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I am here to help call me to set up a consultation to see if this is a good time for you 805-377-8994

The question is this should or will a Seller help a Buyer with thier closing cost? And does that make the Buyer less qualified to buy?

A Seller in this market does not have to pay for closing cost, usually because there are multiple offers. But those all cash offers or 20-25% down conventional Buyers are not always the best Buyer for your home….The bottom line is the money and getting the best price in the least amount of time for your home (investment)…Many Buyers in this market are first time home buyers just starting out maybe with an FHA loan or VA/CalVet loan….These Buyers are also very good and qualified Buyers….Many of these Buyers are coming in with just enough money for the down payment and need a little help with the closing cost; so they are usually willing to increase the sales price to allow for the help….If you are in a position where you the Seller is debating to take the FHA, VA/CalVet over the Conventional or CASH Buyer ask your agent to have the Buyers agent personally present the offer….This gives you the opportunity to learn a little about the Buyer you may be selecting to purchase your home….In a multilple offer situation Many Buyers agents write up cover letters telling you the Seller about thier Buyer; sometime the Buyers themselves write up a letter to try and paint a picture of who they are and why they want to buy your home….

If someone is willing to go the extra mile  and express thier intentions  and pay the same as a conventional or cash Buyer They too should be considered and not looked down upon….

Now I am going to play devils advocate….Buyers need to be aware that the Seller doesn’t have to pay for your closing cost and so If you only have the down payment you should a plan B…. Ask a family member for a gift in the event that you are unalbe to get the closing cost….Know waht your options are and have options before you begin writing offers….You will need to be prepared or you may be wasting your time…..Having an honest open level of communication with your Realtor is crucial about where the money is coming from….Your agent will fight for you and go the extra mile for you if they know exactly where you stand….If a gift is not an option don’t loose faith listien to yor agent, be more aggressive about your offering price, write a letter to the seller to be attached to the offer (this usually doesn’t work with REO properties), ask your agent if he/she can present the offer personally (Some listing agents will not allow this) to the Seller on your behalf….I always ask if I can present my offer directly….Many times I am not given the opportunity but on the occasions that I am it has always been a win win situation for all….I am given an opportunity to Sell my Buyer and my Buyers offer to the Seller….This could be the deal breaker on whether they might pay the closing cost or not….

The bottom line is don’t give up Buyers, and Sellers have an empathetic ear, we were all First Time Home Buyers at some point just starting out.

www.VenturaCountyProperties4Sale.com

I am asked on a daily basis “so how is the market, really???” my take on the real estate market in the Ventura County area is that we have already reached the bottom of the pedelum and have begun only slowly to go up….Many people think that home values are the lowest they have ever been.  ie.,  if housing prices   had averaged an annual  5% growth from 2001 to present, home values would be   less than had we not had the peak and  drastic fall….Bottom line is that prices are still higher today because of the boom…..Like I always tell my clients ” the right time  to buy and sell a home is when it’s the  time is right for you.” All things being relevent if you  sell high you buy high, and if you sell low you buy low…..

 Every client should be treated and consulted with as individuals, the market is different for everyone…Have a game plan and share your thoughts, concerns, and doubts about whether or not this is the right time for YOU, with your realtor, and make sure they have your best interest at heart…..I can be reached at 805-377-8994 or by email at forsalebycarolyn@aol.com or you can seach homes in your area on my web site at www.VenturaCountyProperties4Sale.com

It’s not to late to get in on the tax credit for home buyers….The great advantage is that you don’t have to be a first time home buyer or not have owned a home in the last 2 out of 5 years….If you have been thinking about moving up and you fall with in the guidelines regarding income for single and married persons you too can take advatage of this tax savings….There are also limits to the purchase price of the home….First time buyers qualify up to $8,000.00 tax credit while move up buyers may  qualify up to $6500.00 tax credit…. But don’t wait you will need to have a fully accepted offer and in escrow by April 30th, 2010 and close no later than July 1st, 2010 to qualify. For more information on this tax credit go to http://venturacountyproperties4sale.com/tax-credit.asp   With 12 years of experience   working with first time home  buyers/sellers to luxury home buyers/sellers you can rest assure that I listen to what your needs and dreams are and together we can make it happen…..call me/text me  805-377-8995

Welcome to Carolyn Herrera’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Oxnard. Visit my website at http://CarolynHerrera.featuredwebsite.com.