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Jamie Merwin

Answers by Jamie Merwin

20 answers · 110 pts

Why are home prices so high?

Asked by Angelica | Phoenix, AZ | 04-04-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Many factors including Supply & Depand and Inflation.

How soon can I buy a house after buying one ?

Asked by Carmen n Rodriguez | O'Fallon, IL | 04-02-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

There is no set time frame after purchasing a house that you have to wait to buy another one to use as a rental. However, it is essential to consider a few things before buying a property to rent out. Make sure you can afford the mortgage payments on both properties and the costs of repairs and maintenance. The type of loan would be different than your primary residence and usually incurs a higher interest rate. Speak to a loan specialist for more info.

Can I buy a home without homeowners insurance?

Asked by Theo | Oakland, CA | 03-18-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

If you have a mortgage on the home insurance is required.

I'm selling my home and house flipper wants e-sign document?

Asked by Gary Steinhoff | Hertford, FL | 03-17-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Hire a licensed real estate agent to represent you. They will ensure all the legal docs are correct and you are protected.

What are the pros and cons of an HOA?

Asked by Emily | Naples, FL | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Peace of mind can come with owning in a HOA community, knowing that the value of your home is being protected. One of the core objectives for HOA’s is to preserve, and grow, property values for homeowners. With a home being the most significant purchase many will make, having a team of board members and property managers looking out for it is a great benefit.

How do I make a competitive offer on a home without overpay?

Asked by Peter | Bel Air, MD | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

When working with a licensed real estate agent, he/she will provide comparable homes that have recently sold so that you can come up with a reasonable offer. Your agent can advise you on a price range but ultimately the choice is yours. Best of luck!

What are mortgage points?

Asked by Will | Concord, NH | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are a form of prepaid interest. You can choose to pay a percentage of the interest up front to lower your interest rate and monthly payment. A mortgage point is equal to 1 percent of your total loan amount. For example, on a $100,000 loan, one point would be $1,000.

What are the different types of mortgages?

Asked by Alicia | Boise, ID | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

The most common are fixed-rate FHA, Conventional & VA loans. Fixed-rate means the interest rate never changes over the life of the loan. Most home buyers obtain a 30-yr loan because the monthly payments are much more affordable than a 15 yr loan. If you can afford the monthly payments of a 15 yr loan though, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate and in the end, pay a tremendous amount less for the home vs a 30 yr loan. Best of luck!

How can I differentiate my home from others on the market?

Asked by Angela | Surprise, AZ | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

#1 Elevate your curb appeal. This is the 1st thing buyers see! Other tips... -Clean From Top To Bottom -Remove Clutter and depersonalize the home -Light Up Your Home inside & out -Take Professional Photos -Price Competitively -Contact An Experienced Real Estate Professional

Should I consider accepting contingent offers from buyers?

Asked by Levi | San Diego, CA | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Pros: Accepting a contingent offer means you don’t have to take your home off the market quite yet, since the conditions of the deal haven’t been met. If the buyer backs out of the deal, you can sell without having to re-list. In certain cases, some buyers may be willing to pay extra to have their contingent offer met. Cons: Home sales with contingent offers are usually slower than those without. It takes time to satisfy a buyer’s contingencies and additional time to communicate that they have been met. And of course, there’s always the risk that the deal could fall through. As always, trust your agent for guidance when facing contingent offers.

What do I need to disclose when selling a home?

Asked by Cheryl | Dallas, TX | 03-13-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

You must legally disclose everything you have knowledge of, regardless of the time frame.

Are listing photos included with the agents service?

Asked by Bethany | Austin, TX | 03-04-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

More often than not, this is part of the services a sellers agent provides. The agent should clearly state what they are going to do to sell your home before you hire them.

What constitutes a bedroom in Milwaukee WI?

Asked by Della | Milwaukee, FL | 02-20-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

80 sq ft minimum with a closet = bedroom

What credit score is needed to buy a house?

Asked by James | Heath, OH | 02-15-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

If you have at least a 580 credit score, you qualify for an FHA loan with a down payment of 3.5% (or between 500 & 579 with 10% down payment). Obviously, the better your credit score, the better interest rates you qualify for & lower down payment options. Speak to a professional mortgage broker for more details & to get pre-qualified.

What is the minimum down payment and closing cost?

Asked by Brandon | Beaver, UT | 02-05-2024

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

You will want to speak to a mortgage specialist to see what you are pre-qualified for based on income, credit score & debt. You will then receive your answers. Best of luck!

Negotiate lower agent fee?

Asked by Melba L Ferdinand | Magnolia, MS | 11-06-2023

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Negotiating commission up front is always an option. Keep in mind, your agent is the one bringing a buyer whether they are representing them or not due to the work they put in helping prepare your home to be listed, having professional photos taken, creating the MLS listing & marketing the home.

How quick can I close?

Asked by Jonny F | Baskin, LA | 02-23-2023

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

If you are paying cash this is possible. Find a title company who can commit to that quick of a turn around. If you are taking out a loan, unfortunately no because of the time it takes for all the steps involved in the mortgage process.

Do you need to report sale of real estate at a loss?

Asked by Brianna | Monroe, LA | 02-17-2023

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

Usually yes. Please consult with a tax expert.

Can I buy a house and have someone else pay the mortgage?

Asked by Dion | Alexandria, LA | 02-08-2023

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

You certainly can have that arrangement with your mother "off the record", as long as she is paying the costs only, which is what it sounds like your plan is. Should she pay more per month for the home, you would need to claim that on your taxes as rental income. Keep in mind, the debt of the mortgage will be on your credit & included in your debt/income ratio in the future.

How do i get house on MLS?

Asked by Marc | Slidell, LA | 07-13-2022

Jamie Merwin
Jamie Merwin04-05-2024 (2 years ago)

This is one of the benefits of hiring a licensed real estate agent. One of the first things they will do is list your home on the MLS (after it has been properly cleaned & decluttered, & professional photos taken) Give me a call or shoot me a text if you have any other questions!