Here’s All The Proof You Need That Owning A Home Is Better Than Renting(Humor)

Here’s All The Proof You Need That Owning A Home Is Better Than Renting

Sep 9, 2015

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By Sarah D'Hondt  |  

This is for all you renters out there. Ever wake up at 2am to the wonderful sound of your upstairs neighbors dragging what sounds like their refrigerator across the living room? You know it’s probably not their fridge, but seriously, don’t you wonder what’s REALLY going on up there?!
Well you’re in luck because this video unveils the mystery behind the age-old question, “What in the world are my upstairs neighbors DOING???”

Via Facebook | Above Average Productions

Sound about right?
Wouldn’t you love some privacy, peace & quiet, and not have to deal with rude, loud and inconsiderate neighbors? How about that rent money going to waste every month? Dealing with a landlord and waiting forever for the maintenance people to fix the plumbing?

If you’re done with the loud music, loud televisions, loud sex, and loud fights, call your local Realtor and start enjoying the peacefulness of homeownership for a change.
I could list a hundred reasons why owning a home is better than renting, but not having to deal with inconsiderate neighbors would be in the top three! Saving money and building equity would be #1, and having a home to do whatever you want with is #2. Besides, when you aren’t sharing walls with neighbors, you can be as loud and obnoxious as you want!

Get out of renting and into owning your own home!  Call Jodi Toebe REMAX 262-352-0484.

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home

Sat, October 3, 2015
           

Research has shown that buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events — right up there with filing for bankruptcy or getting a divorce. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose your agent carefully
An experienced pro will be prepared for every twist in the road, minimizing stress for you.

2. Home buyers: List before looking
Create and prioritize a list of “wants” and “needs” of home features before you begin touring properties. Waiting to think about what you’re truly looking for in a home until the showing will put you on the spot, creating anxiety.

3. Home buyers: Get mortgage preapproval
Having your finances ready eliminates white-knuckled waiting periods, or unpleasant surprises from lenders after you’ve found your dream home.

4. Don’t take things personally
It’s not you, it’s them. Or the market. Or the lender. Try not to take it personally if buyers value your home for less than what you’re asking, or if a seller rejects what you believe is a perfectly reasonable offer.

5. Keep things in perspective
Consider the worst-case scenario. Will you have to forage for food? Will you need to sell a kidney? Probably not. Other buyers will eventually materialize. Or you’ll find another home you love just as much as the one that got away.

6. Focus on something else
Give yourself a break and indulge in an activity that requires the undivided attention of your body and mind. Yoga lessons, anyone?

7. Find a four-legged friend
Petting and playing with animals is clinically proven to lower your blood pressure. And they won’t interrupt if you need to vent.

Talking things through with your Realtor is another way to de-stress. Call Jodi Toebe REMAX 262-352-0484 to help you take the stress out of your transaction.

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

Mon, October 26, 2015
           

Surveys show that first-time buyers aren’t aware of how much they need to save for a down payment. Many people believe that buying a home requires they put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price, but down payments aren’t as big of an obstacle as people think. For example, a loan through the Federal Housing Administration could require a down payment as low as 3.5 percent; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have similarly low requirements.

If you qualify for a loan with a low down payment but still have trouble coming up with the cash, here are a few of the many programs out there that can help. Do some research to find out what’s available in your area.

1. Help getting down
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives community development block grants to states and local governments across the country to help revitalize certain areas. HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is one such program. States often have their own programs for down payment assistance, too.

2. Opening up options for closing
The Federal National Mortgage Association, a.k.a. Fannie Mae, designed the HomePath Ready Buyer program to attract new homebuyers to the market. Through the program, qualifying first-time homebuyers can get assistance of up to 3 percent of closing costs after they pass an online homeownership course.

3. Making ownership less taxing
Some state governments provide first-time buyers with a tax credit to boost homeownership.

4. Helping heroes
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Service helps veterans or surviving spouses obtain better terms for their mortgage by guaranteeing a portion of the loan. Some VA mortgages require no down payment.

Check the National Council of State Housing Agencies for more opportunities available in your state.
A buyer’s agent will be able to help you find the programs that operate in your area and are appropriate to your financial situation. A great agent is easy to find here.  Call Jodi Toebe RE/MAX 262-352-0484.

5 Scary Home Selling Myths

5 Scary Home Selling Myths

Wed, October 28, 2015
           

It’s the season for celebrating all that's scary. Creepy costumes, eerie tunes, haunted houses. They can be downright frightening. But don’t let these common myths about selling your home terrify you.

1. Scary myth: You should sell your home in the spring or summer.
Truth: There’s no need to wait until you see the first buds on trees to sell your home. People need to buy homes and move during all times of the year – and for all sorts of reasons. It's true that families with kids often plan around the school year when they're looking to move. But there are so many more factors you’ll need to consider when planning to sell. And there are so many more types of homebuyers – young professionals, retirees, investors. So sell your home when you're ready

2. Scary myth: Online estimates for pricing a home are accurate.
 Truth: If only it were so easy to determine the best price for your home with the mere click of a button. But estimated sale prices online take only so many factors into consideration. What can be overlooked are local factors, such as growth and demand. An agent who's familiar with your area really is best suited to help you put the online estimate in perspective and determine the most competitive list price for your home.

3. Scary myth: List your home high to leave room for negotiating.
Truth: Listing high may scare off buyers who are searching for properties at your home's actual market value. And pricing high may delay the final sale and leave your home sitting on the market much longer than it would be if it was priced correctly. Also, an unusually long period on the market and multiple price reductions can give buyers the wrong impression that your home might not be selling because it has major flaws.

4. Scary myth: The outside’s not as important as the inside.
Truth: Curb appeal is critical. How will buyers ever appreciate your home’s spectacular interior if they’re so turned off by the shabby exterior that they drive right on by? A great first impression starts outside.

5. Scary myth: You don’t need a Realtor.
Truth: Trying to sell your home on your own can turn into a true horror show. There's a lot at stake between the money you risk leaving on the table by listing at the wrong price, ineffective negotiations, the pitfalls of incomplete or inaccurate paperwork, and legal issues involved in a home sale.

Find a local RE/MAX agent who can help you keep the horror out of selling your home.  Call Jodi Toebe RE/MAX 262-352-0484. 

How to make moving easier on your kids!

Books About Moving to Read to Your Kids

Fri, November 27, 2015
           

Moving to a new home, a new neighborhood and a new school can be tough for kids. Luckily, a variety of children’s books are out there to help parents explain things, add some fun and hopefully alleviate fears.
Here are a few classics – and you can post your favorite children's book titles about moving in the comments section below:

1. “Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” by Judith Viorst
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995
Poor Alexander. First, the kid had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Now, his family is moving! Just like your kids, Alexander has to say goodbye to some special places and people, but with the help of his parents he learns to make the most of the situation.
2. “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Random House Books for Young Readers, 1981
Little Brother Bear’s pretty worried about moving, and more than a little scared. Kids can relate to his apprehension, and hopefully his positive change of view as moving day gets closer.
3. “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1987
A little hermit crab has outgrown his shell and needs to find a bigger one – and new friends to help decorate it. This book will reassure kids that it will be easy to make new friends in their new town.
4. “Tigger’s Moving Day” by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld
Disney, 1999
Tigger needs a place with more bouncing room! His friends aren’t as close to his new house, but they still come and visit. A story to help kids understand they’ll still be able to hold on to old connections.
5. “Goodbye House” by Frank Asch
Moonbear Books, 1989
This book is a terrific way to talk about moving with preschoolers. After the moving van is packed, a little bear returns to say farewell to his old house, saying goodbye to everything, except, of course, the memories.

Other favorites include: “Big Dan’s Moving Van,” by Leslie McGuire, “Neville,” by Norton Juster, “The Moving House” by Mark Siegel, “I’m Not Moving, Mama” by Nancy White Carlstrom, and “The Leaving Morning,” by Angela Johnston.
Looking to a move to a neighborhood that’s great for kids (and parents)? Find a local RE/MAX agent who can help.

Call Jodi Toebe Remax 262-352-0484

Real Estate Agent humor

Real Estate Agent humor with Jodi Toebe. Jodi has 3 kids that keep her on her toes, so sometimes a good laugh at the "office" is needed.

Contact Jodi Toebe today for your real estate needs.

Captures The Stress Of Preparing Your Home For A Showing

This Video Perfectly Captures The Stress Of Preparing Your Home For A Showing

Nov 14, 2015

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By Lighter Side Staff  |  

Youtube sensation Chris Fleming plays the character Gayle Waters-Waters, a mom that completely loses it while preparing for company to come over. There’s a little bit of every mom in this performance.

But if you work in real estate, or have ever sold your home, you can appreciate this on whole ‘nother level…

… because you know there’s nothing quite as stressful as having to whip your home into tip-top shape so you can (hopefully) sway potential buyers who are about to stroll through for a showing or open house.

Watch it, love it, and send it to your mom. Or your favorite real estate agent. Or anybody with a sense of humor, really. It’s that relatable.

Via Chris Fleming

If you can relate to that hilarious video.  Contact Jodi Toebe 262-352-0484