Tag: Houses for sale in Mancos

Before you buy an older home do your homework!Before you buy an older home do your homework!

September 12, 2021September 12, 2021| Carrie SummersBefore you buy an older home do your homework!| 0 Comment| 9:23 pm

 

Thinking about buying an older home?  First and foremost get an inspection!  Inspectors might steer you towards getting the foundation inspected, electrical and plumbing inspected by licensed professionals.

Check the crawl space and attic for proper insulation.

Does the home need new windows?  Doors?

How’s the neighbor?  Barking dogs, screaming family, loud music?

How’s the landscaping?  Old trees that need trimming or taken down?

How’s the sewer lines?  Might want to get an inspector to do a sewer scope.

How’s the roof? Siding?

Do your homework before you buy and you can save yourself some money and stress.  For more tips: call Carrie Summers 970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com

First Time Home Buyer TipsFirst Time Home Buyer Tips

August 1, 2021August 1, 2021| Carrie SummersFirst Time Home Buyer Tips| 0 Comment| 4:14 pm

Thinking about buying a home?

1. Start saving early

Here are the main costs to consider when saving for a home:

  • Down payment: Your down payment will depend on the type of mortgage you choose and the lender. Some conventional loans aimed at first-time home buyers with excellent credit allow as little as 3% down. But even a small down payment can be challenging to save. For example, a 3% down payment on a $300,000 home is $9,000. Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings to get started.  There are also loans with 0% down.  This is different than Earnest Money that shows the seller that you are earnestly proceeding with purchase.  

  • Closing costs: These are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your mortgage, and they typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. You can ask the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs, and you can save on some expenses, such as home inspections, by shopping around. 

2. Decide how much home you can afford

Figure out how much you can safely spend on a house before starting to shop.  Check out NerdWallet’s home affordability calculator.

3. Check and strengthen your credit

Your credit score will determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and affect the interest rate lenders will offer. Take these steps to strengthen your credit score to buy a house:

 

  • Get free copies of your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — and dispute any errors that could hurt your score.

 

  • Pay all your bills on time, and keep credit card balances as low as possible.

 

  • Keep current credit cards open. Closing a card will increase the portion of available credit you use, which can lower your score.

 

4.  Research First Time Buyer Assistance Programs.

5.  Shop around for lenders and compare fees.

  • Not all lenders are the same.  Some lenders are offering free appraisal if home doesn’t appraise.  Appraisal fees are paid out of pocket very soon after getting a home under contract and are about $700.  You want to know exactly what the lender will charge for a loan. Roughly it’s about $5000 and that charge will be built into the loan as well as your property insurance and taxes.

6.  Get prequalifed before looking for a home!

  • Many buyers start looking and they find a home they would like to purchase however it’s already under contract before they can get a prequalification letter.

Stuck at HomeStuck at Home

May 5, 2020May 5, 2020| Carrie SummersStuck at Home| 0 Comment| 4:32 pm

Stuck at home, and spending way too much time on the internet?  Go to MancosHomes.com and start dreaming about your new home!  Then start working on the outside of your home!  First impressions are huge!  Declutter, and fix things and get ready to sell your home!  Need help?  I’m here 970-759-2540

The Right Smell Can Help You Sell Your HomeThe Right Smell Can Help You Sell Your Home

March 25, 2019March 25, 2019| Carrie SummersThe Right Smell Can Help You Sell Your Home| 0 Comment| 4:22 pm

Every home smells like something.  It could be the fish you just cooked last night or the cookies.  People can remember smells with 65% accuracy after a year.  Visual recall, on the other hand, is only about 50% after 3 months.  During one of our realtor tours several years ago, I went into a home that had such a strong cat odor. I still remember it like it was yesterday.  All of the realtors walked in the door and immediately went outside.

If you are going to sell your home, the deep cleaning you do will help with the smells.

~ wash pet beds and clean litter boxes then put in garage

~ put muddy boots in garage and in a bag

~wash curtains

~have carpet professionally cleaned

So what kind of smells help sell your homes?  Just don’t put a freshener.  Some of them, are too potent and are offensive.  I suggest simply cracking a window.  If it’s warm outside, leave the door open.  Fresh air is just that fresh!  Research also shows that homes that smell of lemon, orange, vanilla, pine, cedar and cinnamon can help you sell.  You can put a few essential oil drops around the home or use a diffuser prior to a showing.  Just remember to turn off the diffuser.  No one wants to see a diffuser, since people might think “what are they trying to cover up?”

You want the potential buyer to linger in your home, so I suggest baking cookies for them and having cups of water.  Leave a note that says “Enjoy”.

New Year, New View?New Year, New View?

January 3, 2019January 3, 2019| Carrie SummersNew Year, New View?| 0 Comment| 10:50 pm

Happy New Year!  It’s been a great snow season!  At my house I have 16 inches of settled snow, so perfect for cross country skiing and snow shoeing out my front door.  Do you need a new home in 2019?  Maybe the kids are at an age that they need their own room, or maybe you are an empty nester and need to downsize.  Unsure how to proceed?

I will come and give you a free market analysis on your current home, help you find a perfect home for you and make sure you are making a wise investment!  I’ll even orchestra the move!  Yes, I’ve been known to pack boxes, clean out barns, and  do windows!

I’m here to help!  I’ve lived here almost 29 years and would love to help you!!  970-759-2540 MancosHomes.com

Should I sell in the Fall?Should I sell in the Fall?

September 4, 2018September 4, 2018| Carrie SummersShould I sell in the Fall?| 0 Comment| 2:19 pm

Should I sell my home in the Fall?  This is a question I’m asked frequently. Many people think that the best time to sell a house is in the Spring.  Here’s some things to consider.

1.  Less Competition- Usually the homes that were for sale in the Spring have sold, if they were priced right.  Simple supply and demand.  If there are fewer homes on the market, you will be getting more showings, which result in more offers  and ultimately top dollar for your home.

2.  Faster Transactions- Since appraisers and banks are not swamped, this means a quicker turn around on getting loans approved.

3.  Serious Buyers-  There are always buyers.  Your Realtor should be able to price your home right by doing a complete market analysis, and by having professional photography this will make your home stand out.  Don’t forget curb appeal and that first impression is very important.

I’d love to sit down with you and discuss the pros and cons.  If you are overwhelmed thinking about selling I can help.  I can orchestra cleaning and all the details to help you sell your home less stressful.

Thinking of Selling?Thinking of Selling?

February 28, 2018February 28, 2018| Carrie SummersThinking of Selling?| 0 Comment| 4:22 pm

Have you been thinking of selling?  Here are 4 signs that now is the right time.

  1. You can afford to move.  Sure, when you sell your home you will have money but do you have the money now to help you get top dollar for your home?   Tips to making your home look it’s best:
  • Paint is the #1 investment. Buyers love the clean look.
  • Curb appeal- Need to do some minor repairs?
  • Kitchen and Bathrooms- upgrade faucets and fixtures.
  • Declutter
  1. Your current home doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Do you need more space or is it time to downsize?  Do you like your neighborhood?  Have you been daydreaming of building or been looking at other homes?
  2. How’s the market?  Do you know if there are buyers looking for your type of home?  How long will your home be on the market till it sells? Did your neighbor’s home sell quickly?
  3. How much is your house worth? Do you have enough equity in your home that once you sell, you can buy another?

Selling your home is a big decision.  Want to know what your home is worth? Call me for a free market analysis.  I also have a seller’s guide to help make the transition smoother.  One thing I offer my clients is that I will help you get your place ready to sell by orchestrating handymen, cleaners and even provide the trailer.  I look forward to helping you.

Shortage of Homes for SaleShortage of Homes for Sale

February 7, 2018February 7, 2018| Carrie SummersShortage of Homes for Sale| 0 Comment| 4:51 pm

If you are looking to sell, now is a great time.  Inventory of homes in the Mancos area are super low.  Currently, there are only 3 homes on the market in the $300k-$400k range!  That’s a 3 bedroom/2 bath home with some acreage.  With the weather being sunny and warm there are buyers looking.  Why wait to list your home this summer when there is more competition?

If you would like to know what your home is worth, just give me a call for a free market analysis.  I’m here to help.