Don't Let Your Money Go Down the Drain By Renting!!!

                         ● Build Up Equity                                    ● Tax Deductions

                         ● A Place Of Your Own                          ● Scheduled Savings

                         ● Stable Housing Costs

This so important to share with you as the majority of us have all rented before we’ve ever Purchased Homes or Investment Property.

Example:​ Let’s say your rental payment is $600 a Month. Now times that by 12 to calculate the total amount you pay your Landlord each year with no return.

($600 × 12 = $7,200)

$7,200​ is the total dollar amount per year that you are paying your landlord for property you will never own. If you continue to rent, paying $600 a month for 3 years, you will have shelled out a total of $21,600. Up until you finally decide to move out, the only return you should expect from your landlord would be the Security Deposit if, and only if, you have left the unit without damages.

6 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

1. Interest, property taxes, & some of the cost from purchasing your home can be counted as deductions when filing your taxes.
2. Money paid in rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
3. Building equity in your home is a ready made savings plan. Should you decide to sell, you can generally make up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
4. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes & insurance costs may rise.
5. With homeownership, you have the ability to paint and make upgrades that would normally not be allowed in a rental. You can literally make yourself at home and most upgrades can be made on many different budgets.
6. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years creates stability most people desire giving you a chance to participate in community activities, and lets you and your families establish lasting friendships.

The key is to “Let Your Money Work For You”​, instead of you always working for your money.

Source: From the Desk of MaryOne

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be trained by MaryOne, Broker/Owner of Mary One Home Team Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

6 Factors That Determine if a Home Will Sell

By Lolly Spindler
As a home seller, you want to maximize the net profits from selling your home while minimizing the inconveniences experienced while moving through the process. In order to achieve these goals, it’s important that you know how the selling process works and the 6 critical factors that determine if a home will sell. Here are some insider tips from seasoned real estate agent Jim Droz.

First of all, let’s review the selling process itself. It normally goes like this:
1. Choose an agent
2. Choose a time frame
3. Choose the list price
4. Marketing efforts begin
5. Negotiate a sale
6. Accept a contract
7. Open the transaction
8. Complete the inspections
9. Clear any contingencies
10.Ensure loan approval
11. Close the transaction
12.Coordinate the move

Now, let’s focus on what happens during steps 3 through 5, from pricing your home to putting it on the market. The following are the 6 critical factors that determine if a home will sell; they’ll also help you land on the right listing price.

1. Terms/Financing
First of all, the monthly cost of homeownership is an important determining factor in a buyer’s decision making process, so keep this in mind when pricing your home. An affordable monthly payment encourages buyers to write an offer on your home and to pay fair market value for the property.

Make sure a financial worksheet is placed in your home for potential buyers. This worksheet should provide the monthly cost of various down payment/loan option combinations. Here is an example of such a worksheet:

     1234 Easy St.
     Price: $450,000
30 year fixed:                                      ARM
Down:               $45,000            $90,000          $45,000
1 TD:                 $405,000          $360,000        $405,000
Payment:         $2559.00           $2275.00         $1818.00
Taxes:               $375.00             $375.00           $375.00
Insurance:       $200.00            $200.00           $200.00
Total:                $3134                 $2850               $2393

2. Home’s Condition
If a home has emotional appeal, it sells with the fewest possible inconveniences and for the highest net to the seller. So, try to make your home as “emotional” as possible.

First, take note of repairs and/or improvements that you think should be done to maximize your home’s appeal.

After such changes have been made, walk through the home and de-clutter. This includes removing small appliances from the kitchen counter, picture frames from end tables, bathroom toiletries from the sink, etc. You want to ensure that potential buyers can imagine their things in the space while making sure your home doesn’t feel too sterile.

3. Home’s Location
This is a factor over which you have no control, but it is a critical consideration when pricing your home. Remember, the most desirable locations create higher demand and, therefore, sell for higher prices. Homes in locations that are less desirable sell for less.

To price your home correctly, you must know the advantages and limitations of its location. Draw from your own experiences living in the area, and make a list of these advantages and limitations. Don’t get offended if your Realtor has some forthright remarks about your neighborhood—after all, you’re moving out.

4. Market Conditions
The real estate market moves through cycles. These cycles are caused by supply and demand issues. However, no matter the current market, it’s important you choose an agent that knows how to attract the greatest number of buyers, because more buyers equal a higher net profit.

Your Realtor should also provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This will tell you how much similar homes in the area have recently sold for, giving you a better idea of what your listing price should be.

5. Agent Marketing
The right Realtor should have an advertising campaign in place and ready to go once you sign a contract with him/her. Furthermore, s/he should have access to the multiple listing service (MLS), Internet visibility (social media sites, website, etc), and a direct marketing strategy.

Furthermore, your ideal Realtor should be comfortable hosting open houses, have unique sources of potential buyers, community recognition, and great overall communication skills. The more effective your agent’s marketing strategy, the more buyers will be attracted to your home and the higher net profit you’ll get!

6. Pricing
It’s important to keep in mind that homes priced correctly sell for the highest net and with the fewest inconveniences.

To determine your property’s value, take the following items into consideration:
• Competing properties
• Available financing
• Your home’s condition and appeal
• General economic conditions
• What buyers have been willing to pay for similar properties (CMA)
• Supply and demand factors
• Location

The following are factors that do not determine property value:
• What you want/need from the home
• An appraisal done by a bank or tax assessor
• What you heard was the selling price of your neighbor’s home
• The value of your home’s insurance
• What you’ve spent on the home
• The cost of the next home you want to buy

If Realtors aren’t previewing your home, or if they preview but don’t show it, this is a warning sign that the home is not priced correctly or does not show well. Similarly, if buyers are being shown your home but nothing comes of it, they are finding better properties to purchase. In other words, your home is being eliminated from consideration because it is not competitive in the marketplace.

On the other hand, if you price your home competitively from the start, you will most likely receive a greater net profit. Take note: the longer a home is on the market, the greater the difference between the asking and the selling price.

           The Real Estate Ticking Clock
           Time on Market                               Selling Price
           ~ 4 Weeks or Less                          ~ Near or Above Full Price
           ~ 4 to 12 Weeks                               ~ 5% Less Than Asking Price
           ~ 13 to 24 Weeks                             ~ 6.5% Less Than Asking Price
           ~ 24 Weeks or More                      ~ Only 90% of Asking Price

Overall hazards of overpricing include:
• Lower agent and buyer response
• Minimized profit
• Increased risk of appraisal problems
• Longer time on market
• Reduced net profits
• Frustration, false hope and inconveniences

Therefore, make sure you consult with your agent and take into account all factors before pricing your home. If your home is priced correctly and you’ve paid attention to the 6 critical factors, you’ll be on your way to closing a deal in no time!

Source: https://www.househunt.com

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be trained by MaryOne, Broker/Owner of Mary One Home Team Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

Styled Staged & Sold

Photo Credit & Article By Tori Toth

One of the most cost-effective ways to prepare a home for sale is to organize it, but I know for many home sellers it’s no easy task. It’s important to contain and, in fact, erase clutter for three reasons:

• Gain more square footage.
• Showcase the positive features in the home.
• Buyers can visualize living in the space.

Clutter comes in all different forms and it lingers in most homes. So if you see piles of paperwork, clothes on the floor, stuffed closets — it’s time to declutter!

Here are some tips:

1. Start small. Organizing is an evolving process that changes as the needs of a home owner change. Start small: One room, one closet, one corner. Just start somewhere! To make it count, tackle the first cluttered area a home buyer would see as they walk into the home.

2. Schedule it. Many times a home owner never starts the de-cluttering process because of time constraints. Schedule blocks of time (2-4 hours) or even just 15 minutes a day depending on what needs to be organized to make your goal a reality.

3. Find a home. One reason why clutter can build up in a home is if an item is homeless. Creating a place for each item in your home is a crucial part to obtaining an organized home. Of course, keeping the space in order only happens when you return an item back to it’s home after use.

4. Adopt “good habits.” By always returning an item home, you’re building in a maintenance system in your organizing process. Another good habit to adopt is to take 5-10 minutes every night and put items away. This way when you wake up in the morning, the house is ready to show off.

Source: Realtor.com Staging Tips

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be trained by MaryOne, Broker/Owner of Mary One Home Team Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

Spring Home Maintenance

Though our temperatures have been slow to warm up, the calendar does indicate that spring has arrived. We’re finally stowing our snow shovel and pulling out our lawnmower. This change serves as a reminder that it’s time for us to complete spring home maintenance tasks.

Our home is a huge blessing and we’re committed to being faithful stewards of it. One way we do this is by investing a little effort and money into maintaining it today so we avoid a lot of repairs and expense tomorrow. You can find our spring home maintenance checklist below.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Exterior

• Check condition of yard maintenance equipment; repair or replace as needed. _____
• Inspect roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles; get repairs as needed. _____
• Examine siding & trim; touch up with paint or replace as needed. _____
• Examine screens on windows; wash or repair as needed. _____
• Clear gutters & downspouts of leaves & other debris. _____
• Check gutter & downspout alignment to verify rainwater collects & drains away from the house; adjust as needed. _____
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles & loose locks. _____
• Inspect the foundation & masonry for any cracks; arrange for repairs as needed. _____
• Examine exposed wood for insect damage; arrange for pest mitigation as needed. _____
• Examine tree branches; trim if needed so they are at least two feet away from the roof & gutters. _____

Interior

• Trim foliage from around the air conditioner & inspect it for loose connections; have a professional inspect the unit if needed. _____
• Replace HVAC filter. _____
• Clean grills on forced air system ducts. _____
• Make sure there are no obstructions in front of vents. _____
• Check for cracks & gaps around the windows & doors; seal with caulk & weather stripping as needed. _____
• Check window locks to make sure they are in working order; repair as needed. _____
• Test batteries in smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. _____
• Check pressure gauge on fire extinguisher; replace or recharge as needed. _____
• Test ground fault circuit interrupters. _____
• Check pipes & faucets for leaks; repair as needed. _____
• Peek in the attic & examine the underside of the roof's sheathing for moisture or leaks. _____

  Source: www.OFTHEHEARTH.com

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be trained by MaryOne, Broker/Owner of Mary One Home Team Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

4 Benefits of an FHA Loan

1. FHA mortgage loans are more forgiving of small problems with your credit history, as compared to conventional mortgages.
2. First time home buyers can take advantage of a major benefit.  A very low down payment, 3.5% of total home cost.
3. One major advantage when taking out an FHA home loan, is that the terms of the loan may include the closing costs in the mortgage.
4. The FHA also has a program called an FHA 203K Rehabilitation Loan, that allows buyers to finance repairs on a fixer-upper.

For more information on FHA and conventional loans Visit us at www.bills.com

Source: www.bills.com

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314) 696-4912

10 Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home

1. Not Choosing a Committed Real Estate Agent ~ As a real estate professional, agents must pass the state exam and complete a specified number of hours of post-licensing classes. Besides that, agents differ in training, approach, and attitude. So, it’s important for you to do your research before choosing an agent to help you purchase a home. Look for an agent that specializes in what you’re looking for new homes, resales, short sales, foreclosures, HUD homes, etc. Don’t be afraid to interview multiple agents. The right connection can make a difference, but remember that a good agent will be able to find you the perfect home in less than 3 months from when you are definitely ready to buy.
2. Not Getting Pre-Qualified Before Starting the Home Search ~ If you don’t meet with a mortgage lender before starting your home search, you could be wasting a lot of time and energy. A lender will analyze your finances and give you a price range of homes you can buy.  Without this initial assessment, you could be looking for overly expensive homes or cutting yourself short on your dream home.
3. Not Knowing All the Costs of Buying ~ Your mortgage lender can provide an estimate of all costs involved in purchasing a home, including home owner association dues, title insurance, etc. This will prevent closing surprises and will give you a full understanding of your responsibilities.
4. Not Using All Your Home Search Options ~ With the arrival of the internet, there has been a major shift in home searches. Less people are contacting real estate agents to start their home search and are relying more on online searches. There’s nothing wrong with that if you aren’t very serious about buying.  Matter-of-fact, starting your search online or reading local news ads gives you a better idea if you can afford to purchase a home or not. However, if that’s all you’re relying on, you’re missing out. Why? Real estate agents have access to much more detailed home searches and are the first to know when a new home comes on the market. They also have what’s called “pocket listings”. These are properties that are not marketed or entered in the multiple listing service, because the owners would like to maintain a certain level of privacy or are on the fence about selling (but would with the right offer!). Using a real estate agent can give you more options.
5. Not Being Flexible ~ Many buyers spend months imagining the perfect home – the features they want…the location…It’s great to have an idea of what you want, but being too specific can make you over limit your search.  Other buyers set their minds on one specific home and convince themselves that no others can compare. But not being open to all possibilities could cost you. You could end up overpaying in desperation or cutting out a great neighborhood you never realized was there. It’s your real estate agent’s job to know the area. They’re in different neighborhoods multiple times a year and they can point out areas you might not be familiar with, but have the features you want. You may be surprised by what they find!
6. Not Thinking Long Term ~ Your needs – both financial and personal – may change down the road. Are you planning to grow your family? What does the HOA limit? Does it affect potential personal needs? Is the community or home pet friendly? You might be able to afford an adjustable rate now, but what about in 5 years? It’s important to keep ideas like this in mind when making decisions that could affect future choices.
7. Not Doing Your Due Diligence ~ All concerns as about a home should be addressed as early as possible. If you are concerned about crime rate, schools, flood zones, power lines, future construction projects, etc. should be addressed before making an offer on a home. In North Carolina, after the offer is made, you will have a set amount of time called the “Due Diligence Period” to have the home inspected. If there are serious issues with the home or you are unable to come to an agreement on repairs with the sellers, you can pull your offer without risking your earnest money. It much more difficult to right any issues or concerns after the home is purchased.
8. Not Having a Home Inspection ~ This relates to doing your due diligence, but it’s so important it needs to be mentioned again. It may cost you additional money to have your home inspected, but it’s totally worth it in the long run. You could potentially purchase a home with major unseen issues that even the current owners are unaware of. It could cost you well over the amount you would pay for an initial home inspection.
9. Not Understanding Insurance ~ The amount of money that you spend on home owners insurance depends, in part, on where the home is located and how it is constructed. This is especially true in coastal areas like ours, where there are flood areas and owners are required to have Wind and Hail coverage. It’s very important that you consult an insurance agent as soon as you decide to make an offer on a home. The cost of insurance may affect your decision to buy a home.
10. Not Purchasing a Home Warranty ~ Home warranties cover the major systems and appliances of a home for one year from the purchase of your home for a nominal fee (see 210 Home Warranty Brochure (http://www.thecameronteam.net/agent_files/pdfs/New%20210%20Brochure.pdf)). If you’ve ever had an appliance or electronic break a few months after you bought it, you know how frustrating and costly it can be to get it replaced. A home warranty can potentially save you from a big headache later on and can, oftentimes, be negotiated into the sale agreement of a well made offer.

Source: http://www.thecameronteam.net/Buyer-Resources/

If you are interested in buying, selling, building a home/commercial property or even a Real Estate Career & would like to become a Licensed Agent, here is your opportunity to be trained by MaryOne, Broker/Owner of Mary One Home Team Realty with her 24 Years of Real Estate Experience.

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

5 Mistakes to Avoid as a Real Estate Investor

There is a learning curve with everything we learn in life. Mistakes are what usually separate those who succeed and those who move on to other ideas.  Sometimes it is luck or a mentor that saves an

individual from those ever-present land mines.  Sometimes it is reading an article that connects with

them. Hopefully reading this will help you keep some of those mistakes to a minimum.

This is Not a Hobby

Real estate investing is a serious business filled with experienced people, both professional and not so. If not taken seriously, you risk damaging opportunities before you even get started. Just like any other industry and business, it is about building a brand. To start, you need a business card. Leave them everywhere on bulletin boards in coffee shops, garages and anywhere else you can pin them up for free.

Websites, blogs and articles can also help you get your name out there. Connect with the other business people in your area. Use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to start building a web presence. You also need to set yourself apart from the amateurs by setting up an LLC, getting a Federal Tax ID number and opening a business checking account.

Education is Key

Everything you need to know in real estate investing does not end with your first purchase. Sometimes the key to getting an edge on your competition is keeping abreast of all new trends, strategies and techniques being used in this business. Keep reading blogs, websites, articles and books on real estate investing.

Don't Forget Technology

Some real estate investors are old school. They still work through paperwork, rifle through court documents and carry everything they need to know in their notebook. This may work for them, but in some cases, they have no idea what opportunities are going right by them. 92% of all sales start online. You need to create a website and use the Internet to search for opportunities.

Real Estate Agents are Not the Enemy

Realtors are not uneducated investors, and often uncover opportunities in their daily business. Yes, there are commissions involved, but it may be worth the fee. Finding the right realtor who understands what you are trying to do can be a very worthwhile relationship.

Use the Media

Becoming a local expert can open doors all over for either more or larger opportunities. Media of all kinds (TV, print, Internet, etc.) are always looking for credible sources and interview targets for quotes. There are ways to get on the radar of the press. One

way is actually reaching out to a local establishment explaining a real estate-related concept or principle keeping in mind that it has to have a local spin. If you're feeling particularly bold, issue a press release.

One other way is taking advantage of the website Helpareporter.com. Over 50,000 journalists from around the country use this service looking for experts and quotes. A list of queries is sent out to all subscribers three times a day. It is very possible you could position yourself as an expert using this service where journalists will search you out for quotes regularly. Any and all quotes can be used in any of your other marketing.

With a little effort, you can set yourself apart from the crowd and increase your visibility and your credibility. The more mistakes and landmines you avoid, the better off you will be. Take advantage of these ideas and keep learning from others. It can only help you in the long run. Go ahead, give it a try!

Source: http://moneysmartlife.com/mistakes-real-estate-investor/

For More Information about buying, selling, building, or leasing a home,

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912

8 Tips For Finding Your New Home

By: G. M. Filisko

A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you. House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.

1. Know thyself.
Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you’re leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?

2. Research before you look.
List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you’d like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto realtor.com to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you’d like to view.

3. Get your finances in order.
Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

4. Set a moving timeline.
Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you’ll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.

5. Think long term.
Your future plans may dictate the type of home you’ll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you’ll still love years from now.

6. Work with a REALTOR®.
Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you’re interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent’s style meshes with your personality.

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers’ reps work only for you even though they’re typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they’re members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

7. Be realistic.
It’s OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.

On the flip side, don’t be so swayed by a “wow” feature that you forget about other issues — like noise levels — that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there’s no such thing as the perfect home.

8. Limit the opinions you solicit.
It’s natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you’ve identified as important.

Source: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/8-tips-finding-your-new-home/

For More Information about buying, selling, building, or leasing a home,

Call MaryOne @ (314)696-4912