Raynor Profile and Articles

Display by: Popularity | Title

101). Oregon Real Estate – Going Hip and Green
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is hip state that gets a lot of rain. This rain results in a beautiful green state, but doesn’t put a damper on the real estate market.

Oregon

From the stunning Crater Lake to Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon is a diverse state. The population ranges from hippies to the very conservative depending upon where you happen to be standing.

102). Home Buying - Close and Move on Same Day?
Closing on a home is an undeniably stressful experience. Trying to move on the same day you close just adds to the stress unless you prepare.

Get Moving

A very high percentage of people move on the day they complete the purchase of their new home. They've just come through an experience that can be very tense, yet they pitch into an activity that's very tiring and requires a gazillion decisions to be made.

103). Real Estate Terms – From Pre-Approval Letter to Townhouse
When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “Pre-Approval Letter.”

1) Pre-Approval Lender Letter – a writing from a lender stating that a potential buyer has approval to borrow a stated amount of money from his firm based on having documented all the personal information needed.

104). The Real Estate Market in Charleston, South Carolina
If you are looking to live in a historic southern city with a ton or charm, Charleston may be your answer. Sitting on the South Carolina cost, the real estate market is primed for growth.

The Real Estate Market in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is located at roughly the mid point of the South Caroline coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and has a population of just under 100,000 people.

105). The Real Estate Market in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is hot, hot, and hot. Well, at least the temperature is. The real estate market in Scottsdale has been very cool for some time notwithstanding national trends.

The Real Estate Market in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is located just to the north and east of Phoenix. With the growth explosion in both areas, it is becoming more difficult to tell them apart.

106). West Virginia Real Estate - Forget Old Notions
West Virginia is nicknamed the "mountain state" for good reason. Situated in the Appalachians, the West Virginia real estate market has peeks and valleys as well.

West Virginia

West Virginia is somewhat of a misunderstood state when it comes to national recognition. Occasionally shown in a negative light, the state is actually a tremendous location for outdoor enthusiasts.

107). Kentucky Real Estate – The Bluegrass State
From lush bluegrass to the music of the same name, Kentucky is undeniably the bluegrass state. Fortunately, Kentucky real estate prices won’t leave you blue.

Kentucky

When it comes to assumptions, leave yours at the door when considering Kentucky. This state is a hidden gem. From the Appalachian Mountains to the rolling hills covered with horse racing farms, Kentucky has much to offer.

108). Florida Real Estate – The Sunshine State
Florida real estate is definitely worth a look if sun and fun is your ticket. Florida real estate, even close to the beach, is a very good deal.

Florida

Florida is a well-known haven for people living through winter storms in the northeast. Sun and warm water are an obviously attraction, but there is much more to Florida. Orlando seems to be one giant theme park with Disney World, while Miami offers entertainment of a distinct adult variety with a legendary nightlife.

109). Things To Consider When Buying A Home
When buying a home, it is easy to get caught up in emotions such as love at first site. This can lead to disaster. The best way to buy a home is to apply your daily life to it.

What Do You Do Daily?

Ask yourself what a typical day is like. Then, for any home that seems like a real possibility, think about how you’d handle a typical day there. Can.

110). Preparing for Appraisals – Contracts and Comps
You’ve sold your home and are getting ready for the appraisal. Here’s how contracts and comparable home sales impact the appraisal.

Your Contract

One of the indications of value an appraiser takes into consideration is the contract that exists between unrelated parties for the sale and purchase of the home. As odd as this may sound, sales between relatives often downgrade an appraisal amount.

111). Rhode Island Real Estate – The Cozy State
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union. While Rhode Island real estate prices aren’t the smallest, the appreciation rate is healthy.

Rhode Island

Located between Connecticut and Massachusetts on the Atlantic Ocean, Rhode Island is a cozy state dominated by water. While a good part of the state is coastline on the Atlantic, the ocean also penetrates into the state in areas such as Narragansett Bay.

112). Home Improvements – Making Decisions
If you have a family, planning home improvements should be a family matter. Still, you want to stick to ideas that work.

Ideas That Work

We’ve all seen families who get along well most of the time and families who are constantly at odds with each other. One common denominator among families who get along are homes that work for them. Let’s talk about ideas seen more than once in homes that work.

113). Sell Your House Fast
There is nothing worse than putting house up for sale and watching it sit on the market. Here are a few tips to sell your house fast.

Sell Your House Fast

The following tips will help you sell your house fast, but we need to cover something first. If you have some type of defect with your house, it is going to have to be repaired. There is a difference between making small mistakes that prevent a sale versus having a major problem like a sliding foundation.

114). The Value of Building Home Equity
There are numerous advantages to owning a home. One of the serious advantages is the equity that is built over time. As equity builds, you create a pool of money to access in trying times.

Home Equity

Equity is simply the value of a property after all debts have been deducted. If your home appraises at $500,000 with a home loan of $250,000, you have $250,000 in equity.

115). Arkansas Real Estate – Forget the Rat Race
Arkansas is a state that harkens back to a more relaxed time of life in our country. If you’re tired of hearing 90 cell phones ringing, moving to Arkansas may be the answer.

Arkansas

Unlike many states, Arkansas has made a concerted effort to protect and maintain its past. It is equally protective of its small, rural town heritage with even the biggest cities feeling like friendly, uncluttered towns.

116). Selling Your Home – What Can Go Wrong With Pricing and Loans
So, you’re selling your home (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, land, lot, farm, ranch, etc.), what can go wrong? The sad fact is that a lot of things can go wrong. However, don’t despair, there are almost as many solutions as problems. In this article, we look at problems related to pricing and a buyer’s inability to get a loan.

Price Negotiation

A problem that shows up all too frequently during contract negotiations is that the seller has left no room to negotiate the price.

117). Title Insurance – Examples of Problems and Advice
What is title insurance and why should any buyer get it when purchasing a home (single family, townhouse, condo, apartment, or whatever format your home purchase takes)? Doesn’t the attorney or settlement company handling the closing see to it that you have a clear title? Isn’t this just another way for someone to siphon a few coins off a real estate.

118). Buying A Home – Zoning and Architectural Review Board Restrictions
When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It’s a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you’re willing to live with them or not.

119). Massachusetts Real Estate – History Personified
Massachusetts is a state overflowing with history and yet oddly modern. Massachusetts real estate prices are very pricey.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is an incredible mix of history and bustling modern influences. Historically, the state took in many of the initial European immigrants and was the location of crucial battles in the Revolutionary War.

120). Good Faith Deposit – Real Estate Transactions
In a real estate transaction, a touchy issue is how much trust the seller has in a buyer. The existence of a good faith deposit helps put a seller at rest.

Good Faith Deposit

If you are selling your home, condominium or other real estate, you should always require a buyer to make a good faith deposit. The good faith deposit simply establishes that the buyer is serious and, to some extent, has the financial capacity to follow through on the purchase.

121). Real Estate Terms – From Easements to Good Title
When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “easements.”

1) Easement – permission given to (or acquired by) someone who does not own a parcel of real property enabling that person (or entity) to use that parcel for a specific purpose.

122). Missouri Real Estate – The Show Me State
Nicknamed the “Show Me” state, Missouri is an interesting mix of big cities and rural lands. Missouri real estate prices do not require you to “show” a lot of money.

Missouri

The quintessential midwestern state, Missouri offers interesting contrasts. On one hand, you have large cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City. On the other, rural farmlands and towns dominate the rest of the landscape.

123). Maryland Real Estate – Coastline Dominates
Maryland is unique in that many of the population centers lie on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. If you have a hankering to be close to the water, Maryland real estate may be the answer.

Maryland

Maryland, the ocean and seafood are three words that always go together. The dominant feature, of course, is Chesapeake Bay which is the lifeblood of the Maryland fishing industries.

124). Ohio Real Estate – Large Cities and Little Farms
Ohio is a unique state where large cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati sit next to rural farms. Ohio real estate prices mirror this diversity.

Ohio

Ohio was a mainstay in the industrial revolution in the United States. Cities such as Cleveland and Cincinnati spawned industrial might to such a degree that Cleveland is still the home of the most millionaires per person in the United States.

125). How Appraisals and Assessments Differ
Many people think appraisals and assessments are the same thing or at least that they should be for the same amount. The truth is they can vary greatly. Let’s look at each of them.

Appraisals

An appraisal is an estimate of market value. An appraiser can use many methods for coming up with this estimate. For income producing property, the appraiser may capitalize the value of the income stream.

126). Renting Versus Buying A Home
Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current hot real estate market.

Renting – Advantages

Renting can have a few advantages depending on the part of the country you live in. The primary advantage is your monthly rent payment may be less than an equivalent mortgage.

127). Connecticut Real Estate – Pleasant Northeastern Escape
Connecticut is close to all the major attractions in the Northeast, but has much to offer on its own. If you’re looking for a little peace in the Northeast, Connecticut real estate is a good option.

Connecticut

With a colonial history, beach towns and little seaside villages, Connecticut is a classic Northeastern state. Unlike its neighbors, Connecticut tends to be less populated and have a bit slower pace of life.

128). Alaska Real Estate – The Great Outdoors
Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment.

Alaska

Known as “the great land”, Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone would want to live. These assumptions are blown away once you visit and are overwhelmed by Mother Nature at her absolute best.

129). Sell A Home For Free
When selling or buying a home, the realtor commissions can take a serious bite out of your profit. Here’s a primer on how to sell a home for free without commissions.

Sell A Home For Free

When many people think of a real estate sale, they immediately groan at the thought of dealing with real estate agents. More painful, for many, is the thought of paying a six percent commission to an agent.

130). Real Estate Terms – From Home Inspections to Personal Property
When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “home inspection.”

1) Home Inspection – an inspection of the condition of a home. They are done item by item, from roof to foundation, and include looking closely at things like plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sinks, tubs, and faucets, and any appliances which convey.

131). Following A Builder for Profits - An Example
As the real estate market begins to calm down, many worry about making a profit on their homes. Here’s an example of the “follow the builder” profit strategy.

Follow That Builder

In many areas of the country, there are builders who build hundreds of houses each year within a fifty mile radius of each other. They build entire communities, or are one of three to five builders who build entire communities around big employment centers.

132). Selling Your Home – Be Sure It Shows Well
Whether you are selling a house, townhouse, condo or apartment, there are universal tips that will help it sell. Primary among those tips are making sure your home “shows well.”

First impressions of a home go a long way to determining how quickly it will sell. Here are a few suggestions that will make your home show well.

1. Be sure the approach to your home is clean, tidy and well groomed.

133). Oklahoma Real Estate – Cowboys and Indians
Oklahoma is a state that conjures up images of cowboys, indians, college football and dirt track racing. If these subjects appeal to you, you’ll be happy to learn Oklahoma real estate prices are very low.

Oklahoma

Once known as the Indian Territory, Native Americans and their culture heavily influence Oklahoma. This give the state a unique relaxed atmosphere with even Oklahoma City feeling less hectic than most cities.

134). Minnesota Real Estate – The Nature of Water
Whether ice in the winter or water sports in the summer, Minnesota is all about water. Minnesota real estate is anything but washed up.

Minnesota

Minnesota is a contrast because of the changing seasons. If you prefer to experience each season of the year in their full glory, Minnesota is the place. Winters are cold with snow and ice a constant. Summers are warm with outdoor activities available by the bushel, especially activities related to water such as fishing, boating and so on.

135). Alabama Real Estate – A Southern Air
Alabama is undeniably a stereotypical southern state, but the state and real estate market hold undeniable surprises.

Alabama

Alabama is distinctly southern and darn proud of it. If you have a taste for college football, country music and NASCAR, Alabama is a paradise defined. To the surprise of many, Alabama also has a more modern flavor with Huntsville being the home of a major chunk of the U.

136). Louisiana Real Estate – A French Influence
Obviously, Louisiana had a rough year in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina. The state will recover as will Louisiana real estate.

Louisiana

Louisiana has obviously been in the news because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. To say the entire episode is a tragedy is to understate the obvious. Louisiana is a state that has overcome problems before and it will do it again.

137). Best House Color to Sell
Love at first sight is a concept that applies to the real estate market. So, what is the best house color to sell your home to a love struck buyer?

Best House Color to Sell

When you go to social events, do you make an effort to snazzy yourself up? Of course you do. The simply fact is attraction is a key factor in forming relationships and the same applies to your house.

138). What is a Home Inspection?
Any Sally and Sam Homebuyer can look at a home and decide whether it is attractive. They might notice it is freshly painted in pleasing colors, has the requisite number of rooms, a cook’s kitchen and is located in a location with top schools. But what about less obvious parts of the house?

It takes special expertise to determine if the functional parts of a home are in good shape.

139). Selling a Home – What Personal Property Stays?
The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly when it comes to figuring out what items stay with the home. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It’s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts out what personal property stays with the home when it is sold.

140). The Secret to Negotiations for FSBO Sellers
When it comes to buying or selling a home, the idea of having to negotiate can be intimidating. Most of us aren't aware we have negotiating skills even though we skillfully negotiate daily. (Who walks the dog, takes the children to school, goes out to pick up lunch, prepares the report, etc., etc.?) Let's debunk some myths about negotiating, shall we?

This Is Not Negotiable

Sellers often say to themselves, "This is the deal I'm willing to make.

141). Protective Covenants – Buying A Home
In addition to zoning, some properties have covenants recorded at the courthouse that “run with the land.” These “protective covenants” can put a serious pinch in your plans for a piece of property.

Protective Covenants

A protective covenant remains in effect as the property is sold from owner to owner. The covenants are designed to maintain a certain aspect of the area in question.

142). Things to Consider When Selling Your Home
Although the real estate market has cooled off a bit, it is still a hot market in historical terms. As a seller, this is good news when you decide to sell your home.

Things to Consider When Selling Your Home

A year or so ago, selling a residence was laughably easy. In some markets, it was clear that you could list practically anything and get an offer within a week or so.

143). Home Improvements – General Points
Every home improvement situation is different. Still, there are some general points that apply to most projects.

Some General Points

When all the woodwork in a house is the same color (cream, white, and off-white work easily), spaces tend to visually “flow smoothly” even if the walls of rooms are different colors. Make sure you don’t break this rule.

144). New York Real Estate – The Empire State
From Niagara Falls to the Catskills to a little city with the Big Apple nickname, New York is truly the Empire State. New York real estate prices reflect this lofty nickname.

New York

While New York City gets a lot of publicity, New York is a state with a lot more to offer. Go upstate and you’ll find spas, horse farms and resorts in the green, towering Catskills and Adirondacks.

145). Home Improvements – The Fun Stuff
Planning home improvements necessarily involves addressing numerous practical matters. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the fun stuff!

The Fun Stuff

The first thing to plan for in home improvements is the practical stuff. The second thing you need to talk to family members about is the fun stuff.

Most people have colors they like and colors they don’t like.

146). Owning The House That Won’t Sell
The real estate market is hopping and houses in your neighborhood are selling like hotcakes. You, however, are stuck owning the house that won’t sell.

Owning The House That Won’t Sell

We first need to get some common anxiety issues out of the way. There is no curse on your house. Real estate agents are not conspiring against you. Home buyers are not tasteless idiots.

147). Home Owner Association Restrictions – Read Before Buying
Many communities have associations for homeowners, property owners, condo owners, or similar associations. The presence of a homeowners association, also known as “HOA”, introduces another layer of rules and regulations to consider when buying a home. Some people love these associations and some hate them.

Homeowners’ Associations

Some associations have very simple rules such as no abandoned, non-working motor vehicles and no grass above ten inches tall are allowed.

148). Kitchen Improvements - Enjoy Now and When You Sell
Who would've ever though the kitchen could be the key to building wealth in your home? Well, it is. If you are going to increase the value of your home through improvements, the kitchen is a very good place to start.

Improvements

Obviously, making improvements to a kitchen is entirely dependent upon the current state of the kitchen. Still, there are particular areas you should focus on.

149). Michigan Real Estate – A Little of Everything
With lakes, forest, farmland, college towns and big cities, Michigan has a little of everything. Fortunately, Michigan real estate prices are on the low end.

Michigan

Michigan is a state of great beauty if the outdoors is your thing. The state borders no less than four of the Great Lakes and has thousands of smaller lakes within its border. Yes, thousands.

150). “Renting Back” After Your Home Is Sold
Sometimes it’s helpful to sell your home before you really want to move. This often happens when you are having a new home built, but aren’t sure of the completion date. Is there any way you can sell your home so you’re sure of the funds available for the new purchase, but continue to live in your old home until construction of the new one is complete.

Browse Pages: [1] [2] 3 [4]