Some Highlights: Happy New Year! If you plan to buy your dream home or sell your house in 2016, resolve to use a real estate professional! Real Estate Professionals are there for you through the entire process to help with paperwork, negotiations, pricing, and so much more! Let's get together to discuss the difference having a professional in your corner can make! … [Read more...]
Here’s To A Wonderful 2016!
We hope 2016 is a great year for you both personally & professionally. … [Read more...]
American Dream of Homeownership Still Very Much Alive
In a recent post, Trulia examined whether homeownership was again being seen by adults in the US as a “part of their personal American Dream.” Over the last five years: The percentage of U.S. adults who believe homeownership is part of their American Dream increased from 70% to 75% The percentage of 18-34 Year-olds who believe homeownership is part of their American Dream increased from 65% to 80% Here is a graph of the survey over the last five years: Bottom Line As the housing industry recovers … [Read more...]
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Get Ready to Negotiate!
Now that the market has showed signs of recovery, some sellers may be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional. Real estate agents are trained and experienced in negotiation. In most cases, the seller is not. The seller must realize their ability to negotiate will determine whether they can get the best deal for themselves and their family. Here is a list of some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate if … [Read more...]
Don’t Let Rising Rents Trap You!
There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top ones is being able to protect yourself from rising rents and lock in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage. Don’t Become Trapped Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at realtor.com recently reported on what he calls a “Rental Affordability Crisis”. He warns that, “Low rental vacancies and a lack of new rental construction are pushing up rents, and we expect that they’ll outpace home price appreciation in the year … [Read more...]
Check Your Credit Report
Applying For A Mortgage? Check Your Credit Report First! The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The three companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – have set up this central website through which you can check your credit report for free. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get a free, no strings attached, copy of your credit report. Keep in mind that the … [Read more...]
Changes To Flood Insurance Deductibles
New Increased Flood Insurance Deductible Option There is a new $10,000 deductible option available for residential properties. For homeowners facing escalating flood insurance rates, these changes to flood insurance deductibles will be an option to help lower premiums. To take advantage of these savings, homeowners must be willing to pay a greater portion in the event of flood losses. Provided your mortgage company will permit the higher deductible, this high deductible option may offer homeowners some relief … [Read more...]
Search The MLS Using Our Client Portal
Welcome to The Sibley Group - Client Portal! As a client of The Sibley Group, you have access to The Sibley Group client portal. This portal is where you will receive listings notifications and will have access to search the Multiple Listing System (MLS). Our portal provides clients, the ability to make notes on listings you like, email listings to your agent, and categorize listings based upon your level of interest.. The video below will walk you through all of the features included in the client portal. … [Read more...]
Avoid Mortgage Insurance With a “Piggyback”
Home Buyers with a 10% down payment can avoid mortgage insurance. Local Lenders in the New Orleans area are now offering several "piggyback" loan options that allow you to avoid mortgage insurance with a down payment as little as ten percent. Benefits of a Piggyback Mortgage: Avoid mortgage insurance Avoid JUMBO rate pricing No closing costs on the 2nd mortgage How it works: The mortgage is split into two loans, a 1st mortgage and 2nd mortgage closed simultaneously. Example: $250,000 sales … [Read more...]
Selling A Home In New Orleans In November Has Benefits
In the past few weeks we have had the same discussion with several New Orleans area homeowners. All of the conversations revolved around concerns with putting their home on the market during what is perceived as a slow season for real estate. Selling a home in New Orleans during the holiday season has many distinct benefits. From experience over the years, we have seen this time of year as a huge opportunity for selling a home in New Orleans. Lenders in the New Orleans area are indicating that this week has been … [Read more...]
