Do I have Buying Power?

You may have probably heard the term "buying power" floating around in today's housing market. Buying power, also called purchasing power, is the value of money, as measured by the quantity and quality of products (and services) it can buy.


Buying Power!

In real estate, this term is primarily based on a couple things, interest rates and home prices; getting more home for your money.

Current Interest Rates
When interest rates are low, a buyer has the ability to purchase more home for their money than when interest rates are higher.

Home Prices
In addition to great interest rates, home prices are still low but they are rising! 

When you couple awesome low interest rates with an improving market, it's a great time to invest in a new home! 

*There is no crystal ball for the housing market.  We can't guarantee the results of an individual buyer or market area.  Please consult a real estate professional to find the best plan for you.

You're going to LOVE your home! PROJECT # 10: Go Techie

by +Sarah Marrinan - Keller Williams Premier Realty 

All the techies have been waiting patiently for this advice... It was probably #1 on their list!

PROJECT # 10. Connect your home.
When so-called “smart home” systems first came out, they were the stuff of an MTV Cribs episode, costing tens of thousands of dollars to put various home systems on a remote control. But as with all technologies, costs of connecting your home have come down – a lot. For anywhere from $200 to $2,000, you might be able to have your home’s systems wired so that you can:

• Control lighting, heating and AC remotely
• Have your HVAC systems and window coverings, for example, work in sync
• Monitor your home via video and sensors for security and other home crises (e.g., flood, etc.), no matter where you are.

The best part? Even the least expensive of these systems now is able to be run via a smartphone app. Home security providers are increasingly offering these options, and even some home internet/telephone providers have also gotten into the business of affordably connecting your home.

If you’re considering making a modest investment in a home you plan to own for a while, you’re increasingly in the norm. Studies show that over 50% of homeowners are now focusing on smaller home improvement projects that increase their enjoyment of their homes - even if they don't increase its value.

Have you recently done any of these things? I would love to see your before and after pictures if you are willing to share them with me!

Thanks for reading!
Sarah

**Looking for tips on getting your home ready to sell?  Call me at 651-964-0289 for a personal consultation!
Sarah
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How are my property taxes calculated?

by +Sarah Marrinan - Keller Williams Premier Realty 

Just wanted to give Washington county in MN kudos for providing a great online document with an example that lays out the tax calculation step by step. Totally cool for those that like an explanation of these things!

Tax rates vary depending on the City/Town, School District, and Watershed District that
the property is located in. See here: http://www.co.washington.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/3237

Then check the "How to Calculate a Property Tax" example out here:
http://www.co.washington.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/3239

Don't want to do that math? No worries!  They have a calculator! http://www.co.washington.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=1139

Happy geeking out on this one! :)

You're going to LOVE your home! PROJECT #9: PAINT

by +Sarah Marrinan - Keller Williams Premier Realty 
Maybe some of the more recent projects have sounded out of your comfort zone... or maybe you just couldn't believe I didn't come to this on earlier! :)

PROJECT # 9. Paint.
One of the most affordable ways to feel better about your home is to simply paint the rooms of your home in colors that fostered the target emotions that map to the function of the room. For instance, painting a bedroom a soft blue or green fosters tranquility and rest, while painting a kitchen or dining room a warmer shade might promote the cozy fuzzy feelings of family togetherness.

Painting can be very affordable, depending on your home’s size and details, and is a great starter do-it-yourself project, to boot.

Visit next week for the final tip in this You're going to LOVE your home series!!

**Looking for tips on getting your home ready to sell?  Call me at 651-964-0289 for a personal consultation!
Sarah
Follow Me on Twitter!

No money down you say?

Want to buy a house?  Are you lacking cash?

A Rural Development (USDA) loan could be your answer!
Of course there are some limitations on the location or the property, type/size of property and of course your income level but I have had buyers experience great pride in homeownership using this program!
Does this interest you? More here: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?Home