Houston realtor Saralyn McIver recently announced her decision to join the Weichert Realtors-Wayne Murray Properties team, a client-centered company that currently holds the title as the largest privately held national real estate company in the United States. A Texas native for over 12 years, she’s no stranger to what it means to be a Texan. However, it’s not just her extensive knowledge of the area that sets her apart from the pack, it’s her dedication to helping others.

No stranger to service, Saralyn McIver began her career in social work. Holding both her Masters and PhD in social work, Saralyn doesn’t just know about excellence service, she’s a living example of it. After working over 11 ½ years as a helping professional, Saralyn brings fresh perspective to the world of real estate.

Self-starter, data lover, and full time helper, Saralyn McIver is the perfect addition to the Weichert Realtors-Wayne Murray Properties team. Bringing extensive knowledge and expertise of Houston’s neighborhoods including, but not limited to: Montrose, Woodland Heights, The Heights, and Downtown Districts, Saralyn McIver has quickly become an invaluable asset to the team. By combining her comprehensive knowledge of Houston relocation real estate, along with her exceptional customer relationship management skills, Saralyn has quickly become a forerunner in Houston’s real estate market.

It is through this commitment to excellence that Saralyn McIver has been able to exceed her client’s expectations not just part of the time, but all the time. A passion for people and for the city of Houston, Saralyn gives her client’s an experience that goes above and beyond their expectations.

Ready to take the Houston market by storm, Saralyn McIver has certainly demonstrated she has what it takes to make a real and substantial impact.

For more information regarding Saralyn McIver or Weichert Realtors- Wayne Murray Properties please visit www.saralynmciver.com

Saralyn McIver

9708 Hillcroft St

Houston, TX 77096

(713) 728-2300 (office)

(832) 528-1129 (cell)

Be moderate in your approach when considering a purchase of real estate negotiations.Many people get too aggressive so that they can get a great deal, but this doesn’t always work in their favor. Be clear about what you want, however, let your Realtor and lawyer go at the negotiations since they are used to fighting those battles.

If you’re thinking about relocating, do some research on the internet about different communities and neighborhoods. You can discover a great deal of information about even the smallest town. Consider the population, population and unemployment rate of your desired location before purchasing a house there so you ensure that you will love where you live.

When you are planning to purchase a large and costly commercial property, look for a partner who you can trust.

If you made the seller an offer that was rejected, do not completely give up on the fact that they won’t find a method of making the purchase price affordable for you. They might offer to cover the price of the closing costs or necessary repairs to the home before you move in.

Keep an open mind about what elements are the most critical while searching for Phuket real estate for sale. You might not have the financial resources to buy your dream house in your dream neighborhood, but you may be able to afford one or the other. If you can’t find the perfect home in the correct area, modify your search in either location or type of home.

When you want to make a good investment with real estate, consider doing remodel or repair work. You’ll experience the benefit of a fast return on investment and increase in property value rises. Sometimes your property value will rise more than the money you have invested.

You need to make sure that you fully understand how mortgages work prior to buying a new house.

You should invest in the real estate market at this time. Property values are low because of the housing market. The housing market will rebound, and it will make your investment profitable when it does.

If you want to buy a spot for a business, choose a good neighborhood. Starting up a new business in an area of high crime and dilapidated buildings will not win you many customers. Talk to a real estate professional to find out what locations are available.

When shopping for a home, ignore the decor. You should purchase a home based on it’s construction and shape. If you base your decision to buy on decor, you could pay for it later because you failed to see a large structural problem.

When interviewing agents to help you through the buying process, ask them if they live in the area. If an agent is relatively new to the area, he or she may not be as familiar with things like road conditions, neighborhood restrictions and the general community.

Take your time to carefully measure a house you thinking about buying. The difference between these two figures should be no more than 100 square feet; if it is more than that, either reconsider buying the property, or find out the reason.

Always make sure to obtain home warranty protection. When you are buying a new home from the person who built it, or from an owner, or get the seller of a pre-owned home to provide you with at least a one-year warranty. The person who builds the home needs to have the confidence in his or previous owner should offer some protection to you if anything should go wrong during a certain period of time.

Hire people you trust when purchasing a house. No one wants to go out and spend money on something that could receive for free. Even so, you will want people that you can trust to protect your interests in such an important decision.Getting to the unvarnished truth can save you enormous stress and expense in the road.

These tips are helpful for getting the basics of home buying. Make certain that you use any information here that may be useful so that you don’t run into a lot of common problems. Enjoy the shopping experiences, and your new house! Search here for Phuket real estate for sale.

Head to the Cheap Towns

You can’t find a cheap home in an expensive city, so you need to head to the cheap towns. A cheap town doesn’t have to be dull and drab; there are lots of inexpensive cities with good schools, excellent recreation activities (such as movie theaters), shop, take long walks and all while living in a house that costs less than $50,000.

Of course, it is not easy to find good jobs in such towns. In fact, the bad job situation is one of the reasons why homes in such places are cheap. If you are not looking for a job, however, then you would fit perfectly in any of the cheap towns. For example, if you have just retired or you are a home based worker, then you will have no qualms about living in cheap towns. Just give them a wide berth if you are looking for a place with a high probability of finding a high-paying job.

Look for the Intrinsically Cheap Homes

Do you know that some homes are just cheap by design? Head to the cheaper parts of your town, or look for the home designed that are not too much in demand (they tend to be cheap). The problem with setting your mind on a specific part of town, or a particular home design, is that you won’t know whether or not there are cheaper alternatives.

This advice should not be misconstrued to mean that you have to live in a dangerous part of town, or a dilapidated house, if you want to save money on your house purchase. The thing to do is to set your priorities right so that you can dispense with what you do not need. Try it and you will be surprised at the amount of money you can save.

Negotiate for a Lower Price

Negotiation is another method via which you can buy a home at a cheap price. If negotiation does not come naturally to you then you should brush up on your negotiation skills. Read on negotiation techniques, practice these skills, and you will increase your chances of negotiating for a lower price.

Most sellers deliberately set their prices a little bit higher while in reality they would take less than the quoted price, which is why individuals with sharp negotiating skills always buy cheaper houses.

Choose Your Financing Carefully 

Unless you are paying for your house on a cash basis (which is rare), the final amount paid for the house will be much higher than the stated price. This is so because you have to factor in the interest. Therefore, you can save thousands of dollars by choosing a financing term with a low interest rate. Other ways in which you can save money include avoiding mortgage insurance, saving on appraisals and avoiding or lowering loan fees.

Save Money on all the Steps

A home purchase process is comprised of different stages/steps, and each of them costs money. Therefore, you can save a lot of money (overall) by saving money on each of the steps. For example, you can opt for a walk-through inspection if you are reasonably certain the house is in a good condition. There are tips and tricks you can use to get low insurance, cheap appraisal rates or even save on the closing costs. In short, you shouldn’t just focus on a low price if you are looking for a cheap home. Visit http://davethepropertyguy.com

• Install new locks.
• Make extra sets of keys.
• Buy a fire extinguisher for the kitchen and garage.
• Install or check the batteries in the smoke detectors.

Who’s Taking Pictures?

• The first 6 months you will notice people taking pictures of your house.
• They are real estate appraisers.
• When you had an appraisal for your purchase, the appraiser had to take photos
• of similar home sales. Lenders require photos of comparable sales used in an appraisal.
• Now your house is being used as a comparable on appraisals being done for other sales
• or refinancing.

Keep Your House In Shape

• Make repairs and do preventative maintenance as needed early on.
• Keep an eye open for termite droppings and wet wood condition.
• Keep rain gutters and downspouts working properly to drain water away from the house.

Home Safety Check List

• Install good sturdy handrails.
• Service all heating equipment.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Use anti-skid material under area rugs.
• Install smoke detectors in key locations.
• Install an automatic night light outside bedrooms.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy in kitchen and garage.
• Keep medicines, poisons and firearms in child secured cabinets.
• Properly store paints, solvents and gasoline in a well-ventilated area.
• Provide rope or chain ladders on upper stories if there is no fire escape.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in bathrooms and by kitchen sink.

Hurricane Preparedness

• Food for a week.
• Bleach to purify water.
• Camp stove and extra fuel.
• Brace chimneys to the structure.
• Strap water heater to studs in the wall.
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy.
• Know where to turn off utilities and water mains.
• Water: 1 gallon a day per person for at least three days.
• Place bed away from windows and threat of broken glass.
• Protect glassware and dishes with childproof locks on cabinet doors.
• Keep flashlights, spare batteries, matches and candles in a special drawer.

Start A House File
Keep all important house related papers, title insurance, loan information, property insurance, etc. in a central “house file” system.
Important: save all receipts for any home improvements for later “possible” tax write-offs.

Thinking Of Adding On?

• Always get permits.
• Don’t over improve for the neighborhood.
• Use professionals to maximize your investment.
• Addition should blend well with the existing architecture.

Well-planned and executed remodeling jobs are a good investment and some specific home improvements even can increase the value above the initial cost. Any owner contemplating an addition and/or change to his or her property should first check with the appropriate county or municipal building department to avoid any building code violations, which will generally render a seller’s title unmarketable. In addition a seller’s failure to disclose such violations (they have knowledge of) may constitute a material misrepresentation, entitling the buyer to rescind the transaction and obtain the return of his or her money.

What Makes More Sense Adding on or Buying a Bigger?

• Homeowners should consider several questions before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or moving up in the market to a bigger house.
• How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel the current house?
• How much additional space is required?
• Would the foundation support a second floor?
• What do local zoning and building ordinances permit?
• How much equity already exists in the property?
• Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy housing needs?

Consider limitations of your neighborhood. It makes more sense to add on to the smallest house than to further improve the largest one in the area. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual needs, the extent of work involved and what will add the most value.

Choosing a Reliable Contractor
Never hire a contractor without first taking the following steps:

1. Call the Florida State License Board to verify the license number of the contractor. And ask the board if there are any outstanding complaints against that license holder.
2. The state license board’s phone number is (850) 487-1395. Their website is http://www.myflorida.com/
3. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file. http://www.bbb.org/
4. When interviewing, ask prospects about their workman’s compensation insurance.
5. Get the policy number and phone number of the insurance carrier. Call to be sure the contractor is covered. If he or she is not, any work-related injury on your property could become a liability to you.
6. Check to see that the contractor has an umbrella general liability policy.
7. Always ask for references. Always take the time to call and verify them.
8. Do not give in to pressure to make a decision. Believe it or not, there are more contractors than there is work to be done. If a contractor insists that you make a quick decision, move on to someone else.
9. Never pay a deposit to a contractor. If you are asked to pay a deposit fee at the first meeting, simply end the meeting.
10. If you are unsure what you are doing, call the State of Florida at (850) 487-1395 for more information or visit their web site: http://www.myflorida.com/

Special Government Programs for Rehab?
HUD’s Rehabilitation Loan Program, Section 203 (K) is designed to facilitate major structural rehabilitation of houses with one to four units that are more than one year old. Condominiums are not eligible.
The 203 (K) loan is usually done as a combination loan to purchase a fixer-upper property “as is” and rehabilitate it, or to refinance a temporary loan to buy the property and do the rehabilitation. It can also be done as a rehabilitation-only loan. Plans and specifications for the proposed work must be submitted for architectural review and cost estimation. Mortgage proceeds are advanced periodically during the rehabilitation period to finance the construction costs.

At this time, only select lenders are participating.
For a lender list, call HUD at (202) 708-2720.

Some Home Improvement Expenses are Tax Deductible.
Mortgage interest payments on acquiring and improving a principal residence are fully deductible from income for tax purposes In addition, expenditures for permanent improvements can be added into your home’s cost basis, or amount of money invested in a home, which reduces capital gains.

Save all receipts of money spent for permanent improvements, repairs after a fire, flood or storm and special property tax assessments for neighborhood improvements.

Capital gains are determined by the difference in price from the time a home is purchased and the time it is sold, minus the cost of any permanent improvements.

Thinking Of Refinancing?

• Don’t list your house for sale if you are thinking of refinancing.
• Lenders usually require your house not to be listed in the recent past.
• Appraisers are required to make such disclosures if known.
• Keep your insurance up to date
• Keep records of any improvements as you have them done.
• Keep in a binder, receipts and owner’s manuals of any equipment you buy.
• Take photos or video’s of all your rooms and keep them in a safe place.
• Property values can rise dramatically in just a few years which is why it is important to have replacement cost insurance. Should you have a theft or fire, these will be very valuable for claims.

Know Your Neighborhood

• After you are settled in, introduce yourself to your neighbors and invite them over.
• Most people want to know who their neighbors are, but most are shy about making that first introduction.
• Break the ice first and introduce yourself.
• Get involved in the neighborhood watch program. In areas of high crime, community watch programs organized by homeowners can lower the crime rate and rid a neighborhood of graffiti. These improvements also can enhance property values.

Check out this Rent vs. Buying web site to compare the advantages of each. Thinking about changing jobs? It might be best to wait until after your purchase. Look at your work history. Is it sporadic or did you just start a new job? Lenders like to see someone with a steady work history and with job changes in the same line of work. Lenders will require your work history along with past tax returns.

Look at your credit report before you go to a lender. It is not uncommon to find problems with reports, especially if you have a common last name. If you find a problem, start with the reporting agency to clear it up. It is common to have a late payment at some time or another. These problems can usually be taken care of with a letter of explanation from you to the lender.

FICO Scores: What They are and Why They are Important
To get copies of your credit report, start at:
Experian
My FICO Score
Free Annual Credit Report

Banks/Savings and Loans vs. Loan Brokers

• Loan officers at a bank work for the bank.
• Loan brokers work for you and have a fiduciary relationship.
• Most banks cooperate with loan brokers.
• You can go to a broker and obtain a loan through a bank.
• Most banks will offer you a menu of programs while a loan broker will offer a
• menu of lenders. Banks and loan brokers are under different government controls.
• A complaint regarding a bank would go to the State Department of Banking.
• A complaint regarding a loan broker would go to the State Department of Real Estate.
• Contact someone from each source to see what special programs they have to offer.

Loan Pre-Approval

• Getting pre-approved for a loan is a necessary step when buying real estate.
• If you are pre-approved first you will save considerable time looking for a property.
• You will know how much a lender will commit so you won’t waste time looking at property you can’t qualify for.
• You will have a better chance of having an offer accepted if it is accompanied with a pre-approval letter.
• The best agents won’t work with buyers until they are pre-approved.

A lender will let you know your maximum loan amount after providing them:

• Income from all sources.
• Funds available for a down payment and closing costs.
• Your monthly obligations (auto loans, credit card payments, alimony, child support)
• Price range of homes where you want to locate.

Selecting a Lender
You should pick a lender based on experience, customer service and recommendations. Work with a lender who is experienced in the business, knows the availability of the different type loans and how to handle the demands of processing. Don’t make the decision based solely on which lender is offering the lowest rates. If a company is offering a mortgage package that is well below market rates, you should beware. All mortgage companies generally choose from the same pool of investors. A company offering abnormally low rates might make up the difference by increasing closing costs or tacking on additional settlement fees.

Determine how long you expect to live in the new home. This decision will not only affect the houses you look at, but also will determine the type and term of loan you choose. Get everything in writing and a copy of everything you sign.

Ask your lender at application what fees typically are included in the finance charge computation, and what fees may be charged separately at closing.

How Much Can I Qualify For?
Most lenders require your housing payments not to exceed 25-33% (depending on your down payment) of your gross monthly income called “housing expense ratio”. Your total debt payments should not exceed 33-38%, figured on a monthly basis. This figure is called your “total debt ratio”. Use the mortgage calculators to find out how much you can afford.

How Much Do I Need?
Besides setting aside money for a down payment, you will need money for closing costs. Those costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of loan, the loan fees and the community the property is located in. The smartest and most time efficient thing to do is get pre-approved up front, before you start looking for a home. Next, find a Boca Raton real estate agent familiar with the area you want to live and you are comfortable with. Educate your self about local property values and the current market trend.

Loan Origination Fee
A lender’s fee for establishing a new loan. Government regulations allow only 1% origination fee on FHA or VA loans. Conventional loan fees can vary from -1 to 3+ points, plus other costs. A point is 1% of the loan.

Appraisal Fee
Fee paid to obtain an estimate of market value upon which the lender will base the loan amount. The cost is about $300-$500. Non refundable.

Credit Report
An evaluation of the buyer’s credit habits made by a credit bureau for the lender. The cost is $50-$60. Non refundable.

Tax Service Fee
A charge of approximately $75 is made by a tax service company to verify to the lender that the taxes have actually been paid when due or are due to be paid by borrower or mortgage company if impounding.

Assumption Fee
Fee of approximately $250 up to 1% of the loan balance is charged by the existing lender for the privilege of assuming the existing loan.

Pest Inspection Fee
Fees of $75 – $175 is charged by termite companies for inspecting property for damage done by wood destroying organisms and dry rot. It is customary for the seller to pay for Section 1 and the buyer for Section 2 work.

Other Inspection Fees
Other inspections the buyer may choose to have done are: property inspections that usually cover foundation, electrical, plumbing and overall construction at a cost of $300-$400. Roof inspections cost $75-$125. Geological reports cover subject’s site in relation to fault and slide zones, costing about $100. Septic $200-$400. Radon $50-$100. Asbestos $75-$125.

Title Insurance
This is an extended policy with more specific coverage than the standard policy. It covers unrecorded liens, is based on loan amount only and is required by almost all lenders. The cost is obtained from a rate chart and is based on the loan amount.

Miscellaneous Costs & Fees
An estimate of $150 should be adequate to cover minor items as notary, recording documents, endorsements, etc. as well as allowing for variations from these other estimates.

Hazard Insurance Reserve
Two month’s premium is collected for the impound account if required. The buyer will need to either provide or pay for coverage for the 1st year.

Prepaid Interest
Interest must be paid from COE (close of escrow) to 30 days prior to the first regular mortgage payment. An estimate of one months interest should suffice.

Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage Insurance is required on all conventional loans greater than 80%. The cost may range from 1/2% to 1% per year and 14 months premium is collected in advance. This is coverage for the lender in case of default.

Tax Impounds
If the new loan is going to have an impound account, the lender will require from 2-10 months taxes to be deposited, depending on the time of year. Note: if taxes are prorated, buyer’s total charge for taxes should equal about six month’s taxes.

Escrow Fee
These fees range from $750-$2500, depending on the sales price. In some counties its customarily paid by the seller, in other counties the buyer pays, while in others it may be customarily split. Remember though, everything is negotiable.

Negotiating Fees
The above fees are typical costs when buying real estate in Florida counties. Most of the fees are considered buyer’s non-recurring closing costs. Some of the fees are fixed while others are negotiable. Your real estate agent can negotiate with the sellers to pay some or most of these costs, saving you thousands of dollars in closing costs. Ask your real estate agent and loan agent to provide estimated closing costs of buying a home before looking at homes.