Guide to choosing replacement windows

If you are planning to install new energy-efficient windows in your home there are three factors to keep in mind: frame, glass and installation.

First, the frame can be constructed out of a variety of materials, including aluminum, vinyl and wood. Aluminum is not a practical choice in most areas because the metal conducts temperature and can fluctuate between hot or cold, however, because of its durability, aluminum may be the best option in coastal areas or rainy climates. Vinyl is inexpensive and practical, but may be limited in choice of color. Wood-framed windows are the most insulative, but they require more upkeep than aluminum or vinyl.

When it comes to glass, the most often-selected option is an argon-filled, double-paned window with Low-E glass. To understand a window's performance, check its energy-efficiency label. The "R" value is the measure of how well it prevents heat from passing through; it ranges from 2.4 to 4.5, and the higher the better. Conversely, the "U" value measures how much heat actually passes through and this number should be low.

Finally, if your windows are not properly installed, they will not perform effectively so be sure to hire a reputable professional. Broadwater Properties in Wheeling WV can provide you with a list of reputable window installation companies in the Tri-state area, just give us a call or visit us online at http://www.travisbroadwater.com.

Is Buying a Short Sale Right for You?

Is Buying a Short Sale Right for You?

A short sale is a pre-foreclosure property owned by the current owner that may or may not be in default, but needs to sell their property as a result of financial problems. The sale must be approved by the seller’s lender first because the lender has to write off the difference between the sale proceeds and what the seller owes on their mortgage. Because of declining home values, many homeowners are upside down on their mortgages. Short sales save the lender, seller and buyer money. The lender does not have to institute foreclosure proceedings. The seller does not have to go through the costs of a formal foreclosure process. The buyer gets to purchase a discounted property at or below market prices.

Short Sale vs. REO

So is a short sale right for every buyer? If you have the time and patience then the answer is yes. However, if you sold your home and must move into another one right away or are participating in a 1031 tax exchange, then a short sale is not the right investment for you. First of all, short sales take at least 3-6 months if not longer to get approved. There is no guarantee that the seller’s lender will even accept your offer. They may counter or not respond at all if the seller has assets and does not qualify for a short sale. Most of the time, buyers get tired of waiting and cancel after a few months. This can work to the benefit of the next buyer though if the lender has pre-approved the short sale based upon the first buyer’s offer. A pre-approved short sale can close quickly. So if you find a pre-approved short sale, you can expect it to close within 30-60 days. A pre-approved short sale improves your odds because you already know the price the bank wants, and the bank wants to close quickly and get their money. If you have cash, you have a much better chance of getting your short sale approved as well.

REO’s (real estate owned) properties are also good investment choices. They are already owned by the bank, and close quickly. You don’t need cash to purchase an REO, although it gives you an advantage. REO’s are also sold at discounted prices like short sales. However, the advantage of buying a short sale over an REO is there are fewer buyers interested in short sales because they take longer, and there is uncertainty as to whether or not they will get approved. Both are good investment opportunities though.

Should You Buy Now!?

Should You Buy Now?

Even though the federal tax credits have expired, it is still wiser to buy now than rent. You get a tax write off and build appreciation instead of throwing money away each month. Home prices are so affordable today it is a good time to take advantage of the buyer’s market conditions with low interest rates and an abundance of properties to select from. Buyers can find great deals on distressed short sales, foreclosure auction properties and REO’s (real estate owned), including single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, townhouse, condos and commercial apartment buildings in all areas and price ranges.

If a large down payment is preventing you from buying, you can purchase an owner occupied property (single-family home -4 units) with an FHA loan that only requires a minimum of a 3.5% down payment. However, if you are going for traditional financing or buying non-owner occupied investment property, then you will need at least a 20% -30% down payment and good credit. If you have less than perfect credit, you may want to investigate seller financing or a rent to own program.

So the first decision you need to make is what type of property you want to buy and how you intend on using it. Intended uses including:

· Residing in the property
· Renting it out
· Holding on to it
· Flipping it
· Lease optioning

Be sure to line up your financing right away so you are ready to make an offer when you find the right opportunity.

Timing is everything in buying and selling real estate, and right now is a great time to buy, especially foreclosure real estate. Foreclosures are sold at discounted prices, and you get a property with built in equity. One thing for certain is real estate appreciates over time. With affordable prices, all time low interest rates and abundant inventory, there is no reason not to buy.

Travis Broadwater
Broadwater Properties

115 Westgate Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003 - presented by Travis Broadwater

115 Westgate Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003 - presented by Travis Broadwater

Opera Browser Coming to iPhone

If you want to browse the web on your iPhone (or iPod Touch or the upcoming iPad), the only option is the built-in Safari browser because Apple, until now, won’t approve other browser apps in their iTunes store.

Opera, hoping that Apple will change their policy, has developed a version of the Opera Mini browser for the iPhone and they’ll showing a preview of this iPhone App during the Mobile World Congress that happens in Barcelona next week.

An email from Opera PR says:

“We are thrilled to offer journalists and partners an exclusive preview of Opera Mini for iPhone during the year’s biggest mobile event,” said Jon von Tetzchner, Co-founder, Opera Software.

Safari vs. Opera for iPhone

Opera says Opera Mini for iPhone offers up to six times faster download speeds than Apple’s own browser, and up to 10 times smaller data traffic.

The Opera Mini for iPhone will only be shown to members of the press but Apple will have to approve the app for everyone else to experience Opera on their iPods and iPhones.

That may not happen anytime soon as Opera is yet to submit their Opera Mini iPhone App to the Apple App Store for approval.

Finding The Time To Blog

Dear Blog,

  I must apologize for my lack of commitment lately. Between prospecting for new clients and trying to keep my closings on track I just haven't had time to fill you in on my day-to-day activities. I promise I can change, can you forgive me?

Sincerely,

Travis

  Now that I have taken care of the apologies, lets get to the point! I often find myself "blogging" great topics in my head, unfortunately I must admit, not even half make it to my laptop and ultimately to the internet where they belong. My problem lies in finding the time to actually sit down and just get to work.

  Well this year I have finally decided to make blogging a priority as so many of you already have. In my "planning" I have made a list of three ideal times and places where I might be able to sneak a few paragraphs without effecting my day dramatically and I would like to share them with you. Please feel free to comment with your preferred "quick blog" places as well, I need all the help I can get!

 1. On an airplane/trip-  Use those dreadful hours in the air to get ahead on your blog.  (I'm on a plane back to Pittsburgh right now, so it works!)

2. Meals out- Anytime you find yourself eating lunch or dinner alone, take your laptop or net book along. Many area's and restaurants provide free wifi. That means when your finished blogging (& eating) you can publish it immediately. Instant gratification.

3. Waiting- Blog while waiting on clients, kids, or your spouse. Especially in the car, trade in those 5 min of mediocre radio play for 5 minutes blogging whats on your mind. It makes the time fly by and does not cut into your daily schedule.

 With some simple planning blogging can be a quick and easy method to advance your career and hopefully land some clients as well. So get out there and blog already!

 Travis Broadwater

 

How Many Social Networking Sites Could There Be?

How Many Social Networking Sites Could There Be?

Most agents in today’s market are participating in a never-ending battle to “keep up” with the changing technology and internet networking sites that seem to just keep coming. As many agents have found out the hard way, at some point you must draw the line, or at least somehow become more efficient online or you will simply run out of hours in your day!

One of the things I try to keep updated is my “status” on multiple social networking sites. “Travis is holding an Open House today, 1-2pm” or “Travis is waiting on your call, who needs a new home!” are some examples of my day-to-day status updates. I like to let everyone know that I am in Real Estate as often as I can, so hopefully they call me first when they need to buy or sell. The task of changing my status on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn, Ect… can be very time consuming, until now.

I was recently introduced to a free service that saves me tons of time and helps me market myself daily. It’s called ping.fm, and as the site states, “it’s a simple way to update all your social networks in one easy step.”


You can sign up for a free account at ping.fm and be up and running in no time. It just takes a few moments to go through the list of over 35 social networking sites and indicate which ones you belong to. You add your username for each site and ping.fm does the rest!

After setup, you simply go to the ping.fm website and you can enter a status update, blog entry, photo, or even a video. Then ping automatically posts this information to ALL your desired networks! You can even “ping” from your cell phone, email, or instant messenger.

This service may not be for everyone, but it saves me time everyday. Check it out and keep networking!