Thinking of selling - Don't wait until January

If you are at all thinking of selling in the next few months, don't hold off until after January 1st. Reason being, one of the busiest on-line home shopping takes place on January 1st. I have watched this spike in on-line hits to previously listed homes for the past few years. My thoughts are that consumers have just celebrated the holidays and have that expense, tension, hectic month past them. They turn to the Internet shortly after the 25th (usually right on the 1st) to shop for a new home (or look at what other homes are listed that could be in competition with theirs). Maybe they have decided their current home is just too small;  they have had a cramped household with their in-laws visiting for the week! Or that they can finally take a moment after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays to think of themselves and their spring buying need. 

Remember, spring buying means winter shopping for a home. The average home searching takes about 60 days and then you have about 30-45 days to close on your home. Hence, you need to be on the market sooner than later as there may be loads of more homes in competition come February and March.

Advantage
Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Option

Effective November 1, 2011
No additional documentation required
Does not increase the loan amount
No second mortgage required

Eligible Borrowers 
Borrowers using a MaineHousing First Home or Operation
New Home Mortgage

Eligible Uses 
* Down Payment & Closing Costs
* Prepaid escrow expenses (as allowed by mortgage insurer or
program)
* Available with the 0 point option only

Ineligible Uses 
Cannot be used for FHA down payment
Assistance Amount -$2,000
Income / Purchase Price Limits - Same as First Home
Asset Limit  -No liquid asset test
Interest Rate .25% Add on with the 0 point option only
Insurance/Guaranty 
FHA, VA & RD
Mobile Home Self -Insured
Uninsured
Program Options
First Home
Mobile Home Self- Insured
Uninsured
Purchase Plus Improvement
Operation New Home
Required Borrower Contribution
Minimum Borrower Contribution of 1% of the Loan amount is
required and may be a gift
Restrictions
No cash back allowed at closing; excess assistance must be
applied as a principal reduction
Homebuyer Education 
Applicants must complete a hoMEworks approved homebuyer
education course prior to closing

Testimonial: "Renee lives customer service the way people talk about how it ought to be ~ even better than that, really, because she gets actively excited on behalf of her clients. That absolutely shines through her work, so her people always know they are getting her best. I love the energy that generates! Whether it's her contagious enthusiasm when helping someone find that right new place to call home, or her flair for showcasing a property in its most flattering light to attract that right buyer ~ Renee has such talent on both sides of the table, with her as your broker, you can be confident in looking forward to the best experience possible in real estate!" Kimberly Bean, through LinkedIn.