Monthly Archives: May 2014

Future House Prices: A Look into the Crystal Ball

The results of their latest survey

  • Home values will appreciate by 4.4% in 2014.
  • The cumulative appreciation will be 19.5% by 2018.
  • That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.6% over the next 5 years.
  • Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of 9.4% by 2018.

Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

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Only 8? I can think of many more… but in the interest of time, there are only 8 listed. Feel free to contact me with any more that you can think of.

 

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

 

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

 

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

 

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

 

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

 

5.  Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

 

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

 

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

 

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

Have Questions? Contact me.

Paula Allin

HomeSmart Professionals Rhode Island

401-241-2976 or

PaulaSoldit@cox.net

Check out my website for more information: http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

Consumers in Rhode Island Urged to Be Smart When Moving

With the start of “moving season” coming up, this serves as a reminder to be careful when hiring a company to move your belongings from one location to the next. Be sure you know what you are getting, upfront and in writing.

 

 

 

Monday, May 12, 2014

 

For National Moving Month this May, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is again joining with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to provide important tips for consumers on how to avoid scams.

 

Research the company thoroughly

While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA assigns a unique motor carrier number that can be verified at protectyourmove.gov. Also make sure you know whether you are dealing directly with a mover, or with a broker (middleman) who will refer your job to a mover you don’t know.

Get at least three written in-home estimates

Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate (or binding), and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also, remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

Know your rights

Research your rights with either the FMCSA for interstate moves, or with the appropriate state agency for moves just within that state. Interstate movers must give you two booklets detailing your rights which are also available online. If a company threatens to hold your belongings “hostage,” enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement.

Consider accepting full value protection

It may cost a few dollars more, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full (replacement) value protection from your mover means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note, for example, that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit. The cost of full value protection must be included in the initial estimate you receive for an interstate move. FMCSA also requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.

Unique Property Requires Unique Owner

Split level home with potential 2 bedroom in-law.

Perfect Home for an extended family. Basically, 2 separate homes in one. Main house has 3 bedrooms, bathroom, family room, living room w/ fireplace and an eat in kitchen. “Apartment” side has 2 bedrooms, bathroom, full kitchen, open living room/ dining area with it’s own seperate entrance. This home sits on almost 1 acre of land with mature trees and perennials that give it a park like feeling. Plenty of driveway and garage parking.

Are you looking for a home where you would like to have your aging parents (or parent) move in with you but would like everyone to maintain some aspect of privacy? For that matter, there are several scenarios where this home would be perfect !!!

Are you in need of something like I described above?

If so, this home might be perfect for you.

Follow the link for more information on this and other homes in the area

http://www.paulaallinrealestate.com/listing/mlsid/284/propertyid/1061130/

Also:

http://www.paulaallinrealestate.com/property/284-1061130-871-COWESETT-RD-Warwick-RI-02886/

Please contact me for more information at:

Paula Allin

401-241-2976 or

PaulaSlodit@cox.net

http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

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Think You Should For Sale By Owner? Think Again

Think You Should For Sale By Owner? Think Again

Thinking about Selling?
Contact me, I can Help!!
Paula Allin
401-241-2976 or PaulaSoldit@cox.net
Looking for Market insider info, look here: http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

Think you should For Sale By Owner? THINK AGAIN… [INFOGRAPHIC]

Think you should For Sale By Owner? THINK AGAIN… [INFOGRAPHIC].

Thinking about selling, contact me…I can help!
Paula Allin
HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate
401-241-2976 or
PaulaSoldit@cox.net

Want market insider info, follow this link:
http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

This Home Qualifies for USDA (No Money Down) Financing – Open House Sunday May 4th from 12pm – 2pm

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4 Valley View Drive Greenville, RI 02828  Open House Sunday May 4th from 12pm – 2pm

With this Home, it’s like having the best of everything. A rare find in that this house has both connected water and sewer and qualifies for USDA. Not to mention that it is in a very nice neighborhood.

If you have been shopping for a USDA loan, you know that it is very rare to find an eligible property with both. Since USDA financing is designed for more rural areas, most of the eligible properties have a Well and Septic.

Perfect for a Starter Home or  for “Downsizing”, This home has lots to offer.

This pristinely maintained, 1 owner home offers an open dining area and living room with a fireplace, large master bedroom and lots of closet space.

Follow this link for more information:

http://www.paulaallinrealestate.com/property/284-1062683-4-VALLEY-VIEW-DR-Smithfield-RI-02828/

Questions? Contact me

Paula Allin

401-241-2976

PaulaSoldit@cox.net

http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

Open House Saturday May 3rd from 12pm – 2pm

 

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871 Cowesett Rd Warwick, RI  Open House Saturday May 3, 2014 from 12pm – 2pm

Split Level Home with potential in-law apartment. Perfect Home for an extended family. Basically, 2 separate homes in one. Main house has 3 bedrooms, bathroom, family room, living room w/ fireplace and an eat in kitchen. “In-Law” side has 2 bedrooms, bathroom, full kitchen, open living room/ dining area. This home sits on almost 1 acre of land with mature trees and perennials that give it a park like feeling. Plenty of driveway and garage parking. Lots of house for the price! Just $299,900.

For more pictures and information, follow this link:

http://www.paulaallinrealestate.com/property/284-1061130-871-COWESETT-RD-Warwick-RI-02886/

Have questions?

Contact me at:

Paula Allin

401-241-2976 or

PaulaSoldit@Cox.Net

http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

RI Home Prices Rise in First Quarter

 

 

Warwick, RI, May 1, 2014… Rhode Island’s housing market continued to improve in the first quarter, with single family home sales rising two percent and median price rising by five percent to $195,000.  The statistics, released today by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, showed a ten percent drop from the first quarter of 2013 in the number of single family foreclosure and short sales.

The condominium market showed five less sales from January through March compared to the same time period the prior year – a decrease of two percent.  Median price rose six percent however, to $194,900.

Multi-family sales decreased three percent but median price went up substantially, rising 26 percent, to $139,000.  The median price was boosted by a 21 percent decline in the number of foreclosure and short sales.  The median price is the halfway point of sales, with half selling for more and half selling for less. It does not represent appreciation or depreciation of an individual home over time.

“Weather conditions played a factor in home sales during the first quarter. When you consider the mild winter we had in 2013 compared to the cold and snow we saw this year though, we’re lucky we didn’t see a significant downturn in sales. Overall, I think the market remained remarkably solid in the first quarter,” said Robert Martin, President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.

Fears of rising flood insurance rates due to the Biggert Waters Reform Act also slowed sales during the first quarter but the draconian rise in rates was reversed by the Flood Insurance Relief bill signed into law by the President in March.  The Realtors Association commended Congress and the President for moderating the rate increases for most homeowners, and stopping the home devaluing effect of the original Biggert Waters bill.  The Flood Insurance Relief bill and the Biggert Waters Reform Act that preceded it were designed to ensure solvency of the National Flood Insurance Program which provides flood insurance to thousands of homeowners.

Though the quelling effects of harsh winter weather and fears about prohibitive flood insurance rates are now in the past, Realtors caution that low inventory and tough mortgage underwriting standards may have a continued dampening effect on home sales in the months ahead. The supply of properties for sale has increased monthly since December as buyers put their homes on the market in time for the spring selling season, but remains below last year’s level.

“The good news is that prices are up and people have regained equity.  But it would be good to see more listings which would result in more sales.  We’re hopeful that that will happen this spring,” Martin commented.

Do you have questions?

Check my website for available homes or market insider information or to find out what your home is worth.

http://www.PaulaAllinRealEstate.com

 

 

This Post is courtesy of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.