A fixed termination date not less than 120 calendar days from the effective date of the SSA ("Effective Date").

-   A requirement that the property be listed with a licensed real estate professional who is regularly doing business in the community where the property is located.

-  Either a list price approved by the servicer or the acceptable sale proceeds, expressed as a net amount after subtracting allowable costs that the servicer will accept from the transaction.

-  The amount of closing costs or other expenses the servicer will permit to be deducted from the gross sale proceeds expressed as a dollar amount, a percentage of the list price or a list by category of reasonable closing costs and other expenses that the servicer will permit to be deducted from the gross sale proceeds.

-   The amount of the real estate commission that may be paid, not to exceed 6% of the contract sales price, and notification if any portion of the commission must be paid to a contractor of the servicer that has been retained to assist the listing broker with the transaction.

-   A statement by the borrower authorizing the servicer to communicate the borrower´s personal financial information to other parties (including Treasury and its agents) as necessary to complete the transaction.

-   Cancellation and contingency clauses that must be included in listing and sale agreements notifying prospective purchasers that the sale is subject to approval by the servicer and/or third parties.

-  Notice that the sale must represent an arm´s length transaction and that the purchaser may not sell the property within 90 calendar days of closing, including certification language regarding the arm´s length transaction that must be included in the sales contract.

-   An agreement that upon successful closing of a short sale acceptable to the servicer, the borrower will be released from all liability for repayment of the first mortgage debt.

-  An agreement that upon successful closing of a short sale acceptable to the servicer the borrower will be entitled to a relocation incentive of $1,500, which will be deducted from the gross sale proceeds at closing.

-   Notice that the servicer will allow a portion of gross sale proceeds to be paid to subordinate lien holders in exchange for release and full satisfaction of their liens.

-   Notice that a short sale may have income tax consequences and/or may have a derogatory impact on the borrower´s credit score and a recommendation that the borrower seek professional advice regarding these matters.

-   The amount of the monthly mortgage payment, if any, that the borrower will be required to pay during the term of the SSA, which amount must not exceed 31% of the borrower´s gross monthly income.

- An agreement that so long as the borrower performs in accordance with the terms of the SSA, the servicer will not complete a foreclosure

Upon negotiating a purchase contract, the borrower would submit a Request for Approval of Short Sale ("RASS") to the lender.  The lender must approve the RASS within 10 business days.  The lender must approve a RASS if the net sale proceeds available for payment to the lender equal or exceed the minimum net determined by the lender prior to the execution or extension of the SSA and all other sales terms and conditions in the SSA have been met. Additionally, the lender may not require, as a condition of approving a short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission below the commission stated in the SSA.  The servicer may require that the sale closing take place within a reasonable period following  acceptance of the RASS, but in no event may the servicer require that a transaction close in less  than 45 calendar days from the date of the sales contract without the consent of the borrower.

Borrowers who have pursued a short sale without applying for a loan modification under HAMP or requested preapproval through an SSA  may still request approval from their participating lender through an Alternative Request for Approval of Short Sale (Alternative RASS). The servicer must verify the borrower's financial information through documentation and obtain a signed Hardship Affidavit from the borrower prior to approving the short sale. If the borrower does not wish to be considered for a modification, the servicer may consider the Alternative RASS without first having to enter into an SSA with the borrower. If the servicer approves the short sale, then the loan will qualify for the HAFA program.

Hopefully, this program will make it easier to obtain approvals of some short sales, which previously have taken up to sic months or more. For more information , see Foreclosures & Short Sales. I am a certified Distressed Property Expert and can help lead you through the complexities of these transactions.

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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Are There Special Loans For Springfield Mo Fixer-Uppers And Springfield Real Estate?

Are there special loans for Springfield Mo fixer-uppers and Springfield Real Estate?

If you are purchasing Springfield Mo real estate and need a loan to buy and remodel it, there are programs available.  Check out the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 203(K) 203(K) Loans for Springfield Real Estateloan program. It is designed for major structural rehabilitation for houses with one to four units that are more than one year old.

A 203(K) loan is usually done as a combination loan to purchase a "fixer-upper" property "as is" and rehabilitate it, or to refinance a temporary loan to buy the property and do the rehabilitation. It can also be done as a rehabilitation-only loan.

  • One of the requirements include the owner-occupant to put up to 5% down.  For investors, the requirement is 15% down.  Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires at least $5000 be spent for improvements.
  • Another requirement - two appraisals. 
  • Buyers must submit plans and specifications for the proposed work for architectural review and cost estimation.

Money for repairs are paid in advance periodically during construction to finance the constructions costs.

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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Springfield Short Sales Are Increasing - Alternatives To Foreclosure

 Springfield Short Sales Are Increasing - Alternatives To Foreclosure

Short Sales and Foreclosures

Many Springfield sellers are finding it harder to make their mortgage payments -- and may of them are headed in default because they don't know they have alternatives to foreclosure.  Home owners that can no longer make mortgage payments, refinance or work out financing alternatives have options for sale:

  • Sellers can market their homes and sell before foreclosure.
  • Give a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure to the bank or let the bank foreclose.
  • Or sellers can can negotiate with the bank on short sales before the home foreclosure is complete.

Short sales are increasing rapidly in the Springfield real estate market.  Negotiating with the bank to accept less than the full loan amount is a much better alternative than foreclosure.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Sellers will be eligible, under Fannie Mae guidelines, to buy another home in 2 years instead of 5 to 7 years.
  • Know that you did the right thing, by trying to sell versus giving up and letting the home be foreclosed.
  • Some banks are now offering cash back to sellers at closing for moving expenses.

As a real estate agent, I can not give you legal and tax advice before making a decision to short sale your home. Consult your tax accountant or attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

Sellers who stop making mortgage payments -- and those headed into default who cannot refinance or work out financing alternatives with their lender -- have three options for sale: sell the property before foreclosure is final, give a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure to the bank or let the bank take the property in foreclosure. Buyers and investors often try to negotiate with the bank on short sales before the home foreclosure is complete, especially if the home is worth less than the outstanding mortgage balance.

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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705 W Lexington Circle, Clever Mo - The Briars Short Sale

705 W Lexington Circle, Clever Mo - The Briars Short Sale

705 Lexington, Clever, Mo 65631

 

Clever Missouri is located in Christian County, just minutes south of Springfield Mo. Established in the 19th Century, the town has started growing and added several new businesses in the last few years. As a part of the Springfield real estate market, Clever continues to thrive.

705 W Lexington Circle is in a newer subdivision of comparable homes.  Well maintained 3 bedrooms, with a large great room, accented with plant shelves. 

The home was built in 2007, maintenance free and includes tile and laminate flooring, 2 car garage, large back deck and a 96 x 120 size lot.  Priced to sell fast at $90,000.

 Enjoy The Tour

 

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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Six Reasons Why the Springfield Housing Market Peaks Can Not Return

Six Reasons Why the Springfield Housing Market Peaks Can Not Return

The Springfield real estate market has seen a slowdown in the past several years, with more foreclosures, short sales and price drops.  But across the country the housing market has taken a beating.  Joe Mulkey wrote why the housing market peaks can not return......at least for the next few years. 

Via:  Joe Mulkey   Six Reasons Why the Housing Market Peaks Can Not Return

housing market trendRecent conflicting reports about the housing market and whether or not it is truly in recovery have left consumers as well as those in the real estate business more than a bit confused; those whose business plan is dependent upon a full or quick recovery should proceed with caution. I believe the housing market is far from recovered, and, in fact, will not return to the levels of the past decade for many years-if ever. I see six reasons why the housing market peaks can not return, that it will never regain its past "glory days."

 

● Robust home sales are dependent upon consumer confidence in the economy. Consumers must feel that both their personal economy as well as that of the nation is on sound footing before committing to such a major, long-term purchase, especially on the heels of the longest recession in more than half a century. Thus far, consumers are far from confident.

● A vigorous recovery of the housing market cannot occur as long as we have unusually high unemployment. While there is much disagreement on when and how our recovery will occur, the financial experts all agree that unemployment will remain at higher than normal levels for several years, and some projections do not indicate a recovery to "full" employment for as much as ten years. With at least 20 million unemployed or underemployed, and with awareness that many of the jobs lost will never return, a high rate of joblessness could possibly become the norm.

● The dramatic loss of home equity will significantly limit the pool of available move-up buyers. In the past, move-up buyers used the equity from their former home to help them purchase a larger/more expensive one; however, declining home values with the associated loss of trillions in equity means fewer sellers will have the resources to purchase another home.

● A continued high rate of foreclosures will depress both the housing market and the hopes of many potential buyers. The millions who have experienced foreclosure will be automatically ousted from the buying pool. For some, several years of damage to their credit rating will be the defining factor; and others will become permanent renters, avoiding the potential for further pain and the trauma associated with foreclosure.

● A slow increase in mortgage rates will reduce the number of qualified buyers. As we experience the higher mortgage payments associated with rising interest rates, many will fail to qualify for loans on the homes of their choice. Others, having been "spoiled" by the low rates of the past decade, will stay out of the market hoping for a return to those rates.

● Tighter lending restrictions will also result in fewer buyers qualifying for home loans. And the restrictions, combined with the declines in credit scores experienced by millions of consumers will only further reduce the number of buyers.

 

Additionally, there are other factors such as: high levels of consumer debt, changing demographics, and a diminishing of the appeal of home ownership as a result of experiences during the current recession, will only serve to dramatically alter the housing market for the foreseeable future. While there will always be a group committed to home ownership and will always be homes available for them to purchase, an expectation that the housing market will soon recoup its losses and regain its momentum, for me, seems extremely unlikely.

 

The Housing Guru: The one source for all your housing questions

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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Short Sale - Ozark Mo Multi-family and Investment Properties - Town & Country - Ozark Mo Real Estate

Short Sale - 1001-1003 N 24th St, Ozark, Mo - Town & Country - Ozark Mo Real Estate

Short Sale - Ozark Mo Multi-family and Investment Properties

1001-1003 N 24th St, Ozark, Mo 65721

 

 

 

 

Town and Country Subdivision is located off of Highway 14 on the west side of Ozark, built in 2007. 

Town and Country subdivision  includes apartments and duplexes, close to major shopping centers and convenient to Highway 65.

 

$145,000

 

 

Don't miss out on this great investment property - Large newer duplex.  Great location with lots of amenities.  Each unit has 3 bedroom, 2 baths, large kitchen open to the living room, plus a 2 car garage.  Excellent location in Ozark, close to shopping and OTC's campus. 

1001-1003 N 24th St, Ozark, Mo 657211001-1003 N 24th St, Ozark, Mo 65721

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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1236 Meadowview - Terrace Park - Springfield Real Estate

1236 Meadowview - Terrace Park - Springfield Real Estate

1236 Meadowview, Springfield, MO

 

$104,900

Terrace Park is an established neighborhood in Southeast Springfield.  The subdivision was establised in the 1970's and still remains on the best Springfield real estate areas to live.

There's still time to purchase this home and take advantage of the government stimulus package.  This is NOT a short sale!

Nice and clean with lots of updates, this wonderful ranch home offers a formal living room (Or Formal dining), family room, great eat-in kitchen, updated tile and laminate flooring, fenced back yard, storage shed, rock and permanent siding. Ready to move in!

Kitchen of 1236 Meadowview, Springfield, MoBack of 1236 Meadowview, Springfield, MO

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Springfield Home - Kitchen

Top 7 Questions To Ask Before Buying YOur New Springfield Home - Kitchen

Many homeowners today are turning to remodeling their current homes versus building a new home.  I been thinking of upgrading my own home with granite countertops and tile flooring.  Not wanting to move, but making sure when we do, there won't be major improvements or expense.

Stanton Homes have 7 questions to ask before buying your new home - but it also applies to remodeling your current home.

Via:  Stanton Homes

Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Home - Kitchen

Wondering how to save money in your new home?

Tips on What's Worth Upgrading - From a Custom Home Builder

Smart home building tips for the Kitchen

This questionnaire will help you determine where to spend your money in the kitchen as you  build - and what you can do differently, later.

New Homes - What to Upgrade in the Kitchen - Money Saving Tips1. Where do you spend your time in the kitchen? Factor in ease-of-use and functionality.

2.  Who hangs there with you? Do you need an island, breakfast bar, or conversation corner? Do the countertops need to incorporate extra width or arches, or will something simple do?

3.  How important is the overall look and feel - layout, cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, cooking, sink capacity?

4.  How much traffic flow through capability is necessary?

5.  How much usage will the room get? Do you need the strength of granite, or will a laminate be sufficient?

6.  What's a reasonable cabinetry package for your budget?  Do you need a higher-end wood like cherry or exotics, or will a maple or oak package with lots of extra storage options be better for you? 

7.  Cooking for a crowd? Need two ovens, deep freeze, heavy duty dishwasher?

Some things are more costly than others to change later.  Here's what to focus on:

Layout

The layout is extremely expensive to do all over again. Expanding the kitchen to gain more space involves major renovations that can cost three times more later than during initial construction.

New Homes - What to Upgrade in the Kitchen - Money Saving TipsAdding an island or moving major appliances

Another costly renovation; unless your kitchen has a lot of extra space, an island added later can actually reduce your ability to maneuver.

Deciding the oven would be better in another area means rewiring and restructuring, plus changes to cabinetry (which may not match the originals). 

Major structural changes to a kitchen can be the most costly change in the house.

Adding windows

The ability to add windows or sky lights later can depend on the construction of your home. It's not always possible to put it where you want it, once the home has been completed, due to structural issues. This is one of the things you'll want to get right, the first time.  Not sure?  Talk to your builder about "preframing" a future window. 

Adding lighting

If you're going to want a lot of lights in the ceiling, under the cabinets, or in special areas, this is something you'll pay a lot less for if you have it wired when the house is under construction. Doing it later can involve a lot more time and complexity. 

However, you don't need to spend a lot of money up front on the latest designer lighting fixtures.  If the prewire is in place, you can add many of the fixtures later.

Start simple, with basic lighting.

Putting in a bigger pantry

If you want a big, walk-in pantry, you're going to pay a whole lot less to start right out with that. Unless you're willing to knock out some walls and lose some space later in the adjoining family room, dining room or hallway, there's just no way to add another room in the middle of the house without a lot more work than you're going to want to adjust to.

New Homes - What to Upgrade in the Kitchen - Money Saving TipsCabinets

If you decide on inexpensive cabinets, don't be under the mistaken impression they can be changed out easily later on.

The process can involve much more than the cupboards - including removal of countertops, flooring, trimwork and appliances. Ask your builder how to choose a quality cabinetry that you'll be happy with, without breaking the bank - and start with these tips:

Type of Wood - Consider oak or maple as an alternative to more expensive hickory or cherry choices.  A well-made cabinet can be just as appealing in a variety of different species, at varying costs.  

Glazes and Special Finishes - a glaze can add 15-35% or more to your total cabinetry package.  Consider accent pieces as an alternative if you're on a tight budget. A pair of glass doors or a contrasting accent door hardware can spark up the decor at a lower cost.    

Storage Solutions - Have your builder tell you whether that built-in recycle center or wine rack involves an extra charge. It may be just what you want - but find out what it's costing, just in case.

Countertops

The difference in cost can be huge depending on what kind of countertop you use. Recycled glass countertops may sound economical, but can cost three times as much as granite. Your builder can walk you through the choices, benefits and costs of every option out there, so you know just what you're getting - and paying.

Countertop questions to ask your builder:

What kind of countertops are best for each room?

What would it take to change countertops in a few years?

What are my best ways to save money on countertops?

Will a few changes in design save some money on countertops?

Flooring

 

Starting with a laminate floor won't break the budget later if you decide to go tile or hardwood. The floor is one of the easier things in the kitchen to change later - and many kinds of flooring can be done with some "do it yourself" skills. 

 

Appliances

As long as you don't want two ovens instead of one, or a bigger appliance than what you're starting with, changing out appliances is not going to involve ripping apart the entire kitchen. But before you decide to start with the most economical brands available, determine other cost factors such as energy saving and estimated life cycle. 

Ask your builder if you can supply your own appliances - then shop around for the very best pricing. 

Keeping Upgrades in Line

Talk to your builder about your lifestyle, and let him help guide your choices, from layout through amenities.  Ask your builder if they'll let you take a second look at all your choices before making a final decision - sometimes it's easier to decide when you can sit down with the price tag for each feature.

Room-by-room: Smart building choices that help you stay on budget.

Watch for upcoming articles - and learn what's smart to "upgrade" in your new home, while keeping your overall budget in line. 

 

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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How Can A Pre-Listing Inspection Help You Sell Your Springfield Home? Here' s Few Ideas!

How Can A Pre-Listing Inspection Help You Sell Your Springfield Home?  Here's a Few Ideas!

Most sellers wait until they have an offer on their home to find out they have major problems such as cracked foundations plumbing problems, termites or a bad roof.

Home inspections before you get an offer will allow homeowners to make necessary home repairs that might avoid problems. Homes selling in today's market must be free of problems and a great buy.  Short sales do not have to be inspected until bank approval, but a pre-listing inspection will help keep the buyer froma walking once the bank has approved the sale.

Sheree Wilkerson wrote a great post:

Via:  Sheree Wilkerson

Pre-Listing Inspection?  What's the Point?

Occasionally I get asked about pre-listing inspections, and I've been recommending them more and more lately.   A pre-listing inspection is in fact a home inspection done by the seller prior to listing their home.  

Now why would you inspect your house before you have a buyer?  That I have many good answers for! Home Inspector in Wichita, KS

1. If there's a large problem with the home that you were unaware of, you can then decide whether you can price accordingly or whether you might be able to move at all.  Much better to find this out now than when you're in the middle of selling with a buyer on the hook and possibly involved in your next property as well. I have had a buyer inspection discover something so severe that there was no way the seller could fix the home and still afford to sell.

2. It gives you a chance to fix items on the list at your own time and leisure, meaning that you can shop for repair bids or get it done yourself.  When a buyer finds it at their inspection, you may only have a week to get items done before closing and they may ask for specific contractors, which could easily cost you more than the inspection would in the beginning.  

3. Fixing items before listing helps your home show better as it will appear obviously well maintained and there will be less items that buyers and their agents will notice.  Therefore they are more likely to give their best or better offers than if they saw unrepaired items from the get-go.

4.  Being able to market your home as pre-inspected gives a nice warm, fuzzy confidence to a buyer that there shouldn't be any big surprises lurking down the path.  You can easily provide the home inspection and evidence of repairs, which again should lead to better and higher offers.  Lots of offers hedge against the unknowns that may be found at inspection time.

5.  Already having an inspection and repairs done, the buyer's own home inspection contingency should be a breeze.  There may be minor discrepancies between what everyone finds, as inspectors are human and each may miss or catch something the other doesn't, but anything of big concern should already be known.   Since many contracts fall apart at inspection time, having already been through an inspection means that you're much much more likely to keep your deal together and get to closing.

6. Even if you're not making any repairs from the inspection, being able to provide this report up front should still mean better offers as buyers see what they are up against.  Many buyers who purchase as-is or TLC properties come in quite low because they don't know the extent of the problems until inspection time. 

I know, I know!  Inspections can run you hundreds depending on the size of your home.   But it may be better for you to spend a few hundred now than to lose a few thousand on the offer side of things.  And the peace of mind from knowing exactly what you're up against is great.  Selling a home is nerve-wracking enough just trying to find a buyer and wondering why all those other ones didn't like your house.  With a pre-inspection, you can negotiate with your buyer in the confidence that you know what's going on with your home and with a higher likelihood that the deal will stay together and close!

For a list of registered home inspectors in our area and to discuss how it may affect your particular situation, feel free to contact me!

Certified Distressed Property Expert

 

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Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
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Eight Ways To Avoid Springfield Foreclosures - Springfield Real Estate

Eight Ways To Avoid Springfield Foreclosures - Springfield Real Estate

Are you trying to sell you home and slowly getting behind in your payments?Short Sale Your Home

Here are 8 ways to avoid foreclosure:

  1. Rent the property. Renting is an option only if you are current in you payments.
  2. Forebearance.  Contact the bank and work out a temporary repayment plan.
  3. Refinance.  Refinance can help reduce your monthly payments and allow you to remain in the home.
  4. Loan Modification.  Sometimes the bank will modify the loan terms enabling you to reduce your payments.
  5. Sell the Home.  Selling your home may free up equity to help pay of the home.
  6. Short Sale.  A Short sale will enable you to negotiate with the bank to accept a sale for less than what you owe.
  7. Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure.  Most banks require you to try to short sale your home before they accept a Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure.
  8. Bankruptcy.  Bankruptcy will only stall a foreclosure.  It will not prevent it.

 

Call today and allow our team of experts help you sell your home.

 

 

Certified Distressed Property Expert

 

 Subscribe To My Blog 

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com
Springfield, MO, 65721
 
Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!