It's raining outside and I feel a little blue today. I am generally an optimistic person who always tries to see the glass as half full. I'm not sure the reason for the sad sack mood.
Maybe it's the fact that my clients offer on an REO condo got rejected, despite being over the asking price. We will dust ourselves off and start over!!
Despite the outside raindrops, I have am getting a lift from the Active Raindrops!! I have been lost at the computer, reading the many wonderful posts of fellow ActiveRain members. It's amazing how time flies when you're on the ActiveRain site. I even Active Rained through lunch time!
I am always looking for new knowledge and ways to improve myself. Life is about change, and social networking is a big part of that. Keeping up with the times is vital these days. With the majority of hombuyers using the internet as their primary tool, I am proud to have yet another way to provide exceptional service.
My Day Before Active Rain My Day After Active Rain
Randi Steckler is an Accredited Buyers Representative. She is a Realtor with RE/MAX Executive Realty.
You can reach Randi direct at 508-944-0090, or by E-Mail at randi@randisteckler.com
Randi has the experience working with both Buyers and Sellers that is needed to achieve success. See Randi's blog For valuable information regarding real estate in the MetroWest area.
Want to see all available homes? See Randi's website.
A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart! 
Before you begin house hunting, it is important to be Pre-Approved by a reputable Loan Originator. This 
will help to determine your buying power. It will be necessary to submit earning and debt documentation.Your credit score will be checked. The loan originator will review the gathered information and recommend a price range that will work best with your finances.
This will save both you, and your Realtor time and effort. By looking at affordable properties, you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a property, only to find out it's out of your range. When you see homes in the proper price range, there will be no comparing and wishing for what you can't have, but rather the satisfaction of finding the right fit your you and your budget.
This Pre-Approval is part of the package your Realtor presents an Offer to Purchase. Most home owners 
require the pre-approval as "proof" that you are a worthy client and will be able to follow through with the purchase.
Once you have a signed contract to purchase a home, you must choose a lending or mortgage company from which to obtain the loan. It is not necessary to use the same company which you received your pre-approval. It is wise to choose a local company that can provide hands on service. A good loan originator will meet with you face to face.
The loan officer will need data on your place of employment, assets, and liabilities such as debts from credit cards or car payments. This will be more detailed than the info gathered for your pre-approval.
Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions associated with the loan. Understand what the interest rate means, possible private mortgage insurance, length and interest involved with the loan. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Randi Steckler will be happy to provide references to reputable mortgage companies.
Randi Steckler is an Accredited Buyers Representative. She is a Realtor with RE/MAX Executive Realty. You can reach Randi direct at 508-944-0090, or by E-Mail at randi@randisteckler.com
Randi has the experience working with both Buyers and Sellers that is needed to achieve success. See Randi's blog For valuable information regarding real estate in the MetroWest area.
Want to see all available homes? See Randi's website.
If you want ideas to narrow down your home search. Read my article Finding The Right Home
Curious if you should use a Buyer's Agent? Read my article on The Benefits of Working With a Buyer's Agent
A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart! 
Waiting is so hard!!! With so many foreclosures on the market, and the values being so good, it's a smart move for buyers to consider them. Although some have problems such as destruction caused by angry people losing their home, or everything taken out including the kitchen sink (I'm not kidding!), many are in fine shape. 
I have placed an offer for a client on a bank owned property a little over a week ago. We are still waiting for the verdict. My client did not have the only offer. Nerves of steel are sometimes a requirement when working with bank owned properties.
It will be well worth the patience if things go their way, but the waiting is so hard!! There are phenomenal deals out there so the wait can be worth the agony.
Some banks will respond to offers quicker than others. It is important to work with a Buyers Agent who is experienced in foreclosures. There are issues that could cause problems when it comes time for the appraisal. An experienced Buyers Agent will be able to alert you to the potential problems. For example, a cooking unit is required when financing with an FHA Mortgage. If there is no range, plans will have to be made ahead of time. 
Randi Steckler is an Accredited Buyers Representative. Randi is a Realtor with RE/MAX Executive Realty.
You can reach Randi direct at 508-944-0090, or by E-Mail at randi@randisteckler.com
Randi has the experience working with both Buyers and Sellers that is needed to achieve success. See Randi's blog For valuable information regarding real estate in the MetroWest area.
Want to see all available homes? See Randi's website.
A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart! 
There are many advantages to using a Buyers agent.
One of the most important is that the Buyer Agent is working to promote the best interests of their buyer client. They are help negotiate the best terms and conditions for the buyer. The agent who is listing a property is working for the Seller. They work to get the best terms and conditions for their seller. Although all agents must be honest and ethical at all times, why not work with an agent who is on your side?
There are no reasons!!
In addition to negotiating, your buyer agent will help locate properties, & can preview properties to save you time. Imagine how nice it would be to see homes on your schedule instead of relying on Sunday open houses for viewing. The buyer agent, after helping you determine which properties are approprite will set up appointments for viewing and accompany you. A good Buyer Agent will know what to look for in a property. They know what will pose a red flag when it comes time for an appraisal. It is wise to know what to expect before the unexpected happens.
The Buyer Agent can also do a Comparative Market Analysis to determine the value of the home you're interested in. This can save you money!! Instead of agreeing with the listing agent's price, it is best to be armed with knowledge of what other homes that are similar in the area are selling for. They can also verify the the data such as tax information on the listing sheet is accuarate.
The Buyer Agent can help you find a reliable home inspector, and will accompany you to the inspection to see if there are any structural problems that have to be dealt with.
Your Buyer Agent will explain the legal documents and paperwork that will be involved. They work closely with the attorney to be sure the transaction is kept smooth.
One of the most important aspects of your relationship with your Buyer Agent is CONFIDENTIALITY, and undivided loyalty.
This is likely one of the largest purchases of your life. There is no reason not to have a Buyer's Agent 
working for you to prevent problems, or deal with issues that do crop up.
Randi Steckler Is an Accredited Buyers Rpresentative. In order to earn this accreditation,Randi was required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on foreclosures,in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience.
Randi is a Realtor with RE/MAX Executive Realty. She will be happy to provide references from previous Buyer clients.There is no fee for her service as a Buyers Agent
You can reach Randi direct at 508-944-0090, or by E-Mail at randi@randisteckler.com
Randi has the experience working with both Buyers and Sellers that is needed to achieve success. See Randi's blog For valuable information regarding real estate in the MetroWest area.
Want to see all available homes? See Randi's website. 
A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart! 
With so many people downsizing these days, and so many moving into their fist small condo or home, making the most of your space is important.
A small space can be made to feel cozy and intimate instead of cramped with a few simple techniqes.
Choose lighter paint tones to make a room appear somewhat larger. Warm tones such as pale yellow or gold give a room a warm glow. If you have an open floor plan, coordinate the colors throughout the house to avoid a chopped feel. Useing a monochromatic look by matching furniture to walls will make a room appear more spacious.
Mirrors and lighting add depth to a room. Mirrors can be placed above a mantle, as a statement piece or put together several small mirrors for a distinctive look in a hall or stairway. Increased lighting will open up a room. Consider using only a valance or window topper instead of a full curtain. This will allow maximum light to enter from the window. Remember to keep the windows clean to let the sun shine in.
Another organizing tip is to make the most use of space. Use bins or storage containers. Label each and keep them categorized, such as holiday decor, sports equipment etc. Keep frequently used items toward the front. Consider boxes under the bed for less attractive items or off season clothes.
Use empty space above furniture to install shelves or shelving units. These shelves can hold both decorative items & photos, and also be functional, holding wicker or cloths bins to store extra towels, placemats, or anything that needs a spot. If money allows, a shelving unit with doors will hold items you don't want to see daily.
Attractive bins or baskets can also organize books and magazines to keep tables clear and clean.
If you're interested in ways to Lighten to your home for spring, read my article Spring Spruce Up
If you want ideas to narrow down your home search. Read my article Finding The Right Home
Randi Steckler is an Accredited Buyers Representative. She is a Realtor with RE/MAX Executive Realty.
You can reach Randi direct at 508-944-0090, or by E-Mail at randi@randisteckler.com
Randi has the experience working with both Buyers and Sellers that is needed to achieve success. See Randi's blog For valuable information regarding real estate in the MetroWest area.
Want to see all available homes? See Randi's website.
A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart!
Realtor, Accredited Buyers Representative. Residential Real Estate in the MetroWest, Milford and Franklin areas, with superior service.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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