By Matt Mullins on June 9, 2010
It’s no secret, today’s builders are making homes more effiecient and scaling back square footages in response to buyer preference and the current housing market. Traditionally builders always built bigger, but today’s buyers are more concerned about cost and smart design. Today’s floor plans maximize square footage and eliminate “wasted space,” together these two factors result in increased cost savings to buyers.
Builders hope that smaller sells: Local developers say the trend in new homes will be less square footage and maintenance
Source: The Register Guard
Publication date: 2010-06-08
By Diane Dietz, The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore.
Jun. 8–As new-home buyers emerge anew from the recession of the past couple of years, they’ll want a different house than they ever bought before.
Sought-after houses, so the theory goes, will be smaller, cuter, cheaper to own and operate — and listed at prices low enough to satisfy today’s tight-fisted lenders. Continue reading “Smaller home sizes are in”
Posted in Buyers, New Construction |
By Matt Mullins on May 25, 2010
Great article on tax issues when dealing with investment real estate. When pursuing investment deals, always do your due diligence and seek professonal guideance.
Tax consequences of flipping real estate
During the heyday of continually rising real estate values, “flipping” — buying a property and then reselling it at a higher price — was all the rage.
In regions where property prices have fallen, flipping has flopped. But it still can be a worthwhile investment option as long as you also are aware of its potential pitfalls. Or, as accountant Bill Rucci warns, “It may not be as lucrative as you first thought.”
Continue reading “Tax Consequences when flipping real estate”
Posted in Investment Real Estate |
By Matt Mullins on April 15, 2010
Today’s US News and World Report had an interesting article on the housing bust and when we can expect to see appreciation again. Here in the Twin Cities, I think we have bottomed out as year-over-year pricing has increased. We are not out of the rough yet, but most indicators point to a slow recovery hear in the Metro Area.
See link below for a national outlook:
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23764511&Gt1=35006
Posted in Buyers, Sellers |
By Matt Mullins on April 12, 2010
Yesterday’s Mpls Star Tribune has a nice overview on home staging.. see article below:
Our seller’s to-do list can help get your home ready for market and set the stage for it to be best in show.
Replace chipped kitchen tile. Check.
Paint the basement floor. Check.
Pack up the baby toys. Check.
Brian and Marie Idelkope are ticking off the chores on their to-do list before they can put their Minneapolis bungalow on the market. According to their real estate agent, Laura Tiffany, who works for Coldwell Banker Burnet, their house has to be in move-in condition.
“There’s nothing short of perfection in this market,” she said. Buyers “look at every detail and are hyper-critical.”
Continue reading “to market, to market – home staging”
Posted in Home Staging |
By Matt Mullins on April 8, 2010
I’ve attache a great article on short sales. I’ve worked on a number of short sale transactions… and there is nothing “short” about them! The article has some great insight on the process and the hurdles all the parties face.
The short-sale wrinkle | Inman News
Posted using ShareThis
Posted in Buyers, Lender-mediated properties |
By Matt Mullins on April 7, 2010
See article below for some quick tips on home staging…
6 Tips to Successfully Stage Your Client’s Home
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, April 7, 2010–Staging a home for a quick sale will benefit sellers no matter what type of market we are in. For instance, in a buyer’s market, sellers need to take advantage of all the tools and resources available in order to sell their home for a decent sale price. Staging a home is crucial in a seller’s market too as it can help a seller achieve a quick sale for the maximum sale price.
According to Brandon Cornett, editor of the Home Buying Institute, there are 6 key benefits that come with staging a home.
Continue reading “Quick & Easy Home Staging Tips..”
Posted in Home Staging |
By Matt Mullins on April 6, 2010
Undoubtably, real estate near the news ballpark will increase as the North Loop and warehouse district continue to be hotbeds for real estate. For the housing market, there are a number of condominium projects within a short walk of Target Field. As the housing market continues to correct itself, this area could be one of the first neighborhoods that rebounds from this recession and houisng crisis. Properties such as Riverstation, 710,720, 730 lofts, Bookman lofts, etc. will be well-positioined to take advantage of the new Twins ballpark proximity and should expect to see decreased market time.
See today’s article in the Star Tribune with other new real estate ventures near the ballpark:
http://www.startribune.com/business/89886302.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Posted in Investment Real Estate |
By Matt Mullins on March 31, 2010
Buyers purchasing a home via FHA financing or can take advantage of HUD’s rehab program at the time they purchase the home. Many foreclosures and short-sale properties need work; this program allows buyers to take advantage of low-interest loans to make those improvements.
Please see link below for additional details:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm
Posted in Mortgage/Finance |
By Matt Mullins on March 30, 2010
I found this article interesting. Building permits are up in the Metro Area. Is it a sign the worst is behind.. tought to gauge right now but I’m caustiously optimistic the construction industry is turning the tide.
http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm/2010/03/27/Twin-Cities-area-homebuilding-advances-in-March
Posted in Market Stats, New Construction |
By Matt Mullins on March 25, 2010
Just a reminder the Parade of Homes runs through March 28th. Most builders models are open from 12-6pm. This is a great opportunity to tour new home communities throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Although the number of models is down substantially from the heyday of the real estate market, there are hundreds of models to tour. As a Realtor and home improvement DIYer… I recommend touring some homes for some great ideas for what’s in in today’s new homes. Have Fun!
http://www.paradeofhomes.org/
Posted in Buyers, Home Improvement, New Construction |
