3 Things to Know About Negotiating a Closing/Move-In TimeLine

3 Things to Know About Negotiating a Closing/Move-in Timeline

Thu, February 18, 2016

In real estate, timing is a critical ingredient that can shape the sale. Relocation logistics, the timeliness of a lender to process a loan and even the availability of local contractors to fix things required by an inspection can drive, or delay, the closing date. Here are a few things to consider as you and your agent work to set closing and move-in dates.

1. Speed can tip the scales
Do you have your loan in hand and the flexibility to move out of your current home? Depending on the seller’s situation, this could be a tasty carrot in the negotiation process. Your agent may be able to feel out the seller’s urgency (or lack thereof) to sell and determine if they might accept a lower offer for a faster settlement.

2. Going long
Asking for a delayed settlement date, longer than 30 or 45 days, is another option, but generally less appealing to sellers. Each day is another opportunity for something to go wrong that could kill the deal. The buyer’s financial situation could change, or they might find a home they like better.

As a seller, if you are considering accepting a long closing date, an agent may suggest increasing the amount of earnest money stipulated in the contract. Also, you’ll want to consider adding the additional months’ mortgage you’ll be paying to the asking price.

3. Considering “rent backs”
Closing quickly and then renting the home back to the seller can make the schedule work for buyers or sellers who might not be able to pack up and move immediately. With this option, the buyer faces the greater risk. What if there’s a fire, a flood or a pack of crazy teenagers that run amuck during the rental period? If you consider the rent-back route as a buyer, work with your agent to develop a solid rental contract that spells out liability.

With years of negotiating experience and an in-depth knowledge of the current local market, a savvy Realtor can build a sales timeline that works to your benefit, both financially and logistically.

remax.com Attracts More Consumers Than Any Other

remax.com attracts more consumers than any other real estate franchise website.

Numbers for the first half of 2015 show that remax.com had 28,767,144 visits which
is more than any other real estate franchises beating out Century 21, Keller Williams,
Weichert and Coldwell Banker.

REMAX More Is Well More 2015

RE/MAX Of Michigan Automates Marketing for Every Listing

RE/MAX of Michigan automates marketing for every listing starting April 1.  This new system will enhance the marketing efforts of homes for sale automatically for RE/MAX United Agents and their sellers.  In return, buyers will have the ability to visit single property websites of homes they searching providing them photos, property information, school information and mortgage details.

Visit the article at Market Watch to learn more:    Automated Marketing

Spring is Here …. Along with Leaky Roofs and Flooded Basements!

Spring is set to arrive in Michigan in all its glory, which includes snow melt, heavy rain, and a slow thawing of frozen ground.  This is the time of year that many homeowners encounter the joy that is a flooded basement and leaky roofs.  A little preparation can reduce or eliminate major damage to your home.  If your home is equipped with a sump pump, make sure it is in working order by pouring a bucket of water into it and verifying it is discharging properly.  A battery back-up can also ensure the sump keeps running when you are not at home and can be purchased at local hardware or home improvement retailers.  Check your downspouts to make sure they are free of ice and snow build-up that can back water up against your foundation.  Push snow and ice away from basement windows and window wells to prevent seepage.  Gutters should be free of leaves and debris that build up in late fall and can cause water to back-up onto the roof surface or overflow the gutter into poor draining areas around your home.  If you should encounter a major problem, your REALTOR can recommend basement or restoration contractors to return your home to good condition.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at http://www.REMAX-Rockford.com.

Finding the Right Property to Build Your Dream Home

Question – – “We are planning to build our dream home and have our plans set except for the land.  What do we need to be concerned about in finding the right property?”

 REALTORS have heard this question many times over the past few months as a low supply of existing homes for sale has prompted more prospective home buyers to consider building a new home to fit their needs.  When selecting a building site there are two distinct avenues to go down:  a platted development lot or privately owned land.  In considering a developed lot your process becomes much simpler as the developer has done much of the necessary work for you.  The developer will have selected suitable building sites and surveyed the boundary lines, determined location of utility and water/sewer lines or proper location of well and septic systems.  A developer can also offer guidance on particular lots that will accommodate the type of floor plan you have in mind, as an example, if you had selected a walk-out plan would a particular lot work best for that type of construction.  When considering a privately owned property all of the above responsibilities shift to the buyer.  To accomplish proper site selection and suitability for construction a land buyer should enlist the assistance of a Realtor and a builder or excavator with knowledge of soils, gas/electric/cable/water/sewer availability, as well topography. A REALTOR will assist in determining any local zoning restrictions that may affect your building project and if the land is subject to any easements, gas or oil leases, and establish a proper value for the land and negotiate a fair price.  Often times land buyers have a vision for a piece of property that can’t be realized without proper due diligence.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at www.REMAX-Rockford.com.

Tom and Tracie Rich, RE/MAX United Named Broker/Owner of the Year

Tom and Tracie Rich of RE/MAX United have been named RE/MAX of Michigan’s Broker/Owners of the Year for 2014.

The RE/MAX of Michigan Awards Gala and Conference recognizes brokers and realtors of RE/MAX franchise offices throughout the State of Michigan.  The event was hosted by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and attended by more than 500 REALTORS, staff, and sponsors.

The Broker/Owner of the Year Award is the highest honor a RE/MAX franchisee can achieve at the event as it recognizes market performance, growth, innovation, and dedication to the brand.  The Rich’s were honored in the Medium Density Market category which is determined by the size of the population area the brokerage serves.  The award is also given to brokers in High and Low Density market areas.

Tom & Tracie also received the award in 2013 as well as being selected New Franchise of the Year in 2012.  Co-owner Tom Rich was happy to receive the award for 2014. “Honestly, we were as surprised to win as we were the year before.  The competition for the award in our market size is intense and there are many excellent RE/MAX offices throughout the state.  Winning it once is something to be proud of and winning it twice makes us want to work even harder – it sets a baseline for us.  We have many of the finest agents in the marketplace and how they represent RE/MAX United and their clients allows Tracie and I to be recognized.  We know this is an award earned not just by the owners but by the agents, staff, and our vendors.  It takes a strong team to achieve big things.”

Welcome to the RE/MAX United Blog

RE/MAX United is a community focused, customer driven, business minded real estate brokerage deeply rooted in the fabric of West Michigan. We are passionate about playing an active role in building strong neighborhoods throughout our community. Our mission is to help guide each and every client through the home buying and selling process to ensure they make wise, informed real estate investments. Our commitment to these principles have made us leaders within the RE/MAX system and in the communities we support.

We personally recruit the most dedicated and accomplished agents in the field who share our mission and love of everything West Michigan. We operate as a small business, nimble and efficient, while proudly being backed and supported by all the cutting edge technology and tools that only REMAX offers their clients.