Buy or Rent Your Next Home?

Let’s explore both renting and buying your home, and see where the real advantages are. 

What are some advantages to renting? Well, you can pick up and move at a moment’s notice – assuming you give the landlord proper notification. To move quickly, though, you may have to spend money to repair the place back to original condition, if you want to get your security deposit back. You also don’t have to worry about most of the maintenance, as the owner gets to pick up that expense. If you’re really lucky, you won’t have to pay for some utilities.

Buying, on the other hand, gives you a number of serious advantages. Most people are unaware that owning a home can be less expensive than renting - and usually gets you money back at the end of the year. In a Forbes.Com article, Trulia chief economist Jed Kolko determined that owning a home is cheaper than renting in all 100 metro areas. That’s impressive.

OK, let’s start with the things you might already know about owning a home. You probably know that equity typically grows over time with home ownership. It’s like having someone pay you for simply owning something. Unless you have art, or precious metals, it’s hard to find something that pays you for owning it.

Additionally, you own the land. Do what you want with it; it’s yours! Even though the mortgage includes it, land is usually valued separately from the house, so you have that as an investment, as well. If you want to add a pool, you get to make that decision, not your landlord. Want an English garden? Go for it!

You have the keys to the castle, so no one is going to get cranky if you paint your kitchen in your favorite color, or decide to install berber carpet throughout the house. Not all considerations are monetary. Sometimes it’s all about freedom to do your own thing.

Now let’s get down to what you might not know about owning a house, and how it pays you.

• Your interest paid on the house is tax deductible.
• Your real estate property tax is tax deductible.
•  Insurance on your property is tax deductible.
•  If you operate a home business from your home, that space is also tax deductible.

Since most of your starting payments, and for about 10 years afterward, are interest heavy, you will have quite the deduction. Add your insurance and property tax to your deductible, and you have a sizable little bit of money coming back at the end of the year. This isn’t going to happen when you pay rent.

Another nice benefit, if you meet the requirements, is that you can avoid the capital gains taxes when you sell your home. That can make for a sizable chunk of change.

So, what’s stopping you from getting a home? In most cases it’s a lack of knowledge about the benefits, or a lack of down payment. In some cases it’s a credit score keeping someone out of the market.

What if someone told you that there were loans where you could finance the down payment? And even if your credit is bad, there are ways to raise your credit score, by both your doing and with outside help, to a point where you could buy a house.

There are real estate companies that can help with some of these things, but Shaffer Realty can help with all of them. When you’re ready to look for a home, jump to our web site at www.shafferrealtyllc.com or call us at 844-436-2785.

Condo VS Single Family Home

Choices. Choices. If it’s not one thing it’s another. So, let’s visit the age-old question - condo, or single family home? As with anything else, it depends. It depends on what you’re looking for, and willing to put up with in a dwelling. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each, and hopefully we can help you make up your mind.

First, let’s look at the condo life. Condos are popular, and getting even more popular. There’s a reason for that - they’re affordable. If this is your choice for a first home, you’re in good company. Per the National Association of Realtors, roughly 12% of home sales are condos, and growing. That said, let’s look at the good and the bad of owning a condo.

The Good:

·       The exterior of the building, the pool, the lawn and the landscaping are owned by the condo association. That means you don’t have to maintain it. This is great if you’re a busy person, or really dislike maintenance.

·      They are usually less expensive than a similar single family home. There’s a reason for that, you only own what’s within the walls.

·      Everyone knows your name. You guessed it; they all know what’s going on at your condo, because they’re close by. This is good, as they can keep an eye on things while you’re gone.

The Bad:

·      While they are affordable, it also means you’re probably not going to get as much out of it as you would a single family home when the time comes to sell it.

·      You will get hit with special assessment fees when the exterior areas need special work – think new roofs, siding or pool repair work, etc. These fees can be somewhat surprising.

·      The condo association gets to say what you can do to the property. Just because you like a certain kind of flowers doesn’t mean you get to plant them. If you don’t like rules, this can be quite trying.

·      Everyone knows your name. Yes, this can have a downside – if you’re a private person, or you have an unruly neighbor.

Now, let’s look at single family homes. Like condos, they have a good and bad side, according to what you’re expecting from owning one.

The Bad:

·      You own everything! And you’re responsible for all of the maintenance, so make it happen.

·      

     Home owners associations, like condo boards, can be a pain. Try one little thing they don’t like, and they can get cranky.

·      It’s going to cost you more initially, and in the long run, to own everything about your home.

The Good:

·      You own everything! Which means there’s usually a lot more of everything. This can be very helpful when you’re in need of space. When you need extra storage, you can build a storage area on your property. Need extra rooms? Build them. That’s not going to happen with a condo.

·      You get to park your car where you want – it’s your property. No more worries about making sure you have your parking permit in the windshield, or making sure your guests have a permit. No more unexpected tows. Go crazy! Park in the yard!

·      Personalize it to your heart’s content. The outside of your home is a canvas waiting for you to make a personal statement. Go for it.

·      Think equity. More appreciation and value, because you own the house, the land, and everything on it.

·      No special assessments from a condo board. Yeah! 

     Hopefully this article gave you some needed info. With any luck we’ve managed to help you with your decision. When you want to look at either one, feel free to call us, or drop by our site. www.Shafferrealtyllc.com  800 436 2785

Many Devices. One Way to Update.

There are two things we probably have way too many of – lists, and old smart devices. They just seem to multiply. Fortunately, one is the cure for the other.

There are apps out there that let you keep lists. There are devices with built in list apps. And there are paper lists. Most times you are simply editing yet another list, which duplicates some other list, and another one on another device, until you get sick of updating all those lists and give up on the whole thought of keeping fun or important lists. It doesn’t have to be this way.

While you will probably always have older, outdated devices around – assuming, like me, you hang on to them; you actually only need one good list program. List programs run the gamut. I happen to use a connected list program by Google called Keep. It allows me to post a note, or list, across my known electronic universe with one simple entry. There are other list and note programs that do just that, so don’t be afraid to try them. Whatever keeps you organized.

Here’s the great part. The more old devices you have lying around, the more likely you are to update lists or notes to yourself – and family members, too, if they’re using these devices. Because these devices can all access your wireless, they are still useful as a networked device when you set up an account for just that purpose. They don’t have to be connected to a phone plan to work on wireless.

I have an old tablet I now use in the kitchen almost exclusively. I look up recipes, add to my grocery list, and watch the occasional YouTube video whilst waiting for the coffee to finish.  There is also another tablet there for someone else, in case I’m hogging the other one when prepping dinner from a recipe site.

I have an old smart phone I use as a remote for all of the electronics in the living room. You guessed it, there’s an app for that. Additionally, if I think of something to add to the grocery list, I can add it from that “remote” because it’s a phone that connects to wireless. Which updates the Google Keep app on every device.

In the bedroom there’s an old touch screen TV, with a built-in chrome browser. Guess which apps I have installed? Yep. Google Keep and Google Documents. It also allows me to review and edit documents in Google documents. If I get a phone call concerning a document from work, I can pull it right up, make the changes and have it ready when I get to the office. All from old devices “littering” my otherwise spotless house.

The key takeaway here is that you only need to have one list/document app, but to make this thing called the cloud truly functional, you’re going to need multiple devices. Chances are good, you already have them. And I know you’ve got a list out there that needs updating. If not, here’s a few list suggestions:        

• Fun things you would like to do with $1000.00
• Gift ideas I’ve run across while shopping
• Great finds on the internet to share
• What can I accomplish while waiting on something else to finish
• Books I need to read
• Great ideas

Drop by and find a new home for all of your old devices: Shaffer Realty

Upgrades For That Perfect Home

After searching for months, you just closed on that perfect home. And now that you’ve had a chance to move in and look around, something still seems amiss. We get that. So, we thought we’d help out with a few ideas on how to make that house a home.


Much like outdoor kitchens, the fire pit seems to have become one of the most sought after additions to homes, lately. And who can blame people for this? These range from the simple DIY models, to elaborate set ups with swings and theatres.  Before you build, just measure carefully. Sometimes the area you have available to create that perfect relaxation spot seems to appear larger when we’re planning and shopping. Click here for ideas:

As with anything in today’s world, we are nothing if not technology based. That said, how many times have you had to charge a tablet, phone or digital device, only to be stymied by the lack of a charger or transformer to fit your device? Well, if you have a USB cable, you’re in luck – if you install USB hubs throughout the house. The good news is that they’re inexpensive and you can still use 110V plugs at the same time. Here’s a few ideas to get you started. You can get them in surface mount, as well as built in models, to replace your present outlets (which is actually quite simple to do.) Click here for ideas:

Solar Exterior LED Lighting isn’t new, but it has become brighter and even more energy efficient. It’s no surprise that it’s becoming a must-have for homes today. While you can get good efficiency from plug-in LED lighting, the best efficiency is still “free.” Solar lighting is the key to lower utility bills. With the variety available, it’s easier than ever to make your home safer, as well as even more attractive. Click here for ideas:

Electronic locks make for a safe home. Key codes mean never having to put a spare key in the mailbox, or under a rock. Electronic home locks vary. Some use finger prints for access, whereas others use key codes. Still others use magnetic codes. These locks are not only stylish enough to go on just about any door, but they’ll keep you from ever being locked out again.  Click here for ideas:

Laundry Pedestals make your life easier. Newer washer and dryer sets are front load. This means you’re bending over more than ever to get at your laundry. Stop bending over; get a pedestal for your laundry set. While manufacturers do make pedestals to match your set, you can also build your own to accommodate your height, or working style. Click here for ideas:

This is one of our favorites. The fold-flat garage work bench serves dual purposes. While giving you the freedom to pursue your hobbies, it also gives you back the space you would normally lose to such a big garage addition. Like everything else we’ve discussed, it comes in so many versions, it’s hard to choose just the right one. That said, click here for ideas:

We’ll be posting other articles on upgrades for your home, soon. Be sure share the link and drop by again. You can visit us any time right here: Shaffer Realty LLC

What You Really Have To Do To Sell That Home

First the good news – the market is getting better, and it will be easier to sell that house. Now the bad news. You will probably still have a hard time moving that home if you don’t follow certain steps.

De-clutter

As you might expect, we’re going to tell you one of those things you hear all the time – clear the clutter for a faster sale. And while you should obviously clean the house before a showing, we’re talking about the emotional clutter so often associated with a home. Yes, you’re going to have many memories that happened in that home, but unless you can put this aside, it can hamper you from showing your home, or moving through the stages of selling a home. Subconsciously, you may not be ready to leave those memories behind. Determine for certain that you’re emotionally ready to let go, and you’ll do a much better job of following through with all of the necessary steps to sell your home.

Worth It

Determine what your house is really worth. Unless you’re in a seller’s market, pricing your home way above the market’s selling price will drive away offers you might get at actual market price. Again, we go back to emotional attachments. Just because your home has an English garden you love doesn't make it more valuable than your neighbor’s house with a simple back yard. If anything, it might even be a detriment to people who will have to re-landscape the area to suit their tastes. To see what Listed vs. Sold pricing looks like in your zip code, you can always find market analysis on your agent’s site. Research is always worth it.

De-clutter More

Now let’s talk clutter again. Your yard should look the part. It should be just as inviting as the interior of your home, which by now, you already know has to look good for a showing. Stand back and take a good look at the area as you approach it. It goes without saying that the toys in the yard need to be picked up, but does it look maintained? Are there worn paths, or obvious bare spots in the lawn? Are there dead or dying bushes? Do the bushes look over grown? If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to act. Take a picture of the front lawn from different angles, and give them a critical review. Add greenery where it looks bare, and maintain the existing elements. In short, make it inviting. If need be, take your pics to a garden center to ask for recommendations.

Get the Picture

Get photos. Lots of photos. While you have your home cleaned and staged to perfection, get pictures from as many angles as possible. Get a wide angle lens, get on a ladder, and get the pics no one else has. If you have the means, hire a pro for your pictures, and get those photos - lots of them! The reason for this is that you aren't always going to be able to accommodate every viewing request; we know that, but having them on a web site can go a long way toward maintaining buyer interest when you can’t accommodate a last-minute viewing. 

That Uniqueness

Find the unique, and play it up. Every home has something about it that makes it special. Whether it’s that large, walk-in pantry, or unexpected spaciousness, there is something great about your home – or you wouldn't have bought it. Sometimes it’s outside the home. The school district may be amazing, or simply the neighborhood itself that makes the area a great place to live. Sit down and make a list of all the great things about your house, and it will make it easier to talk about when you’re showing your home. Uniqueness is there, you just have to look for it.

Find an Agent

Unlike other sales you can probably handle yourself, let’s face it, you call professionals to do technical jobs. Chances are good you don’t have a background in selling real estate. It takes certain resources, connections and availability to make the sale of a home nearly flawless. If you want to get more for your home, and you don’t know the intricacies of real estate sale, get an agent. Because there are lots more important steps in selling a home that go beyond this basic list, and your real estate agent is going to know them, this is probably one of the most important of those steps. Find your agent here: shafferrealtyllc.com 

7 Steps to finding your perfect home - in a great area!

While there are quite a few steps to find your perfect home in an ideal area, let’s look at the basics.  First, determine what you really want from the area you want to live in. The criteria for couples with children are going to be completely different from the needs of retiring singles. It should be noted that even if great scenery is plentiful in the area you chose, it makes no sense to move there if the area doesn’t have much else of interest to you. If you like 4 seasons, you probably don’t want to move to Florida. If you like to climb mountains in your spare time, you’re not going to be happy in the Kansas. That said, the first - and usually forgotten - step is always to determine what you expect to from an area.

Lists are absolutely important

Go so far as to sit down and create a ranked list of the activities you want available. This exercise allows you to determine what’s downright necessary to live in a particular area vs. what’s simply nice to have. You should also note that each upside can have a downside. If you want to live in the city, you get to tolerate traffic. Rural living, while usually less expensive, will take you away from essential services and requires a longer commute. Be specific. If you’re too general, you’ll have to live with the consequences. “Great views” is way too general when you actually mean “river views.” It’s now time to look over that extensive list and rank them with a number for must haves vs. niceties.

With that done, let’s make a list of what you would have to have in your home before you’ll move there. Some folks have to have a mud/laundry room. Others require a walk-in closet, or wine storage. Again, you’ll need to be specific; if you need a space to build out a home brewery, this is the place to list it. Now, just as we did before, pare it down to what you can’t do without.

How much home can you really afford?

OK, you've done the fun part of this exercise; now let’s get down to the hard part. Before you so much as step out the door to look at a home, find a lender and see how much you can actually afford before you go hunting. It’s never a happy moment when you discover that perfect home that meets all of your criteria, and you think it’s what you can afford - but your lender disagrees. Avoid this whole situation by doing a pre-qualification, or go through the complete lender qualification process. This will save you from broken dreams.

Use your connections

Whether on your desktop, tablet or phone; your internet connections can make your home hunting so much easier. Unless you just really like driving, you no longer have to go from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for those elusive open house signs. There are any number of places to see a home on the net. If you already have an agent, use their site to look for homes that match your criteria. Compare the properties you want to see to their list of open houses for the week. Your life just got so much easier.

Spend some time

Once you go through the qualification process (you did do this, right?), you’ll want to spend time in the neighborhood you intend on moving into. Drive through it at different times, and see what happens there during different hours. Get out of the car and just listen. You’ll be surprised at the difference between the morning and evening hours. Don’t be shy. If you see neighbors out, tell them about your intended move, and ask them about their area. Nobody knows a neighborhood like the people who live there.

Time for a vacation

If you’re moving to distant location, and you have time, vacation there first. You shouldn't be surprised at the difference between the travel brochures and the reality of a location. As we said above, spend some time in your intended neighborhoods. It will seem like a working vacation, but this is where you’re going to live for a period of time. If you’re still excited about an area after you've spent time there, you could be well on your way to a great experience.

Experience matters

Choose an experienced, local agent. You may already have an agent where you live now, but you need “boots on the ground” in the area you want to live. Find your local agent there, and you’re a step ahead of the game. They’ll know the big picture about the area you want to move to, as well as the nuances only locals know about. Your new agent will want to know about your needs, which is the reason all that work above is necessary. You will now be able to talk about, or send, your requirements and qualifications to your agent in a prepared manner. This alone should take some angst out of finding a new home. Again, don’t be shy. Ask questions; ask for references. They expect this, and should be happy to answer your questions.

Come see us

If you've managed to read this far, chances are good you are seriously considering a move. That’s where we come in. Our website is easy to use, and has links you need for finding an agent, pre-qualifying, or finding a lender. If you’re not there already, just drop by www.Shafferrealtyllc.com to see what we do to help make your search easier. If you’re in the area on vacation, please feel free to stop by at 582 Lynnhaven Pkwy, 4th Floor, VirginiaBeach, VA 23452. We can help  - every step of the way.