The Jansen Team - NP Dodge - Omaha, NE - Real Estate Sales

Something broken? Don’t Call the Landlord!

2010-06-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

The joys of homeownership are many, most centered on the new control you have over your space. No one to tell you to turn the music down, no rules against pets or nail holes in the wall. You can paint the walls any color you like, change the carpet, hang out in the back yard and often park your car in a garage within steps of your living space.

Homeownership is bliss … until something breaks down, and then we wish we could just call our landlord and have him take care of it. Instead, we go searching for a contractor that we can trust to do a good job and not wipe out our savings account in the process.

We’d like to propose another solution. For years we’ve worked closely with ServiceOne, a locally-owned home warranty company who has saved hundreds of our clients time, money and headaches. If you haven’t looked at the advantages and value of a home warranty lately, you’ll want to pay attention.

What Makes ServiceOne Such an Essential Stress-Reliever for Homeowners?

First, contrary to popular belief, ServiceOne is not a franchise. The company is locally owned and has been serving Omaha area residents for more than 20 years. That means when you call for help, you will be talking to someone in Omaha who knows the city, who is experiencing the same weather (and its complications) that you are and who truly understands your needs.

ServiceOne does not outsource its repairs. In fact, it’s the only company in town that employs plumbers, electricians, heating and air technicians and appliance repair professionals all under one roof. Our repair professionals are experienced and reliable, and committed to the high standards ServiceOne demands.

Here are just a few more reasons we love ServiceOne:

- 24 hour emergency service
- Convenient appointments
- All parts and work guaranteed
- Bonded, insured and licensed technicians, who've passed pre-employment drug and background checks
- Money-saving service agreements

What Kinds of Help Does ServiceOne Offer?

While many of ServiceOne’s customers have purchased one of the convenient and cost-effective home warranty plans, ServiceOne also provides the following services on-demand, even if you don’t have a home warranty. Here’s only a partial list of all of the ways ServiceOne can make homeowners lives’ easier:

- Heating and cooling

- Repairs for major brands of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, humidifiers, and boilers

- Sales of new equipment

- Preventative maintenance

- Plumbing

- Repairs and/or installation of faucets, water heaters, toilets, garbage disposals, leaks and clogged drains

- Sales and service of new water heaters

- All basic electrical services, repairs of outlets, switches, shorts and traces & installation of service panels

- Appliance repair, including

- Refrigerators & Freezers

- Dishwashers & Garbage disposals

- Washers & Dryers

- Ranges and exhaust fans
- Built-in microwave ovens

- Trash compactors
- Central vacuum systems

Since I Can Call ServiceOne if I Need a Repair, Why should I Consider a Home Warranty?

ServiceOne actually offers a variety of service agreements, but if you have a new home (less than five years old) we highly recommend the home warranty. For only $99 (plus tax) your home is covered for five years, which means that ServiceOne will repair (or if unfixable, replace) your equipment for just the cost of a service call. Even if your home is older than five years, you can still purchase a home warranty that can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expense in the event of a major repair or replacement.

How Can ServiceOne Help Me if I’m in the Process of Buying or Selling My Home?

The greatest advantage for home buyers and sellers is the peace of mind you get with ServiceOne.

If you’re selling your home, ServiceOne can cover your home during the listing period, including the appliances that you’re taking with you when you move. Then, your warranty can be easily transferred to the buyer, which is a great selling point.

Whether you’re buying or selling, ServiceOne can provide:
- A mechanical evaluation to ensure there are no surprises for either party
- Greatly reduced liability during and after the sale

Check out how much you’ll save by having a ServiceOne policy.

The Bottom Line

With ServiceOne, you won’t be missing your landlord because one phone call can solve virtually any repair problem you may encounter, including other services not mentioned here. For more information about ServiceOne’s products, services and warranty plans, give us a call at 402.330.5954 or call Brenda Stuart at ServiceOne at 402.306.6319. You can also visit www.serviceone.com to learn more.

And as always, if you have any questions for Lisa, Ken or anyone with the Jansen Team, please contact us at 402.330.5954.

Big Sandy Lake

2010-04-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is warming up, we’re all thinking about summer and where we might want to take the family vacation.

How would you feel if you never had to take another vacation, never had to wait in line at the pool, never had to find a friend with a fishing boat to take you to a public lake?

These are just a few of the many reasons to consider the advantages of lakeside living at Big Sandy Lake.

Located outside of Ashland, just 20 minutes from either Omaha or Lincoln, Big Sandy is a relatively new lake that features beautiful homes with diverse, striking designs.

As you tour the area, you’ll find homes that are mountain rustic, southwestern, Mediterranean, international, Nantucket and contemporary. You’ll even find a large home or two!

Living at the lake is like living at a resort year round.

Here are just a few of the advantages:

1. Easy access to swimming without worrying about over-chlorination, crowds and losing your money if the weather turns stormy.

2. Great fishing year-round for a variety of sport fish, including largemouth bass as big as six pounds.

3. Boating, skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing anytime you like, without having to load everything up on a trailer, unload it, and then load it up again.

4. Sand dunes and trails where you can ride your ATVs.

5. Tennis courts and volleyball courts to play your favorite sport.

6. Lots of space to walk, ride bikes or jog with beautiful natural scenery wherever you go.

7. Up close and personal view of the changing seasons and a view of the stars you’ll never find in the city.

8. Great neighbors, some year-round and some seasonal, who enjoy the outdoor life and a wonderful location to entertain friends and clients.

If you’re ready for lakeside living, we’re listing an incredible home with a view of the water from almost every window.

Featuring Brazilian granite, travertine tile and a fabulous floor plan, it’s also exceptionally energy efficient with geothermal heating and cooling.

For details on this home or any other questions, call the Jansen Team at 402.330.5954! We’re always happy to help you!

Insider Tips To Get The Tax Credit By April 30th

2010-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some suggestions:
1. Get to Know Your Market: Buyers can do that using Internet sites that permit you to see the homes currently on the market, and by finding a good real estate agent who is ready to expedite the shopping process. A capable agent can guide buyers through the home search process and save them a lot of time. New listings can be emailed to buyers as they are posted, and buyers should stay on top of the market on a daily basis, seeing what properties are coming onto the market and which ones have sold.

2. Line Up Your Financing:Talk to a reputable lender right away and go through the pre-approval process FIRST. Buyers need to know how much they can borrow. At today’s extremely low interest rates, that amount may be more than buyers imagined. Either way, the process will help buyers determine how much "spending power" they actually have.

3. Start Narrowing Your Search: With a large inventory of homes to choose from in this current market, buyers won’t have time to look at everything in their price range. By establishing specific criteria of the home they want, buyers can rule out homes that won’t fit their needs. Tell your real estate agent these two criteria: Where do you want to live, and how much can you spend? When it comes to location, buyers should factor in their daily commute. Ideally, you can narrow you search to one or two communities quickly.

4.Separate Needs from Wants: Buyers can look at fewer homes if they can tell their agent what features the home they buy must have and what features would be nice but aren’t required. When it comes to must haves, start with the basics. How many bedrooms do you need? Will a two-car garage be sufficient, or do you need something larger? And don’t forget to consider the type of home. Are you interested only in a traditional two-story single-family detached dwelling, or would a ranch plan work just as well?

5. Consider Condition: In today’s market, many of the best values are foreclosed homes that aren’t in perfect condition. Buyers should decide up front if they are willing to tackle a home that needs work, and if so, how much.Buyers often have a hard time articulating what they will accept when it comes to condition. Be upfront with your agent.

6. Keep Things in Perspective: As nice as it may be to get the tax credit, don’t let the desire to do so completely control your home search. Some buyers are quick to decide, and others aren’t. If you like to mull over important decisions, take the time you need. The tax credit is a fabulous incentive, but buying the wrong home can end up costing you a lot more.

7. Leave Time to Handle Standard Contingencies: The typical purchase contract may have several contingency clauses, for such things as a home inspection, obtaining financing and even the sale of the buyer’s current residence. Fortunately, standard contingencies in a contract won’t prevent it from qualifying for the tax credit. However, the more contingencies you have in a contract, the greater the risk that it won’t close.

8. Be Careful of Short Sales: If the home you want to buy is offered as a short sale, qualifying for the tax credit may become more difficult. Short sales require that purchase offers be approved by both the seller and the sellers’ lender, and lenders often are slow about responding. Waiting for lender approval could leave you without a binding contract on April 30.

Ready to start shopping or have a home to sell? Call The Jansen Team, we are always here to provide you with professional, friendly service!

The Jansen Team Has Opened Our Hearts to the Open Door Mission! Please Open Yours As Well!

2010-03-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

You may think of us primarily as a real estate team, and we are!

But, we’re also caring citizens of the great city of Omaha and want everyone to have safety, warmth, shelter and food.

And that’s exactly what the Open Door Mission does – it provides much needed services to those living in poverty and need. And how exactly does this wonderful organization do that?

Well, for starters, they provide 320 men, women and children in Omaha with safe shelter. They also serve more than 1,500 hot, nutritious meals daily. And they provide preventive measures to more than 250 families living in poverty!

But, here’s the thing – the need is ongoing and, often, many of us think of donating time and money only during the holidays!

That’s why we want to ask you to join us today. Make a monetary donation. Give the gift of your time. Or provide any services that would be of value to the Open Door Mission!

Today, beyond making cash donations, we’re contributing our time to help prepare a lunch for those needing a healthy meal. It’s as simple and easy as that!

We challenge you to commit to making a difference! Step through the open door of your heart and give generously!

Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of Omaha men, women, and children!

For information, contact us today at 402-330-5954 or call the mission right now at 402-422-1111.

What is a Short Sale and How Can it Benefit Me?

2010-03-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

A “short sale” is a handy term for a situation in which a homeowner’s debt on his or her property is greater than the amount for which the property can be sold.

Here’s an example: Assume a homeowner has an unpaid loan balance of $110,000, but the property will only sell for $100,000. The unhappy lender accepts that $100,000 as full payment from you or another investor. This is obviously “short” of the full $110,000 amount, thus the name “short sale.”

Let’s be clear – lenders don’t like short sales and often will go through them only as a last resort. After all, they’re not in business to lose money! In many cases, they’ll prefer the option of foreclosure since that choice makes more financial sense.

However, there are instances in which lenders accept short sales and, if you’re “Johnny-on-the-spot,” you can make a very good profit – if you’re willing to brave a complicated process!

Why Is a Short Sale More Complicated Than a Normal Real Estate Transaction?

Simply put, it’s complicated because there are so many factors involved:

- the loan mitigation policies of the lender and third-party investors
- the financial condition of the lender and third-party investors
- financial condition of the borrower
- the property’s as-is value
- the cost to “repair” the property to put it into saleable condition and market it, etc.

On top of these factors, approval for short sale has to come from the investor who actually owns the loan. And then, if the lender is a government-sponsored institution like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac,approval can eat up a lot of time. After all, you’re dealing with government bureaucracies!

When Will Lenders Accept a Short Sale?

There are a variety of situations in which lenders accept short sales. For example, homeowners experience a devastating illness that eats up all their financial resources. Or they may be military personnel called up to active duty for extended periods of time, and they lack the income to continue mortgage payments.

Other examples include anyone who falls into the “hardship” category—disabling, permanent injuries; financial insolvency; convictions; lack of employment due to economic conditions beyond the homeowner’s control, etc.
In these instances, lenders are willing to consider a short sale.

How Do I Find Out If A Property Qualifies for a Short Sale?

You’ll have to do some digging and gain knowledge about the lenders in your area. In order to acquire that knowledge, complete the following tasks:

Task 1: Talk to your realtor and find out their loss mitigation policy. If they seldom or never do short sales, don’t bother with them.

Task 2: Find out the number of liens recorded against the property title and the total amount of money in those liens.

Task 3: Know the type of loan that’s in default and its current status.

Task 4: Know both the property’s as-is market value and its as-repaired value.

Task 5: Be aware of the state of the local economy and the current real estate market conditions. Analyze all this information to determine if a short sale is worth pursuing.

Okay, let’s assume you’ve completed all those tasks and know the short sale is worth pursuing. What’s next?

How to Pursue a Short Sale

First get yourself qualified for a loan.

Also very important - short sales can’t be made to relatives, family members, or close friends of the homeowner. In real estate, this is called an “arm’s length transaction.” What happens if you do this and the lender discovers that you’ve done an arm’s length deal? The lender can file a lawsuit to have the sale overturned!

As you might expect, the property owners themselves can complicate the process. After all, they can’t receive any of the money from a short payoff sale. That means not much of an incentive for them to do a short sale.

And one last negative - the debt that’s canceled by the short sale payoff of a mortgage or deed of trust is subject to federal income tax as ordinary earned income. This is not true of a bankruptcy or insolvency.

How to Start the Short Sale Process

Follow these steps (yes, there are many):

- Get in touch with the homeowner who’s in foreclosure.
- Determine the homeowner’s financial condition.
- Analyze the condition of the property.
- If both the financial and property condition are suitable, ask the homeowner for written authorization to communicate with the loan loss mitigation department of the lender.
- Get in touch with the decision-maker in the loan loss mitigation department of the lender and provide them with a copy of the written authorization.
- Contact the decision-maker to discuss the short sale and request that the decision-maker send the appropriate short-sale documents to the homeowner.
- Ask the homeowner gather all documentation to provide support for financial hardship case.
- Get repair cost estimates from a minimum of three licensed home improvement contractors.
- Do a comparable value study by assessing the value of three similar neighborhood properties sold in the last six months.
- Return the short sale proposal to the lender’s decision-maker. It should include a signed purchase agreement for a percentage less than the amount owed to the lender; e.g., 20%, 30%, 40% less, etc. Include a HUD 1 Settlement Statement in your proposal. You can download the statement in PDF form here.
- The lender’s decision-maker reviews your proposal and orders a BPO to determine the property’s as-is and as-repaired values.
- The decision-maker either accepts your proposal or rejects it.
- If the decision-maker feels a short sale is appropriate, they’ll make a counteroffer.
- You then accept or reject the counteroffer.
- If you accept the counteroffer, you close on the transaction within 30 days.

I hope this brief introduction to short sales gave you enough information to decide whether or not you want to pursue this type of transaction. If you have more questions, please contact me today at 402.330.5954 and we can discuss this topic or any other area of real estate.

You have to see this video Ken and I Made - Here are 10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues!

2010-02-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

1.) Act on your Resolutions

A recent study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed a strong link between healthy behaviors and depression. Women who exhibited healthy behaviors (like exercising, not smoking, etc.) had less sad and depressed days than those whose behaviors were less than healthy. Although researchers studied women, the results are likely similar in men. Also, Seasonal Affective Disorder also shows its presence during these droopy winter months, and affects thousands of Americans. So what does this tell you? Whether you were one of the many who made a New Year’s resolution, or you just want a more balanced, quality lifestyle, always remember that healthy actions can benefit both your body and mind.

2.) Treat Yourself

Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you—a weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party (but keep #1 above in mind.) You can also take advantage of events that happen locally in your city by going to a play, organizing a girls (or guys) night out, or attending a sporting event. Reward yourself when you accomplish a goal, or treat yourself when you feel low – your own personal happiness will put you in a better mindset to avoid being bummed by the drizzly winter funk!

3.) Relax!

You’re busy! Work, class, family, friends, appointments, meetings—even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Don’t be afraid to say "No," to extra opportunities (covering a shift for a co-worker, bringing food to your son’s class party). Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read for leisure, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations or take a yoga class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy. Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking can help keep depression at bay. So cozy up by the fire with a good book and some hot cocoa, and take a vacation from your hectic lifestyle, even if it’s just for an hour or two.

4.) Embrace the Season

Instead of always avoiding the cold and the snow—look for the best that it has to offer! Take up a winter sport like ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, or even sledding! Enjoy these opportunities while they last—after all, they’re only here a few months per year. Staying active will boost your energy and help you to stay healthy! Seeing winter in a positive light, with all the fun activities that it has to offer, will keep your spirits high. So bundle up! Fight back against winter doldrums with a warm jacket, some gloves and good company, and enjoy the winter wonderland around you!

5.) Take a Vacation

Dreaming of a sandy beach and warm sunshine while digging your car out of the snow? You’re not alone. The winter is the perfect time to hit the beach in Mexico or add a little adventure to your life. Whether you feel like getting your tan on, or hitting the slopes in Tahoe, taking some time off to travel can be a healthy and relaxing way to get a mental break, and leave winter stress behind.

Don’t want to break the bank? Who said an unforgettable vacation have to cost an arm and a leg -- sometimes early planning can buy you a good deal on a holiday package. For those who don't have to adhere to the school schedule, post-holiday sales can also yield terrific bargains to the Caribbean and other points south. If you’re feeling spontaneous, Web sites like lastminutetravel.com offer tons of last minute deals including hotel, flight and rental discounts.

6.) Don't forget to laugh

Laughter is one of nature's chief stress relievers. Read the funnies, watch your favorite comedy show, swap jokes with coworkers or organize and game night with friends—all good strategies for not taking the winter, or life in general, too seriously. Here’s another little trick that is completely in your control: studies show that even when you’re feeling down, forcing yourself to smile can actually improve your mood by raising endorphin levels and tricking your brain to thinking you’re happy! Try these tips and winter weather will be nothing but a laughing matter.

7.) Surround yourself with music

It should come as no surprise that stores and malls play cheerful music around the time of the holiday season. Fill your house with whatever type of music you enjoy. One of my friends creates a new CD of his favorite songs each Christmastime and plays it often throughout the season. Fill your car with CDs or tapes that you enjoy and use your drive to work as a way to relax. Another great idea is to swap mix CDs with friends and get to know some new music that you may have never heard. Concerts or the symphony are entertaining events to attend, or sign up for music lessons and learn to play an instrument like you’ve always wanted!

8.) Go Wild!

Omaha’s own Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the top ten zoos in the nation, and even better yet, it’s open all year round! All the critters at Henry Doorly don’t take a break for winter, so why should we? With multiple indoor exhibits, the Desert Dome, the aquarium and even an IMAX theatre will certainly entrance you while keeping you toasty and warm. Take advantage of the nationally ranked zoo right here in Omaha, and leave winter blues to the birds! Visit omahazoo.com to learn more.

9.) Winter is in Full Bloom

Visit the Omaha Botanical / Lauritzen Gardens in south Omaha, and lift your spirits while surrounded with beautiful flowers and shrubbery. The gardens transform into a lovely winter wonderland that offer a perfect location for a date, or a Sunday afternoon stroll. The gardens offer events, exhibits and educational programs, and there is even a cozy little café that is open year-round for lunch, and also on Sundays when they serve a special brunch menu. So if you’ve never visited this urban oasis, make it a point to do so before all of the beautiful winter flowers hide away until next year. Go to omahabotanicalgardens.org to learn more or make reservations.

10.) Enjoy Our Video Blog

Make sure you check your email inbox, Facebook, Twitter and check back here for more real estate tips and please contact us at 402.330.5954 comment back right here on our blog, or send me an email!

jLofts at the Market - Watch Our Tour of These AMAZING Lofts!

2010-02-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

13th and Jackson Project Brings New, Lofty Look to Old Market

This is a reprint from http://www.jlofts.com/jnews.aspx

jLofts will feature new construction, indoor parking and verandas. The lofts will be private, safe, energy-efficient and uniquely designed to suit the owner.

OMAHA – jLofts are a ground-breaking, from the dirt up, 6.5 story, 145,000 square foot new construction, mid-rise and mixed-use building to be located at the corner of Omaha’s Old Market

District the building features:

- 50 open plan loft-style residences
- 10,000 sq ft of street level retail and office space
- Ample indoor heated parking
- Individual balconies for every residence
- Priced starting just under 200k
- 20 different floor plans
- Custom built residences available on top floor
- 10 to 13-foot ceilings
- $22.5 million project value

The unparalleled location, price point and amenities of the jLofts offer an exceptional value relative to current and foreseen competitors. Creation of a communicative, timeless structure based on the site topography, area amenities, a minimal footprint and multi-use takes the “Live, Work and Play” concept a step further in Omaha.

"The jLofts bring new construction, open-plan, loft-style residences to Omaha’s Old Market at an unparalleled price and location," said Brannan.

NP Dodge Real Estate and The Jansen Team are marketing the project and are excited that 75% of the residences are now sold with the new owners now moving in. A beautiful furnished model and is now available for private showings. Visit jlofts.com or call 402.677.4646 today for your private showing!

The Jansen Team Top Agents at NP Dodge 2009!

2010-01-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

We Are Top Real Estate Agents at NP Dodge for 2009!

It's such a special honor to reach this level of professional production - and there is NO WAY we could have achieved this award without you. It's been your contacts, referrals, and overall kindness that has provided our team with the business to consistently get homes sold (or purchased) in 2009.

We had quite a bit of fun filming the above video - I LOVE the introduction where it looks like where on TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, however in all actuality we're on top of a massive snow pile just outside Westroads mall. I'm not quite sure how we made it up to the top, nor how we're still alive after climbing our way down. We're sure glad John, our video guy, was there to catch us so we're still around in 2010!

We started this blog to teach you how to make a smart decision in real estate and improve the value of your home. While we ask our friends from time-to-time what we should write or make a video about, we really, really, really want to hear from you and learn what you'd like know. Do you have any home improvement plans? What holding you back from selling your home? Have you thoughts about making a move into investment property? Whatever topics you're interested in, leave a comment on this blog post with what you'd like to see and we'll be sure to make it for you!

Now, as you know, there's still the EXTENDED $8,000 tax credit (and $6,500 second time buyer tax credit) in effect for the next few months. If you know anyone who should make a move in real estate, send them over to our blog to get to know us and ease their fears about making a 'move' in real estate.

Here's more information we put together for you about the tax credit: http://www.gojansenteam.com/2009/12/home-buyers-do-you-have-questions-about.html

Again, we value your feedback on our blog! What are we doing well? What could we do better? Is our informational helpful? Be honest - we want to make this the best place for you to learn the Omaha real estate market.

How Creditors Use (and Misuse) Your FICO Score!

2010-01-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

How Is My Credit Score Figured?

1. Payment History (approximately 35% of your score)

This is the factor that has the biggest impact on your score. Lenders love us when we pay consistently on time over a long period of years. Overall, a good credit picture outweighs a few late payments. Also, late payments will continue to have less influence over time.

2. Amounts Owed (approximately 30%)

Creditors look at this figure to determine whether or not you’re financially overextended and, thus, more likely to be a late payer or a non-payer.

Now, having credit accounts and owing money doesn't necessarily mean you’re a high-risk borrower, but it will cause the agencies to check out your debt-to-income ratio. In other words, if they feel your debt is too high in relation to your income, they will lower your credit score.

3. Length of Credit History (approximately 15%)

Generally speaking, the longer your credit history, the better your FICO score will be (assuming you’ve paid all your debts on time.) A long, solid history shows lenders you can responsibly manage your credit, and, needless to say, they love that fact when it comes to lending money.

However, keep in mind that even people who don’t have long history of using credit can still get high scores. It all depends on how the rest of their credit report looks.

4. New Credit (approximately 10%)

It’s a fact that people today tend to have more credit and to shop for credit more frequently than in previous years. However, when a person opens several credit accounts in a short period of time, this can signal a greater risk to the lenders, especially for people with short credit histories. They may be overextending themselves financially.

If you’re worried that rate-shopping on credit may negatively influence your score, don’t. The agencies are able to distinguish between a search for many new credit accounts and rate shopping.

So, they generally won’t associate shopping for the best rate on a loan with higher risk.

5. Types of Credit in Use (approximately 10%)

Essentially, this measure looks at the mix of credit vehicles you use – mortgage loans, credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts, etc.

A healthy mix of these will improve your score, but don’t feel you have to an account in each of the above categories. It’s never a good idea to open credit accounts you don’t intend to use.

Since the credit mix only constitutes about 10% of your score, it normally won’t be much of factor in determining your score – unless your credit report lacks other information on which to base that score.

There’s no doubt, is there, that your credit score heavily influences your ability to get a loan for a home, car, or other items. Now, I’ll bet you thought that these scores were treated in a fair and impartial manner by creditors. I thought so at first, but after years in business,

.....I’ve learned the inside story.

I’ll give you that story in a moment, but first a little background to get you up to speed on the subject.

Hey, if you’re like me, when you first saw your credit rating referred to as a “FICO” score, you wondered what the heck FICO was. Well, it’s just short-hand for the Fair Isaac Corporation. Now, sometimes people get the impression that FICO is some kind of government agency. Believe me, it’s not! It’s a for-profit company that has nothing to do with any federal agency.

Essentially, FICO’s purpose is to evaluate the creditworthiness of people like you and me for companies of all kinds. In other words, when, say, you apply for a home loan, the lender wants to know what kind of credit risk you are before issuing that loan. So, the first thing that a lender does is look at your FICO score.

I look forward to helping you out of the deep credit waters and on to the dry land of getting better loans at lower rates. What are you waiting for? You have a better life waiting for you!

What Are The Best Ways To Build Real Estate Wealth? - Happy Holiday's From The Jansen's!

2009-12-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

How Does an Wealth Building Real Estate Investment Strategy Work?

Any equity/wealth building real estate investment strategy has the aim of securing your financial future through sound investments. There are three basic long-term strategies in this category, and I describe them below. Remember, they all work well; it’s all a matter of matching a strategy to your style and personality.

1. The Lease Option Strategy

A real estate lease option is also known as “Rent to Own” or “Lease with Option.” The option gives you the right to control a property without the obligation to buy it. With this right, you can purchase the property during a specific period of time (agreed on by both parties when an option agreement is made). However – and this is key - you’re not required to make the purchase. Therefore, if you don’t exercise this option, it expires, and you have no further obligation to the seller. In most cases, as a buyer, you have to pay an option fee (which may or not be applied to the purchase price of the property). Within this strategy, you have several methods to achieve cash flow--Lease Option In, Lease Option Out, or both.

a. Lease Option In

This occurs when you negotiate a lease on a property (usually 2-5 years) and include an option to buy at the end of the period at a pre-negotiated price. Once you gain the right to lease the property, you can then lease it at a higher payment to a lease-to-own buyer. The difference between the lease payment and the occupant rent constitutes your cash flow.

b. Lease Option Out

This happens when you rent a property you own to a tenant with the option to buy at the end of the lease period. With this strategy, you gain increased cash flow during the lease period and equity as well. It’s also low cost since you need only a small percentage of cash to gain control. Then, there’s the fact that you limit your risk while saving capital for other investments (leverage). Another advantage is the potential for a substantial return on your investment through property appreciation. A final advantage is that you don’t have to be a full-time investor in order to get started in the real estate market. You can use this method as a stepping stone to a full-time career as an investor. Due diligence on your part can prevent many of the disadvantages of the lease option strategy.

What are those disadvantages? Well, the seller may be experiencing financial problems. This can result in liens on a property or delinquent property taxes, and it can get very expensive and time-consuming to get all these legal issues sorted out. Another possible disadvantage occurs in a situation when the property doesn’t appreciate. If it doesn’t do that before the option expires, then the lease-option holder won’t be able to buy unless he or she is able to bring in the cash for the difference between the appraised value and option price.

2. The Buy and Hold Strategy

With this strategy, you buy a property and lease it out. Unlike the Lease Option strategy, you’re now the actual owner and have all the responsibilities that go along with ownership. Buy and hold has several advantages. One is low risk, since, generally speaking, holding on to properties long-term brings in appreciation and income that’s hard to beat. Buy and Hold also provides you more flexibility than with the lease option strategies listed earlier. By that, I mean that you have the option of selling at any time or holding onto the property for the cash flow and equity buildup as long as you care to! This strategy is also a good way to build up investment capital.

As with any investment strategy, there are disadvantages. One is low liquidity. In other words, you can’t simply sell most properties overnight if you need cash Another disadvantage is the potential for unforeseen problems; e.g. building code violations, rezoning, etc. Such troubles can lower the value of the property. A third possible disadvantage is dealing with difficult tenants in properties and also the usual problems that come with such properties (leaky faucets, electrical malfunctions, etc.).

3. The Buy, Improve and Hold Strategy

This is the strategy many investors feel is the best one for building cash flow and equity. You buy a property, improve it, and then hold onto until it reaches your target level of appreciation. Overall, it’s a fact that properties tend to appreciate over time (despite fluctuations in market prices), so you gain value with a “hold’ strategy. And, of course, when you make improvements, you gain the potential for higher rents (more cash flow) and greater equity buildup.

And, in regard to those improvements, some of them are classified as capital improvements by the IRS, so you have the potential for the reduction of your taxes paid on the cash flow earned from the property. Finally, you have the potential for re-zoning. If you can get a property approved for a different use, you can then create more income and profit. The disadvantages are the same as the Buy and Hold Method.

Want to learn more about Buy, Improve and Hold strategies? Contact me today at lisa@thejansenteam.com and I’ll provide you with answers or direct you to someone who can! Look forward to talking with you!

Do You Have Questions about the Home Buyer Tax Credit Program?

2009-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I Have Answers for You Worth $6,500 Up to $8,000!

I already know the first question you have about the extended Home Buyer Tax Credit program:

"How do I know if I qualify?"

Well, here are the answers: You qualify if you’re a first-time home buyer who purchases a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Or you can qualify as a current home owner purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, if you’ve used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

And I’ll bet this is your second question: Who’s considered a “first-time home buyer?”

Well, the government says that the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Most likely your third question is, “Which properties are eligible for the program?” And the answer is that the credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

I’ve already told you the answer to the next question, “How much is available?” The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000 while the maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

At this point you’re probably wondering, “How is my credit amount determined?” The answer is that the tax credit is determined by two additional factors: The price of your home and your income. Under the program, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

In terms of income, you can receive the maximum tax credit according to the following criteria: if you’re a single buyer, your income ceiling is $125,000. If you’re a married couple, then your income ceiling is $225,000.

And I’ve already anticipated your next question, “If my income exceeds those limits, can I still get a tax credit?”

Yes, you still may be eligible for the program, although the credit will decrease according to the following rules:

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly.

The amount of the tax credit decreases as your income approaches the maximum limit.

Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples—are not eligible for the credit.

Now, here’s the answer to the next question you probably have, “Can I still qualify if I close after April 30, 2010?” As long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, you’ll have until July 1, 2010 to close!

You likely noticed that earlier in this article I said that the tax credit won’t need to be repaid according to certain circumstances and want to know, “What are the circumstances?”

Well, you don’t need to repay the tax credit if you occupy the home for three years or more. But, if you sell the property during this three-year period, then the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Wow, what a program! What are you waiting for? Even if you still have questions, again, what are you waiting for? Contact me immediately at 402.330.5954 or Lisa@JansenTeam.com, and I’ll answer them for you!

For more on this from the Nebraska Association of Realtors check this out.

Welcome to Our NEW Blog! - What Exactly Determines the Value of Your Home?

2009-11-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Basically, a home's worth is determined by its market value. How is "market value" determined? Most often, it's figured by a comparison ("comp") with homes similar to yours in the surrounding area.

So, if the homes in your neighborhood average, say, $250,000, then it's likely that the value of your property will fall in the same range.

But market value is also determined by a number of factors including the following:

External Factors

There can be several external factors influencing the value of your home. One is "curb appeal", or the first impression your property makes upon prospective buyers. A home that's in excellent condition on the outside will make a great first impression; a home in poor repair instantly loses its appeal to buyers. Other factors can include lot size, popularity of an architectural style of property, water/sewage systems, paved roads, sidewalks, etc.

Internal Factors

The condition of a home's interior also has a huge influence on prospective buyers.

When you've demonstrated "pride of ownership" and kept up the maintenance (quality paint, trim, molding, etc.), a buyer's interest will immediately perk up for the simple reason that they know your care and concern will result in less cost and maintenance for them.

Other internal factors include construction quality, condition of appliances, size and number of rooms, heating/cooling type, energy efficiency, etc.

Supply and Demand

"Supply and demand" simply refers to the number of homes for sale versus the number of buyers.

When there are more homes than there are buyers, prices tend to be lower. When there are a lot of buyers chasing few homes, then prices tend to rise. In effect, supply and demand affects how quickly your home will sell

Location

More than likely, you already know the old saying, "There are three main factors in real estate - location, location, location."

While that's not the whole story, desirability is a big factor for home buyers. They may want to live in particular school district known for its education excellence…a great and safe neighborhood with rising property values…etc.

But I Know My Home Is More Valuable Than a Lot of Comparable Homes in My Neighborhood? Aren't Allowances Made for This?

Definitely! Sometimes, it can be difficult to find homes exactly comparable to your own. So, dollar adjustments are made for the differences between your home and comparable properties

Where Do I Find Sales Comparison Information?

The easiest source to access is your realtor. After all, it's his or business to know such information

But, there are also other sources you can tap into in order to get a complete picture of your home's value in comparison to others in your neighborhood. Here's an overview of them:

1. The Local Assessor's Office

It's very likely that your local assessor will be able to provide the sales history of a particular house, neighborhood, or style of architecture. Many assessors also provide lists of recent sales which you can browse and compare to the assessment roll.

Today, many municipalities provide local sales and assessment information online making it very easy to access. Check with your local government agency to find out if they provide this service.

2. Online Private Companies

You can search for these companies using the Google search engine and the keywords "comparable home sales" or "comparable sales." Some companies offer free information; others charge a nominal fee.

If you wish to get more specific, you can Google "real estate database" and type in the name of your particular state to get additional property information

3. Your Local Newspaper

It's likely that your local newspaper is a great source of specific real estate information. Look for quarterly sales reports in the real estate or business sections

The Key to Getting the Price You Want (or Close To It) for Your Home

The key to getting the best value is finding and matching the right buyer to your home. And that's the job of the realtor!

He or she should work hard to qualify those buyers upfront so the right people are viewing your property!

In other words, the realtor should weed out "lookers" and other unsuitable buyers as a first step in working with you.

See how I do that for you by sending me an email to lisa@thejansenteam.com!