Archives November 2023

11 Essential Things you Must Know Before Getting Pre-approved

You may be unsure why it is important of getting pre-approved . Well, let me tell you, if you’re looking to buy a house, this is the first step. Thus, it’s essential to have a clear idea of your budget before you begin the house-hunting process. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can be a helpful tool, giving you a firm understanding of what you can afford and allowing you to act quickly when you find the right property.

What is a pre-approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is written confirmation from a lender that you qualify for a mortgage up to a specific amount. To obtain a pre-approval, you’ll need to provide information to a lender about your financial situation, including your income, employment history, credit score, and debt.

A pre-approval is not a guarantee that you will be approved for a mortgage. The lender will need to verify your information when you apply for a mortgage formally. However, having a pre-approval from a lender can make you a more attractive buyer to sellers. It shows that you’re serious about buying a home and have taken steps to secure financing.

getting pre-approvedWhy get pre-approved?

Getting pre-approved can provide you with several benefits, including:

1. Knowing your budget: A pre-approval can help you determine the maximum amount of money you can borrow and, subsequently, the price range of properties you can afford.

2. Streamlining the buying process: With a pre-approval, you can move quickly when you find the perfect home. You won’t have to wait for funding once your offer is accepted, as the pre-approval process has already been completed.

3. Negotiating power: A pre-approval can give you an advantage in a competitive market. If you’re pre-approved, sellers know you have financing in place, and you’re a serious buyer.

4. Identifying issues: If you’re not approved for a mortgage, a pre-approval will alert you to any potential issues in your credit or finances that need to be addressed before proceeding with the house hunt.

Overall, a pre-approval can save you time and stress in the home buying process and give you an idea of what price point you should be shopping at.

Steps to Getting Pre-approved

Getting pre-approved is a relatively straightforward process and typically involves four basic steps:

1. Selecting a lender: Start by researching lenders in your area and their mortgage products. You can talk to a mortgage broker who can work with multiple lenders as well.

2. Gathering your financial information: To apply for a pre-approval, you will need to provide the lender with key information about your financial situation. This information typically includes your income, employment history, credit score, and debt.

3. Completing a mortgage application: You will need to complete a mortgage application with your chosen lender. You can typically do this online or over the phone.

4. Getting pre-approved: This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the lender. Once the lender reviews your information and verifies your creditworthiness, they will provide you with a pre-approval letter detailing the maximum amount you can borrow, along with the terms of the mortgage.

What to look for in a pre-approval letter

When you receive your pre-approval letter, it will contain essential information about your loan and its terms, including the maximum amount you can borrow, the interest rate and the length of the mortgage (often 15 or 30 years). Review this letter carefully to ensure you understand the terms of the loan.

It’s also important to note that a pre-approval letter is not a guarantee of financing. Your mortgage still needs to go through the underwriting process once you have an accepted offer on a property.

Things to keep in mind with pre-approvals

While pre-approvals are a helpful tool in the home buying process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Your pre-approved mortgage amount isn’t necessarily what you should spend. Just because the lender says you can borrow a specific amount doesn’t mean that you should. Consider other expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs that add to the cost of owning a home.

2. A pre-approval doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a mortgage. While a pre-approval is helpful, it’s not a done deal. Your lender will still need to verify your financial information before approving your mortgage formally.

3. You can still shop around for a mortgage once pre-approved. Just because you’ve been pre-approved doesn’t mean that you can’t explore other options. You can still shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms once you’re ready to start the process in earnest.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval can provide you with a clear idea of your budget, streamline the buying process, and give you an advantage in a competitive market.

Talk to potential lenders to see who can offer the best terms and rates on your mortgage. Once pre-approved, you’ll want to weigh those offers against each other before selecting the one that works best for your financial situation and personal preferences. Don’t forget to get the free buyer’s guide to alert you about the other steps to buying a house.

Get a Free 10 Step Buyers Guide

Sign up to get a Free 10 Step Buyers Guide

Looking for expert guidance on the home buying process? I’ve got you covered! I have put together a comprehensive Free 10 Step Buyer’s Guide that outlines the exact steps you need to take to buy your dream home, and it’s all completely free!

This brochure will guide you through important steps like getting pre-approved for a mortgage, searching for the perfect home, and navigating the negotiation and closing process. It’s like having a personal guide to home buying that fits in your pocket!

To receive your Free 10 Step Buyers Guide, simply provide us with your information and we’ll mail it out to you within 3 business days. Don’t settle for uncertainty when it comes to one of the biggest purchases of your life – get our expert guide and take the first step towards owning your dream home today! This brochure is available for all Kentucky residents. Alternatively, I can hand it to you during our 1st home showing. Either way, fill out the form so I can get your information to serve you better.

Free 10 Step Buyers Guide

Betsy Villa has marketing expertise

Proven Innovative Market Expertise

I have Innovative Market Expertise, but allow me to explain,

As a realtor, having market expertise is crucial to providing the best service possible to clients. With my extensive knowledge and understanding of the local real estate market, I am able to provide valuable insights and advice to clients regarding the buying or selling process.

I am constantly staying up-to-date on market trends and fluctuations in the area, which allows me to help clients navigate the market with confidence and make informed decisions. Whether it’s determining the optimal pricing strategy for a property or identifying the best neighborhoods. My market expertise is an invaluable asset that sets me apart as a realtor. With me by their side, clients can trust that they are getting the most accurate and comprehensive information available.

For current market status, click here

 

Difference Since October 2022

Since last year, Louisville has remained a Seller’s Market. Louisville is a Seller Housing Market, which means prices tend to be higher and homes sell faster.

Louisville Housing Market Place

SEP 2023 OCT 2023 CHANGE
2,334 2,349 +0.6%

 

Number of Homes Sold

SEP 2023 OCT 2023 CHANGE
727 700 -3.7%

Asking Price vs. Sold Price

If you’re selling a home in Louisville, you may be able to get what you are asking. 27% of homes here sold over the asking price on October 2023.

170 Homes Were Sold
At Asking

338 Homes Were Sold
Under Asking

192 Homes Were Sold
Over Asking

 
 
 

I am an Expert Realtor – 30 Reasons to List your house with me

Why Should You List with Me?

As an expert Realtor,

I bring a range of values to my sellers when it comes to selling their property. Here are 30  values

1. Market expertise:

I have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and can provide insights on pricing, trends, and competition.

2. Pricing guidance:

I  help sellers determine the optimal listing price based on market conditions and comparable sales.

3. Marketing strategies:

I develop and execute effective marketing plans to attract potential buyers to the property.

4. Professional networking:

I have access to a network of other real estate professionals, including buyers’ agents, which can help in finding potential buyers.

5. Negotiation skills:

I an experienced and an expert Realtor at negotiatubg and am an advocate for sellers and secure the best possible terms and price.

6. Time-saving:

I handle the time-consuming tasks of scheduling showings, coordinating with buyers’ agents, and managing paperwork.

7. Objective advice:

I provide unbiased advice and guidance throughout the selling process.

8. Staging and presentation:

I  offer suggestions on how to stage and present the property to maximize its appeal to potential buyers.

9. Wide exposure:

I list properties on multiple listing services (MLS) and online platforms, ensuring broad exposure to potential buyers.

10. Screening buyers:

I pre-screen potential buyers to ensure they are qualified and serious about purchasing.

11. Market analysis:

I provide sellers with comprehensive market analysis reports to help them make informed decisions.

betsy villa is an expert realtor

12. Legal protection:

I help navigate complex legal documents and ensure compliance with local regulations and disclosure requirements. As a Realtor, I do advise all legal documents be reviewed by an attorney.

13. Professional photography:

I arrange for high-quality photography and virtual tours to showcase the property effectively.

14. Open houses and showings:

I organize and host open houses and private showings to attract potential buyers.

15. Feedback and market updates:

I provide regular updates on market activity, buyer feedback, and any necessary adjustments to the selling strategy.

16. Transaction management:

I oversee the entire transaction process, including inspections, appraisals, and contingencies.

17. Emotional support:

I provide support and guidance during what can be a stressful and emotional process for sellers.

18. Local knowledge:

I have extensive knowledge of the neighborhood, schools, amenities, and other factors that can impact the property’s value.

19. Pricing accuracy:

I help sellers avoid overpricing or underpricing their property, ensuring a fair market value.

20. Access to resources:

I have access to a wide range of resources, including professional photographers, home stagers, and contractors, to enhance the property’s appeal.

21. Market exposure:

I leverage their marketing channels and connections to expose the property to a larger pool of potential buyers.

22. Market timing:

I advise sellers on the best time to list their property based on market conditions and buyer demand.

23. Confidentiality:

I maintain confidentiality and protect sellers’ privacy during the selling process.

24. Local advertising:

I advertise the property in locally

25. Comparative market analysis:

I provide sellers with a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help them understand the value of their property in relation to similar properties in the area.

26. Contract expertise:

I am well-versed in contract negotiations and can ensure that sellers’ interests are protected.

27. Problem-solving:

I am skilled at identifying and resolving issues that may arise during the selling process.

28. Post-sale assistance:

I provide guidance and support even after the sale is complete, assisting with any post-sale concerns or questions.

29. Market exposure beyond local buyers:

I have connections with out-of-town or international buyers, expanding the potential buyer pool.

30. I give Sellers Peace of mind:

Ultimately, as a Realtor I provide sellers with peace of mind, knowing that they have a professional guiding them through the selling process.

31. Free Professional Home Cleaning

As part of the listing contract, your house can be professionally by cleaned by a cleaning services.

What are you waiting for? Call 502 417-3463

or fill out this form…

     

    Let’s Socialize!

    Follow Betsy Villa on Facebook.com https://Facebook.com/LaVillaProperties and Instagram.com/La_Villa_Home_Sales

     

    subdivision

    8 Benefits and Disadvantages of Living in a Subdivision

    A subdivision is a large tract of land that is subdivided into smaller lots for residential or commercial purposes.

    Learn about 8 Benefits and Disadvantages of Living in a Subdivision

    Benefits of a subdivision:

    1. Increased housing options:

    Subdivisions offer more housing options for people, which can be beneficial for both buyers and sellers.

    2. Infrastructure development:

    Subdivisions necessitate the development of infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and amenities to support the new community.

    3. Improved property value:

    Subdivisions can lead to a rise in property values since they bring in new residents and promote economic growth in the area.

    4. Better organization:

    A well-designed subdivision can offer a more structured and organized community plan, resulting in better planning and a more cohesive neighborhood.

    Disadvantages of a subdivision:

    1. Environmental impact:

    Subdivisions often necessitate the destruction of natural habitats and wildlife, causing damage to the environment.

    2. Limited space:

    Subdivisions by definition divide a large piece of land into smaller lots, limiting the amount of green space in the surrounding area.

    3. Traffic congestion:

    The development of a subdivision can lead to increased traffic, leading to more pollution and congestion in the area.

    4. Financial strain:

    The development of a subdivision necessitates the acquisition of land and construction, which can be costly, making it difficult for smaller developers to compete.

     

    See Louisville Subdivisions For Sale

    8 Benefits and Disadvantages of Living in a SubdivisionVisit BetsyVila.com to Network – Promote your business to my audience; its free

    mortgage calculator

    Mortgage Calculator

     

    mortgage calculatorThe mortgage calculator will help you find out how much you can afford based on your income and estimate monthly mortgage payments. It can also calculate the total interest paid over the life of the loan. As well as determine how much home one can afford based on the income and expenses. Use it to compare different mortgage options and terms. Aso for analyzing the impact of making extra payments or refinancing on the overall mortgage loan.

    Mortgage Calculator

    You might just like to type in your figures. This one might be more straightforward for you.

    home loan

    Other uses for the above mortgage calculators would be planning a budget for buying a home and managing mortgage expenses. It can be used for understanding the effect of down payment and interest rate on the overall mortgage payment. When you need to consider the affordability and feasibility of different houses and mortgage options, this calculator is also very useful.  You can also evaluate the benefits of different loan types, such as fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages.

    Don’t forget to use it to determine whether mortgage insurance is required and how it affects the monthly payment. It is important to compare the costs and benefits of different mortgage lenders and refinancing options, this mortgage calculator will be very handy for that too. You can use it for planning additional expenses such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Lastly, use it for forecasting the impact of changes in interest rates or property value on mortgage payments.

    Search properties for sale to see what you can buy

    https://BestieRealtor/mls

     

     

     

     

     

    Call Bestie