If you  missed taking advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit but are still planning the purchase of their first home, you continue to have a wealth of opportunities in today’s home marketplace. Here are a few smart steps that can save first-time buyers thousands of dollars:

1. Double-Double  (Look twice at your credit)
Your credit must be a clean as possible, since you probably will need to get a mortgage to buy a house.  Go ahead now acquire copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover on each report.

2. Short Timers this is not your time!
If you can’t commit to remaining in your new home for at least a 3 to 4 years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. The transaction costs of buying and selling a home may be financed into the home, but  you may end up losing money (the bottom line) if you sell any sooner – even in a rising market.

3. Survey Says “points and rate” – hire a professional mortgage company
When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing- in exchange for a lower interest rate.  Your mortgage professional should help you out here.   If you stay in the house for a long time- say three to five years or more- it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.  Make sure this is all spelled out on a spread sheet.

4. There is not a home “Lemon Law” – Hire a home inspector
A home inspector can let you know if you’re about to buy a “dud” of a house or warn you about potential problems.  At best, you can move into the house confident and with a peace of mind that the home is in great condition.  If the report indicates the worst,  the inspector’s report can let you terminate the deal.  Typically, the home inspection report is used to negotiate the home price to account for necessary repairs that the seller is usually unaware of.

5. Get professional real estate help – Research your agent.
Inside the world wide web, the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings.  Look all you want, but when it’s time to by hire an exclusive buyer agent.  They will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the buy to closing process.

6.  Make it a Win-Win. 
Take this one to heart your purchase should be a win-win for you and the seller.  You do not need the stress that comes from running with the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s.  You do not need to live with the sellers problems.  Yes it may look like a great deal, but it may come with some emotional baggage.  Going to the closing table with a win-win seller makes for a great closing.

7. Double Jeopardy – A contract is a contract!
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetime.  Avoid buyer’s remorse by being completely comfortable before signing on the dotted line.  Take your time.  Be patient as the right home will be there for you.  And when you see it, make the move.

8.  A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned – Buy a Home Warranty  
A home warranty is designed to bring you “Peace of Mind.”  A home warranty is risk management providing coverage on the primary structure, major systems and appliances.  There are a number of firms that offer coverage.  Compare, research and buy.  Make sure you read the fine print and understand the process.  A home warranty can save your budget for pennies a day.

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

What is a Home Warranty?

This is Advantage Home Inspections first ad that was designed right here in Raleigh. 

The campaign for 2010 is “You Have a Choice!”
The slogan is “Experience the Power of a Good Decision.”

The ad ties in today’s complex time with teamwork and
ends with competing on service instead of price.

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

It appears that “Green” is making builders “Blue” these days. 

A new poll shows that people who once put a huge emphasis on the government’s green efforts now have other issues they care about more.The latest Pew Research Center poll shows that the economy and job market have jumped to the top of the priority list for most people. Last January, 75 percent of Americans polled said that the economy should be a top priority, and in a year’s time, that has jumped to 85 percent.On the other hand, however, protecting the environment has fallen from 56 percent a year ago to just 41 percent today. Of the 20 issues raised, the least important issue raised was global warming.

As a buyer you want to buy “Green”.  As a builder you want to build “Green”.  The problem for builders is being prepared to show the economic benefits of buying “Green.”

Buyers now appear to be less likely to spend their hard earned greenbacks on anything in today’s declining economy.  Green must present a personal benefit for the buyer.  Not 20 years from now, but in the average ownership time frame.  (Currently 6 to 7 years).

Is the demand there?  I believe so, but reality and times have changed for America.

America is worried about economic prosperity, health care and social security.  With this focus home buyers are cutting their budgets and green is the first to go.  Unless you can show the immediate benefits and long term savings, selling green will probably go nowhere fast.

People generally want to save money on utilities, protect mother earth and her resources.  It is the right thing to do and people will warm up to it.  Products must be developed to meet immediate needs of the home buyer.

When it comes right down to it, people are looking for “Green” to not add “Red” to their bottom line!

 Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

 For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

“Tenzing called it the roar of a thousand tigers. Hour after hour it came in whining and screeching in an unrelenting stream ffrom the west with such feriocity it set the canvas of our small Pyramid tent cracking like a rifle range. We were 25,800 fett on the South Col, a desolate saddle between the upper slopes of Everest and Lhotse.” Sir Edmund Hillary.

Sir Edmund Hillary live a bold life, filled with extraordinary accomplishments. High Adventure and View from the Summit are classic stories of the first ascent of Mount Everest. It is a story of incredible perserverance in the face of danger.  

Sir Edmund’s challenges parallel our own challenges and perserverance today.

Yes the challenges and adventures today in the home loan and home hunting forest !

It seems like every day someone is asking about why it is so hard to get a real estate loan.  Just two years ago anyone, and I mean anyone, could get a loan to buy a house or condo. Well, the times have changed and rules from the lenders have changed right along with the times.  But who is writing the rules?  Why are the new rules a moving target?  Where can I find some answers?

First find a great REALTOR.  

The right REALTOR is the key to household wealth, wide spread connections, certainty and Peace of Mind.  Your REALTOR should demonstrate clarity in their commitment to you, have easy to use interactive tools designed to provide you with personalized answers about the buying process and be an expert in public relations, marketing & advertising. 

Your REALTOR will have a team of experts that will help in every step along the way.  Your REALTOR’s team will energize, focus and innovate into today’s fast-changing real estate environment.  In a world where every thing’s done at the speed of the Internet, valuable wisdom and disipline are gained from their experience.

Sound to good to be true, well it’s not.  Just do your research.  The right Real Estate Professional will lower the hurdles in the buying race for your perfect home.

Maverick Rules! 

Leigh Carsen, a legal expert in Real Estate transactions states “the right inspector will be experienced, meticulous, plainspoken and ideally have a proven track record in your area.” Ask your agent for a recommendation or check for local members of the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.NCLHIA.org) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.nachi.org).

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

How many times can this lunch and dinner standard be turned into something new and special?

Most recipes are quick and easy.  You can take your pick as long as they are crowned with French Fried Onion toppings that are crisp and flavorful.  But what can be learned from this handy dish? 

It is the passion of sharing. 

The wealth of knowledge that is passed on makes all the difference whether that secret Green Bean Caserole reciepe works or not, has your family asking for seconds or the plate is scraped in with the dog food.  It can mean a clean dish with a smile or more leftovers for the frig.

At Advantage Inspection Raleigh we share our passion and knowledge.

Just like the engine of an automobile, you house works as a system of independent parts.  Every part has an impact to the operation of other systems.  A home has well over 15, 000 parts, pieces or stuff in it.  And when all the “stuff” works together, you have a home this is comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient. 

Our job is to report the home’s condition at the time of the inspection and provide education on the operation of the home.  We are not fortune tellers and cannot predict the future, but we can help you from becomming overwhelmed by the home ownership experience by providing the  opportunity to share our passion.

 
Many home inspectors share their passion and expertise at the barber shop.

We share our passion and knowledge with our clients!

Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh 
www.adrdu.com
davepark@adrdu.com

For more than 17 years our home inspection process has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Real Estate Agents, Home Inspectors, and Home Owners. Serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary and the Triangle.

Advantage Companies Announces Program Relationship with Nationwide Insurance.

AdvantageInspection.com and AdvantageHomeWarranty.com, providers of home inspections and home warranties respectively, announce a program relationship to offer home physicals and home warranty protection to the insurance customers at Nationwide Insurance beginning June 15, 2009.

Greenville, SC (PRWEB) June 8, 2009 – AdvantageInspection.com, a home inspection provider and AdvantageHomeWarranty.com, a home warranty provider announce their partnership program with Nationwide Insurance beginning June 15, 2009.  This program will offer home physicals and home warranty protection to insurance customers of Nationwide.

Nationwide Insurance selected The Advantage Companies because Advantage  has separated themselves from their competitors by offering the first and only home warranty in America to be underwritten by the home inspection.  The inspection underwriting allows Advantage Home Warranty to cover more of the major systems and individual components in the home. 

Advantage’s “no denied claims” coverage exclusive guarantee is that claims will not be turned down as a result of any pre-existing condition not documented in the inspection report.  This coverage addresses a major complaint in the home warranty industry.

The Advantage Home Physical and the Advantage Home Warranty will provide their clients “piece of mind” by providing detailed information about the home and giving the nation’s best coverage of the primary structure, major systems, and appliances.  Advantage further offers complimentary Safety Evaluations with every inspection. Homes meeting safety requirements set forth by Nationwide can save on their homeowners insurance. (terms and conditions apply)

“By combining Nationwide’s On Your Side promise and Advantage Companies Total Protection, customers can achieve a greater sense of security and peace of mind as a homeowner – a great feeling to have in these uncertain economic times” said Ronald Wehner, Sr. Business Consultant with Nationwide’s Strategic Partnerships.

For additional information on Advantage Inspection or Advantage Home Warranty please visit www.advantagehomewarranty.com  or www.advantageinspection.com.  For additional information on Nationwide Insurance please visit www.nationwide.com.

AHW is available in SC, NC, KY, AL, TN, & GA. 

Contact:                                                                                     

Dave Park

Advantage Companies
Phone: 919-850-2526

www.adrdu.com

davepark@advantageinspection.com

Advantage Inspection & Advantage Home Warranty are registered trademarks.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Advantage Inspection Raleigh Receives 2009 Best of Raleigh Award

WASHINGTON D.C., May 20, 2009 — For the second consecutive year, Advantage Inspection Raleigh has been selected for the 2009 Best of Raleigh Award in the Real Estate Inspection category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association
CONTACT: U.S. Local Business Association
Email: PublicRelations@USLocalBusinessAssociation.com
URL: http://www.USLocalBusinessAssociation.com

Advantage Inspection Raleigh
E-mail: davepark@adrdu.com
Website: http://www.adrdu.com

Well, what does Leigh Carson know?

Leigh Carson is a St. Louis based Family Law Attorney who writes about the Real Estate Industry.  She sees it everyday and how families and their emotions swing through the Home Buying/Selling experience.   

In her article, “What a Home Inspector Can Do for You When You Are Selling Your House“,  she writes, “A home inspector is trained to identify items in a home that need either replacement or repair. A certified inspector will carefully examine the structural components of the home, including roof, windows, insulation, siding and tuck pointing, as well as the heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. The home inspector’s report will give far more information than an appraisal or an analysis by a real estate agent.”

Ms. Carson continues with the process, “Most buyers make an offer to purchase property that is contingent upon the inspection revealing no significant issues; and even though the buyer will have their own inspection done, it is important to talk with your real estate agent about the benefit of having an inspection done yourself before you put your home on the market.“

She also points to one advantage of having your home inspected is that the report can be attached to the seller’s disclosure, assisting the buyer and reinforcing the idea that you are being forthright and straightforward in your disclosures about the property. It also puts you in a good position to maximize the listing price and ultimately the selling price.”

The Sellers inspection is not intended to replace the buyer’s inspection; it is there to inform the Seller as to what items are in need of repair.  Decisions can then be made by the Seller as to what repair direction to take before the property is put on the market.  The direction also can move to what concessions on price need to be considered before the home is on the market and offers are being made to the Seller.

A Prelisting Inspection allows the Buyer to purchase your home with confidence

Closings are not delayed due to unknown conditions. Adverse negotiations are minimized since all parties involved know the condition of the home before an offer to purchase is made

A Prelisting Inspection is proven to Sell your home faster

Make your home stand out in the marketplace as one that can be purchased with confidence. A documented Home Inspection and Home Warranty increase the odds of selling your home. It is a proven fact that homes with warranties sell faster and at a higher average price.

Ms. Carson concludes that “the right inspector will be experienced, meticulous, plainspoken and ideally have a proven track record in your area.” Ask your agent for a recommendation or check for local members of the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.NCLHIA.org) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.nachi.org).

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh perform the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 17 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

I’ll bet you can’t say it three times real fast!

And I’ll bet you can’t stand pushy salespeople.

How often do people try to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, have a desire, or are in the market for what they have? It seems the standard for many salespeople is to try to sell to anyone and everyone regardless of the interest level.

When someone attempts to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, the initial thought may be, “Why would I buy from you? You haven’t earned the right to sell to me!”

The fact of the matter is that selling, both online and off, is about determining if there is a need before ever attempting to match a buyer with a product or service. It is about providing enough information for the buyer to make the best decision based on their needs. And it is about gaining trust.

The most successful Sales Professionals are those who are a resource before they are a vendor.

Having been in both brick-and-mortar and online sales and marketing for many years, it never ceases to amaze me how many people try to sell without determining the customer’s needs. They don’t seem to realize that the better the match, the more likelihood for return business.

The better the match, the more trust gained.

If you depend on repeat business or referrals, trust is absolutely a factor in your customer’s decision to come back to you when they need your product or service.

Anyone who has been in business for an extended period of time (or plans to be) would be hard pressed to believe otherwise. Whatever you are selling, the buyer’s experience from the initial visit and/or purchase will likely determine whether or not they will ever purchase from you again.

When a customer has a great experience from the beginning the chances of them turning into a repeat buyer is more likely.

It is a proven fact: it is more cost effective to have repeat buyers than it is to constantly seek out new customers. That is not to say you shouldn’t be adding new clients as part of your business model. Building trust with existing clients will add to your conversion rate more consistently.

What is often missed in the equation of sales and marketing is the lifetime value of a customer. Once the initial sale is made they are forgotten. With proper care, a one-time or occasional buyer can turn into a loyal buyer.

And loyalty is based on trust.

We live in a “try before you buy” society. Because of this many buyers use what is referred to as the buying ladder. The buying ladder is very applicable to brick-and-mortar sales.

Before buying a high ticket item, buyers will “test the waters”. This can be done in a number of ways: by test driving a car, taking a tour of a home, asking friends and associates for a recommendation.

When purchasing on the Internet it can be downloading a free information item or buying an inexpensive product from a website to test out the level of service, quality of product, delivery time, quality of information (in the case of an information product), and response time.

It may even depend on the buyer’s “gut feeling.” What are your own buying habits? What process do you go through before making the decision to buy?

When you gain trust, people want to do business with you. And they want to tell others about the experience. Have you heard the expression that if someone has a bad experience they will tell more people about that experience than they do a good one? I can’t say that I necessarily agree with this statement. There are occasions when I have heard people rave about a great experience over and over again.

Buying decisions are made for a number of reasons, but they ultimately depend upon whether or not the buyer trusts the process. And if they trust you.

It is through the process of building trust that we have earned the right to sell, not the right to PUSH!

Maverick Rules! Maverick Rules! Maverick Rules!

Dave Park
The Maverick Builder