Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 34

What are the 3 reasons you should buy a home NOW?

1. Interest rates are incredibly low! You have more buying power than ever before. When rates are this low you can afford to buy instead of rent or buy that larger house that you thought was out of your reach before. Run the numbers and you will be shocked at how low the payments are with these great rates.

2. It is still a buyers market! Which means homes are value priced. Strike while the iron is hot! This will not be the case for much longer. As the market continues to improve, things will be less in favor of the buyer. For example, while in a buyers market, most sellers pay all or part of the buyers closing costs. This will not always be the case!

3. It is cold outside and snow is on the way! There are fewer buyers out and about and sellers are more willing to consider a lower offer or do more give more concessions to keep a deal together. It is not much fun to move in the winter, but odds are you will save money if you do!

Work with an agent that has a pulse on the market and can keep you informed on what is happening locally. There are lots of steps to purchasing a new home, but if you work with the right agent, they will ensure you don’t miss a thing!
Pass this on to someone you know who is thinking about buying a new home in the next few months. I don’t mind looking at houses in the cold or snow! Send them my way!

Frequenty Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 33

What questions should I ask a Realtor when interviewing them?

It is important to pick the right agent to work with you wether you are buying or selling. You will need to work closely with whomever you chose for a few months. You want to make sure communicate well and have a good vibe with your Realtor.


1. Does the agent work full time in real estate? Certain hours during the day? Certain days of the week? You need to make sure the time frames will work for you.

2. What experience does the agent have?

3. How many transactions did this agent close last year?

4. When interviewing Realtors for selling your home, ask them what thier average days on market for sold homes is over the last 12 months. I don't really follow other agents, but my average days on the market of homes I have had listed and sold was 31 days in 2012...when I work with and tell other Realtors that they say...REALLY?

5. What happens if the agent gets sick or goes out of town?
Discuss what your expectations are. It is important for them to know what you expect from them. You should also ask what their expectations are from you. Knowing this up front will ensure you have a good working relationship with the Realtor you select.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 32

Should I put my home on the market now or wait until Spring?

This question comes up often this time of year. Many people are unsure how to deal with listing their home around the holidays. Then what about winter? Will there still be buyers out?

My answer is, if I can still get a sign in the yard it is still a good time to list your house. There are pros and cons to listing your house anytime of the year, and this time is no different.

The biggest concern sellers have is that buyers are too busy during the holidays and they don’t want to go out in the bad weather in the winter. Actually, lots of people have extra time off around the holidays and spend some of that shopping! If they are in the market for a new home they will spend the extra time shopping for that home. They are out and about visiting family and friends and going into neighborhhods they may not normally go. If your house is listed, they may just decide they like the neighborhood their family or friends live in and want to call it home.

Winter weather can cause fewer showings. Let’s face it though, most Nebraska drivers are used to snow and if they are a serious buyer, snow will not stop them. Normally there are less houses on the market in December, January and February. This gives the buyers that are out looking less to pick from, thus putting your house in a better position to get SOLD!

If you are considering putting your home on the market, call me and let’s figure out when the best time is for you to get it listed.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 31

What are the Top 5 things I should do after moving into my new home?

1. Change the locks! Most times the seller will leave a handful of keys for you at closing, but its hard to tell what they will open or where they go. You will have better piece of mind if you install new locks and deadbolts yourself, or call a locksmith to do so.

2. Check for plumbing leaks. Odds are you had a full home inspection, but that was around 30 days ago, and chances are the water service has been turned off and back on. Take the time to do another quick check.

3. Steam clean your carpets. This is the perfect opportunity before you get everything situated in your new home to give it a nice, fresh, deep clean! You can rent a machine or hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Ask me, I know a good one!

4. Wipe out the cabinets, closets and any appliances that may have been included. This one seems like a no brainer, but it is important to do. Again, you want to start with a nice fresh new home.

5. Find the circuit breaker box and main water valve. You can have your home inspector show you where these are at time of inspection or find them the first day you move in. You want to know where these are in case of an emergency.

Planning a move is exciting, but take the time to do it right, you will be happy you did. If you or someone you know is planning a move anytime soon, please share this or any other of my FAQ’s. I am working hard to be YOUR resource in Real Estate!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 30

Are mortgage interest rates going to drop even lower?

This is one question I don’t know the answer to. It is possible, but why wait for them to drop when they are already CRAZY low! I am shocked they keep going down and at some point they have to start going back up. Who knows how fast that will happen! My advice is to take advantage of them NOW! Don’t wait! If you are a first time home buyer or ready for a bigger house, this is the time!

Let’s compare quick the monthly principal and interest payment for a 30 year, $200,000 loan at different rates.

3.25% $870.41

4.25% $983.88

5.25% $1,104.41

6.25% $1,231.43

7.25% $1,364.35 (BTW, this was the rate I got on the first house I purchased in 2001)

As you can see 1% can make a BIG difference and give you a lot more buyer power! Give me a call if you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about the process. 402-305-4335.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 29

Are there any costs to get pre-approved for a home mortgage loan?

In most cases there is no cost to you to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Some mortgage lenders may ask that you cover the cost of the credit report, but most do not. I know several great mortgage lenders I can refer you to that will not charge you anything to get pre-approved.

You will not need to pay anything out of pocket until you find your new home and have an accepted contract on it. Then you will meet with your lender and get all the paperwork going to get the full approval on your loan. At that time you may be asked for a deposit check to cover the cost of the appraisal that will be required from your lender to approve the loan.

If you are considering purchasing a new home, but don’t know where to start, call me! I will give you a quick over view of the process and help you get started with your pre-approval.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 28

What are the Top 7 steps to manage my move?

1. Hire a moving company. Get a referral from a friend or family member of who to hire. Be sure to call them to set up the move day and time as soon as you know the day.

2. Take inventory. Make a list of all your belongings you plan to move. Use your phone and make a quick video.

3. Cut back. The less you own the less you have to move. Take this time to get rid of the possessions you have that you no longer need.

4. Get supplies. You need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or newspaper, markers and labels.

5. Stop services. Call utilities, cable, magazine subscriptions, etc…

6. Start services. Make preparations so that needed services, phone, cable, mail service are up and running when you move into your new home.

7. Notify. Tell family, friends, school, employer, your bank, your credit card companies etc…about your change of address.

Other quick tips:

Moving with kids is not easy. Make them a part of the moving plan. Let them plan out their new bedroom and let them help pack up their stuff.

Make color coded labels for each room in your new home. Pack and label your boxes in the rooms they are going to at your new house, not where they are coming from.

Pack an essentials box of items you will need when you first move in. Toilet paper, scissors, hand soap, dish soap, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, flashlight, band aids, snacks, cups and plates.

Use your suit cases to pack clothes you will need to wear immediately after your move.
Moving is stressful time, but the more you prepare, the less stress you will have!

Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is planning a move soon. I would love to help!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 27

What are the top 5 things you should NOT do when selling your home?

1. Clean your home by cramming junk into closets and cabinets. Potential buyers are going to look in there! If your storage areas are full you are sending the message to the buyer that their stuff won’t fit either.

2. Assume buyers are going to take on your deferred maintenance. Fix the small things! Door bells, loose handrails, running toilets etc… Buyers want a move in ready, turn-key home! Give it to them.

3. Fill your house with air freshers. It does not work!! Buyers will think you are trying to hide something. Clean is the only smell everyone loves!

4. Assume buyers are pet lovers. Many people are not and some are allergic! Do not have your pets in the house for showings and remove all traces of them. I understand this is a pain, but it is a must to get your house sold quickly!

5. Neglect curb appeal. It is the first impression of your home and most likely the first picture buyers will see. It needs to be landscaped and clean. This will give buyers the welcoming feeling they are looking for.

Pass this on if you know someone trying to sell their house right now or thinking about it in the future. Let me know what other questions you have. I am working hard to be YOUR resource in real estate.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 26

What is the best Real Estate website for you?

The best Real Estate website depends on what you are looking for. Are you searching for a house you saw while driving around? Are you creating a search for all homes in an area or school district? Are you looking for out of state or out of your general area properties? Are you looking for your real estate questions to be answered? Listed below are the ones I think are the best for each situation.

While out driving around, let's say you see a house listed that you did not notice online before and you want to know the price. I use my Deeb Realty APP. If you have a smartphone, go to your APP store and type in Deeb Realty and upload. It is free! You can look up the property by its address. It will show you lots of details about the house, including price and pictures. Very user friendly!

You want to find a list of homes only in a particular school district? I suggest www.godeeb.com. There you will find a great way to search this. Click on the Properties tab, select Advanced Search (You can also search by school district on the Deeb Realty APP). You can fine tune your search in other ways at www.godeeb.com as well. You can search by subdivision, price, new construction, etc… Best thing is you can save your search!

Looking for properties out of state or out of the Omaha Metro area? www.trulia.com. The home page has the search box right on it. Trulia is ranked in the Top 3 of all real estate websites and is extremely user friendly!

Looking for Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions? Go to www.gosusanclark.com. Every two weeks I post about a new real estate question, and answer it on my website. If you have other questions that are not answered on my website, just email, text or call me and I will answer your question prompty and also feature your question on my website for others! I am working hard to be YOUR resource in real estate.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 25

Should I get an appraisal if I am paying cash for a home?

You are not required to have an appraisal completed if you are paying cash for your new home. When you get a mortgage it is required by the lender to ensure the house is worth as much as or more then you are getting a loan for.

However, I would still recommend that you get a 3rd party appraisal completed on the house prior to purchasing and make the contract contingent on the house appraising at or above the agreed on purchase price to ensure you do not pay more for the house then it is worth.

So my answer is YES, you should still get an appraisal.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 24

What are the top 5 things I can do to get prepared for purchasing a new home?

Navigating the housing market can be more complex than ever before. Most potential buyers are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin. Here are the top 5 tips I recommend.

1. Understand and know what your FICO score is. Your score plays a major role in what type of mortgage you can get, how much you have to put down and what your interest rate will be. Meet with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved and find out what your score is and get it updated if need be.

2. Know what you can afford. Again, meet with that mortgage professional and find out what amount you are able to get preapproved for and more importantly what you can afford.

3. Start saving. You will need to save up for your down payment, closing costs and moving expenses. It is also best to have around six months worth of mortgage payments in a savings account for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

4. Understand the real estate market. You can save yourself money by watching the seasonal trends and being financially prepared to make an offer when the time is right.

5. Consult a Real Estate Professional. Get a referral from a friend, co-worker or neighbor for a real estate agent they had success working with. Take the time to meet with that agent to ensure they are the right agent for you. (Refer to my blog post from May 23, 2012 'How do I find an agent to help me buy or sell?' For more ideas on finding an agent). Or, of course contact me, I would be happy to discuss all of this and more, and any other questions you may have about the homebuying process!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 23

Will any remodeling project add value to my home?

Many will add value, but not all.

For instance, combining two smaller bedrooms to create one larger master bedroom may be better for your life style, but not for everyone. If it changes your house from a 3 bedroom to a 2 bedroom that might not be the best plan as most buyers will want at least a 3 bedroom house. If it changes it from a 4 bedroom to a 3 bedroom, it might be ok, depending on the part of town you live in and your neighborhood.

Another thing to keep in mind, installing high-end materials may not always be the best choice. Not all buyers want the additional cost; they would rather get a more affordable home. You don’t want to over improve it for the neighborhood. You have to keep the finishes and upgrades in line with your neighbors to get the most back out of a project.

Painting is an inexpensive way to make sure your house shows the best it can. BUT, you need to keep it a neutral color, so the buyers can choose their own style and envision their personal belongings in your house. Painting the wrong colors can turn off buyers.

Don’t forget the outside! You want to make sure your house has curb appeal so buyers will want to stop in and take a look. Most times the outside is the first picture of your house a buyer sees. If it does not look inviting, they may not even look at the rest of the pictures and just remove it from the list. BUT don’t overdo it with expensive landscaping.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, start from the outside and work your way in. I HIGHLY recommend you consult with a Real Estate agent BEFORE making changes/improvements to your home to ensure you do not over improve and you do the things that buyers will pay the most attention to. If you or someone you know is looking to sell your house call me today, I would be happy to discuss the best things to do to get your house ready for the market.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 22

When selling my home, can I be present for showings?

This one is simple, NO! The potential buyer of your house wants to look around the house without feeling like they are invading your space. They want to look in closets and check out cabinets to know if they will be happy in this home. If you are there, they will not feel comfortable doing that. They need to be able to envision themselves living in this home to see if it is the one.

Some sellers think they need to be present so they can get feedback from the buyer. Most buyers are not going to provide you with honest feedback. They just won’t want to hurt your feelings with anything negative. They will give their agent that information and the agent will pass it on to your agent. The feedback from their agent will be 10 times more valuable, because it will be what they really thought about it.

I HIGHLY recommend you not be present during any of the showings at your home. Prepare your house for all showings and plan to be gone. Allow the buyers the space they need to decide if this is the home for them.

If you or someone you know, are planning to sell your house in the next 3-6 months, give me a call and we can discuss what you need to do to get it ready for the market. This is a GREAT time to be on the market. If your house is presented well and priced right, it will sell!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 21

How do I find an agent to help me buy or sell my home?

It is important to work with a full time professional agent when you are buying or selling your home. It is one of the largest investment decisions you will make and you need to work with a professional to help guide you during the process. Where do you find the right agent?

Ask for referrals. Do you know someone who bought or sold a house in the past year? Ask them who they used and if they were happy with their agent. If so, give that agent a call to see if they are a good fit for you.

Stop at open houses. Go in and meet the agent at the open house. Find out if they sell full time and chat with them about working with you. You can decide if they might be a good fit for you.

Look online. Top agents have websites, blogs and use social media to promote their listings and themselves. You can get to know them by reading information about them online and review testimonials from their past clients.

Odds are if you ask enough people someone knows a great agent they can refer you to. That is the best way to find an agent. Get a referral from someone who recommends their agent.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 20

I've decided to buy a home, what do I do FIRST?

Get pre-approved for your mortgage OR hire a real estate agent who will then help connect you with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved for a loan to purchase your home. This is the most important step. You want to know exactly what you can afford and what monthly payment you are comfortable with.

There are lots of loan options. You want to make sure you have done your homework and know what your options are. Some mortgage loans require you to put more money down than others, but the payment will be less if you can put more down. You just have to review all of the options and decide what is best for you and your current situation.

Once you are pre-approved you can shop with confidence and know exactly what price range to start looking in. You need to be pre-approved before you start looking so you can begin your search in the correct price range.

Once you have decided, or even if you are just considering looking, getting pre-approved should be your first task. Call me today and I can help you get started.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 19

How does a buyer’s agent get paid?

Buyers can be hesitant to work with an agent, because they don’t know the process and how the agent gets paid. They wonder if it will cost them thousands of dollars. The unknown might keep a buyer from hiring an agent.

The buyer’s agent is paid from the seller’s agent or listing agent. When a homeowner lists their house for sale they hire an agent and pay them a commission fee. The list agent then pays out a portion of that commission to the buyer’s agent at time of closing. The buyer’s agent is paid from the seller’s agent not from you the buyer. However, that doesn’t affect the dedication and service I provide when helping you find the home of your dreams.

Do not hesitate to hire a buyer’s agent when purchasing a new home. Working with the right agent can turn a very stressful process into an enjoyable one. You want to team up with someone who works with several buyers a year to help guide you along during the process to ensure nothing is missed. This is one of the largest investments most people make, you want to make sure you have a professional helping you along the way.

A Realtor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business of buying a home. In fact, a licensed real estate professional provides much more than the service of helping you find the home of your dreams. Realtors are not just sales agents. They are expert negotiators and seasoned financial advisors. They are members of the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a code of ethics and standards of practice enforced by the National Association of Realtors. A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying a home!

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new house, please hire me to be your buyer’s agent!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 18

Do I really need a home inspection?

According to American Society of Home Inspections, Inc., a home inspection is defined as: An objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation.

To have as few surprises as possible, you’ll want to learn as much about the home you are purchasing as you can, before you buy it. Buying a home will most likely be the largest investment you will ever make. A home inspection will provide you with information about major repairs that are needed as well as what maintenance needs to be done to keep it in good shape for years to come.

The inspection will include a report that will tell you the condition of the following items and more. Heating system, AC, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement and structural components.

The best way to find a home inspector to hire is to ask friends or business acquaintances to recommend one they were happy with. Your real estate agent should also be able to supply you with some names of home inspectors their clients have been happy with in the past.

I recommend all my clients get a whole home inspection before purchasing any home. Doing this will allow them to move forward with their new home purchase with confidence. It also allows them to learn many things about the house that they can refer to for future reference while owning the home. So my answer is YES, you really need a home inspection!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 17

What should I do to get my home SOLD FAST?

This is a great question! You are ready to move into a new house, maybe you need a smaller house or a larger house, or you have been relocated to a new city or you just want to take advantage of the amazing low interest rates and move into your dream home. Whatever the reason you want to get your house sold quickly and move on. What are some tips to get your house sold fast?

If you price your house correctly, present it well and hire the right agent, you will get your house sold! I want to cover a few simple tips you can do to present your house in the best way to perspective buyers, which will result in you getting your house sold quickly.

1. Neutral Colors! This is a must. I understand that everyone’s favorite color is not tan and beige, but that is the color palette your walls need to be in when trying to sell it. Buyers want to be able to MOVE RIGHT IN. Which means, they need/want the walls to be neutral so no matter what color their furniture is, it will work with the existing wall colors.

2. Remove Clutter! Another must! I know people do not live in a clutter free home all the time, but when you have it listed for sale, it needs to be clutter free!

3. Light! Open the blinds and let it shine in. Leave lights on for showings and add a lamp to a room that is dark.

4. Clean! Clean like you never have before. Windows, under beds, closets, floor trim, ceiling fans etc…a clean house sells faster, no doubt about it! Buyers can tell the difference and will feel like the house has been well taken care of, which will put it to the top of their list.

5. Smell! What does your house smell like? No matter what you think every house has a scent. You need to make sure your house scent is a good one. Clean and fresh is the goal. DO NOT use strong room sprays before showings, and if you have pets, make sure the buyers cannot smell their odors.

These are my top 5 presentation tips. If you or someone you know has a house to sell quickly, I want to help! There is no cost or obligation to meet with me and discuss how we can get your house sold!

Is it easier to buy a car or a home?

Is it easier to buy a car or a home?

This is a trick question. For me, the process of buying a new home is easier. I would guess that is not the case for most. I recently bought a new car and found it interesting to be in the buyers “seat”. It was a great reminder of how my clients feel when they decide to begin the process of buying a new home.

Lucky for me, I stumbled upon working with a great car salesman. I knew what kind of car I wanted and no one I knew could provide me with a referral for a salesman who sold that type of car, so I had to enter the “ring” and hope for the best. His approach was exactly what I needed it to be. He was friendly, NOT pushy and was a wealth of knowledge about the car and the process. This is how I am with my clients as well. I want to be their best resource, not just sell them a house.

He let me test drive the car and explore all of the cars features. Once I was ready to purchase, he handed me off to the finance department, but stayed involved during that process to make sure I was taken care of and all my questions were answered. Again, exactly what I do with my clients.

Once the car was mine he went over all the final details and congratulated me on my new purchase. Later that week, he sent me a Thank You card with my picture in front of my new car. He was a professional from start to finish. He made sure I knew everything I needed to know along the way and followed up with me afterwards to make sure all was well.

This is the kind of treatment you will get working with me as your agent. He reminded me how important it is to provide each client with the service they deserve! I will work hard for you or anyone you know looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. Please refer me on, so your friends and family do not have to rely on luck to get the service they deserve.

Anyone who is looking for a wonderful car-buying experience, give Joel a call!

Joel Patton
Stan Olsen Hyundai
Sales Since 1995
402-397-8300
j.patton@stanolsen.com

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 16

Should I list my home now, or wait until spring?

NOW! NOW! NOW!

More home owners wait until spring/summer to list their house than any other time of the year. Why? If you list now there are fewer homes on the market and fewer homes for buyers to pick from. There are about 1000 less homes on the market now VS spring/summer. You don’t want to follow the crowd you want to stand out.

One other VERY important fact is interest rates are LOW! They are low NOW! No one knows what they will be like in a few more months. If interest rates go up a quarter or half a percent, which will most likely happen due to the laws of supply and demand, your payment will go up for the house you are planning on purchasing once you sell your current house. If your payment goes up $20 a month over 30 years that is $7,200 over the life of the loan.

Don’t wait! List your home now and beat the spring/summer rush. Call, email or text me today for a complimentary comparative market analyst to determine the value of your home and the next steps to get it listed as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 15

Is now the best time to buy a new home?

Every time the mortgage interest rates go down, I am shocked. I remember refinancing at 5.25% thinking there was NO WAY I was going to get a lower rate than that. BUT here we are with historically low rates once again! So once again, I must say, there has NEVER been a better time to purchase a new home.

Homes are valued priced, interest rates are at historic lows and sellers are motivated to get their house sold, not to mention there are lots of options to pick from. That means it is a buyer’s market!

The winter weather has been great for house shopping. Historically, mortgage rates go up some in the spring time. I don’t think they will go up a ton, but every little bit adds up quickly over a 30 year loan. If you are planning to do something this spring, don’t wait! Let’s get started now before everyone else does.

This is an exciting time in real estate! I truly enjoy helping people find the right home, at a price and payment they are comfortable with. Please pass my information on to someone you know that wants to buy a new house this year!