If your income has increased, you are probably thinking about moving up in your life style. Your dream home is now within reach. The best financial strategy is to sell your existing home first before making an offer on your new home even if you are considering new construction. It is taking resale homes about 6 months to sell in the current market which makes this a “buyer’s market”. You will strengthen your financial position by having an accepted offer on your old house before buying the new one. Additionally, builders/sellers will look more favorably at your offer if you do not make the purchase of your dream home contingent upon the sale of your old home. Case in point, I had a family put their home up for sale by owner before they contacted me to help find them a new custom home on the west side. I suggested that they first sell their existing home before making an offer on a new home. They decided to ignore my advice and made an offer with the help of the builder’s representative (who ONLY represents the builder) on a custom home which included a hefty builder’s deposit up front of $5000. They moved into the new home five months later but are now carrying two notes as their old home has not sold after nearly a year. They are now considering renting the old home for a fraction of their outstanding mortgage. Call me today if you are in a similar situation. Yvonne A. Russell, REALTOR® RE/MAX Associates 10940 Ben Crenshaw, Suite C El Paso, Texas 79935 CELL (915) 873-8646 | (888) 845-2408 |FAX (915) 594-9253 Russell-Realtor El Paso Preferred Lenders Free MLS Access JD Power Survey-”Top Rate Real Estate Agent” Add Comment Step 1 – Before you start your home search
You should make a list of must-haves like a large backyard or eat-in-kitchen. Get an idea of what school districts and neighborhoods you'd like to live in. If you are not familiar with the area, call an expert real estate Buyer’s Agent. Lastly, create a budget. The most common rule of thumb is to limit your purchase to not more than 33% of your monthly income. Step 2 – Talk to a Buyer’s real estate agent As a Buyer’s agent I have a duty to represent you and only you in the transaction. I'd be happy to schedule a time to meet with you and communicate with you about why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your plans for the future. We'll discuss neighborhoods, schools in the El Paso area, the mortgage industry, and any additional economic factors that may affect your purchase. I can also help you begin the loan process. There are some excellent mortgage professionals in El Paso. They can help you determine which type of loan is best for you, as well as help you get pre-qualified. Fort Bliss Off-Base Housing shortage 07/28/2011
If you are looking for off-base housing in close proximity to Fort Bliss- look no further. With El Paso’s booming population growth comes a large inventory of new homes. But maybe you are not sure where to start your search. Then contact an RE/MAX Exclusive Buyer’s Agent. A Buyer’s Agent is experienced with the El Paso- Fort Bliss Real Estate Market and is best equipped to assist homebuyers. Do not make the mistake of driving around until you find and open model without consulting with a Home Buyer’s Agent first. The agent at the open house DOES NOT represent you and will not be advising you on your best options. They are hired to move the existing homes off the market on terms that are best for the Seller (Builder).  How to Give a Contemporary Look to your Home 07/27/2011
How to give a Contemporary Look to Your Home
Staging your home with a Contemporary flare will open your home to more El Paso buyers by giving your home a welcoming and attractive appeal. Whether your home is vacant or you are still occupying your home the following tips will help sell your home faster and at a higher price. * De-personalize your home by removing your photo montage or personal taste-specific decor. (Read More) How to Find a Top Rated Real Estate Agent 07/20/2011
Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself: 
If your answer to any of these questions was YES! then you aren't working with the right Exclusive Buyer's Agent. Get Informed - Real Estate Secrets Exposed 07/19/2011
Today’s home buyer should always question their “so called” real estate agent’s loyalty, competency and advocacy. Home buyers need to be aware of their agent’s duties and what the law says they must the home buyer. Why Dual Agency should be illegal  The number one goal of the real estate agent is to sell the home at the HIGHEST possible price. The number one goal of any home buyer is to buy the home at the LOWEST possible price. So if you are buying a home, call an exclusive buyer's agent. They will have a responsibility to represent only the buyer. Do you see why you should hire your own agent and not use the same agent that is already representing the Seller? You may be wondering how much it will cost you to get your own agent. You do not have to pay the Exclusive Buyer’s Agent a dime until you close. Then and only then is the agent paid out of the proceeds of the sale*. *The information provided herein is specific to the state of Texas and may vary in other states. Disclaimer: User assume all risk and responsibility for his/her decision to use the information provided by herein. The information provided here by Russell-Realtor’s is not legal advice and you should always consult your attorney. Russell-Realtor and all related services are offered "as is" and Russell-Realtor.com disclaims any express or implied warranties including, without limitation, any warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Advantages of Buying a New Home 06/22/2011
Low maintenance costs
New homes come with everything new, which means fewer repairs on appliances, carpet and siding, giving you more free time to enjoy your home and your family. Warranties There is usually a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Many builders also offer insured structural warranties for ten years. Home Much House Can I Afford 06/20/2011
HOME MUCH HOUSE CAN I AFFORD
About 99 percent of home buyers borrow money to buy their home. Even if you did not fall into this group of buyers you may not want to pay cash for a home because you would give up the tax benefits. The critical question is HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD TO BORROW? Texas first time home buyer grants and loan programs - The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers programs for first time home buyers. Two types of loans are available under this program. An “Unassisted Rate” loan typically offers the lowest interest rate available and does not provide funds for down payment and closing cost assistance. For borrowers needing assistance with their down payment, an “Assisted Rate” loan is offered to income-eligible borrowers that provides grant funds up to 5% of the mortgage amount. These loans are offered at a slightly higher interest rate. Information that any buyer should know before purchasing a home provided by HUD: Condo vs. Single Family Home 06/16/2011
Condos vs. Single Family HomesWhether to buy a Condo or a Single Family home comes down to what your life style needs are. If you are single and you don't like yard work than a condo may suit you better than a home. If you have children and don't have an aversion to maintaining a home then a single family home is best. Both options have pros and cons. With a condo, you will most probably have HOA dues. HOA (Home owners Association) fees can be costly but you are paying for the privilege of having a third party handle all the property maintenance in the common areas. Another issue with condos that you don't have with a detached home involve pets. Most condos restrict pets including the size and breed.
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Yvonne Russell, RE/MAX
Main: (915) 594-3034 Fax: (915) 594-9253 Toll Free: (800) 880-3060 Contact email: yrussell@remax.net Mobile: (915) 873-8646   Member of Military Referral Visitor CounterArchivesJanuary 2012 CategoriesAll ©2009 Russell-Realtor - Mobile Phone MLS service free; carrier charges may apply. | El Paso Homes For Sale Blog | El Paso Real Estate Service for Buyers | Learn Foreclosure prevention | El Paso Homes for Sale | Avoid Foreclosure Notice | El Paso Foreclosures | Lean about Short Sales| El Paso Homes For Sale | |
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