Today’s home searches do not begin by simply driving by a “for sale” sign and stopping in to view a home. In many cases, buyers begin searching for their next properties from the comforts of their current homes.
In fact, online home searches have become such a reality for today’s home buyers that listing photos have become an integral part of curb appeal. If you’re planning to start your new home search online, how can you be sure you’re finding a home that will match your needs?
One major difference between searching for homes online and scouring local neighborhoods for available homes is the sheer number of homes available. If you don’t have a clear idea of the features you want to find in a home, you might spend a lot of time sorting through available inventory online to find even a couple homes that meet your desired criteria. Spend some time before you begin your search and determine the home features that are most important to you. Focus your online efforts on finding homes that meet all or most of those criteria.
Once you have a good grasp of the home features you’re looking for, allow online search capabilities to assist you! Use search filters to eliminate homes that are not in your price range, or those that do not have the features you’re looking for. Want a single-family ranch with at least three bedrooms, a finished basement, and a little yard space? Use search filters to find homes that might meet all or most of those wants.
You can learn a lot about a home through an online search. Once you find a home or homes that might be right for you, be sure to take time to learn about their neighborhoods too. Check out what kinds of restaurants, entertainment options, and amenities are nearby. Learn about the schools, commutes and crime rates too. Even if a home seems to have everything you’re looking for, it’s location might not be right for you and your family. Research any neighborhoods you might not be familiar with when you’re searching online.
A picture is worth 1,000 words, right? When it comes to an online home search, buyers might need to make sure those 1,000 words are accurate. Professional listing photos can paint an incredible picture of a home. And kudos to all sellers who represent their homes with awesome listing photos. But, buyers beware, seeing really is believing when it comes to a home. Let online photos draw you into a home, but take the next step and schedule a showing before becoming too captivated. Make sure the real thing lives up to the online representation during your home search.
An online search is a great place to start looking for a new home. Once you find a home or a few homes that you’re interested in, allow a professional real estate agent to schedule showings for you. Once you share the homes you’re interested in with your agent, he or she might be able to point you to other homes that meet your desired criteria too. Of course, your agent will also represent your needs when it comes to negotiating a price, working with inspectors and other service professionals, and helping you get all the way to closing.
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
When you invest in a home, whether it is brand new or beautifully aged, you want to make sure it is protected. Homeowners insurance, which is required when you purchase a home, covers major occurrences like fire and crime. However, homeowners’ insurance will not cover specific parts of your home, like your plumbing or heating and cooling system. Instead, you can opt for a home warranty that will take care of specific appliances and equipment if they need to be repaired or replaced.
On a basic level, one of the biggest perks of buying a home warranty is purchasing peace of mind. When you have a warranty, you are entered into a contract with a company that already has an established list of reputable service providers on hand, ready to assist you if you need them. This means that homeowners who are covered simply need to contact their warranty company. The company will send out a contractor to assess the issue and take care of the service request.
Another way that your home warranty can provide peace of mind is by simply knowing you have it – even if your home systems are operating perfectly. You just never know when your dishwasher might need to be repaired or you’ll have an unexpected plumbing issue. To know that you are covered against these costly and often unforeseen expenses can be reason enough to purchase a home warranty.
Of course, as with any warranty, there are fees involved with having a home warranty. Homeowners pay an annual premium that is often around a few hundred dollars. In addition, similar to the way a deductible works with home insurance, there is a minor fee when a homeowner places a service request. However, when you’re considering the cost of replacing one of your home’s major appliances or your HVAC system, the annual premium and service charges are rather minimal.
An important point to note about having a home warranty is that homeowners must exercise a bit of responsibility when it comes to the appliances and equipment that are covered. Many warranty contracts clearly state that home items must be properly maintained to qualify for coverage. If you follow the maintenance schedule for your major systems, this should be no problem. Homeowners who purchase older homes can run into difficulties proving the equipment they purchase within a home has been properly maintained. So, asking for service records and full disclosure when you buy an older home is especially important if you plan to purchase a home warranty.
When you are thinking about a home warranty, think about this: your home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. A home warranty is one way to provide certain protection on that investment. If you know you want to move forward with a home warranty, here are a few tips:
Once you find a warranty that fits your home’s needs, enjoy the peace of mind and protection you’re provided!
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
If your future plan includes moving out on your own, you may have a few concerns as you plan to spread your wings. Unless you’ve been saving funds and working on your finances for the last year or so, you may not be quite ready to buy a home yet. So, how can you find a rental property that is right for you? With a little help, of course!
Before you even begin to scour the rental market in your area, you’ve got to know your monthly budget. Fiscal experts suggest that renters (and buyers for that matter) spend between 20-30% of their gross monthly income on housing. But let’s not forget that in addition to a monthly rental fee, you’ll also be incurring monthly utility costs, cable/internet subscription fees and possibly trash removal costs, if your landlord is not footing the bill for that fee. Crunch a few numbers to see what portion of your monthly pay you’ll feel comfortable parting with for housing costs.
In some ways, finding the right rental property is a lot like finding the right home to buy. You certainly want to be comfortable in your chosen rental for the entire length of your lease. So, don’t settle for a rental just for the sake of being on your own. If proximity to work, shopping or public transportation are high on your priorities list, find a property that meets those standards. If on-site laundry is something you can’t do without, don’t consider a rental property that would require you to pack up and head to the laundromat. When it comes down to your everyday living, you’ve got to know what you can – and cannot – do without!
Being on your own is an awesomely-free feeling; but you shouldn’t feel so free that you don’t feel safe! If you’re searching for the right rental property this year, resolve to only scope out properties in safe neighborhoods and question potential landlords on their safety features. When touring through potential rentals, take a specific look at entrances, door locks and even windows!
When you’re searching for a rental property, there is no doubt that you’re trying to impress potential landlords. Don’t forget that the impressing should go both ways. If you fall in love with a rental property, make sure that you and the landlord will get along as well. You can find out about a potential landlord by inquiring about their tenant turnover rate. You also can ask to speak with current or previous tenants, who are sure to give you an honest opinion about their rental experience. It is one thing to find a great rental property, but it also is important to make sure you can deal with a landlord for the entire length of your lease.
Finding the right rental property and landlord for you is only half of the battle – you’ve also got to secure them! Many landlords will require documentation to ensure that you’re not only able to afford their property, but also that you’ll take good care of it. In addition to running a credit and background check on rental applicants, landlords also may require potential renters to submit proof of employment, like pay stubs or tax returns. Some may even require reference letters. Prepare a few of these documents ahead of time, so you’re ready when your potential landlord makes these requests.
When you do find the rental property and landlord that seem like the right fit for you, you’ll need to sign on the dotted line before calling them your own. Before you add your signature to any legally binding document, make sure that you’re aware of what that signature means. Determine the length of the lease, what is included and what you may or may not be responsible for upon move-out. Further, even after you sign the lease, document the initial condition of the property with photos, so that you and your landlord are well aware of any imperfections that may be pre-existing.
Once you’ve scoured rental properties and secured your short-term living arrangements, pick up rental insurance to cover your belongings in your new home. Undoubtedly, your landlord carries insurance on their property, but that does not cover the items you bring inside. So, protect your property, begin the decorating process, and enjoy your new rental property!
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
Even the happiest of professionals can admit that they dream of retirement from time to time – and maybe even more frequently. And, why not? For many, retirement means more time to spend with those you love, doing the things you love.
But when you’re used to an income that allows you to live a particular lifestyle, then that income changes, it can be difficult to maintain the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to. Some retirees look at the lifestyle change as an opportunity to sell their home and simplify. Some homeowners decide to stay in their homes long after retirement. How will you know what decision is right for you?
Each person and their financial situation at retirement are different. But if you’re inching closer to retirement and you’re not sure what to do with your home, here are five signs that it might be time for you to sell:
Selling your home when you retire will allow you to downsize and simplify a bit, which can equate to fewer financial commitments. However, if your home is paid off, selling might also add to your retirement funds, which will allow you more freedom to travel or enjoy the things you’ve been looking forward to.
Owning and maintaining a home requires quite a bit of cleaning, seasonal maintenance, and upkeep in general. When you sell a larger home to move into a smaller space or one with added amenities, like landscaping or housekeeping, you can say goodbye to some of the time-consuming tasks that come along with home ownership.
When you’re a new family and you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors who are at similar stages of life, the sense of community can be amazing. If you grow older and notice that your neighbors seem to be turning over every few years, new families might remain the community norm. If you’ve watched your children grow up and leave the nest, it may be your turn to flock to somewhere new next.
If your retirement aspirations have you sailing around the world or visiting cities and countries you’ve never seen, it simply might not make sense to hang on to a big home. If you do, you’ll need to hire someone to handle the regular maintenance and upkeep responsibilities. If traveling is high on your retirement priority list, you may only need a small crash pad where you can stay between trips.
For grandparents, retirement can mean taking on a new role of spending more time with their grandchildren. If your children have moved away and seeing your grandkids means you’ll need to leave your home for an extended period, it may not make much sense to keep the home you’ve been living in. On a similar note, if your children have moved away and you intend for them to be your heirs, it may make financial sense to leave them a nest egg, rather than a piece of property that is far from them. They’ll eventually have to sell or hire someone to look after the home, which may not be financially worth it!
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
While you may think the terms “real estate agent” and “realtor” can be used interchangeably, that is just not the case. In fact, there are several differences between the two. Today, we’re shedding some light on a few of those determining factors – along with some similarities, too.
First and foremost, they’re both legit. Both real estate agents and realtors have taken the necessary courses and passed the required licensure exam to help buyers and sellers complete their real estate transactions. That may be their biggest similarity. Their biggest difference is pretty simple too… Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), while real estate agents do not. What does that mean?
Realtors practice real estate under the NAR code of ethics. Basically, they agree to work with other real estate professionals to ensure that their clients’ best interests are met. What does that mean to a buyer and seller? Well, obviously, it means their realtor pledges to do their best to help their client buy or sell a home. What it does not mean for those clients is that their realtor will do this unethically. Realtors also pledge to treat all parties in a transaction with honesty.
What are the consequences for violating the NAR code? That is pretty simple too. Realtors who are found to have acted in a way that is not in accordance with the code of ethics can have their “realtor” title removed.
Do these differences mean that you’ll only receive honest, reputable service from a realtor? Absolutely not. What this information means is that you need to choose the person who will be representing your home sale or purchase very carefully.
Here are three tips to help you make sure you select the right real estate agent:
When a family member or friend has had a good (or bad) experience during a real estate transaction, they are bound to want to talk about it. If you have friends or family members who are particularly happy with their home sale or purchase, find out what it was they liked most about their real estate professional – and find out if they would use that person again.
Family members and friends are not the only people who want to share their opinions about their real estate transactions. Use tools like social media sites and online reviews to confirm the word-of-mouth advice you receive.
As with any advice, take real estate recommendations in stride. Reach out to the real estate agents or realtors who’ve helped your family and friends. But make sure they can help you too. Ask them about the things that matter most to you when it comes to your transaction. See if they will be a good fit for you. Once you’re satisfied, select your real estate professional, and rely on their honesty and expertise to carry your home sale or purchase to completion.
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
The spending season is upon us. But that doesn’t mean you should be spending in excess everywhere you go. Just like you may be waiting for the best deals on those perfect holiday gifts, you also should be aiming for the best deal if you’re shopping for a home mortgage.
Unfortunately, just like the flurry of holiday sales can have you confused about what price is best, a few mortgage misunderstandings could confuse you also. Today, we’re debunking five common mortgage misunderstandings that could be costing you more money.
Beginning to look for a home before you know what you can afford actually can cost you a lot more than just money. It could cost you the home of your dreams. In today’s competitive market, buyers who take the time to gain loan pre-approval before they begin searching for a home are seen as more credible than those buyers who just start looking. So, if you fail to gain mortgage pre-approval and happen to enter into a bidding war with a buyer who has already secured that lender “OK,” you may lose out on a home that seems to be just perfect for you.
When you go to buy a home, of course, mortgage approval is your main concern. So, if you know you have a credit score that is good enough to get your mortgage approved, you may not be worried about trying to boost it just a bit higher. But, in fact, you should! A higher credit score often means a lower interest rate, which means lower payments throughout the course of your mortgage. Ultimately, that means you pay less for your home. Your credit score matters – a lot!
Though gaining initial loan pre-approval is an immensely satisfying feeling, it does not mean that you can stop shopping around. If you do, you could miss out on the best rate. Instead, you can take that initial pre-approval and continue shopping for a better rate with peace of mind, knowing that your mortgage can only get better!
Once you gain loan pre-approval, you may begin to try to determine what your monthly mortgage payments will be. But don’t be fooled into thinking that estimated payment will be the only monthly expense associated with your home. You need to include property taxes, insurance, and possible homeowner association fees as well. When you add in those necessary extras, you need to make sure you’re not pricing yourself out of your available budget.
Frankly, you’re right. You don’t. But this mortgage misunderstanding certainly can cost you. If you choose a conventional loan that is lenient when it comes to your down payment, you’ll probably be paying a little extra in other places. It is likely you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance, or PMI. You’ll also likely face a higher interest rate than a buyer who is willing or able to put more money down. If you can afford to put the entire 20% down on your new home, save somewhere else by making that payment!
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
For anyone interested in buying a home, there are a lot of decisions to be made. From the type of flooring they may want to the type of loan they may qualify for, this major purchase comes with major choices. For the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, there are even more things to consider when it comes to buying a home. Here are five things to think about if you are a military member who is considering buying a home:
When you commit to buying a home, you’re making a long-term commitment. While it may not be your forever home, you’ll want to own the home long enough to recoup your investment—and then some! So, if you’re in the military and know that you are likely to move in the near future, it may not be the right time to buy. If you are confident you will be spending significant time in your current assignment, you could be in the right place to buy. When it comes to location, you’ll also want to consider your proximity to your base. Some may prefer to live close to base, while others may want to physically separate themselves from their daily work life.
Because deployment is certain when it comes to military life, you must consider what your family will do while you are deployed. Will they stay and live in your home or are they likely to travel to stay with a family member while you are away? If you know they are likely to go home to be with family, you’ll have to consider who may take care of the house while you’re all away. If your family will be living at your home, you’ll want to make sure you buy in an area where they are close to any amenities they’ll need in your absence.
We’ve already mentioned deployment and how your time away may affect members of your family who stay behind to live in your home. But, as a military member, you also need to consider where you are in your career. If you are at the beginning of your military career and starting to build a family, buying a home may be ideal for you. If you are nearing the end of your service and have an interest in traveling or exploring other career paths, you may want to hold off on buying for now.
As a member of the military, you’ll likely qualify for a VA loan. This mortgage requires no down payment and does not carry private mortgage insurance. Since you won’t have to save as much money as some other buyers, you may be enticed to spend more on a home. But, do not forget about those monthly mortgage payments. Make sure you’ll be comfortable carrying the mortgage you apply for.
No matter where you are in your military career, before you decide to buy a home, it is important to consider the future. Even if you know you may receive new orders or be deployed in the short-term, if you’ve fallen in love with a certain area, you may have plans to stay even when your military career ends. If this is the case for you, it may be the right time for you to go ahead and buy your forever home.
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
Have you been dreaming of owning your own home or even upgrading the one you currently have? With a few simple steps and a little saving, you could be well on your way to move-in day. If home ownership is on your to-do list, follow these simple steps to save throughout this next year.
Prior to even looking at homes, decide what amount you can comfortably afford. January is a good time to not only track all your monthly spendings and create a budget of your expenses but to look at your spending habits from the previous year. Once you’ve looked at all your expenses, you’ll have a more complete picture of how much money you truly have at the end of the month and what you can do to increase your savings.
When you go to get pre-approved, keep in mind what the bank may say you can afford might be drastically different from what you can actually afford and maintain the lifestyle you want. Calculate your total home costs, including mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance, which can often add several hundred dollars to your total mortgage. A good agent can help you determine general numbers to start.
Having a low debt to income ratio will be beneficial when saving for a down-payment and getting a mortgage. Your savings are another aspect of your financial picture that lenders will be very interested in. But you don’t only want to build up your savings to impress lenders. You’ll want to save money for a down payment on your new home. It’s also important to note that you will need to have cash on hand for closing costs.
Finally, nearly every homeowner would agree that you will want to have money saved up for things like home décor, maintenance, and renovations. Start saving early to put yourself in the best position possible to afford the home you want—and the things you want to put in it!
Before you purchase a home, you will want to see if you qualify for any housing programs. If this is your first home, you can qualify for a first-time homeowner’s loan. These loans have lower down payment requirements and are easier to qualify for than a conventional loan. FHA loans are excellent for first-time homebuyers because, in addition to lower upfront loan costs and less stringent credit requirements, you can make a down payment as low as 3.5%
If you are not a first-time homebuyer, you still might qualify for a loan that can help you save. Military service members and veterans can get a Department of Veterans Affairs loan that doesn’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance and comes with low closing costs. There are also other loans available for teachers, police officers and firefighters through the Good Neighbor Next Door Program.
Your credit score is a significant factor that lenders use to determine your eligibility to buy a home. The better your credit score, the better your chances will be to secure a home loan. Some ways to improve your credit score are to pay off any credit card bills, refinance student loans and refrain from opening any new accounts.
With these few simple steps, you will be well on your way to the closing table.
Laurel Jonas
208-758-9000
Northwest Realty Group
208homesforsale@gmail.com
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“Laurel is an outstanding realtor. When she helped me sell my house she was incredibly knowledgeable and kept in the loop throughout the whole process. Simply amazing!”
Michelle M.
“Laurel knocked our socks off with her consistent and thoughtful communication with us as we are relocating from CA. She reached out to us on a regular basis and even brought us a "welcome to Idaho" gift when we got to town. Before we decided to purchase a home, Laurel went the extra mile and helped us find a condo to rent. There is no way we would ever you a different Realtor when it was time to buy a house. We knew Laurel had our best interests in mind every step of the way! We felt cared for and protected throughout the whole home buying process. We love Laurel and consider her not only our Realtor, but a friend.
Becky D.
Laurel is wonderful! She is a fantastic realtor because she is professional, personable and makes fantastic cookies! Laurel will work hard to make sure your house sells for top dollar! Every time I see her, it feels like visiting family! You won’t be disappointed!”
Jodi S.
“We have bought 3 properties and sold 1 through Laurel. She is fast to respond, creative in ways to incentivize buyers and very helpful throughout the process. She is fantastic with building and keeping positive relationships. We recommend Laurel to anyone and everyone who we know is looking to buy or sell. When we look at the pictures that other realtors post of houses they are trying to sell we realize how much more time and effort our realtor puts in to the process.”
Lee S.
“We have land to sell in Phoenix, and someone recommended Laurel to us. We couldn’t be happier because we have found her to be very well experienced in her field. Also she never makes us feel we are a bother with all our questions!! She is very personable, upbeat and truly nice!!! In my opinion, you couldn’t have a realtor that works harder for her clients, and we are thankful that we chose her!!”
Johnita J
New Listings: 318 Down 17.2%
Stats are compared to April 2022 previously owned properties only in Kootenai County.️
