Homeownership by Movementum Realty

Join myself and Ron Stroup of Loan Depot as we dive into some great loan programs that offer zero down payment options.

Join your host Dan Giachetti of Movementum Realty and Ron Stroup of Loan Depot as they dive into the basics of a VA Home Loan benefit for Veterans and active duty military to include national guard and reserves. We will be covering what exactly is a VA Home Loan, and the different benefits and savings are associated with this type of Loan!

In this episode we discuss that when buying a home it is important to do all you can to protect your property from abnormal wear and tear. Make sure to sit down and create a normal maintenance plan to ensure everything is being done. During the home inspection process the home inspector tells us a lot about the general maintenance of your home. Use your home inspection report to generate a checklist of the things that need attention. Choosing to do a little project each week can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. A home left on its own without maintenance will end up in disrepair very quickly at your own personal expense.

In this episode we discuss that during the height of the pandemic market we saw people waving home inspections on the majority of home purchases. Recently we have seen an uptick in the amount of buyers choosing to have a home inspection. Having a home inspection is not required in order to obtain a home loan but there are some standards that must be met based on each loan type. The appraisal is the process where the lender does their property inspection to watch out for major items. Choosing to waive a home inspection oftentimes gives an offer a better chance of getting accepted. That said it puts full liability on the buyer if they purchase the home and something is wrong.

In this episode we discuss that when buying a home it is important to look at all options within your budget. Oftentimes if new construction is within your budget one of the added benefits is less short term maintenance costs. When buying new construction you can before, during, or after the construction process. The more custom you want your home the earlier you need to be involved in the purchase. With new construction it is important to have flexibility on a move in date. With such a large project and so many moving pieces there is a large possibility of delays and changes.

In this episode we discuss that owning a home is a big responsibility that comes with the need to attend to things when bad weather is coming. Failure to secure your property can lead to massive damages that often are not covered by your insurance company. Make sure to keep trees and branches pruned back away from growing over your home to a safe distance. Failure to do so could cause you to suffer a huge property loss in a high wind event. When heavy rains are forecasted make sure to walk your property and think what you can do to divert water. Cleaning storm drains, placing sandbags, testing pumps, extending gutters, and so much more are great ways to avoid a costly flood.

In this episode we discuss that when organizing a room and putting things into storage it is important to get creative. If there is a way to better fold, deflate, break down, etc than do it as you store items space always seems abundant at first. Most homes have extra storage space in the attic. Simply add some plywood to your attic to create a floor and then you have more places to store items. When storing items in the basement, getting large totes that stack well can really conserve space and give a clean look. Remember when selling a home the home inspector needs access to all the walls so stack them at least 18” away from the walls.

In this episode we discuss that during the summer months it is very important that we keep our family and pets safe from biting insects. While keeping them safe from these nuisances we also must keep them safe from harmful chemicals. One place to start ridding your property of insects is to implement insect control through environmental design. This includes removing standing water, trimming back brush, and keeping your lawn maintained. For natural protection there are lots of different oils you can safely apply to your skin that keep the bugs away. This organic remedy includes oils like cedar oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, citrus oils, and so much more.

In this episode we discuss that when it comes to letting in the fresh air it is important to pay attention to the humidity levels. Humidity levels over 60% can often lead to mold and other growths in your home. A humidistat is a tool used to measure the humidity in the air. Make sure to get a few humidistats to monitor the humidity in different areas throughout the home. A dehumidifier with a humidistat setting can really save you both energy and from future water related issues. The best bet is to buy a pump version and hard plumb it in so you do not need to think about it and empty the heavy bucket.

In this episode we discuss that when selling your home it is important to start the process early by contacting a real estate agent. That way if there is need to do any improvements to maximize your sale price there is plenty of time to get the job done. Working with a trusted Realtor® will help you in making the right decisions in all of the critical parts of selling. Setting the right sale price, choosing the right marketing, deciding what improvements are worth it, and other crucial decisions are much easier to make with a trust advisor. The next step in selling a home is figuring out where you will be living after the sale which is why setting the right price really matters. Whether you're purchasing your next home or downsizing into an apartment knowing your budget really matters to finding success.

In this episode we discuss that on almost every real estate related website there are mortgage calculators that help you understand what you can afford. The real question is what numbers are you using and how confident with the numbers are you? When shopping from a home a budget going up or down by as little as $10,000 can make a major difference. Up it could mean you can afford that paved driveway instead of gravel and down it could mean that fenced in backyard might not be in the budget. In order for sellers to take your offer seriously they must see some sort of proof you can afford their home. A pre-approval is the assurance they need that you are financially capable of purchasing their home.

In this episode we discuss that as a career professional that just recently was sent to a work from home environment things can be challenging. The first and most important step is to find the perfect spot to call your office at home. At first working from home can seem fun and like it will offer a lot of free time. The truth is working from home is still WORK so finding somewhere you can focus and put in the work is crucial. When planning to work from home it is important your office is away from all the distractions in life. While the corner of a room or a breakfast nook might work, a proper office with a door will ensure you have the focus to complete the tasks at hand.

In this episode we discuss that the truth is that NO ONE knows exactly when a market crash is coming. Spending too much time speculating on when can leave you out of the market. The current driver in prices rising is higher interest rates. While this normally means lower prices due to the low rates most people have on their mortgages they do not want to sell. The rates on some peoples mortgages are in the 2's and 3's which means simply moving to the same priced home would lead to a rate in the 6 or 7's. That means the same quality home would cost much more in today's market.

In this episode we discuss that when it comes to painting a home you are going to sell, make sure to pick trending colors. Do not let your personal opinion affect what colors you choose because it is for the buyers. If you decide to do the painting yourself and not hire a professional make sure to do a quality job. A bad paint job can look worse than a paint job that is just faded and tired. In order to have a quality paint job you must do quality prep work ensuring the paint will stick and you have clean lines. Sanding the previous paint job focusing on any chipping and peeling paint will ensure maximum adhesion of the new paint.

In this episode we discuss that buying a home on the water is a dream of many people. When deciding to pursue this goal one of the first steps is to find a Realtor® who understands waterfront living. The reason it is so important to understand waterfront living is there are so many different styles of waterfront living. You can choose to live on an ocean, a bay, a river, a marsh, a swamp, a lake, a pond, or so many other options. When buying on the water often people ask or assume that each property needs flood insurance. While this may be true in some cases not all waterfront homes require flood insurance.

In this episode we discuss that in simple terms a want is something you would like to have but would be OK without having. A need is something that you must fulfill in order to make the purchase. When speaking with your agent telling them you need three bedrooms can put them on the wrong path if it is only a want. Maybe a bonus room would work to be a home office and fulfill your needs. With a want we can find a home that has the opportunity to create the desired outcome in time. Maybe instead of having a garage.

In this episode we discuss that when selling a property serviced by a septic system it is required by law that you have the system tested. This test is to ensure the property meets the state requirements under the Title V regulations. Sellers should do all they can to answer the questions buyers may have when looking at their property. Getting your Title V done ahead of coming on the market can alleviate a lot of the buyer's and your concerns. The Title V testing has three types of results including pass, fail, or conditional pass. Conditional pass means that there are some repairs required to come into compliance with the state regulations. Thanks to Arthur Bloomquist from Title V Inspections found at www.titlevinspections.com for joining us.

In this episode we discuss that the first step to taking care of mosquitos and ticks without using chemicals is to think about the habitat. Make sure to trim back brush, drain any standing water, and plan to use the space during the sunny times of day. There are lots of natural oils that can be worn as insect repellent. Some oils are even powerful enough to be sprayed as a treatment to kill and detract mosquitos and ticks. Some of the most common oils used in pest relief include lemon grass, cedar, peppermint, spearmint, orange, and more. When using these oils make sure to read about how much and which products to mix for better results.

In this episode we discuss that when buying new construction there are a few different methods. Buying land, buying a tear down, or buying into a developers neighborhood are the most common. Buying land or buying a tear down is usually your most flexible option when it comes to building designs. Buying into a developers neighborhood usually means there will be limiting covenants in effect. When buying land to build a home it is important to understand your funding options. Cash or construction loans are two of the most common ways to fund the project.

In this episode we discuss that buying land is a dream that many people share. They envision buying the land and building their dream home. When buying land to build a home there are a lot of factors to think about. It is highly advised to hire an experienced Realtor ® to help in the purchase to ensure you find success. The worst thing that could happen is buying land to build the dream home only to find out it can not happen. There is an enormous amount of due diligence that must be done ahead of building a home.

In this episode we discuss that having a home inspection is not a requirement when buying a home. It is up to you if you feel confident buying without a home inspection. Buying a home without a home inspection is not advisable but it is permissible. Remember if you do buy without a home inspection any issues you run into in the future will most likely be your problem. Waiving a home inspection is a powerful way to improve an offer. That said it also lingers the question “why is the seller so excited about the waived inspection?”.

In this episode we discuss that when choosing a winning offer in sales all sellers tend to want to focus their attention on purchase price. While this is one of the most important details we need to make sure the rest of the offer backs up the surety of the deal. When looking over inspection contingencies it is important to think realistically about the home you own. If your home is older it may have different implications than for a new build home with good general maintenance. Financing is one of if not the most important contingencies to be thought through when looking over an offer. Just because a buyer offers a massive purchase price does not mean the appraisal will come in and the lender will approve the loan.

In this episode we discuss the meaning of a Red Flag Warning. Simply put, a red flag warning means there is a high danger of fire due to weather conditions. Dry air, high winds, and warm temperatures make the perfect conditions to create out of control fires. Be especially careful when smoking on these days. Throwing a lit joint, cigarette, or cigar on the ground could lead to a serious fire. If having a fire with a permit on these days be especially careful extinguishing it when done. Make sure to flip the fire as you water down the entire fire and surrounding area.

In this episode we discuss that when creating an offer in a bidding war there are a lot of factors to take into place. One of the most important to winning is understanding what the SELLER wants. As a buyer in a bidding war it is important to speak with your lender and attorney early. You can find out things like your maximum qualifications and timelines that work for their schedules. While the purchase price often is one of the most important parts to winning a bidding war it is not always. Make sure to hone in on all your terms including but not limited to inspection terms, appraisal requirements, timelines, and all other contingencies.

In this episode we discuss that buying a house is one of the greatest achievements in life. Having a place to call home is not only a great way to live, it is also a great way to build wealth. Renting a house provides temporary shelter at 100% of the cost. Homeownership provides shelter while building equity as you pay off your mortgage. Buying a house is more attainable than you may believe. With different options like seller's concession you can greatly reduce your cash to close needs.

In this episode we discuss that cleaning up your planting beds includes weeding, edging, trimming, cleanup, and mulching. This five step process is sure to have your house popping with curb appeal. Cleaning the windows on a home can make a huge difference to the home's appearance. Almost every buyer is going to pull the blinds and look out the windows. Let them enjoy the view. Lawn envy is as real as curb appeal. If you want to be the best lawn of the neighborhood, seed early and often. With early spring weather an aeration and overseed together will help thicken your lawn.

In this episode we discuss that Saint Patrick's Day is the celebration of the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. Since then it has become a day to wear green no matter your heritage. Saint Patrick was originally a British citizen who was enslaved by the Pagan King Niall and made into a shepherd. After he escaped he later returned to Ireland as a missionary bringing Christianity to Ireland. Saint Patrick's Day is a day that has wandered from it's origins and now is a day of parades, festivals, drinking, eating, wearing green, and adorning a shamrock. It is a day where everyone hopes to grab a little “Luck of the Irish”.

In this episode we discuss when buying a condo you are taking on responsibility for the walls inward, and the association takes care of the rest. That said it is still you, the unit owner who pays the condo fees to cover these costs. Higher density on one piece of land reduces the costs by splitting them across more parties. This can save the unit owners on the expenses to maintain the overall common areas. Condos that offer a wide range of amenities can be attractive. Just keep in mind that each and every amenity is paid for by the condo fees.

In this episode we discuss when selling a home and buying a home at the same time the first step would be to talk to a Realtor. They can discuss the different options you have and help you choose what is best for your situation. Selling with a suitable housing clause allows you to list your home for sale and shop for a new home at the same time. A suitable housing clause states that in order for me to sell you my home I must find a home on or before a certain date. A home sale contingency is a way to write an offer before selling your current home. It tells the sellers that in order for your offer to remain valid you must first sell your existing home before buying their home.

In this weeks episode we discuss that Massachusetts is one of if not the oldest state in the country. Locally most all land lots to be developed have been, leading to a shortage of new land for new construction. Boston has a high number of great colleges producing top level student graduates. Massachusetts attracts a high number of high paying employers looking to capitalize on that talent pool. A severe lack of inventory for sale has only exacerbated throughout the pandemic and beyond. We are in a situation where demand is so high it often leads to multiple offers and bidding wars just to find a place to live.

In this episode we discuss that pricing a home too high can lead to a lack of interest. This then leads to the need for price breaks which can appear to the buyers as weakness and lead to low ball offers. A properly priced home will attract a lot of buyers in any market. The more buyers who are interested the better chance it is we receive multiple offers and a higher sales price. Setting a price too low is risky but slightly less risky than too high which detracts buyers. Most of the time it is hard to sell a home for too little due to the increased excitement of buyers and the possibility of a bidding WAR!

In this episode we discuss how affordable housing is defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Affordable Housing: Affordable housing is generally defined as housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities.” When thinking of whether housing is affordable or not it is important to take your own budget into consideration. Never rely on the mortgage company to determine your budget. When shopping for affordable housing it is important to think into the future. If the home you are buying will need repairs in the first few years it could become very unaffordable fast!

In this episode we discuss that when a deep freeze is coming it is important to do a walk around check of your house. Look for things like missing or loose insulation, windows and doors are all shut incorrectly, heat trace pipes plugged in, and anything else you can do to ensure your home stays warm. Even though cosmetically it may not look the best it is wise to do extra preparations that day. Using towels, blankets, and other soft items to cover over and at the base of doors and windows can prevent major drafts. If you have an unheated crawl space type basement you may want to take extra precautions. Finding a safe place to put a space heater for the deep freeze can help protect your pipes.

In this episode we discuss what the world contingent means: In order for one thing to happen a certain circumstance must already happen. This can be used in many different ways as a precautionary measure for both buyer and sellers alike. When looking over offers in real estate the bottom line is not all that matters. As a seller and as a buyer you should be aware of all contingencies. One of the most common contingencies in real estate deals is a mortgage contingency. This contingency states that if a buyer fails to get financing within the terms allotted they have the right to leave the deal with their deposit money.

In this episode we discuss that when deciding to go the route of buying a home that needs some work it is important to know your financing options. Some loans allow you to borrow on properties that need work others do not. A renovation loan is a loan where the cost of the home and the cost of repairs are bundled into one loan. This oftentimes can make a fixer upper project work for the buyer's budget. Having a contractor out is highly advisable when buying a home in need of work. That way there you can have estimates done and put real numbers and real solutions together before making the offer.

In this episode we discuss that “As is” does not have one definite definition but most commonly it means what you see is what you get. This means after you make an offer more than likely no matter what home inspection finds the seller will not want to renegotiate. Massachusetts is a known material defect disclosure state. This means as the seller if you know there is a material defect you legally MUST disclose it and the simple term “as is” does not alleviate that. When buying a home “as is” it is advisable to do your due diligence. Take the time ahead of writing the offer to ensure you have thoroughly looked the property over.

In this episode we discuss that believe it or not painting is one of the least expensive ways to massively change a property. Always remember to choose neutral colors in order to have the largest pool of buyers interested. When thinking about doing renovations before selling it is important to talk with a Realtor® to ensure the value will be there at the time of sale. Failure to do so could be costly in upgrades that do not pay returns. Replacing depleted floor coverings is another great way to transform a room. Make sure when choosing the new floors to take cost into consideration.

In this episode we discuss that as a renter you pay 100% of the bill and only enjoy the benefit of a place to stay. By owning a home you get to build equity. Equity is the difference between what you owe and how much more your home is worth. This equity is what builds long term wealth. Buying a home is more attainable than you think. Pairing with the right agent makes all the difference as they guide you to success.

In this episode we discuss that selling a house as-is does protect you as a seller in Massachusetts from needing to disclose known material defects. Failure to disclose those items could lead to future lawsuits. Massachusetts is a Caveat Emptor state which means “buyer beware”. When buying a house as-is make sure to take time to do your due diligence ahead of offering.  Houses sold as is usually will warrant less offers leading to a lower sale price. This is due to less competition through limited financing options.

In this weeks episode we discuss that your pre-approval letter is important to your agent to help guide you to the proper properties. Looking before can lead to frustration and let down if and when the budget changes. Your social security number and other confidential info is not on a pre-approval letter. The letter more so states the purchase price, down payment amounts, and any other restrictions the mortgage company may have on your purchase. If you have a home to sell in order to get a mortgage for the new home it will be listed on the pre-approval letter. This helps your agent understand if there is a need for a home sale contingency.

In this episode we discuss that when it comes to finding a deal, patience is key. Having too high of urgency can lead to you over paying for the property. In a market that is changing you need to get creative with your offers. Two to one buy downs and or seller's concessions are great ways to sharpen the pencil. When looking at homes to make low ball offers to get a deal, focus on properties with more DOM or Days on Market. These sellers tend to have overpriced or incorrectly marketed their properties leading them to be more apt to take the offer.

In this episode we discuss that while shopping for a home during the holidays remember to schedule appointments in advance. With people so busy it can be a little more challenging for sellers to have their home ready. When looking at homes with holiday decor try to envision what that space would look like without the extra clutter. Homes can feel cluttered and small during the holidays. When choosing dates for important events in the home purchase process make sure to ask around. Check with each of your industry professionals before writing the offer.

In this episode we discuss that the “perfect” home for one may not be the perfect home for another. Finding the home that best suits your needs will lead to cherished memories of the holidays. For some people it is about having large open spaces for large crowds. For others it is about small intimate spaces that are warm and cozy. Parking is something to always think about when you plan on hosting. Sometimes you need to get creative like parking on a side street or on the lawn.

In this episode we discuss that cleaning the exterior of your home can give it a real face lift. Whether it be a quick pressure wash or a gentle chemical wash it is sure to liven up the home for very little expense. Painting an interior room is a great weekend project. Make sure to buy the right bushes and tapes to ensure you do a professional looking job. A deep fall clean up of the yard and outbuildings really makes a property shine including trim the shrubs, edge the beds, organize the sheds, trim the grass, rake the leaves, and more. Good news is these all only take effort and little to no money.

In this episode we discuss as interest rates rise, affordability goes down. This means there is less competition in the market leading to less expansion and sometimes even contraction of prices. As a buyer there are two factors in payment that really matter: purchase price and interest rates. The unfortunate thing is they really ever meet one another in a low place. Rates rise and fall with changes in the market. Holding off waiting on the lowest rate when buying your dream home will often make you miss the opportunity.

In this episode we discuss one question that always comes up from sellers is whether or not they should paint. This question really depends and is best left to your real estate agent. Painting is a quick cheap way to really change the look and feel of your home. When choosing colors do not choose them for you choose them for the buyers. Oftentimes at paint stores the sales representatives can point you in the direction of top selling colors. Another great place to find trending colors is to look in high end design magazines.

In this episode we discuss that buying a home is far more predictable than building a home is. If you are someone who stresses about changes or timelines, building may not be for you. When you build a home you get to pick and choose all the details. When you buy a home you look for the perfect one but often make accommodations to the one that works the best for you. Buying a home already built often gives you more home for your money. That said the custom adaptations you make after may make it more costly.

In this episode we discuss when deciding whether or not to remove trees it is always important to consult a professional. Oftentimes people do not address trees till an insurance claim only to find out the coverage they have was not enough. When choosing a tree removal company keep in mind that savings in the beginning can lead to costs in the end. Having a crane vs dropping a tree may mean the difference between needing a new landscape. Once you have decided to remove trees make sure to check with the local laws about what you can and can not do. Often times in areas around wetlands it is best to talk with your town or city's conservation department.

In this episode we discuss when the market levels out home inspections go back to where they should be. Almost every home transaction has a home inspection. As a seller there is no need to worry about a home inspection unless you know you are hiding something. Home inspections are partly to find problems but largely to explain proper future care to the new owner. When deciding whether or not to have a home inspection you should always consult your professionals including your attorney. Real estate agents are not legally allowed to guide you on this decision.

In this episode we discuss planting trees on the windy north east exposure of your home can help cut down the drafts. When planting trees and shrubs, think strategically to benefit from a natural barrier. Having heavy window treatments can help keep drafty windows warm. Learn to pull the curtains at night and open them in the day to allow the sun's radiant heat. Having multiple heat sources such as wood, electric, and oil or gas can allow you to choose based on current pricing. Wood heat is some extremely efficient and warm heat.

In this episode we remind you to remember it is better to over prepare and feel like it is time wasted than to have failed to prepare. Failing to prepare can lead to massive property damage. When thinking about a storm coming it is important to understand which directions the winds will come from. By knowing this you will have a better understanding of where it is protected from the winds. If you have sump pumps or other water issues make sure to have a backup generator. A pump with no power is no use and you will end up flooding.