Mark Clemens Help for Home Sellers and Buyers MN / WI

What is the best way to find the home that I am looking for?

The best way to find the home that you are looking for is to start with what you are able to afford. That may be a lot less than you had been expecting if you feel safest with a 30yr fixed requiring 20% down. Or it may be a lot more if you are able to qualify for 100% financing, stating your income. While these programs are more rare today than they were 6 months ago, they do exist. But your credit score must be especially high. If you know what you can afford it is then a realatively simply task to sift through the options within your desired area.

Are open houses a waste of time?

No. Open houses are not a waste of time. Even with better access to the internet having photos galore, there is no substitute for being in a house that you might want to buy. This seems so obvious that I shouldn't even have wirte about it. But, with more and more people becoming addicted to cyber, it may be necessary. A serious buyer will be attracted by what he sees on the internet MLS or from the road as he is driving by, but will have to come to walk over the threshhold to get a real idea of what's inside. Surely you would if you were a buyer, wouldn't you? Oh, people still really do drive around on a Sunday afternoon instead of being glued to the desk top (or inspite of that all during the week)!

Do you ever help people who want to flip?

YES

My friends do and I am always interested in making new friends. All of the tools are right here for you to make money doing flips ETHICALLY. Call 651-216-5931 today.

How much might a cluttered garage cost me?

About $14,000, according to national averages. So, if you list your home at $400,000 you will get an offer of $20,000 less, assuming everything else is right. That will make you counter back at $390,000 which will get you a $385,000 in return. Then they give you a $387,500 which makes you say $386,000 "Take it or leave it.

Folks, there is a better way, really. Call 651-263-0875.

Is it true that no one's buying right now?

If I say No, then I have to say that now is the time for YOU to buy.

If I say Yes, then I'm not hyperbolyzing. But its not as busy as it was before the high interest rates of the 80s.

Don't look on your own. Call 651-216-5931. No buyers agreement. Just great service and REAL help.

What does a staged house look like?

I know that most of the posts under "sellers" have to do with staging. The assumption is that everyone knows what this is but does not realize how crucial it is to getting full price offers. So the attatched photo should help a little. But your best bet is to watch Ch63. Carol's and my favorite is "Designed to Sell".

Is it true that banks are no longer doing 100% financing for subprime borrowers?

There has been an increasing number of foreclosures and credit card delinquencies lately. This has caused many national lenders to tighten up their income and credit requirements and some cases actually stop lending to people with below 640 credit scores.

But, there are still are banks that will lend up to 100% to applicants below 600. Call 651-216-5931 to discuss your options.

What are the 3 most important things about a property when you are thinking about selling?

If you answered "location/ location/ location" or "price/price/ price", CLICK on my link and PLEASE pick up the phone!

What is the first step in finding a new home?

The first step in finding a new home should be deciding how much you are willing to pay each month.

People do win powerball,  but most of us won't. Therefore we need to rely on our available cash resources to pay for housing. But how much we are willing to pay (which is different than able by bank underwriting paramters)differs from person to person.

For some the nicest house in the most desirable area may require 50% of your monthly income before taxes. That is a substantial amount and may leave you without funds for other things you enjoy as well. Or that may be totally acceptable as you know that you will be getting a raisee or that you have other ways generating cash on a part time basis.But you are the one who must decide. Then and only then can you look for your dream home responsibly.