Mar 17, 08 by Bill Ness
Anyone watching the real estate market over the last several years knows that the media has not exactly been painting a very promising picture on the thought of home ownership. With a real estate market that has seen its worst performance in several decades, this certainly comes as no surprise. A recent article on Time.com, however, considers this idea: ignore the headlines. With the current depressed real estate market, now may present some of the best home buying opportunities people will see for a while.
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Mar 13, 08 by Bill Ness
It is a question that many potential home buyers are asking themselves right now. On one hand, there are many compelling reasons to purchase at this time. On the other hand, there are many reasons buyers are afraid to take the leap when the market is so uncertain. The Chicago Tribune recently analyzed this question and made a convincing argument for either situation.
Reasons to Buy
1) Selection: In today's slower market, selection is plentiful. Plus, buyers do not have to feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Buyers can take their time and browse through numerous listings to find a home that suits their tastes without having to feel like they are settling for what is available.
2) Mortgage Rates: Rates are still very attractive. As long as you have good credit and are not taking out a jumbo loan, you can likely find a 30-year mortgage for under six percent.
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Feb 11, 08 by Bill Ness
Like all shoppers, homebuyers are no different - they want a good deal. But since the home-buying process happens very infrequently for most buyers, many people are not trained on how to find the best deal when it comes to purchasing a new home. Furthermore, moving to an active retirement community and buying from a developer is probably an entirely new experience for most. Often, developers will tell you that prices are the same regardless of when you buy. But as the former sales manager for one of Del Webb's largest developments, I can tell you that is not always the case.
So here is a list of tips and tricks about how and when to get the best deal when purchasing at an active retirement community:
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Dec 23, 07 by Bill Ness
We have all heard the expression that real estate is all about location, location, location. But how do you go about choosing the location for a great retirement community AND home. For most people the process of finding a home in a retirement community first involves settling on a general geographic location followed by visits to the communities in that area. If the communities in that area you like are completely sold out of new construction, your only choice may be a resale home. If the communities in that area have recently started construction, your only option may be a new home. However, what about when you have the option to choose between new and resale?
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Nov 30, 07 by Bill Ness
As a former sales manager for one of Del Webb's largest active adult retirement communities, I've helped many people, from all walks of life, purchase a home. Most people were a joy to work with. There is something truly rewarding about helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. There are, of course, occasions when the excitement of buying a new home fades a bit when the issue of money arises. Trying to negotiate the best price for a new home can be a scary and overwhelming task for some. There is bound to be some tension when two parties are trying to work out an agreement. The developer is hoping to see a return on his investment and buyers are rightfully looking for the best deal. So what is the best way to go about getting that deal? Here are five important things to keep in mind when trying to find the right home at the best price.
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