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.

Share the wealth!

Welcome back to my blog! I truly appreciate you taking the time to watch my video posts!

You have heard me say many times that I want to be your resource for real estate, and I do! BUT today I want to expand that even more and tell you I want to be your connection for other things you may need. I am out networking each and every week. I meet several other professionals in Omaha almost daily. I belong to a business networking group, where the focus is to pass referrals to the other 30 professionals with-in the group. I have been a member of this group for 3 years now and know the members well. I want to share these great people with you. From time to time I will feature them on my blog so you can get to know them as well, but for now, just call or email me with what professional service you may be in need of and I will connect you.

Your son or daughter is getting married, graduating or just had a new baby and you are in need of a photographer? I know a fabulous one! She takes the photos of all my listings too.

Need some electoral work done around the house? Call me, I know a great electrician.
Time to finish your basement or remodel your kitchen? I know a guy!

Need some auto body work done? No problem, I know a reputable place that will take good care of you.

I think you get my point. Whatever you need, reach out to me. It can be for real estate or well just about anything. You can call, email, text or send me a message on FaceBook. I will get right back to you.

I hope you and yours have a VERY Merry Christmas and of course a Happy New Year.

"When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die." -Eleanor Roosevelt-

Giving Thanks!

“Today I want to just take a quick moment to say thank you to everyone who has used me to help buy or sell a house or sent someone my way. My business has been built on happy clients using me again or referring me their friends, co-workers and family members. I truly appreciate the trust you have placed in me and will continue to work hard to earn your future business. I hope each and every one of you have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!”

Calling all Investors! Let me help you find the great deals that are out there. It is such a great time to buy. Do you want to start investing in rental properties or homes that need some TLC so you can re-sell for a profit? I will search out the deals and make sure the property meets your goals.

There are homes listed for sale by home owners who see the value in selling their current size home and buying a new one to take advantage of the LOW interest rates. They have value priced their homes to get them sold. These are great values for buyers! Investors!

I am currently working with a client who purchased a house he intends to rent to his son and his friends, while they are going to college. He will make over 10% annually on this investment, not including any value appreciation on the home! There are pros and cons to investing in real estate and I will make sure you know both sides before you begin.

Some home owners have found that they need to short sale their home to sell it. This means the bank will agree to take less than what the current homeowner owes on their home to avoid the home going into foreclosure. Some may need some TLC to get into shape, but if you are patient and willing to put a little work into the home, you can find some that are a steal.

If you or someone you know is considering investing in real estate in the next 3 to 6 months, please give me a call, email or text. I am easy to reach! Text or call me direct at 402-305-4335 or email me at Susan@gosusanclark.com.

Happy Halloween!

Boo! It’s not a trick, it’s a treat! Theres no cost to use me as your buyers agent. Spread the word! Working with me can save you endless amounts of time, money and frustration. I know the housing market inside and out! This will help you avoid the tangled web of looking at the wrong home for your needs. Keep in mind that I can show you any home for sale, even if it is for sale by owner. I can even help if you are interested in building a new home. I will not show haunted houses though!

Interest rates are at all time lows. There is a perception in the media that is spooking people. The perception is that in order to qualify for a mortgage with a low rate, you have to be supernatural! Not true. I work with a handful of trusted mortgage professionals. Each one specializes in various areas of the mortgage industry. I can refer you to the right one for a pre-approval. They can more than handle your needs. No ghosts or witches involved!

Please keep me in mind if you know of anyone looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. I am easy to reach! Call my direct line at 305-4335. You can also visit me anytime at gosusanclark.com. E-mail me at susan@gosusanclark.com. Thanks for watching and have a Happy Halloween!!!

Do you know how much it costs to use me as your agent when buying a new home?

NOTHING! NADA! That’s right, no cost to you at all. Sound too good to be true? I was always taught there is no such thing as FREE, but in this case it is true. When a seller lists their house with an agent the seller pays that agent a commission, which is then shared with the buyer’s agent at time of closing. So the agent does still get paid, just not from you the buyer. This does not affect the dedication and service I provide when helping you find the home of your dreams. Keep in mind, I can show you any house! Even if it is for sale by owner. If you decide to build your new home, I can help with that as well.

Why use an agent? 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!

Especially if you are a first time buyer. Most likely, this is one of the largest purchases you have made thus far in your life, having someone on your side to make sure you know each step along the way is priceless! There are so many pieces to the puzzle, let me help you put them all together.

In addition if you are new to the area, you are in luck! I have lived in Omaha my entire life. Let me show you around and share my knowledge of this great city with you.

I am experienced at presenting offers to sellers and will ensure that your offer is presented in the best possible way. I can help you through the process of negotiating the deal. I bring objectivity to the buying transaction and can point out the advantages and disadvantages of a particular property while leaving the final decision of the purchase up to you.

Keep me in mind, If you know of anyone looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate. I am easy to reach! Call my direct line 402-305-4335, text or email me anytime!

Mortgage rates continue to be among the best in the last 2 years.
It is still a fantastic time to buy! Did you know that if you purchase
a home for $150,000, take out a 30 year mortgage, at an interest
rate of 4.75% your principal and interest payment will be $782.47.
If you do the same, but at a 5.75% interest rate your principal
and interest payment will be $875.36. That is almost a $100
a month savings! $1,114.68 a year savings! AND $33,440.40
over the life of the loan!

Who needs a tax credit when rates are this great? Let’s get out and
enjoy some of this beautiful weather shopping for your new home!
Call me today so we can set up a custom plan to get you into
your dream home.

Not in the market? Please take a moment to pass this on to
someone who has been thinking about buying a new home,
I would love to help them.

Special thank you to Chuck Sederstrom!