tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109625232011-04-21T19:11:53.729-05:00This site is intended to provide useful Information for Homebuyers. We are an Exclusive Buyer's Brokerage, we do not list homes for sale we only help buyers purchase homes. If you are selling your home we can help you find the right agent to list your home. This information is provided by Norm Christnacht. Visit my website to search for all homes for sale: www.FoxValleyRealEstateConsultants.comNorm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1113143365685599442005-04-10T09:27:00.000-05:002008-02-07T17:22:52.569-06:00

Needs vs. WantsThe most important step you can take before actually going out to look at Fox Valley real estate is to establish a clear understanding between yourself (and your partner) and your Fox Valley real estate agent as to what you will need in a home, and what you want in a home. The following guide is designed to help you think through the critical features that could be important to you

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1112837584253155692005-04-06T20:27:00.000-05:002008-02-07T17:31:49.908-06:00

Avoiding the Pitfalls When Buying a HomeUnfortunately, even the best planning can fail to protect you from the many surprises and obstacles that can materialize in the course of the home buying process. Often the difficulties that complicate the process are a direct result of the human element brought to the table by the buyers and the sellers. Other problems occur because of the failures or

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751730179847482005-03-25T05:55:00.000-06:002008-02-07T17:34:26.892-06:00

Tips for Packing Like a Pro When Moving In Or Out Of The Fox Valley1. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical.2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.3. Don't throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751575684525412005-03-25T05:52:00.000-06:002005-03-26T06:40:06.773-06:00

Be sure that:repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties.all items that were included in the sale price—draperies, lighting fixtures — are still there.screens and storm windows are in place or stored.all appliances are operating. intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.hot water heater is working.HVAC is working.no plants or shrubs have

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751527050311712005-03-25T05:51:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:52:07.056-06:00

1. It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such a mistake in the spelling of a person's name or an inaccurate description of the property.2. It's a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.3. It's usually paid for by the sellers.4. There are both lender title policies, which protect

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751482487431202005-03-25T05:50:00.001-06:002005-03-25T05:51:22.490-06:00

Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs1. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. 2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company and you'll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.3. Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751441859376932005-03-25T05:50:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:50:41.860-06:00

1. Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought separately. 2. Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751263583238432005-03-25T05:46:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:47:43.586-06:00

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 for as long as you hold the mortgage and is usually a good choice if interest

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751171177048252005-03-25T05:45:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:46:11.180-06:00

1. W-2 forms or business tax return forms if you're self-employed for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.2. Copies of at least one pay stub for every person signing the loan.3. Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.4. Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years. 5. Copies of brokerage

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751093333692082005-03-25T05:44:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:44:53.336-06:00

If your income and savings are making homebuying a challenge, consider these options. 1. Investigate local, state, and national downpayment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required downpayment. National programs include the Nehemiah program,http://www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream downpayment fund from the Department of Housing

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111751040448184272005-03-25T05:43:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:44:00.450-06:00

10 Questions to Ask Your LenderBe sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions.1. What are the most popular mortgage loans you make? Why?2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would best for us? Why?3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so how much will it cost and how long will it be

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111750985445872492005-03-25T05:42:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:43:05.446-06:00

Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you'll learn how responsive—and organized—its members are.1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale. 2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111750932344717042005-03-25T05:41:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:42:12.346-06:00

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 reassessed. Will the sale of the property trigger a tax increase?

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111750843981957502005-03-25T05:40:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:40:43.983-06:00

Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also check to see if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.PlumbingElectrical SystemsWater HeaterFurnaceHeating DuctsWater PumpDishwasherStove/Cooktop/OvensMicrowaveRefrigeratorWasher/DryerSwimming Pool (may be optional)

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111750766189831872005-03-25T05:37:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:39:26.193-06:00

Siding: Look for dents or bucklingFoundations: Look for cracks or water seepageExterior Brick: Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricksInsulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate (the higher the R value, the more effective the insulation is)Doors and Windows: Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weatherstrippingRoof: Look for age,

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111750617414655592005-03-25T05:36:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:36:57.416-06:00

1. What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or National Associaton 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 list of past clients I can contact?5. Do you carry professional errors and omission

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111612078360804002005-03-23T15:07:00.000-06:002005-03-23T15:15:30.960-06:00

1. Find a real estate agent that's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111610391926179662005-03-23T14:39:00.000-06:002005-03-23T14:39:51.926-06:00

"All veteran homeowners know that when you buy a house, you're buying a set of potential problems. The furnace might refuse to heat. The water heater could fail. Face it, any number of things can go wrong after closing, costing you thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there's a way to make a balky air conditioner or a leaky roof seem like a mere nuisance rather than a calamity: buy a home warranty.

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111321757389072562005-03-20T06:26:00.000-06:002005-03-23T14:29:25.490-06:00

By Steve McLinden - Bankrate.com Buying or selling a home is complicated for anyone, but seniors have many added issues. Here are the top 10 home-selling and home-buying pitfalls for seniors and how to avoid them:Selling mistakesNot opting for a senior-oriented real estate agent. The issues facing senior citizens when selling their homes are much different than for younger people. And most real

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111077851317909012005-03-17T10:31:00.000-06:002005-03-17T10:44:11.320-06:00

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated with the closing. You'll need for income tax purposes and when you sell the home. The Truth in Lending Statement summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan. The mortgage and the note (two pieces of paper) spell out the legal terms of your mortgage

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111077104822772362005-03-17T10:27:00.000-06:002005-03-25T05:54:08.773-06:00

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:Downpayment Loan origination fees Points, or loan discount fees you pay to receive a lower interest rate Appraisal fee Credit report Private mortgage

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111076822591674442005-03-17T10:22:00.000-06:002005-03-17T10:27:02.596-06:00

Owning a home can bring financial rewards as well as the personal satisfaction that comes with knowing that you have a piece of the American dream. The financial benefits of homeownership range from the tax breaks that the owner can enjoy by writing off interest to the possible appreciation in the equity of the home over time. To understand the full extent of possible tax benefits, it is strongly

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111076542384011722005-03-17T10:07:00.000-06:002005-03-17T10:22:22.393-06:00

Agent - An individual who represents a seller, a buyer or both in the purchase or sale of real estate.Amortization - The schedule of loan payments that establishes the amount of payment to be applied to the principal and the amount to be applied to interest, usually on a monthly basis, for the full term of the loan.Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - The TOTAL interest rate of a mortgage, including

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111075598692586152005-03-17T10:04:00.000-06:002008-02-07T17:27:50.410-06:00

1. Be picky, but don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and your closing costs.4. Don't wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111075439077103892005-03-17T10:00:00.000-06:002005-03-17T10:03:59.083-06:00

(February 28, 2005) - Homeowners, landlords, tenants, and employers should use these ten mold facts to cope with mold in homes, apartments, and workplaces, advises Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, and Remediation .1. Airborne mold spores are everywhere both indoors and outdoors. Resident and employee health is

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1111075127874689702005-03-17T09:56:00.000-06:002005-03-17T09:58:47.876-06:00

1. Check your wallet.First thing's first. When it comes to shopping for a home loan, you need to determine how much house you can actually afford. Be sure to consider the equity in your current home (if you own), the amount of money you have for a down payment, what you can afford in monthly payments, as well as real estate taxes, closing costs and insurance (home owners insurance and possibly

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10962523.post-1110495899311419232005-03-10T17:02:00.000-06:002005-03-10T17:05:42.260-06:00

Welcome to our online forum for homebuyers in the Fox Valley. We intend to bring you current, relevant information on our real estate market. Be sure to check back often!

Norm Christnachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158313965968698840noreply@blogger.com