David Width Jr.

This is a question that puzzles many agents, and it seems to be a split decision on whether they put the listing prices on property flyer, they do not put the price on the. I am an agent who has not in the past put prices on property flyers, but I think I am going to change gears and agree to give the property's price on the flyer.

It is such a hard call, do you leave the price off and try to push the customer to call you for the price, or do you put the price on b/c most likely they will thrown the flyer out if it has no price. Many buyers of mine have told me if the flyer doesn't have an address or a price, they simply throw the flyer away.

So I am looking for opinions here, what do you do, and what is your experience with your choice. The question is to put price, or not to put price, that is the question.

There isn't much time left between now and probably the most romantic day of the year. I am tired of doing the same old things all the time, plus I don't think the lady likes to much repetition either. I was writing this in hopes that some of you would share some thoughtful and out of the ordinary ideas with me to help me form something special for this 14th. Have you done or had antyhing done extra special and unique for you? If you don't mind sharing, I would love the suggestions.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time home buyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research, and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement and ambition. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help create a path to a successful first time home buying experience.

Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family's goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family's long term goals.

Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process. If wanted, you can access a previous article of mine containing the steps of the home buying process by clicking the following link:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/907914/Four-Part-Series-Buyers-Guide-to-buying-a-home-part-4
At the bottom of this page you will find the first three parts to this series.

The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first time home buyer, you need to determine what you can COMFORTABLY afford. Too often, first time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in, will help your transition into home ownership.

After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around for both homes and a mortgage. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family's needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don't find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Though following the previous steps can help a first time home buyer find the right home, buyers never need to go at it alone. After conducting your own research, it is a good idea to find an agent you can trust. Besides being able to assist you when searching for the right home, a reliable real estate agent can help guide you through the home buying process.

If you are patient with the home buying process and do your homework before purchasing your first home, your diligence will most likely lead you to the perfect home for your family.

Here are home sales statistics for the Little Egg Harbor/ Tuckerton NJ market from January 1st through January 31st.

There were 6 UPLAND homes that sold in January with an average of 120 days on the market.

The average upland listing price of these sales was $204,550.

The average upland selling price of these sales was $197,250.

There were 2 WATERFRONT homes that sold in January with an average of 159 days on the market.

The average waterfront listing price of these sales was $237,000.

The average waterfront selling price of these sales was $208,500.

Remember that these are averages and that every home is not the same, there are some homes worth significantly more and some worth significantly less. It is extremely important that if you are selling your home you price it competitively with its competition, preferably less than your competition. Despite these numbers I have seen a tremendous amount of activity in the last two weeks. Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Here is part 4 of 4 in this series.

Flood Insurance:

If you are in a flood zone, the buyer is responsible for obtaining flood insurance and it is to be in place on the date of closing. Shopping around for a quote and/or best rate is also your responsibility. Obtaining flood insurance can also be a lengthy process so this should be started immediately after home inspection issues are resolved. If flood insurance is required, a flood elevation certificate may help reduce the rate. At times, the seller may be able to provide a previous one. However, if one is not available, your attorney will order it with the survey.

Scheduling Closing:

The closing date set forth in the contract is a target date. DO NOT set up movers, appliance deliveries, cable hookups, etc. based on that date. When everything is ready to close, then a date is scheduled. BUT keep in mind that it may be a few days earlier or later than the date set forth in the contract depending on the schedules of everyone involved. Remember that in scheduling we must consider the schedules of the buyer, buyer's attorney, seller, seller's attorney, AND the bank providing the mortgage. The best way I can describe the date set forth in the contract to close is similar to the due date of a baby, generally not on that day but very close to it.

Walk Through:

Buyers are responsible for the walk through with their Realtor PRIOR to closing, usually the morning of the closing. Buyers should be sure that: all appliances and major systems (i.e. plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, etc.) are in the same working order as they were during the home inspection; no additional damage has been done to the property since the last time they were there; all furniture that should have been removed has been removed and any items included in the sale are on the premises.

Closing:

At the closing the buyer will execute all the loan documents with their attorney. Then the seller and their attorney come in and execute/exchange title documents (Deed, Affidavit of Title, 1099S etc.). At this time, if there are any walk through issues the must be brought up, discussed, and resolved.

After closing:

The Buyer's attorney will send the Deed and Mortgage (if applicable) to the County Clerk's office to be recorded. Once the recorded Deed is returned to the attorney's office, a package containing all documents signed at closing will be forwarded to you. Approximately 6 months after closing, the buyer's attorney will receive the owner's title insurance policy. Title insurance is in effect from the date of closing. However, it takes several months for all the paperwork to be generated and completed. Your attorney will the forward to you the original owner's title policy. This should be kept with the other documents sent by your attorney. The original Deed, original Survey, original Title Insurance Policy, and copy of your Mortgage should be kept in a safe place for future reference. You will need these documents if you refinance or sell the property.

While the purchase of a home may seem intimidating to a buyer, especially a first time home buyer, reliance on experienced professionals will make the process much easier. Your Real estate agent and Attorney have an obligation to protect your interests and will help make the process both satisfying and rewarding. If you have any remaining questions, or do not fully understand any part of this Buyer's Guide, please contact me at a time convenient for you.

I hope you have enjoyed, benefitted from, and have gotten educated from my four part series on

Buyer's Guide to Buying a Home.

If you missed parts 1, 2, or 3, you can access them through my blog page or the links below

http://activerain.com/blogsview/902820/Four-Part-Series-Buyers-Guide-to-buying-a-home-part1 (part1)

http://activerain.com/action/channels/activerain/topics/buyers_guide_to_homebuying_part2 (part2)

http://activerain.com/action/channels/activerain/topics/buyers_guide_to_buying_a_home_part3 (part 3)