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How Short Sales Affect Your Credit

Sellers may wonder whether doing a short sale would affect their credit less than completing a foreclosure, and whether there are other advantages between the two. While in foreclosure, and depending on state laws, a seller could possibly stay in the property, essentially rent free, for four months to a year before being forced to vacate. But that fact alone does not mean a foreclosure is better.

Whereas a short sale involves offering the home for sale, generally listed through MLS. Potential home buyers will make appointments to view the home, some will make lowball offers, agents might hold open houses and, in general, a seller's life will be disrupted, all in the hopes that a buyer will buy the home.  

Basics of a Short Sale

Short sales happen when a lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed against the home because there is not enough equity to sell and pay all costs of sale. Not all lenders will negotiate a short sale, and that is why a real estate agent or a lawyer can be a tremendous help by contacting the lender's loss mitigation department to find out.

You can't just wake up one morning and decide you're going to sell your home at a loss by asking for a short sale. It used to be that lenders wouldn't even consider a short sale if your payments are current, but that has changed. However, realize that lenders will be more agreeable to negotiation if your payments are in arrears. Plus, if you have cash assets, the lender might try to tap those accounts.  

How is a Short Sale Seller's Credit Affected?

Fair Isaac released a report that says credit scores are affected about the same, whether a seller does a short sale or foreclosure. Fair Issac says the average points lost on a FICO score are as follows:

          30 days late: 40 to 110 points

          90 days late: 70 to 135 points

          Foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu: 85 to 160

          Bankruptcy: 130 to 240

  Foreclosure or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure

Both of these solutions affect credit the same, says David Steep of Vitek Mortgage. Sellers will take a hit of 200 to 300 points, depending on overall condition of credit. This means if a seller's FICO score before foreclosure was 680, it could dip as low as 380.

Short Sale

Steep maintains that the effect of a short sale (providing the sellers are more than 59 days late) on a seller's credit report is identical to that of a foreclosure. The ding on credit will show up as a pre-foreclosure in redemption status, Steep says, which will result in a loss of 200 to 300 points. This means a short sale seller with a previous FICO of 720 could see it fall from 520 to 420. 

My personal experience has been somewhat different. I completed a short sale for a Sacramento seller who was 90 days behind on her mortgage. A few months after her short sale closed, she checked her credit report and found her FICO fell by only 100 points to 671. I suspect every seller's situation varies.

Catherine Coy, a mortgage broker in southern California, agrees with Steep. "The effect on a consumer's credit report -- foreclosure vs. short sale -- is the difference between being hit by a train or a bus," says Coy, speaking about borrowers who are a few months in arrears.

  Waiting Period Before Buying Another Home

Foreclosure or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure Steep says a seller who wants to buy another home after foreclosure will end up waiting about 24 to 72 months before a lender will offer any kind of interest rate that makes sense.

Coy says, "The good news is a short sale will allow the consumer to obtain an institutional loan for a new home within two years".

Short Sale

Some agents say the good news for short sale sellers is the wait is much shorter before buying another home, and Fannie Mae guidelines in 2008 adopted new procedures.

Can a seller buy again in less than two years? Not really, says Coy, "It's an utter myth that a consumer 'can buy again in about 18 months at a good interest rate.' However, Fannie Mae guidelines now require only 24 months' seasoning, and that's good news for agents who specialize in short sales."

FHA adopted guidelines in 2010 that say a seller who is current and does a short sale may qualify to immediately buy another home. Lenders aren't so quick to follow those guidelines. However, Flagstar Bank gave an Elk Grove short sale seller a new loan within 2 months of closing his short sale, and that seller was current at the time.

Note that Fannie Mae guidelines allow a seller to immediately apply for a new loan to buy another home if that seller kept the payments current, had no delinquencies exceeding 30 days and did not agree to repay the debt relief. Moreover, it's the late payments that dramatically affect your credit report, not the short sale.

  Foreclosure or Short Sale Decision

If you're a seller trying to decide whether to let a home go through foreclosure versus attempting a short sale, salvaging your credit may not be an advantage to doing a short sale, says Coy. She reports that according to "Score Factor Code #22, there's no credit score advantage for a delinquent borrower on a short sale over a foreclosure."

I have my doubts about that, though. From what I've seen, there is less damage to a credit report after a short sale involving late pays than a foreclosure. Moreover, another advantage for those with delinquencies on their credit is the ability to buy another home within 2 years over the 5- to 7-year period required for foreclosures. And there are other short sale advantages over a foreclosure. But seek legal and tax advice before making that decision.

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5 Small Tips to Save Big Money on Home Renovations

Regardless of whether or not you are a real estate investor, home renovations of any variety can prove to be costly. That is even before you factor in the return on your investment (ROI). Subsequently, any renovations you make need to reflect your bottom line. As an investor, you need to make sure any renovations you make are worth it in the long run.

Savvy investors are already aware of this, but there is always a way to maximize your rehab budget. In fact, finding creative ways to work within your budget is one of the smartest things an investor can do. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design. It’s not hard to find stores carrying discontinued, overstock or unneeded special-ordered items, and that can mean big savings for you. It may limit your color or what you’re able to do with design, but for those where price is a limiting factor, it may be a blessing.

Here are five additional ways to save when renovating your home:

Shop Online

As I am sure you are aware, online shopping has become a viable alternative to the congested, overpriced department stores of the past. More than ever, online stores are offering products and incentives that are attractive to consumers. Prices found online are even more competitive. However, for one reason or another, not everyone has taken to online shopping for their rehabs.

Regardless of what you are looking to purchase, there is a good chance you will find it for sale online. The availability of products on the Internet will work in your favor, as the market is much more competitive. You can save hundreds of dollars on an item by searching online for the best price using the model number, says Dan Fritschen, author of “Remodel or Move? Make the Right Decision.” However, be sure to include the cost of shipping. Some shipping costs will completely negate the deal you got by shopping online.

While shopping for a renovation online has its advantages, it is not without fault. As with any strategy, due diligence is to be exercised. In other words, use common sense. Shop at reputable stores. Established companies can be trusted and much easier to work with in case something goes wrong. Having said that, returns can be difficult with online purchases.

If you want to buy online, do it far in advance, says Fritschen. It could arrive damaged or delayed. “Delaying your remodel to save $100 is typically not a savings,” he says. Also, make sure you know the store’s return policy and customer service availability before buying.

Ask For A Discount

If you intend to buy a lot of product from one particular vendor, ask for a volume discount. Think outside the box: Get more customers for the vendor, and use that to wrangle a lower price. You should be looking to provide the seller with an advantage that would make them want to offer you a discount. You would be surprised at how often a vendor is willing to lower their prices if there is proper incentive.

Real estate is a people business. There is a lot to be said for those who establish a working rapport with others in their field. Bring a friendly and sincere attitude to the table every time you conduct business. “If you are friendly and considerate, oftentimes you can get a small discount of up to 10 percent,” says Fritschen. A little appreciation goes a long way. The friendlier you are, the more likely your actions are to be reciprocated.

Conversely, if you are not as comfortable with the friendly approach, just be up front. Simply say what it is you want done and what your budget is. If you have found the right contractor for your rehab, they may be able to come up with creative ways to cater to your needs.

You may find out that a cash offer could result in a discount, or that negotiations could lead to a win-win for both parties involved.

The worst thing the vendor can do is say “no.” What do you have to lose?

Sales Tax

Price conscious consumers have been known to shop around for a good deal. But why does bargain shopping need to be relegated to the products themselves? Individual towns, counties and states each have varied sales tax amounts. Any sales tax savings is essentially an automatic price cut. Why not focus the majority of your purchases on a municipality that has a favorable sales tax?

It is not out of the realm of possibility to save hundreds of dollars by shopping in a place with a lower sales tax. In New Jersey, for example, 37 towns qualify for an “Urban Enterprise Zone.” In these zones, businesses can sell goods at half of the 7 percent sales tax rate.

As if saving on sales tax wasn’t incentive enough, there are actually certain times in which additional benefits may be had. I am referring to what is commonly known as a sales tax holiday. Some states offer Energy Star sales tax holidays one weekend out of the year. While it is a limited window, it is certainly advantageous to those who capitalize on it. For a list of states and when these holidays are, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency. If you are not able to take advantage of a tax holiday, check your local stores for promotions where they’ll pay the tax.

Consider Doing It Yourself

While hiring a good contractor to complete any rehab work on a property is recommended, some jobs may be better left for yourself. However, if you are awarded the opportunity to do it yourself, and if you are versed well enough in the respective project, you might be able to complete it on your own accord.

Most likely, you will learn something new and save money in the process. Those who are less adept at handy work may want to leave the heavy lifting to contractors that were hired for a specific reason. However, that does not mean you can’t handle the preparation or finishing work.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to doing it yourself. Contractors are in the business for a reason, and they know exactly what they are doing. Some things are just simply left to the experts. “Flooring, countertops, cabinets are all doable, but if you mess up, they are really expensive to fix,” says Fritschen. It is also smart to consider hiring a professional for areas of work concerning safety or feats of engineering. With potentially huge ramifications, these areas should only be tasked to someone with the appropriate expertise.

It all depends on how handy you are, how much time you have and how much you want to buy new tools. Department stores offer free in-store workshops, and some stores offer online guides, videos and photos. Check the library for do-it-yourself books, or watch videos on home renovation projects.

Price Match

In order to compete for your business, a lot of stores (both big and small) will price-match. The concept of price matching is relatively well known, but entirely underutilized. Essentially, it offers consumers the ability to receive the best price on a particular item – removing any doubt that they could have received it cheaper elsewhere.

The concept of a price match is mutually beneficial to every party involved. Any company offering this incentive is doing so as a means to retain business. On the other hand, you are assured the best price on a particular item. Even some stores that don’t advertise price matching will do so – you just have to ask. Let them know how much you appreciate their store, but that a rival store is offering the same item for less. There are even a select few stores that will not only price match, but also knock off another 10 percent if a local store offers an identical, in-stock item at a lower price.

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    When Should You Sell Your House to a Real Estate Investor? Selling a home can certainly be a big decision! Of course, you will want to sell it at ju...

When Should You Sell Your House to a Real Estate Investor?

Selling a home can certainly be a big decision! Of course, you will want to sell it at just the right time in order to make the best profit you can, but how do you know when is the right time? How can you make the right decision? It is not something you will want to do without a little thought, but it is definitely something you need to consider now. One method of selling your home, which can actually be quite quick, will be to sell your home to a real estate investor. There are many reasons to do this, and it can save you time, hassle and headache.

  Why Sell to a Real Estate Investor?

Many people do not realize, but selling to an investor is a good way to sell quickly. You will not have to wait around for various private individuals to look at the home and think about it. You will not have to wait a month on closing. You will be able to sell immediately when an investor makes the purchase. This can be a very big advantage if you need to sell your home quickly or you simply do not want to go through the hassle of selling the home to a private party.

  When Should You Sell?

You will need to decide just when you should sell your home. There is something very important you need to consider. Are you in a financial situation that is making it hard for you to make mortgage payments? In this type of situation, time becomes even more of the essence. You do not want to wait around too long because if you cannot make payments on your home, you could ruin your credit score. This is why selling to an investor can be so useful.

  You may be thinking that now is not the time to sell your home because the housing market may be in a slump. However, real estate investors are always looking to buy. Even if the housing market is slow, you can sell your home for a good price if you sell to an investor. Especially if the housing market is in a slump, selling your home to an investor is the right thing to do.

  How Do You Sell to an Investor?

Selling your home to a real estate investor is different from selling to a private individual. In fact, it is quite a bit easier. If you have ever sold your home to a private individual, one thing you know for certain is the headache that goes along with it. However, when you sell to a real estate investor, you can bypass much of that hassle. All you will have to do is make your home available to investors and then allow them to make an offer. The buying process will happen much more quickly and much more easily. You will not have to deal with all the middlemen like realtors and banks. Instead, the transaction will be quick and simple.

  When should you sell your home to a real estate investor? The answer is right now. No matter your reason for needing to sell your home, you can avoid many of the problems that go along with selling your house the traditional way. When you sell to an investor, you can save time and you can save money. You will not have to wait around for months and months while people view your house over and over again. Instead, you will just make the sale and you will be done. Doesn’t that sound so much simpler than any other method you could use for selling your home?

   Joe Abbascia is an expert in buying and selling homes, and provides a helping hand to those seeking to buy a new home or sell their current one. You can learn more at www.PropertiesCentralHomebuyers.com.

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Mortgage Mastering… a summer school lesson!

Thinking of buying an income property?? Already own one?? There may be times when it’s hard to pay the mortgage- even if you are expecting a lot of extra income from your tenants. Here are some things you can do to avoid facing difficulty in paying your mortgage each month.

Keep your properties full. While it may sound overly simplified, this is the most obvious method for ensuring you’ve got rent money coming in each month to cover your property mortgage payments. Don’t allow yourself to get slack on advertising for new tenants. And don’t put off screening applicants or filling your properties because you get busy or overworked. Recognize filling your vacancies as a major aspect of your REI business success and deal with it quickly and efficiently every time.

Do your best to find quality tenants. While you want to keep your properties full, finding good quality tenants is key. By “good” it means they pay their rent on time, keep the property maintained and don’t abuse the lease. By using background and credit checks, you can find the best tenants available and thereby do what’s possible to keep your rental fees coming in regularly, which will help you pay the mortgage when it comes due.

Look for longterm tenants. Don’t assume that quality tenants will necessarily be longterm ones. Some good renters may know they can’t stay over a few months at most. They may be students or working a temporary job. They may just be living in an area waiting to move or retire somewhere else. Whatever the situation, opt for longterm renters when the choice is available. Doing so will make filling a vacancy at least a more infrequent possibility.

Keep the property well maintained. If you want good tenants, longterm tenants and tenants who pay their rent on time, do your part to keep them. Deal with maintenance issues quickly. Make repairs as necessary. Upgrade appliances or at least ensure the ones you provide are in good working order. Respond to your tenants’ calls quickly, or if you can’t be sure they know you’ll be unavailable for awhile.

Being a good landlord will go a long in way in developing lasting relationships with your tenants, which will in turn, help you keep them in your property longer. Often a tenant and landlord relationship can turn an average tenant into a great one simply because they want to keep that relationship intact.

In a tough economy, it’s important to do all you can to avoid facing the difficulty of paying the mortgage.  These simple tips can help as you work to develop lasting, longterm, rent paying tenants to keep your properties bringing in the income you need every month.

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NEW construction, OLD charm

Nothing quite like new construction to perk your ears up during your search to buy a home. And of course, the "no worries" that having all new plumbing, electric, roofing, and siding make you swoon to think....you won't be paying for major upkeep for years to come!

But...this could be your home, and a little charm wouldn't hurt. Cozy corners, quaint curb appeal....elements of a home long standing sound just as alluring. 

Considering both new construction and charm, 107 Chestnut St. in Southbridge, MA is has been PRICE REDUCED to $177,800 and is not going to last!

Recently renovated, professionally landscaped, even HYDROSEEDED to ensure a gorgeous green lawn...this home is the perfect summer sale- just in time for hosting backyard bbqs on the back deck!

With a gorgeous open floor plan and a kitchen designed for fine cooking, 107 Chestnut has generous granite counter space, glass tile backsplash, sleek stainless steel appliances, and convenient under cabinet lighting.

The bedrooms are spacious, and the SOAK TUB in the 2nd bathroom is spa worthy. 

Visit www.propertiescentralrealty.com for more information on this stunning Southbridge home.. 

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Transform your Backyard into a Summer Oasis!

The temperatures are warming and the sun is FINALLY shining after what seems like an endless winter. Did summer creep up on you? Did you forget to plan that dream summer vacation? Or will you be staying in town? Regardless of your summer plans- your backyard should be a welcoming and exciting summer space to entertain, relax, and enjoy! Here are some of our favorite TIPS to transform your backyard!!!

1. Grass Greener:

Regularly water and cut the grass! If you hire a young neighbor, call the landscapers, or do it yourself- it doesn't matter, as long as it gets done! Employ the neighborhood tweens for a small sum, call your 'go-to' landscaper, or unwind after your day, put your headphones on, and get tending to the grass! PS: spray paint that lucious green grass with TWISTER for your backyard bbq! 

2. Lighting: Ambience and Bug Bite Prevention

Did you ever think that creating ambience AND protecting your skin from bug bites could be combined?? Well, all you need to do is buy some citronella oil, tiki torches, and transform your patio into a Tiki Lounge…while at the same time keeping those bug bites away! New "trend" is MASON JARS filled citronella torches! WOW those nosy neighbors! 

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Why Sell Your Home to An Investor?

Selling your property quickly can be tough. If you have the luxury of time -- and have a desirable property -- it might be a good idea to hold onto your property for awhile and see if a buyer materializes. However, not everyone has the luxury of time or a picture-perfect property. Here’s how to tell whether you should consider selling to a real estate investor who can close quickly.

You Have an Ugly Property or an Equally Ugly Situation.

Let’s face it: Every property is different. If your property has more problems than you have solutions or repairs will eat up all of your spare time, a quick sale probably makes sense. If life has thrown you lemons in the form of a powerful need to relocate, you’re going through a divorce or you’re experiencing serious financial problems, waiting for the perfect buyer might not be an option.

While you can’t control the negatives in life, you do have the power to decide the outcome. Sometimes, what seems to be a good thing turns out being something completely different. For instance, people sometimes inherit property from distant relatives who have passed away. When this happens, the surprise of an unexpected gift becomes shock at the amount of work -- and money -- involved in improving a property’s condition. These are the kinds of situations where it might make good sense to sell a property to a real estate investor.

In other cases, you haven’t inherited a property, but a serious case of the I-don’t-want-it-anymores has caused you to decide that you want out -- as soon as possible. Many times, the issue is related to conditions beyond your control:

•  Deteriorating neighborhoods

•  Properties in need of repair

•  Too little equity

•  Bad tenants

•  Overleveraged Properties

A Real Estate Investor Can Make These Problems Go Away

Real estate investors are an effective means of selling property quickly even if some or all of these conditions are present in your property:

•  Property needs multiple repairs

•  Trash and other debris needs to be removed

•  Real estate agents demand multiple repairs before listing property for sale

Real estate investors are skilled at bringing a dying -- or dead -- property back to life. Because they deal with property problems ranging from minor issues to full-blown disasters, they won’t require extensive repairs, cleanup or ask for other contingencies to be met in order to make the purchase. You can also sell your home without having to pay real estate commissions. In addition, you won’t have to suffer the inconvenience of having strangers traipsing through your home, criticizing its current condition.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly

The best way to sell your home quickly is to find a real estate investor in a position to make a fast purchase. The investor will come to your home and assess the potential to improve its condition. The good news? The investor doesn’t have to fall in love with your home. Decisions to purchase -- or not purchase -- a home is strictly economic. If it makes sense to the investor, you’ll get an offer; if it doesn’t, you’ll be told quickly. Either way, you’ll know where you stand, sometimes the same day.

If you and the investor decide to move forward with a real estate transaction, the process is simple. Here’s what will happen:

•  A Purchase and Sales agreement will be signed by both parties

•  You’ll get the chance to have your attorney review the agreement

•  A mutually-agreeable closing date will be set -- often within days, instead of the months that traditional real estate transactions sometimes take

•  You avoid having to pay real estate commissions

   The Next Step is Completely Up to You

I’ve told you some of the reasons why selling your home to a real estate investor might make good sense. The next step is up to you. You could decide that you want to try your luck at selling your property yourself. If, however, you don’t have the luxury of time or patience, give some thought to the possibility of selling it soon to a real estate investor.

It’s hard enough thinking about where you’ll go once you sell your property. Don’t add to your problems by worrying about who will buy your property.

To learn more about how we might be able to take your problem property off your hands, go to www.PropertiesCentralHomeBuyers.com

[propertiescentralus]

Raise the roof, or get rid of it, we mean it!

When your roof leaks, you know that you must do something about it. The question is, should you repair it or replace it? Replacing the roof is a major expense that you may want to defer for as long as possible. Following are some factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof.

The first thing to consider is the condition of the roof. If a few shingles are missing here and there or you have a leak in one area, you can probably have the roof repaired. But if shingles are missing or you are experiencing lifting, curling with frayed edges and there are a number of leaky areas or the roof has sustained major damage, replacement may be the best option.

The age of your roof is another factor to consider. Most asphalt roofs last 20 to 30 years before they need to be replaced, while metal and tile roofs can last even longer. Some manufacturers of roofing materials offer warranties on their products too. If your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and you are noticing problems related to the roof's condition, you know that a new roof will be needed. But if the roof is not that old, repairing it might be the best option, especially if the warranty is still in effect. If that is the case, contact the roofing manufacturer to find out how to proceed.

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and you are starting to have minor problems with it, consider your budget. Because replacing a roof can cause thousands of dollars, you may not have the money available to undertake this project right away. In that case, you may want to have minor roof repairs done to give you time to save enough money or to obtain a loan so that you can have the roof replaced.

If you decide that replacing your roof is the best option, you must then decide if you want to have a new roof placed over the old one or if you want the old roof torn off and replaced with a new one. If there is only one layer of asphalt roofing on your house, it is usually possible to have the new roof placed on top of the old one. This is less costly than having the old roof torn off first. However, if there are already two layers of roofing on the house, you will probably have to have a tear-off done. You must also decide on the type of roofing materials you want to use. Research the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roofing material to make that determination. A good rule of thumb to use when figuring how much a new roof will cost you would be.  Shingles are purchased by the square (which is 100 square feet), an approx. down & dirty number to use in figuring the costs of a roof would be $250 per square for a “roll over” (go over one layer of shingles) & $350 per square for ‘rip & re-ply (take off all layers of shingles and install new).

Replacing a roof is a major project and can be quite costly. Before you go that route, use the factors listed above to make an evaluation of your roof and the options available to you. That will help you decide if you should repair your roof or replace it entirely.

[propertiescentralus]

To build an addition or not- if that is your question we have the answers!

Question: Should I Build My Addition As a Second Story or Continue On Ground Level?

Answer: It's a question debated by all home renovators: "When I build an addition is it cheaper to build it as a second story or as a continuation of the ground level? Here are some Advantages and Disadvantages to consider:  

Advantages:

 High Cost-Value Ratio

Studies show that nearly all of the cost of a mid-range two-sotry addition may be recovered at time of sale.

Less Expensive than Purchasing New House

While this might seem like a "no-brainer," it needs to be mentioned. It is typically cheaper to  build an addition than to buy a new home that equals the space of your existing house plus addition. At the very least, the closing costs involved with selling your old house and buying the new house would push this option over the top.

 Addition is 100% Your Creation

You may have an old house, but the addition is space that you can claim as your own. It's like designing a whole new house without the expense of a whole new house. Fire up your design software and go for it!

Smartest Way to Add Space to House

When you objectively look at the various ways to add space to your house, addition-building clearly comes out ahead of other methods, such as basement or attic remodeling or adding a sun porch.

Disadvantages of Building an Addition:

You May Still Lose Money When You Sell

Even through additions have better cost-value ratios than other renovation projects, you still may not recover the full cost of the addition.

Emotional Cost of Addition-Building

It's a thrill at first, those workers energetically digging and sawing to give you more house. Then one Saturday you wake at 6am to the roar of a gas generator five feet from your bedroom window and realize that your romance with building and addition  has hit the rocks. Many causes contribute to this, some of which are: having work crews in your house  six days a week, noise, dust, and constantly dealing with the contractor.

Addition Brings Increased Costs

More space means higher heating and cooling costs, more windows to wash and gutters to clean, increased property taxes, and more house to clean.

Additions Eat Up Your Yard

Unless you are adding a second story, you will lose yard space and this is space that can never be recovered.

All considerations being equal, it's cheaper to build it as a second story rather than continuing onto ground level. Ground equals foundation, and foundation equals big bucks spent digging. And heavy machinery in your backyard (or crews of men digging by hand). Then more digging. Foundation work drives up addition costs in a big hurry.

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Time for New Windows?

Time For New Windows?

Windows are one of those home improvements that can easily go overlooked, here’s our guide to help you decide whether or not it’s time for you to replace yours.

1. If there is condensation or buildup of frost on your windows. These are signs that moisture is leaking in because the glass is worn or pulling away from the frame. 

2.If the interior pane feels warm in summer months or cold in winter months. This is a sign that your windows aren't as well-insulated as they once were. It means that air is creeping in through tiny spaces between the glass panes and the frame. When you replace those old and tired windows, you might see as much as a 50 percent decrease in heating and cooling costs.

3. If the exterior of your windows have rotting or cracked wood or are missing pieces of frame. While one or two small cracks could certainly be repaired, if your windows are cracking and rotting extensively then you're better off replacing them. This is a sign that unless you replace them, the rotting and cracking will only worsen. 

The condition of your windows affects the curb appeal of your home. In addition, cracked and broken glass means that outdoor elements are getting in, meaning your home is less energy efficient. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it's time to call your contractor!

[propertiescentralus]

Monday (re)Model Tip!

Avoid Moving the Plumbing

After you get the estimate from the plumber,  you may have second thoughts about moving the kitchen sink five feet to the left. Plumbing work is expensive on its own; moving the plumbing can double the cost, or more. Admittedly, easier said than done, since half the reason for remodeling is often to redesign the kitchen floor plan. 

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This is the type of work we love…messy, ugly, and bad just waiting to be converted into good!

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Before & After property on Kalmar Street in Worcester! 

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Does this picture sum up how you feel when faced with the prospect of selling your house? We buy The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly with a fair cash deal and a written guarentee! 

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So you think you need to sell? Consider selling to an investor!

Selling your property quickly can be tough. If you have the luxury of time -- and have a desirable property -- it might be a good idea to hold onto your property for awhile and see if a buyer materializes. However, not everyone has the luxury of time or a picture-perfect property. Here’s how to tell whether you should consider selling to a real estate investor who can close quickly.

  You Have an Ugly Property or an Equally Ugly Situation.

Let’s face it: Every property is different. If your property has more problems than you have solutions or repairs will eat up all of your spare time, a quick sale probably makes sense. If life has thrown you lemons in the form of a powerful need to relocate, you’re going through a divorce or you’re experiencing serious financial problems, waiting for the perfect buyer might not be an option.

  While you can’t control the negatives in life, you do have the power to decide the outcome. Sometimes, what seems to be a good thing turns out being something completely different. For instance, people sometimes inherit property from distant relatives who have passed away. When this happens, the surprise of an unexpected gift becomes shock at the amount of work -- and money -- involved in improving a property’s condition. These are the kinds of situations where it might make good sense to sell a property to a real estate investor.

  In other cases, you haven’t inherited a property, but a serious case of the I-don’t-want-it-anymores has caused you to decide that you want out -- as soon as possible. Many times, the issue is related to conditions beyond your control:

Deteriorating neighborhoods

Properties in need of repair

Too little equity

Bad tenants

Overleveraged Properties

  A Real Estate Investor Can Make These Problems Go Away

Real estate investors are an effective means of selling property quickly even if some or all of these conditions are present in your property:

Property needs multiple repairs

Trash and other debris needs to be removed

Real estate agents demand multiple repairs before listing property for sale

  Real estate investors are skilled at bringing a dying -- or dead -- property back to life. Because they deal with property problems ranging from minor issues to full-blown disasters, they won’t require extensive repairs, cleanup or ask for other contingencies to be met in order to make the purchase. You can also sell your home without having to pay real estate commissions. In addition, you won’t have to suffer the inconvenience of having strangers traipsing through your home, criticizing its current condition.

  How to Sell Your Home Quickly

The best way to sell your home quickly is to find a real estate investor in a position to make a fast purchase. The investor will come to your home and assess the potential to improve its condition. The good news? The investor doesn’t have to fall in love with your home. Decisions to purchase -- or not purchase -- a home is strictly economic. If it makes sense to the investor, you’ll get an offer; if it doesn’t, you’ll be told quickly. Either way, you’ll know where you stand, sometimes the same day.

  If you and the investor decide to move forward with a real estate transaction, the process is simple. Here’s what will happen:

A Purchase and Sales agreement will be signed by both parties

You’ll get the chance to have your attorney review the agreement

A mutually-agreeable closing date will be set -- often within days, instead of the months that traditional real estate transactions sometimes take

You avoid having to pay real estate commissions

   The Next Step is Completely Up to You

I’ve told you some of the reasons why selling your home to a real estate investor might make good sense. The next step is up to you. You could decide that you want to try your luck at selling your property yourself. If, however, you don’t have the luxury of time or patience, give some thought to the possibility of selling it soon to a real estate investor.

  It’s hard enough thinking about where you’ll go once you sell your property. Don’t add to your problems by worrying about who will buy your property.

  To learn more about how we might be able to take your problem property off your hands, go to www.PropertiesCentralHomeBuyers.com

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mWKe3xSLig

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Make your TINY bathroom look BIG in 6 steps!

6 Steps To A Larger Looking Bathroom!

  Small bathrooms can feel cramped and it’s difficult to design a small space. If you want a spa oasis instead of your current tiny feeling bathroom, follow our tips to transform your space.

 Replace your bathtub with a standing shower. Stand-up showers take up less space and a glass- enclosed shower with doors will give the illusion of a larger space. Add glass tile backsplash and glass block mirrors around the shower to keep the illusion going.

 Install a large mirror and make your bathroom appear twice its size! With many choices of decorative mirrors at your local design store, you can add an element of style with what you choose.

  Get a wall -hung toilet to increase space and add a modern touch. The  tank is slim, plastic, and made to fit into a 2X6 stud. With all the space you save because the bowl doesn’t rest on the floor, the floor space will appear large.

 Add a pedestal sink to your bathroom and watch the size of the space grow. Without a typical cabinet model sink, you’ll use less space overall. For storage, you can hang baskets or shelves.

 Choose a lighter paint color for your walls. Painting a small space is an easy DIY project that will make your space feel larger, more inviting, and relaxing. Consider also painting the baseboards, ceilings, and door a bright white.