Buyers Archives - Page 8 of 10 - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

Download The Sound Of Soccer

June 17, 2014 By Molly

As the Official Real Estate Company of U.S. Soccer, the CENTURY 21^® brand could not be more excited for this month’s games in Brazil.

What better way to show your support for the team than to have the sound of victory ringing through your cell phone with each and every incoming call from your family, friends, clients and partners?

In honor of the games, select one of two ringtones for your phone:

- Ringtone #1

- Ringtone #2

Download a ringtone today and start hearing the sounds of the U.S. Soccer team kicking their way to the top!

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Buying a home is a big commitment, and it’s important to get the right information before making such a big decision. Like anything else, do your research beforehand. There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to real estate and where you should spend your money but we are here to help.

Myth 1: You should get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan after closing on your house.

Fact 1: Early in the process, you’ll want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. It enables you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property. A pre-approval is a simple calculation done by a mortgage lender that tells you the amount you’ll be able to finance through a loan and what your monthly payment will be. Another figure that lenders use to evaluate how much you can afford is the housing expense-to-income ratio. It is determined by calculating your projected monthly housing expense, which consists of the principal and interest payment, property tax payments and insurance premiums on your new home loan (also known as PITI). Use our Mortgage Calculator, Refinancing Calculator, and Amortization Calculator for insights.

Myth 2: You need at least a 20% down payment.

Fact 2: A common myth is that the more money you put down, the less you’ll have to borrow and the easier it will be to get a loan. While this is ideal, there are other options as explained in The US News article, Alternatives to Putting 20 Percent Down on a Home. Each buyer is unique, and a mortgage professional can help you find out just what you can afford. Your income and debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining your price range. It’s simple to make an estimate – just run the numbers for yourself using our Affordability Calculator.

Myth 3: Buying is always better than renting.

Fact 3: Some people argue that renting is throwing away money. However, there are instances where it would be better to rent. You have to consider the housing market, the price of repairs and maintenance, property taxes, school taxes, mortgage, and more. Compare your options with the Renting vs. Buying Calculator.

Agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21^® System are ready to make a commitment to help you capitalize on current market opportunities and assist you in making an informed decision. A CENTURY 21 Agent can help ensure you make the right choice for the long term, get a better understanding of different neighborhoods, schools, and market conditions, find a mortgage specialist, and more. Get started now!

Recommended Reading:

-Buying Advice

-5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-3 Powerful Real Estate Investing Rules for Regular Folk

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How to Make a Rental Feel Like Home

June 14, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Living in a rental can be a bit of a challenge because you want to make the space your own – even if it technically isn’t. Luckily, we have come up with a few creative (and inexpensive) ways to makeover your rental without upsetting your landlord or incurring hefty fees!

Paint Your Walls: Most landlords allow you to paint your space as long as you paint it back to the original color when you move out. Painting your walls a different color or even a crisper shade of white makes a huge difference. If you paint your apartment a shade of white, your landlord is less likely to make you repaint it. You can also paint just one wall (an “accent wall”).

Change Hardware: Changing hardware makes a big difference. Buy cabinet pulls, door knobs, and drawer pulls that match your style. Keep all the old hardware so that you can put them back when your lease is up. Take photos before you make any changes so that you remember where everything goes when it’s time to move.

Cover the Walls: If you can’t paint, there are other ways to decorate. We recommend making a gallery wall. A gallery wall is a wall of art and/or personal photos arranged to look like a wall in an art gallery or museum. Removable wallpaper and decals are also a great way to cover the walls, without upsetting your landlord.

Let There be Light: Rentals often have fluorescent lighting or unsightly light fixtures. Take down the light fixtures and put in new ones. Also consider buying floor lamps, desk lamps, or table lamps and using them instead of the main lights for a room. You can also buy new light switch covers as long as you put the old ones back before you move. There are a lot of different types of decorative light switch covers like mirrored ones, or ones in almost every color imaginable.

Area Rugs: Area rugs can help to divide a small space like a studio apartment into sections like a breakfast nook, living room, and bedroom. They also cover up floors with scuff mark or tiling that you don’t like.

DIY Backsplash: If you are feeling creative, make a DIY backsplash in the kitchen! We especially like the removable tile and removable mirror ideas from Apartment Therapy.

Curtains: Buy curtains that match the color scheme or aesthetic of your home. They make a space feel fancier and also hide broken or ugly blinds.

Furniture: If you are moving or renting a home that is furnished, you can still make it feel like your own. Style the pieces differently and add little things that fit your personality. For example, add some of your favorite books and photos to the bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand and bring your favorite bedding!

Everyone deserves to come home to a home that feels like home. We hope these tips help you make your rental into a home you love.

Recommended Reading:

-Your Guide to Summer Rentals

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-How to Style a Centerpiece

-How to Style a Coffee Table

-How to Style a Nightstand

-Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

-Five Simple Chalkboard Paint Projects for the Home

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Worldwide Wanderlust: Maine

June 12, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Summer is the season for road trips and exploring. It’s the perfect time to discover new places, foods and attractions with your loved ones. Coastlines, lighthouses and fresh seafood make this state a place you can’t miss. Today, we’re crossing Maine off our bucket list.

Here are our top 5 must sees (and dos) when in Maine:

Lighthouses: Known as The Lighthouse State, Maine currently has 65 lighthouses along its coastline. With each one unique to its location and history, these famous lighthouses are a must see.

Whale Watching: How often do you get the chance to see a whale up close and personal? Maine offers multiple whale watching tours that are both breathtaking and exhilarating for the whole family. June, July, and the beginning of August are the best times to go whale watching.

Traditional Red Lobster: Maine is the largest American producers of lobsters, so you’ll find them served all over the state. Steamed to perfection with butter and corn, this meal is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more once you’re gone.

Acadia National Park: Over 2 million people visit Acadia National Park annually, and for good reason. Its rocky coastline causes dramatic, crashing waves that will take your breath away. You’ll also have the chance to explore the 26 mountains in the park.

A Day at the Beach: At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than lounging in the sand. Maine has many popular beaches that you can visit during your stay. With plenty of shops and food stands in the area, you can spend your day soaking up the sun.

This will be a vacation your family will remember for a lifetime!

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Your Guide to Summer Rentals

June 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Are you thinking about renting a home for the summer? Similar to buying or renting a permanent home, it is necessary to do thorough research.

Follow our guide to help you choose the best summer rental:

Why Rent: Renting a vacation house or apartment is a fun way to get away and spend the summer somewhere new. Staying at hotels with your family can be pricey, but renting a space allows you and your family to make your own meals, explore the surrounding area, and have a space that feels like home.

Location: Choosing the right location for your family is the most important component of picking a summer rental. Do you and your family enjoy water sports? Choose a location near the ocean or lake. Are you looking for outdoor adventures? Find a cabin in the woods.

Property Type: There are many types of rental properties to choose from. Single family homes are a popular option for families with young children or larger families who need extra space. Condominiums or time shares require less maintenance and come with amenities.

Pricing: The cost of summer rentals vary depending on property type and location. Some things to take into consideration are maintenance fees, amenities, and size.

List out the features you’d like your rental to have and plan accordingly then call a CENTURY 21® Agent who can help you find your dream summer rental!

How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

May 29, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Buying a home is expensive, but decorating doesn’t have to be. You can decorate a home that shows off your style and personality without breaking the bank. Use these tips to decorate your home on a budget.

1. Make a Budget: Before you start shopping, create a budget that makes sense for you. How much are you willing to spend for a quick update? Figure out which pieces are essential in your home decor and work around that. For example, if you’re decorating a living room, a majority of your money will go towards a nice couch or entertainment center. List out what you’re willing to spend for certain items.

2. Shop Flash Sale Sites: Flash sale sites like Joss & Main and One King’s Lane offer their customers designer brands for discounted prices. These types of sales are a great way to stay within your budget, while still achieving the look you want.

3. DIY: Estate sales and flea markets are great ways to find vintage pieces for less. Don’t be discouraged by their rugged appearances! The furniture might need a little TLC, but a simple DIY project will do the trick. Quick paint jobs, new hardware and some dusting will have these pieces looking good as new! You can also buy less expensive furniture from stores like Ikea. Paint them, add new fixtures, and make them your own. Google “Ikea hacks” for inspiration.

4. Personal Touches: Grab a camera and get outside! Sometimes the best wall decor is your own. Print your favorite photographs to display in nice frames. Play around with patterns and color depending on your style. Create gallery walls with your favorite family photos, photos from trips, wedding pictures, or pictures around your neighborhood.

One added benefit of this approach is that it encourages you to infuse your personality into every element of home design. You don’t have to stick to the status quo – you are making decisions that represent you and your family.

Recommended Reading:

-How to Style a Nightstand

-How to Style a Coffee Table

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-Color Palette: Ginger Jars

-Color Palette: A Day in the Garden

-10 Secrets for Making Your Room Feel Larger

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5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

May 27, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Congratulations! You are ready to buy a home. Purchasing a home is an exciting life milestone and is a huge decision with so many factors to consider. Finding the right property can be a challenge for growing families. What may seem like a good fit now may not be the best choice for your family in the long run.

Here are our 5 best tips when buying a home for your growing family:

Neighborhood - Do your research before looking at homes in neighborhoods that aren’t convenient for young families. Look into school districts, local parks, neighbors and proximity to doctors and hospitals. Consider the length of your commute to work so that you can maximize the amount of time you have to spend with your family.

Space – How many kids do you want to have? Simple things like sharing a bathroom or closet space can become a hassle in the long run. Families with small children might want to look into an open-concept floor plan for safety reasons. A designated playroom might be a smart idea for your family, or maybe you’d prefer two levels instead of three. List out what your priorities before making the move.

Affordability - Now that you know what you’re looking for, the next step is figuring out what type of home you can afford. A review of your income, savings, monthly expenses and debt will be necessary. Use our Affordability Calculator!

Offer - Once you’ve found your ideal house, it’s time to get started with the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let your CENTURY 21^® real estate professional guide you through this process. Purchase contracts vary in length and terms from state to state, and sometimes within a state. Multiple offers on the same home are not uncommon, so you may only get one chance to make an offer that the seller will consider. That’s why it’s important to think carefully about your strategy. In most cases it is better to have your real estate professional present the offer. Learn more here!

Inspection – Once you’ve made an offer, hire a professional home inspector to give the house a standard inspection and make sure that it is a safe home for your family.

Agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21 System are ready to make a commitment to help you capitalize on current market opportunities and assist you in making an informed decision. A CENTURY 21 Agent can help ensure you make the right choice for the long term, get a better understanding of different neighborhoods, schools, and market conditions, find a mortgage specialist, and more. Find an agent today!

Recommended Reading:

-We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Recommended Resources:

-Mortgage Calculator

-Affordability Calculator

-Amortization Calculator

-Refinancing Calculator

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Kitchen Design Inspiration from CENTURY® 21 Homes

May 8, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Your family spends a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s important that the kitchen is comfortable and functional. We chose a few incredible CENTURY21^®kitchens to inspire your decorating decisions!

This kitchen’s monochromatic color scheme, light colored paint, lack of clutter, and extra lighting makes it seem larger. Build an island with storage and maximize cupboard space to create extra space for cutlery, pots and pans, and appliances. Can you spot the fridge? The clean, streamlined look is maximized because the fridge, dishwasher, and garbage cans are all concealed by matching paneling. The island doubles as a seating area so friends and family members can gather around.

We love a white kitchen! It may seem like white and light gray would feel dreary or sterile, but this kitchen feels bright and airy. The lit up cabinets, track lighting, and large hanging lights make the kitchen seem larger. If you have bay windows, take a cue from this kitchen and make a breakfast nook that your family will love.

This kitchen has an open floor plan, making the kitchen appear to be infinite. The cooking area seamlessly transitions into a larger dining space and seating area. Add a built-in desk so that you can finalize paperwork and projects while you are waiting for your perfect soufflé to be ready. We have a feeling that if you recreate this look, your family will spend most of their time together in the kitchen!

If you take these design suggestions you’ll never say, “There’s too many cooks in the kitchen!”

If you liked this article you may also like some of our other interior design inspiration articles:

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-How to Style a Centerpiece

-How to Style a Coffee Table

-How to Style a Nightstand

-Five Simple Chalkboard Paint Projects for the Home

-Storage Matters

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7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of your Dollhouse Family

April 19, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Did you play with a dollhouse growing up? Were you just a tiny bit jealous of the tiny inhabitants of the teeny tiny houses? It’s okay if you were – no judgment.

Here are a 7 reasons to be jealous of your dollhouse family:

1. Someone bought their home for them and they didn’t pay a cent!

2. They don’t pay mortgages, rent, or bills.

3. Your dollhouse family can move easily without the stress of relocating and hefty moving bills.

4. Their clothes, furniture, and food are free. They don’t even have to use the Sims’ Rosebud !;!;!; cheat for more money.

5. They live forever and never look a day older. It’s like Benjamin Button, but better.

6. They have an interior designer, a maid, a chef, full-time security, and more! Daddy Warbucks would be impressed.

7. They don’t have to make difficult decisions or any decisions at all!

We hope you enjoyed this little walk down nostalgia lane!

For entertainment purposes only.

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We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

April 17, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Buying a home for the first time can be difficult and overwhelming! You have to find a home you can afford and a home that you and your family love. There are so many factors like the price of property taxes, the school district, the crime rate, mortgages, and whether or not the home is a “fixer upper.” We posted a question on our Facebook page asking for your best tips for first-time homeowners. Read advice from CENTURY 21^® Agents and clients.

Here are five tips for buying a home for the first-time:

1. “Be realistic about what you can afford and what the home will look like within your budget. Don’t expect a $150,000.00 home to have all the bells and whistles a $300,000.00 home does.” – Susie F.

2. “Ask your C21^® agent for a reliable & trustworthy lender to get pre-qualified before starting your house hunt.” -Bill C.

3. “Get prequalified. Work with a REALTOR^® to find a great home. Once you find a home you like, visit the neighborhood in the evenings and weekends to see what it is like when more people are around. Check with local police department to find out about crime rates in area. After you have been prequalified, do not do anything that will adversely affect your credit score. Then be prepared to sign and initial a lot of paperwork.” - Audrey M.

4. “Find a GREAT CENTURY 21 Agent, get pre-qualified. Know what you’re looking for, but be ready to give a little if need be on your home expectations list.” -Lisa C.

5. “DON’T buy anything on credit until after you move into your new home.” -Eric G.

For more great tips, check out our Facebook post and buying advice on our site. Buying a home is an exciting milestone in your life. We hope that these tips will help you find your perfect home!