Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! I wish you all an amazing 2012! This is a link to a video that the Omaha Chamber of Commerce put together to show Omaha all dressed up for the season. I think Omaha is great all year long, but I do enjoy driving around and seeing all the lights this time of year.

As you know I can help you or someone you know with buying, selling, building or investing in real estate, but also keep me in mind for other service needs you may have. I have been working hard to build my business based on referrals and have met many great people along the way that I would be happy to share with you.

I hope you have been enjoying my “frequently asked questions” blog updates. Let me know if you have a real estate question that I can help you with!

http://youtu.be/rrzltVKkDx4

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 14

I want to build a new home, where do I begin?

The process of building a new home can be overwhelming if you have never done it before. The first place to start is with your Realtor. You want to make sure you have a Realtor on your side during the process, don’t just use the builders Realtor, they are working for the builder, not for you!

If you want to build a new home in 2012, today is a great time to start the process. Interest rates are still extremely low and in most cases you can lock in the rate while you build. There a few different loan options available for you when building a new home. I can help connect you to a mortgage professional with the experience and knowledge to place you in the right loan.

You want to make sure you work with a great builder. I can help with this. I know and have worked with several builders and can help guide you in the right direction based on what your needs and wants are.

Building a new home can be an exciting process if you let me work for you while building it. Give me a call and let’s set up a meeting to discuss what your wants and needs are.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 13

What is a short-sale?

A short-sale happens when a home owner does not have enough money or equity to cover the mortgage(s) to release the lien placed against the property. The owner must request that the lender accept a lesser amount than owed and release the lien against the property.

What about commissions and cost to sell?

These costs become part of the short sale and you, the seller, are requesting the lender pay these costs for you.

I have successfully completed many short sales. If you or someone you know has questions about the short sale process, please reach out to me. Let’s discuss a short sale in detail and see if it is the next best step for you. If you do enter into a short sale situation, please be sure you are working with an agent who knows how to work short sales and has had success getting them closed in the past.

If you are a buyer looking to buy a short sale property you want to make sure you understand the process as well. A short sale transaction will take longer than a non-short sale transaction and you need to be prepared for what can happen along the way. Again, be sure to work with an agent who knows the short sale process.

Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. I appreciate your referrals!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 12

How is the Market?

I am asked this question at LEAST twice a week.
Location, Location, Location! A very important topic in real estate. Omaha is one of the best “locations” to be in. Greater Omaha in 2011 has received numerous rankings and recognitions:

• #1-10 Best Value Cities in 2011-Kiplinger July 2011 issue
• #3-Places with Good Jobs & Cheap Housing- Yahoo! Finance July 2011
• #5-Best Cities for Young Professionals-Forbes July 2011 issue
• #10-Fastest Selling Cities in America- Reatlor.com May 2011
• #19-Healthiest Housing Markets for 2011- Builder March 2011
• #1-America’s Most Affordable Cities-Forbes January 2011 issue
• One of America’s Lowest Risk Housing Markets-SmartMoney.com January 2011

Omaha is a great place to be! The overall housing market is one of the best in the nation. If you price your house correctly and present it well, your house will sell. It is EXTREMELY important to remember that each area of the nation has different market conditions. Yes, Omaha does have short sales and foreclosures, but WAY LESS than other major markets.

If you are in the market to buy, this truly is the BEST time to buy I have ever seen. Interest rates are low and houses are priced to sell. Not to mention there are some really HOT deals out there if you purchase a short sale or foreclosure.
So the answer is, the Market is GREAT! Hire an agent that understands how to get you the best results in any market. Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. Call, text or email me with any questions, anytime. Call or text me at 402-305-4335, email me at susan@gosusanclark.com.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 11

What repairs should I make to my home before I list it for sale?

Great question! Odds are there are a few things you will need to do around the your home before you put it on the market. I suggest that you take a good look all around your house. Go room to room and look at it top to bottom. Make a list of things you see that could use some attention. Even if you are just noting things that need cleaned, it is a good way to make sure you don’t forget anything.

After your list is complete call me over to walk your house with you. Another set of eyes will find some other things that need done most the time and is better to take care of them now, before you list. Also, an agent will notice more things. I am out showing buyers houses all the time, I know what they are looking at and what they look for, it is good information for you the seller to know a head of time.

You can also have your home pre-inspected by a licensed home inspector. This will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but the findings could save you thousands. Once you have the results you can fix the items on the report prior to listing. The advantage to that is you can pick who does the repairs. So if it is something you are able to do yourself you can. Once it is under contract, most times the buyer will want the repair completed by a licensed professional and could cost you more money.

If you take care of the little things and make sure your house is in tip top shape, buyers will notice and will want to buy your house. It will sell faster, saving you time and money. If you are thinking of listing or know someone who is and have some questions about what items you should fix first, just call or email me. I would be happy to discuss it with you or stop by and provide my opinion.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 10

Will adding landscaping help my home sell?

Landscaping does make a difference, both positively and negatively. A well landscaped house has a higher perceived value then one with minimal landscaping. The minimal landscaping can actually detract from the homes value. The good news is landscaping does not have to cost a lot. You can save money by doing a lot of things yourself.

Start by measuring your property and drawing up a basic layout. Include all the areas you would like to add landscaping and make improvements. You can add up the costs of each section and decide what you can accomplish based on your budget.
Be practical. Some sensible improvements such as fencing, lighting, equipment storage, privacy and security can protect your property value. You don’t have to add a formal garden or water features.

If you want to hire a professional ask around for referrals, so ask me!

Will adding landscaping help my home sell? YES! It does not have to cost a lot and should be seriously considered by any homeowners planning to put their home on the market.

Freguently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 9

Do I need a 20% down payment to buy a home?

Nope. There are options. The media makes it sound like getting a mortgage is next to impossible these days, but that is just not true. If you provide the information your mortgage lender needs up front, the process will be less stressful. There are many financing options out there, but I want to highlight just a few in this post.

FHA financing allows you to put as little as 3.5% down. The maximum loan amount for a single family home is $271,050 for FHA. So if you are planning to buy a home for around $280,000 or less, check out this option when you are getting pre-approved to purchase.

VA financing still allows you to put ZERO down. You usually know if you are eligible for VA benefits or not, but if you are wondering check out www.vba.va.gov to find out more.

Conventional financing will allow you to put as little at 5% down, but you will have to pay a higher monthly mortgage insurance premium than you may like, but the option is still available.

I encourage you to meet with a professional mortgage lender to explore all your options if you will be thinking of buying a home soon. Know that you do not have to have a 20% down payment to buy your next home. If you need a referral for a great lender just call, email, or text me, I know some really great ones that I would be more than happy to refer you to.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 8

How can I tell if my new neighborhood will be safe?

This question comes up a lot when a client is un sure of what area of the metro they would like to live in and they want to know more information about safety. Unfortunately there are areas of the metro that are perceived to be less safe than others and therefore less desirable to live in.

I encourage clients to drive around the neighborhood a few different times at different times of the day in a particular area they are interested in. Park and take a walk for a few blocks and see what kind of vibe you get. If you see someone who lives in the neighborhood outside, ask them what they think of the neighborhood. You can mention to them you are looking at house nearby and just wanted some feedback about the location from someone living there. Most people love to help and would be happy to take a few minutes to discuss this with you.

You want to make sure you are going to feel safe and comfortable in your new home, take the time to check out the neighborhood of your potential new home if you have any concerns.

Here are a few great websites that can help.
www.neighborhoodscout.com
www.crimereports.com
www.nsp.state.ne.us/sor

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 7

Could I buy a home instead of renting?

I recently read an article that said the number one reason people tend to rent instead of buy is because they “assume” or are “scared” that they cannot qualify for a loan to purchase a home. That got me thinking…I bet that is true. I remember back to when I purchased my first home, I knew nothing about the process. I did not think I could purchase a home either. Thankfully I learned that it was possible. Times have changed but there are still first time home buyer loan options available, that allow you a small down payment and a great rate.

Before you sign your next lease to rent, just take the time to meet with a mortgage loan specialist to see if it is possible for you to qualify to purchase a home. If so, they will help you determine the purchase price you qualify for with the payment your are comfortable with. People are often surprised after they see the type of home they could purchase with what they are currently paying monthly in a rent payment.

I know some top notch mortgage loan specialist that will meet with you and help get you on the way to owning your own home. Call, email or text me for a referral.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 6

How much would my home sell for?


Are you are thinking about listing your home for sale, but are not sure how much to list it for? Maybe you are just curious what you could sell it for, if you decided to list it down the road. How do you find out the best price?

Call me! I am more than happy to do the research and work for you. No cost or obligation. EVEN if you want to try to sell your house for sale by owner, I will still help you determine the best price to list it at. All I ask is that if you decide to list it with an agent you interview me for the job.

There are several websites out there you can pull data from and plenty of neighbors to ask what they bought their house for or how much they have it listed at, and this MIGHT get you in the ball park. What you really and MUST do is contact an agent to help you with this. We know the market and see several homes a week to compare yours to. We know what it will take to get your home sold. You have to price your home competitively to get it sold in today’s market.

If you are thinking of listing your home for sale, and need to know how much to sell it for, call me! 402-305-4335. Anytime! It's my cell. If you know of someone else thinking of selling send this information on to them, I would love to lend a hand!

Freguently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 5

Should I buy now or wait?

If you are using FHA financing to purchase your next home, I would suggest buying BEFORE April 18th. I follow the real estate blog kcmblog.com, which stands for keeping current matters, and the information below about FHA loans was recently posted.

The administration recently announced increases to the insurance premiums that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) charges. FHA is the dominant loan program in the marketplace today. The FHA has two types of Mortgage Insurance Premiums – Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) and the Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (MMIP).

UFMIP is typically added to the loan amount and financed over the term of the loan. MMIP is part of the monthly mortgage payment for a minimum of five years and a maximum of fourteen, depending on the loan-to-value.

For the majority of FHA Insured loans, the MMIP will be increasing .25% effective April 18th which is, in effect, equivalent to a .25% increase in interest rates. The income ratios that lenders use in qualifying borrowers look at the total payment. Therefore, the MMIP hike has the same impact on affordability as a rate hike. Higher monthly costs mean lower loan amounts and lower loan amounts mean lower offers that borrowers can make on houses. This will translate into lower sales prices. Nothing is good in this news. The increase in Annual Mortgage Insurance Premiums for forward mortgage amortization terms is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 18, 2011.

For example using a 30 year term with a sales price of $163,000, currently the FHA monthly MIP is $118 a month, after April 18th it will be $151, this is a $33 increase in your monthly payment.

FHA loans allow you to get into a house for as little as a 3.5% down payment. I know some of the best mortgage professionals in Omaha. Call me for a referral if you need to get preapproved quickly. Interest rates are still really low. If you are thinking of buying, you can get the best deal now before the increase, so don’t wait!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 4

What can I do to enhance my curb appeal?

In the winter months it can be a difficult task to increase your curb appeal. Most importantly during that time, be sure you keep your sidewalks and driveway clear of snow and ice at ALL times. In spring and summer, make sure you keep the sidewalks and driveway swept and clean. And of course in the fall, clean up the leaves. You can always add more color by using tasteful decorations that coincide with the season or an upcoming holiday. You can plant flowers in the spring and summer or use artificial flowers or wreaths in the winter months. Some other easy ways to add color would be to paint your front door and or shutters.

Some larger items that are sure to increase your curb appeal would be to replace your entry door, Garage door and siding. Entry door replacement can really make a big difference. Just make sure it matches the style of your house and the rest of the neighborhood. Garage door replacement, I would advise you spend the extra money to get an insulated door. Some buyers will use the garage as a workshop and will want it to be insulated. Siding replacement will give your house a face lift. This upgrade costs more than the others, so be sure you truly need it before spending the money on it.

I offer my clients a free no obligation meeting when they are considering putting their home up for sale. When we meet, we talk about what to expect when you hire me, what is the best price to list your house at and what things you should improve or spend money on PRIOR to listing your home. This allows you to budget and plan accordingly. We can discuss if you need a major face lift, like siding, or just a splash of color. I will help you figure out what is best to enhance your homes curb appeal. It does not have to cost a lot of money to make your house stand out from the competition.

Thinking of selling this year? Call me today and I can help you get ready.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 3

Do pictures really matter?

YES! They are EXTREMELY important. You only have one chance to make a great first impression with a potential buyer. When you are selling your home you need to make sure it shows its best at all times, but most importantly in the pictures. Over 80% of buyers are looking for their new home online and looking at the pictures of your home.

I have a PROFESSIONAL photographer handle the photography for all my listings. When you list your home with me you get the best presentation possible. I work with Paula Moser of Paula Moser Photography. She was voted the number one wedding photographer in 2010 from theknot.com. You can check out her work at www.paulamoser.com.

Great pictures will get the buyer looking at your house online and then set up an appointment to see it. There is so much competition in the market right now, you must be sure your house stands out from the rest. Make sure you invest the time to make your home picture perfect and hire an agent who will do the same.

Keep me in mind if you know of anyone looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate. I appreciate the opportunity to earn their business!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 2

Should I purchase a home warranty?

Most home warranty programs cover Heating and A/C, Appliances, Electrical and Plumbing. Home warranty companies work like this, they will come out and repair these items for a trip fee and if they are not able to repair them, they will replace them. For a 1 year home warranty it is about $400 depending on what company you use. Most will give a discount per year if you sign up for more than one year at a time. It is important to note, this does not replace home owners insurance or a whole home inspection as both of these have different coverage for your home.

As a buyer you can request the seller pay for this on your behalf or you can purchase it at closing, or anytime after. If you have a whole home inspection done on the house you are purchasing, most home inspection companies will give you a 90 day free home warranty.

As an agent I always advise my buyers to review what the home warranty gives you and decide if this is something you feel you will need or will help you in the first year of owning a home. If the appliances or heating and A/C are older units it may make more sense to have a warranty plan, versus if the home is only 2 years old and those items typically covered are fairly new.

For sellers, at times it makes sense for you to automatically include a home warranty for the buyers. If your home comes with a 1 year home warranty, it will take away the buyers concern of a costly out of pocket repair. This may help your home sell faster than a comparable home without a home warranty included for the buyer.

Should I purchase a home warranty? My answer is, highly consider it, with regard to the condition of the items it will cover in the home you are purchasing.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 1

Should I get pre-approved before looking for a home? YES!

This is an extremely important part of the process and is most definitely the first step. You want to find out exactly how much you are approved for and make sure you get an estimated payment amount. You want to know that before so you can look at homes in the price range you are comfortable with. Also, you need an estimate of what the down payment amount will be required. This way you will know if you need to save additional funds or this may could change the price range you shop in as well. Here is what I recommend.

1. Ask around for referrals of Mortgage Loan Specialist. Ask your friends, family, co-workers and real estate agent. I am sure someone you know has had a good experience with one and will recommend them to you. I know some of the best in Omaha, you can always ask me for a referral.

2. Meet with at least two of them. Make sure you are a good fit. Have them explain the process to you. The more you know up front the easier it will be.

3. Get your income and asset information together.

4. Go through the actual pre-approval process with the Mortgage Loan Specialist you picked. You should get a letter stating you are pre-approved and an estimated cost sheet showing estimated payment and down payment. As well as interest rate and closing costs.

5. Call me! Or your agent. It is time to start shopping for your new home! Make sure you pick the right agent too. Someone who knows the market and will work hard for you.

Now you are prepared and know exactly what price range you can afford and are comfortable with. The process of purchasing a new home does not have to be overwhelming, you just need to know the right steps and work with an agent that can guide along the way.