Buy a House Fast

Undoubtedly you’ve heard that the first-time home buyer’s tax credit has not only been extended but expanded to include current homeowners. If you are thinking of buying a home, this is good news, as you can qualify for up to $8,000 if you are first timer or up $6,500 if have owned a home within the last eight years and occupied it for at least five of them.  You will get some help to buy a nice house, whether you plan on applying the credit to the principle or use it toward the down payment by working with a housing agency which can make this happen for you.  You can also take the credit and apply it to the appliances, carpeting, drapes, furniture, and other things you would like to have in the new place once you get your refund check from Uncle Sam.

Here’s some information on the tax credit from Keller Williams:

Having the credit does not make you a millionaire; you still need to aim for an affordable house.  With the large number of foreclosed and bank-owned homes on the market in many areas, it is tempting to think about buying a distressed property that you can buy for less and renovate over time.  This can be a great idea for some people who have time and money on their side.

Is a Distressed Property for You?

Many bank-owned homes have been vandalized, trashed, or poorly maintained and may require you to replace major systems.  If you are looking for a house for your family to occupy immediately, a distressed property might not work out for you.  Families, especially young ones, don’t handle disruption well.  A place that needs basics like painting and replacing the carpet and appliances and can be made ready in short time frame with a finite amount of money might be a reasonable purchase, whereas a more damaged home may not.

Turning Dumps Into Dreams

In Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Express Realty Services provides a viable option. We provide renovated properties listed for our sister company, Express Homebuyers, the DC property company that virtually turns dumps into dream homes. We make sure everything is working, clean, and ready to occupy, plus put in the granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, and wood or ceramic flooring that you want but didn’t think you could afford. These homes are aggressively priced and often cost less than non-renovated homes in the same neighborhood.

If you want to take on more, Express Realty Services offers many bank-owned homes and fixer uppers in need of some sweat equity too.  We will work with you to find the property that’s right for you and your family. Contact us today and harness the power of fourth-largest Keller Williams agency worldwide.

When most people prepare sell their homes, they try to spruce it up to attract a new buyer.  This may mean a little painting, decluttering, and staging or could go into more major things like replacing the roof or the carpeting. Despite all the press about how competitive a seller must be in this market, some still cling to the idea of “why should I fix this up for someone else?”  They want to sell “as is.”

Ideally, sellers should have a game plan years in advance and schedule improvements that provide family enjoyment and good potential resale value.  Things like decks, modernized kitchens and baths, and finished attics offer a nearly dollar-for-dollar return at resale.  (This assumes they were not done 30 years ago and are now out of date!)  Additions and renovated offices may serve the seller’s needs but don’t translate into as high return at selling time.  Amenities like pools may even be deterrents to buyers.

But then…

Many people live in their homes without any plans of moving on, so undertake projects as time and money permits – or not.  Then, life happens. A job transfer, a divorce, an empty nest, a change in health, unplanned love of a home in a new development…  Suddenly, moving is a priority.  When they want to go, selling the house “as is” seems like a great idea.

It is true that new buyers come in with their own ideas of how they want to decorate.  Most potential buyers look at any home and think about what they would do in the future. This does not mean they want to pay top dollar for a home with” possibilities“ – and green shag carpeting, harvest gold appliances, and disco mirrors in the basement just won’t cut it.

What to do on a budget…

A good Realtor® will help the seller sort out what needs to be done.  If the sellers are on the verge of foreclosure or bankruptcy, major renovations are probably out of the question as they are too cost.  The seller still must still do the basics of cleaning and painting the house to give it fresh look and then work with his Realtor® to price it aggressively.  The Realtor should prep the seller for a low offer and more time on the market.

For people who need to sell, Express Realty Services can sell your house fast.  There is another answer. Our sister company Express Homebuyers can buy your home outright with no closing costs.