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Julianne O'Reilly - Syracuse New York Real Estate

Affordable Housing Market - Syracuse NY

Syracuse Named #3 in Most Affordable Housing Market Good News for Syracuse, New York! Syracuse has recently been named #3 in the Most Affordable Housing Market category, according to CNN and Fortune Magazine. Home buyers new to the Syracuse, New York area are always pleasantly surprised by the affordability of the homes in our area. Since we are the essence of all things Real Estate in the Syracuse, and the Central New York market, this comes as no big shock to us. We have been asserting that claim for quite awhile now. But, since this revelation is currently being widely publicized, we thought we’d share the details with you here too. Becoming a homeowner has never been easier, especially in CNY and the Syracuse area. Couple that with the low interest rates our nation continues to enjoy – well, you’ve got one sweet recipe for Dream Home Finder Delight! While in other parts of the country there is chatter of home values taking another 6 – 8% hit, it certainly doesn’t appear to be the case in our neck of the woods. With the ‘spill’ in the Atlantic and economic woes in the European countries fears linger that the US will also be impacted. This causes investors to look towards bonds for security. In doing so, our interest rates remain historically low and the outlook for this is well into 2012. So what does all this mean to Syracuse and Central New York buyers? #3 in affordable housing and low interest rates? It’s time to get while the getting’s good – and it is very good, indeed. Happy House Hunting!

Buying a Home? How To Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Julianne's Helpful Tips

How To Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Don't miss these simple steps when looking for your new home. Take the time to consider the following and you will save yourself thousands. Keeping a clear head will also smooth the process of buying a new home, saving time and money, in addition to eliminating what could become a stressful situations in advance.

1. Start by being up front and honest with your REALTOR and your lender about your credit history. Your credit, whether good or bad, affects everything from your down payment to your interest rates. Your REALTOR or a mortgage consultant can often guide you toward getting credit problems corrected or completely removed from your credit report before you apply for a mortgage or make an offer on a home.

2. Getting pre-qualified for a loan by a lender before you begin your search for a new home will allow you to know in advance exactly what kind, and how much, mortgage you can afford. There is no sense in looking at homes that are out of your price range. Getting pre-qualified also makes it possible for you to make an offer on your new home with confidence and gives you leverage when negotiating the price.

3. If the seller does not offer a home warranty on the house you want, ask your REALTOR to make it a part of the written offer that you make. A home warranty can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, and can often be obtained for a very small fee. A standard home warranty covers the electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems as well as major appliances.

4. Ask your REALTOR for a comparative market analysis of the home. This report compares similar homes in the neighborhood, before you make an offer so that you know in advanced if it's priced properly. A home is not just a place where you live - it is also an investment. Take the time to visit several homes before you decide to make an offer on one - you know exactly what is on the market. Be sure you are making a wise investment.

5. Make your offer contingent upon a home inspection and if repairs are needed, re-negotiate your offer. Hire a professional ashi approved inspector to inspect every aspect of the home thoroughly. Doing this can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and many headaches down the road. A good inspection can also allow your REALTOR to negotiate for any repairs prior to closing. If the seller is not willing to make the necessary repairs, remind them that the bank/lender will also require the home to be in good condition before they make a loan for the purchase.

6. Take into account your present homeowner or renter status. If you already own a home and must sell it before you buy a new one, it is best to get a REALTOR to do a complete market analysis on your present home. This allows you to know how much you can sell your current home for before you make an offer on a new one. If you are leasing or renting, the lease's expiration date will give you a timetable for your new purchase. Review this with your REALTOR well in advance of when you would like to move.

7. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Ask questions of your agent. Find out how knowledgeable he or she is about houses currently for sale in your price range and also about the houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good mortgage lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates? Does your agent ask questions of you to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you get the most home for the money?

For more great tips: Visit my web site at: http://www.syracuselistings.com

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further?

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