Thursday, June 26, 2014

What NOT to Do Before Buying a House


Helpful Tip For Home Buyers

  • Don't make a major purchase. This will change your credit score and possibly disqualify you from a mortgage.
  • Don't change jobs unless it's absolutely necessary. A consistent work history is crucial to lenders.
  • Don't give earnest money directly to a For Sale By Owner seller.
  • Don't forget to switch utilities. Call the utility companies before closing.
  • Don't forget to get Hazard Insurance as long before closing as possible.
  • Don't ignore lender requirements. Be absolutely clear on what the lender requires and take care of it.
  • Don't go it alone. A reliable real estate professional will help you with all the details, including the ones you didn't think of.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

FHA Appraisers- What Are They Looking For?

I attended a short seminar compliments of Hastings City Bank. They provided me with this information:

When making your list of desired improvements to your home there are some additional items you my overlook or think are too minor to add to the work. These are items that the appraiser will be looking for to make sure the property meets HUD minimum property standards and will require to be included in the improvements. While this list may not be all inclusive, looking for these items now may help reduce the extra time and effort to get additional bids after the appraisal has been received.


  • Peeling or chipping paint
  • Any signs of mold or mildew
  • All windows freely open and close
  • Missing electrical fixtures, switches/outlets and switch/outlet plates
  • Missing flooring, including missing tiles
  • Flooring that is in disrepair or heavily soiled
  • Handrails if there are more than three steps
  • Approximate remaining life of the roof (there should be at least 2 years)
  • Hot water heater- with a relief valve to the floor
  • Water stains on walls and ceilings
  • Well/Septic- separate inspection- highly recommended
  • Missing bathroom fixtures and/or cabinet doors
  • Foundation issues- if present, you will need to use the 203K Full Renovation program
  • Missing/non functioning gutters and/or downspouts
  • Missing screens on windows
  • Missing kitchen fixtures and/or cabinets
  • Damage to the exterior of the home including soffit, fascia and siding
  • Utilities should be on and checked for operation
  • Adequate caulking and weather stripping on doors and windows
  • Missing built-in appliances
  • Dampness or water in basement
  • Signs of termite damage
  • Exposed wiring
  • Missing door knobs

Monday, June 16, 2014

Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Update, Stats From May 2014


To view the full version click here.

Each market in the Grand Rapids area is different. If you'd like me to provide you with stats for your area please give me a call at 616-293-9952 or shoot me an email at lizopatic@grar.com.

Liz

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Got Pet Stains?

If you're like me and have a dog that has the occasional accident on your carpet, here is a solution to removing the stain. I have light colored carpet and it worked very well for me. I would test it out before trying a big spot on your darker color carpet.


Monday, June 2, 2014

3651 Hazelwood Ave SW, Wyoming- SOLD


$114,900, 3Bd/2Ba Single Family House, 1008 sqft.

Liz Opatic | Five Star Real Estate | 616-293-9952
3651 Hazelwood Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Move in Ready Wyoming Ranch!

3Bd/2Ba Single Family House
$114,900
Year Built 1959
Sq Footage 1008 sqft.
Bedrooms 3 Beds
Bathrooms 2 Baths
Floors 1
Parking 1 Garage
Laundry In Unit
Lot Size 8494 Square Feet

DESCRIPTION

Awesome Wyoming ranch! Spacious living room, remodeled kitchen with white cabinets, tile backsplash and ceramic tile floors, dining area with ceramic tile flooring and a slider to the patio, large master bedroom with hardwood floors, 2 additional bedrooms with hardwood floors, 2 bathrooms 1 on the main floor and 1 in the lower level, huge rec room with updated laminate flooring, 1 stall garage, fenced back yard, patio and deck area perfect for entertaining. Come see it today!
Wyoming
see additional photos below
Unit Features

- Living room- Dining room- Family room
- Range / Oven- Refrigerator- Dishwasher
- Microwave- Fenced yard- Central A/C
- Hardwood floor- Tile floor

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Contact info:
Liz Opatic
Five Star Real Estate
616-293-9952
For sale by Agent/Broker

Posted: Jun 1, 2014, 8:11pm EDT