Huntsville Real Estate

Mortgage term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment if the same amount is borrowed. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term.
Fixed or adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low rate […]

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The business practices of Countrywide Financial are being investigated by the FBI according to Bloomberg. While it is hard to keep track of everything, the charges of security fraud are hard to get out of if Mozilo selling a huge chunk of his stock right before the share price tanked does raise a red flag.

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Unless the buyer who makes an offer on your home has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. If possible, try to determine a buyer’s financial status before signing the contract. Ask:
1. If the buyer has been prequalified or preapproved (better) for a mortgage. Such buyers will be […]

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1. What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or National Association of Home Inspectors?
2. Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.
3. How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year?
4. Do you have a […]

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Lots of ink has been spilled on how our jittery market is impacting homeowners. But it’s hard to find anyone writing on the question that looms largest in the minds of most investors: what do I do now?
There, of course, is no single right answer to this questions – it will depend you’re your risk […]

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In A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking mentions a publisher’s rule of thumb that every equation that a writer uses will cut his readership in half. Real estate investing is based on relatively simple principles - especially compared to the stuff that Hawking tackles - but there are some real estate investing concepts that […]

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Someone asked me recently to boil down the three keys to success in real estate investing.
I believe the three most important are:

Attitude
Action
Education

Attitude is very important in any business, particularly real estate. A slow, steady, get-rich SLOWLY mindset is needed. You can’t get rich quick and you must have patience to succeed. […]

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1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.2. Pay attention to the outdoors. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.
3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has […]

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What is the assessed value of the property? Note that assessed value is generally less than market value. Ask to see a recent copy of the seller’s tax bill to help you determine this information.
How often are properties reassessed and when was the last reassessment done? Generally taxes jump most significantly when a property is […]

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Being a good investor is all about having a vision for where you want to be, taking a view on the market, and running the numbers. When these three elements don’t line up then smart investors stay on the sidelines. But when they do line up then it’s time to act.
Having a vision, taking […]

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