Pro's and Con's of selling in the winter!

  Make no mistake about it selling a home over the winter months here in Central Illinois can be a challenge.  Scheduling conflicts with work parties, Christmas, Hanukkah, New years not to mention the impacts of mother nature.  But it's not all doom and gloom!  Lets start with the con's to selling your home in the winter months.

• Scheduling conflicts with the holidays.
• Horrible and sometimes unpredictable weather.
• Less showings
• Moving during such frigid temperatures.
• Getting anybody to help you move.
• Your yard and roof can't be seen very well when covered with snow!
• Many buyers needing grant's may be out of luck, by winter most have dried up.

  As I said previously, it't not all doom and gloom though.  Here are some positive reasons to list during the winter months.

• Less inventory could lead to more showings.
• Usually only the more serious buyers are willing to brave frigid temps to see homes.
• These buyers tend to be much more qualified and ready to buy than other times of the year.
• Moving company's may have cheaper rate on moving trucks/equipment.
• Quicker availability in some cases for inspections, contractors etc.
• Tax refunds make for a great down payment help for buyers!

  In some cases it would be advantageous to sell during the winter months, sometimes it could hurt.  Each situation can and will be different.  If you would like to talk about your options please contact us today!  Info@mhghomes.com,  

Keith McKeever

From looking to owning: 17 Steps to owning your own home!

   Buying a home is most definitely a stressful roller coaster of emotions.  What complicates this that many buyers have limited knowledge of the steps it takes to buy a home.  On top of that the process changes depending on loan types, location, time of year etc.  Here are the 17 basic steps it takes to go from a looking for to owning your new home!

1. Contact your REALTOR to start the Real Estate Process
2. Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval from a reputable Lender
3. Start the Home Search Process, Contract Negotiations & arrive at Accepted Contract
4. Make your formal loan application with your lender - Immediately after your offer is accepted.
5. Notify Lender approval to proceed with the loan.
6. Return any required Lender documentation within 7 days of request.
7. Coordinate property inspection scheduling with your REALTOR.
8. Negotiate repairs as needed.
9. Contact your Insurance Agent to obtain property insurance & provide the lender with insurance documentation and one year paid receipt or invoice - 3 weeks prior to closing.
10. Upon Loan Approval coordinate closing time with your REALTOR  -  Loan approval must be obtained by contract deadline.
11. Transfer property utilities.
12. Complete property final walk through - within 5 days prior to closing.
13. Review Closing Disclosure paperwork - 3 business days prior to closing.
14. Wire funds or obtain a cashier's check or certified funds for closing.
15. Bring a VALID driver's license or VALID State ID to closing.
16. Attend Closing!
17. Enjoy your new home!