What is your home worth?

Maybe you're thinking of selling, maybe you're thinking of refinancing, or maybe you're just curious about the market. But the question is, "What is that domicile of your's worth?”

Such a simple question should be returned with a simple answer, right? Well unfortunately, determining the value of your home--or any home for that matter--can be a tricky process. You can go online and nowadays there are endless websites that will promise you a fast answer with fancy charts and graphs. As tempting as it may be to trust this information, be wary of letting a computer program tell you what your largest investment is worth.

The trouble with these websites is that they have little to no local market information. They are not aware that a new park is being built, or that a four-lane highway is being re-routed, or that you've lovingly cared for and maintained your home.

The bottom line is this: If you're serious about getting an informative valuation for your home you should contact a local real estate professional. These professionals work with the actual people who will ultimately determine the value of your home--the home buyer themselves. This is their profession and they will be happy to sit with you and explain the current market conditions that affect your home value.

How Do HOA's work?

When you purchase a home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a homeowners association fee, especially in gated communities, townhouses, condominiums, and other similar planned neighborhoods. The idea is to keep common areas clean and maintained, and there’s usually an HOA board that is responsible for setting the rules and regulations.

Each HOA is different, but most have the same core elements. You’ll typically pay your HOA fees either monthly or annually, and it’s an important factor to consider when you’re weighing your options for a new home. So what is typically included in your HOA fees?

First, the fun stuff

 Amenities are typically the big perk of living in a community with an HOA. While you lose out on some of the freedom of living without an HOA, you instead get community amenities like a maintained pool, gym, clubhouse, tennis courts, and other amenities. The HOA fees pay for cleaning and maintenance, so—in theory—you’ll always have a clean pool whenever you want to use it.

Protecting the community

 HOA fees often contribute to insurance for the community amenities, as well as a fund for unexpected repairs to damaged community property—think damage from weather or accidents.

General maintenance

 Your HOA fees will go toward maintaining the general safety and upkeep of the community. This means things like elevator maintenance for condominiums, snow removal, and trash/recycling services.

Be active in the association

 There may be a board of directors, but homeowners associations exist for the betterment of the entire community, and every voice matters. HOA meetings—and the amenities they support—provide great opportunities to meet your neighbors and make your community a better place.



VETERAN'S DAY

On Veteran's Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. We are grateful for their acts of bravery; serving selflessly and preserving our freedom. 

I hope you will take a moment today to remember the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes who are no longer with us.

Jim Woods
U.S. Navy veteran

Pre Approval Letter

One of the most important aspects of purchasing a home is financing the purchase.

All lenders are not created equally. So where do buyers locate lenders? Your Realtor is a great resource. Most Realtors have preferred lenders that will provide you with a smooth transaction. 

I have a list of good lenders in our area. Call or email me for their contact information.

By the way, be prepared to have the following information to get a  Pre-Approval for your loan:
Recent 30 day paystubs.
Previous 2 years W-2's and 1099's.
2 years personal/corporate tax returns if self employed.
Recent 2 months bank statements.
Copy of borrower and co-borrower's drivers license.