Greater New Haven CT Real Estate

What Dcouments Willl I Need To Provide For My New Haven Short Sale?

An important component of a short sale package are the documents that your lender will require.  One of most common question many sellers ask is what documents will I need to provide for my New Haven short sale?  While the list of documents may vary from lender to lender the following is a preliminary list of documents you will need to provide.

1.  Two months most recent mortgage statements (all mortgages)

2.  Two months checking account statements (all borrowers if separate)

3.  Two months savings account statements (all borrowers if separate)

4.  Two months other accounts statements (all borrowers if separate)

5.  Last two paycheck stubs (all borrowers) or if you are self-employed a copy of your  most recent profit and loss statement

6.  Copies of your last two years tax returns

7.  Financial worksheet

8.  Any lender correspondence you may have received

9.  Handwritten hardship letter describing your hardship - This letter should explain as persuasively as possible the compelling reasons why it is necessary to sell your property as a short sale and must be dated and signed. 

If you or someone you care about is facing financial difficulty and feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage please give me a call to discuss your options.  Even if you're facing the possibility of foreclosure it's not too late to try and sell your New Haven home as a short sale.  Call me for a confidential consultation and let's work together to put you back on the path of financial stability.

Greater New Haven Short Sale & Pre-Foreclosure Help

Contact Donna Bigda, CDPE, ABR, SRES, e-PRO. RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven or the surrounding Greater New Haven shoreline area.

Want more information about Greater New Haven real estate, the housing market in general, or help in your home search, please contact me by phone or text at (203) 645-7467.  If you would you like to have access to properties immediately to beat other buyers to your dream home?  Sign up with no obligation at my ShorelineHomeFinder site.

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

Donna Bigda & RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Copyright © 2011 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*What Dcouments Willl I Need To Provide For My New Haven Short Sale?*

Successful West Haven Connecticut VA Short Sale With Webster Bank

West Haven CT Real Estate ~ Just sold 818 Washington Avenue, West Haven Connecticut.  This was a successful West Haven CT VA Short Sale with Webster Bank by Donna Bigda, RE/MAX Alliance.

This 7 room, 3 bedroom 1.5 bath single family home has 1489 square feet of living space and was built in 1920.  It was purchased in August 2004 for $171,000.

The first mortgage with Webster Bank was $191,000.

The second mortgage with CHFA was $10,700.

This West Haven short sale was listed on May 9, 2011 for $90,000.   In just over 3 weeks but we received a cash offer for $78,000, short sale approval on August 17th and closed on the home on September 12th.

This was a relatively smooth short sale and Webster Bank was terrific to work with through the entire process.  This home sold for $78,000 and Webster accepted $68,212 on the first.  The second with CHFA was negotiated down to $1500 and was paid by the buyer at closing.

If you or someone you care about is facing financial difficulty and feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage and owe more on your home than what it's worth please give me a call to discuss your options.  Even if you're facing the possibility of foreclosure it is not too late to try and sell your home as a short sale.  I can help you or someone you know create a strategy for living a life without the burden of missed payments.  Call me today for a confidential consultation and let's work together to put you back on the path of financial stability.

Greater New Haven Short Sale & Pre-Foreclosure Help

Contact Donna Bigda, CDPE, ABR, SRES, e-PRO. RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven or the surrounding Greater New Haven shoreline area.

Want more information about Greater New Haven real estate, the housing market in general, or help in your home search, please contact me by phone or text at (203) 645-7467.  If you would you like to have access to properties immediately to beat other buyers to your dream home?  Sign up with no obligation at my ShorelineHomeFinder site.

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

Donna Bigda & RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Copyright © 2011 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Successful West Haven Connecticut VA Short Sale With Webster Bank*

Successful Chase Short Sale In New Haven Connecticut

I was contacted by Chase Bank directly in the first week of March to see if I would be interested in listing a short sale in New Haven Connecticut.  The seller who lives in New Jersey was also on the phone and provided me with all the necessary information I needed to send all the required listing paperwork and short sale documentation.

This multi family home was purchased as an investment property in May 2007 for $100,000 and the seller then refinanced it for $160,000 in November 2007. 

This New Haven short sale was listed on March 30, 2011 for $59,900.  It took three months but we received a cash offer on June 23, 2011 which the sellers accepted.  The contract was faxed right away to Chase for short sale approval.  There were additional counter negotiations with Chase on an acceptable sales price and on July 29th the short sale was approved by the bank.

This home closed today and sold for $47,000.  Chase accepted $34, 179.09 on the first and the seller also received $10,000 from Chase as part of their short sale incentive program. 

If you're facing financial difficulty,  finding it hard to pay your mortgage and owe more on your home that what it's worth please give me a call to discuss your options.  Even if you're facing the possibility of foreclosure it is not too late to try and sell your home as a short sale.  A short sale is an emotional transaction and I can help you take the stress out of losing your home to foreclosure. Call me today for a confidential consultation.

Donna Bigda
Licensed Connecticut REALTOR®
10 Pine Orchard Road
Branford, Connecticut 06405

Call Donna at 203-488-1641, ext. 214
Fax 203-315-2127

New Haven Connecticut Short Sales

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

Donna Bigda & RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Copyright © 2011 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Successful Chase Short Sale In New Haven Connecticut*

Missing Mortgage Payments

On Your New Haven Home?

It’s Not Too Late

Wondering what a New Haven homeowner should expect when payments are missed? The most important thing to know is that no matter what stage of default a homeowner is in, there is almost always a way to avoid foreclosure. That being said, the quicker a homeowner does something about the situation, the less challenging it will be to resolve.

First, here’s what a distressed New Haven homeowner should expect to happen when payments are missed:

30 Days Late: The lender will attempt phone contact or send a notice in the mail.

60 Days Late: The lender will attempt to make contact by phone and follow up with another letter in the mail.

90 Days Late: The lender will send a letter demanding all past due amounts within 30 days and start the foreclosure process.

120 Days or More Late: The lender’s attorneys will take over and the homeowner will be responsible for their fees in addition to missed mortgage payments and the loan amount due.

Not late yet, but about to be?

New Haven homeowners that are not late but foresee missing payments should communicate this to their lenders as soon as possible. In the past, many banks wouldn’t work with homeowners unless they were one or more payments behind. In light of the mortgage crisis, most lenders who would rather take a proactive stance and decrease their loan losses. They are more willing than ever to work with New Haven homeowners to avoid being late.

If you or someone you care about may miss mortgage payments in the near future please download this free report Missing Mortgage Payments On Your New Haven Home.  I can help navigate the process and put you back on a path to financial stability. Contact me today and alleviate the stress that comes with unaffordable mortgage payments.

***************************************************************

Donna Bigda, CDPE
Licensed Connecticut REALTOR®
10 Pine Orchard Road
Branford, Connecticut 06405

Call Donna at 203-488-1641, ext. 214
Fax 203-315-2127
or visit www.ShortSalesNewHavencom

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Contact Donna Bigda, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of Greater New Haven shoreline area.

If you would like more information about New Haven CT homes for sale, the surrounding areas, the housing market in general, or help in your home search, please contact me by phone or text at (203) 645-7467. Would you like to have access to properties immediately to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my ShorelineHomeFinder site.

Copyright © 2011 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Missing Mortgage Payments On Your New Haven Home?*

If you are considering selling your home there is a great deal of information you will need to prepare your home for sale before putting it on the market.

In today's marketplace, your home will be in competition with other homes in your  surrounding area as well.  

Here are some tips that will help you to give you a big advantage over your competition:

Tip #1 - Make It Attractive

Buyers today are looking at many properties and their selection is very often based on emotion so you need to make your home inviting and appealing since you may be competing with other homes that have no pets, no children, are tastefully decorated and clean as a whistle.

Tip #2 - Start with the inside

The principal #1 rule you need to understand is that there is a big difference in the way you live in your home and the way you sell your home.  

Begin by going through each room and pack up at least 30% of your belongings and accessories.  A buyer cannot envision themselves mentally living in your home and you want to create the perception of roominess so pack up those collectibles and any family photos you have displayed on your walls, shelves and tables.  Pack up any items in the cabinets and closets that you don't use on a regular basis. 

Write with a large magic marker and label each box with its contents and stack them in the garage or basement. Remember you are going to be moving anyway, so take advantage by getting things packed away now.  Rent a storage area for these items if necessary or have a yard sale.

Too much furniture clutters a room so remove any extra tables, chairs and dressers that are too big and take up too much room.  

Take a good look at your floors and carpet.  If the carpeting and floors are in good condition give them a good cleaning.  If they are older and showing signs of wear change them. Pay special attention to carpeting that may be stained and discolored and vinyl flooring that are outdated styles or colors.  Use neutral colors when replacing both the carpets and the floors.  

Next check out the walls. If they're dirty, try scrubbing them clean first.  If painting is necessary use flat latex in the kitchen and semi-gloss latex in the bathrooms.  

Walls with wallpaper should be clean and up to date.  If the wallpaper is older and peeling, strip it off and either paint or re-wallpaper depending on the condition of the walls.  

Look for cracked walls and ceilings and repair if necessary.  Repair loose door knobs and make sure all celing fans are clean and light fixtures have new lightbulbs.  Correct any  leaking faucets in the kitchen and baths put fresh batteries in smoke detectors.

Make your home sparkle by scrubbing clean all sinks, tubs and appliances.  Clean all windows inside out as well as the curtains, drapes and blinds.  

Get rid of pet and food odors.  For pets, keep the litter box cleaned and add a cup of baking soda to the litter.  Remove doggy smells by placing a small uncovered bowl of vinegear in the room where your dog sleeps.  Of course make sure you put the bowl off the floor so the dog doesn't drink it.  Baking breads pies and cookies adds a pleasant aroma as well as scented candles or fresh flowers.

Tip #3 - Look outside

Trim shrubs, weed and mulch the flower beds. Add blooming flowers in the front or a hanging basket on the deck.  Is there oil in the driveway?  Kitty litter will remove the oil and grease stains.

Sweep the patio and deck and remove any visible rust on the gas grill.  Outdoor furniture should be kept clean and/or repainted if necessary.  Paint, repair or replace the mailbox if needed.

Drive up appeal is most important to give buyers a good first impression so make sure the front door gets a fresh coat of paint.  Do the same with the back door and garage door.  Clean, repair and paint all downspouts and gutters.

Repainting the outise of your home can be a fairly expensive venture and is not necessary unless the walls are badly blistering or peeling. If your home does need painting, choose a neutral color.  Some colors that are most appealing are white, cream and light gray.  If it's going to be painted or re-sided during the time you are going to sell, make sure buyers are aware of when it is scheduled to be completed. 

Tip # 4 - The Garage and Basement

The basement and garage are the areas where everything goes that doesn't have any other place to go.  If they are messy and cluttered remove every thing right down to the floor.  Sweep or hose down the floors and remove any stains.  If the floors need painting, paint them porch gray and for the walls use an off-white flat latex paint.

When everything is cleaned and painted, pack what you can and organize and stack everything neatly.  If you have a finished basement, keep it neat and clean and pack up any unused toys, books and games.  

Using these tips wil greatly help you to sell your home for more money and in less time. 

***************************************************************************

Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Branford CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market and now is one of the best times to buy while interest rates remain low. For more information on Branford CT real estate homes or condos, see Branford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Branford CT homes and condos. 

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Dress Your Connecticut Home For Success*

There are many homeowners today without a clear understanding of the differences between a foreclosure and a short sale.  The consequences a homeowner faces between the two can have a huge impact on their credit and employment especially if their job requires a security clearance.

In an effort to help these homeowners who may not be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of foreclosure vs short sale, I would like to explain the points at issue and consequences of both.

In a foreclosure credit your credit score may be lowered from 250 to over 300 points and it typically can affect your score for over 3 years.

With a successful short sale on your home only late payments on a mortgage will show and after sale mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated.  This will lower the credit score as little as 50 points if all other payments are being made.  The effect of a short sale can be as brief ans 12 to 18 months.

Your credit history in a foreclosure will remain as a public record for 10 years or more.  A short sale is not reported on your credit history as there is no specific reporting item for a "short sale."  The loan is typically reported "paid in full, settled."

Outside of a conviction of a serious misdemeanor or felony a foreclosure is the  most challenging issue against a security clearance.  If you are in the military, in the CIA, Security, are a police officer or any other position that requires a security clearance and have a foreclosure in almost all cases that clearance will be revoked and the position terminated.  A short sale on its own does not challenge most security clearances.

If you are currently employed employers have the right and are actively checking the credit regularly of all employees who are in sensitive positions.   In many cases a foreclosure is grounds for immediate reassignment or termination.  Since a short sale is not reported on a credit report it is as a result not a challenge to employment.

In the case of future employment many employers are requiring credit checks on all job applicants.  In most cases a foreclosure will challenge employment and is one of the most detrimental credit items an applicant can have.  As stated above because a short sale is not reported on a credit report as a result is not a challenge to employment.

A bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment in 100% of foreclosures (except in those states where there is no deficiency).  It is possible in some successful short sales to convince the lender to give up the right to pursuit a deficiency judgment against a homeowner.

In regards to deficiency judgment amounts a home in foreclosure will have to go through an REO process if it does not sell at auction and can in most instances result in a lower sales price and longer time to sell in a declining market.  This will result in a higher possible deficiency judgment.

When a short sale is properly managed a home is sold at a price that should be close to market value and in almost all instances will be better than an REO sale resulting in a lower deficiency.

The period for eligibility of a future loan differ greatly between a homeowner who loses a home to foreclosure and a homeowner who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale.

Effective May 21, 2008 the homeowner of a primary residence who loses a home to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years.  With a successfully negotiated and closed short sale a homeowner will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years.  In a non-primary residence an investor who allows a property to go to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years.  In a successfully negotiated and closed short sale an investor will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment after only 2 years.

Eligibility for a future loan with any mortgage company for a homeowner who  loses a home to foreclosure will affect their future rates and will require the prospective borrower to answer YES to question C in Section VII of the stand 1003 application that asks "Have you had property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lie thereof in the last 7 years?"   There is no similar question or declaration regarding a short sale.

A short sale is an emotional transaction but as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I want to help take the stress out of losing your home to foreclosure and explain the full range of solutions that are available.  Call me today for a confidential consultation. 

Donna Bigda
Licensed Connecticut REALTOR®
10 Pine Orchard Road
Branford, Connecticut 06405

Call Donna at 203-488-1641, ext. 214
Fax 203-315-2127
by email Donna@DonnaBigda.com 
or visit www.distressedhomeownershelpline.com

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Disclosure

RE/MAX Alliance is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.  If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.  RE/MAX Alliance is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal or tax advice.  It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional legal counsel and tax advice for any real estate transaction.

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.  Sellers are advised to obtain legal advice regarding the advisability and terms of any short sale agreement with creditor(s) and professional tax advice regarding tax implications of a sale.

Copyright © 2009 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Foreclosure vs Short Sale*

If you are considering selling your Jefferson Woods condo there is a great deal of information you will need to prepare your condo for sale before putting it on the market.

In today's marketplace, your condo will be in competition with other units not only in your individual complex but in the surrounding area as well.  

Here are some tips that will help you to give you a big advantage over your competition:

Tip #1 - Make It Attractive

Buyers today are looking at many properties and their selection is very often based on emotion so you need to make your condo inviting and appealing since you may be competing with other condos that have no pets, no children, are tastefully decorated and Mr. & Mrs. Clean as owners.

Tip #2 - Start with the inside

The principal #1 rule you need to understand is that there is a big difference in the way you live in your condo and the way you sell your condo.  

Begin by going through each room and pack up at least 30% of your belongings and accessories.  A buyer cannot envision themselves mentally living in your condo and you want to create the perception of roominess so pack up those collectibles and any family photos you have displayed on your walls, shelves and tables.  Pack up any items in the cabinets and closets that you don't use on a regular basis.  

Write with a large magic marker and label each box with its contents and stack them in the garage, basement or if necessary an outside storage facility. Remember you are going to be moving anyway, so take advantage by getting things packed away now.

Too much furniture clutters a room so remove any extra tables, chairs and dressers that are too big and take up too much room.  

Take a good look at your floors and carpet.  If the carpeting and floors are in good condition give them a good cleaning.  If they are older and showing signs of wear change them. Pay special attention to carpeting that may be stained and discolored and vinyl flooring that are outdated styles or colors.  Use neutral colors when replacing both the carpets and the floors.  

Next check out the walls. If they're dirty, try scrubbing them clean first.  If painting is necessary use flat latex in the kitchen and semi-gloss latex in the bathrooms.  

Walls with wallpaper should be clean and up to date.  If the wallpaper is older and peeling, strip it off and either paint or re-wallpaper depending on the condition of the walls.  

Look for cracked walls and ceilings and repair if necessary.  Repair loose door knobs and make sure all celing fans are clean and light fixtures have new lightbulbs.  Correct any  leaking faucets in the kitchen and baths put fresh batteries in smoke detectors.

Make your condo sparkles by scrubbing clean all sinks, tubs and appliances.  Clean all windows inside out as well as the curtains, drapes and blinds.  

Get rid of pet and food odors.  For pets, keep the litter box cleaned and add a cup of baking soda to the litter.  Remove doggy smells by placing a small uncovered bowl of vinegear in the room where your dog sleeps.  Of course make sure you put the bowl off the floor so the dog doesn't drink it.  Baking breads pies and cookies adds a pleasant aroma as well as scented candles or fresh flowers.

Tip #3 - Look outside

Trim shrubs, weed and mulch the flower beds. Add blooming flowers in the front or a hanging basket on the deck.  Is there oil in the driveway?  Kitty litter will remove the oil and grease stains.

Sweep the patio and deck and remove any visible rust on the gas grill.

Check with your condo association or property management company if the paint on the exterior of your unit is fading or peeling.  If it's going to be painted or re-sided during the time you are going to sell, make sure buyers are aware of when it is scheduled to be completed.  

If you see mold or mildew on the outside, contact your association or property managment company to see if there is a maintenance service they can provide or will give you permission to power wash the outside.

Drive up appeal is most important to give buyers a good first impression so make sure the front door gets a fresh coat of paint or stain if your association will allow it.

Tip # 4 - The Garage and Basement

The basement and garage are the areas where everything goes that doesn't have any other place to go.  If they are messy and cluttered remove every thing right down to the floor.  Sweep or hose down the floors and remove any stains.  If the floors need painting, paint them porch gray and for the walls use an off-white flat latex paint.

When everything is cleaned and painted, pack what you can and organize and stack everything neatly.  If you have a finished basement, keep it neat and clean and pack up any unused toys, books and games.  

Using these tips wil greatly help you to sell your condo for more money and in less time.  Here's to a speedy and profitable sale.

Other Articles About Jefferson Woods Branford Connecticut:

Jefferson Woods Branford Connecticut Condos

Jefferson Woods Branford Connecticut Schools

***************************************************************************

Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Branford CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market and now is one of the best times to buy while interest rates remain low. For more information on Branford CT real estate homes or condos, see Branford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Branford CT homes and condos. 

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Copyright © 2008 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Jefferson Woods Branford Connecticut - Tips For Selling Your Condo For Top Dollar*

If you want "top dollar" for your Branford CT home what you do in the six months before you put your house on the market can make a difference of thousands of dollars more (or thousands of dollars less!) that you realize from the sale of your home.

Most homeowners think their home will sell quickly and that their home is special and will bring a good price but in fact a lot of all new listings that go on the market eventually expire with the home still unsold.

As a homeowner you have many important factors to consider when you're thinking of placing your home on the market and you need to be as prepared as possible to protect your greatest investment and make your home stand out in today's competitive marketplace.

There are many steps you can take to improve your home's value at low-cost or no cost to you.  You will find many ideas and suggestions to help you prepare your home for sale in the book "450 Ideas to Help Your Home Sell Faster" .  This 52-page e-book is jam packed with comprehensive easy to follow charts and checklists for each room in the house, the exterior and the property along with great advice, web-site resources and practical directions to help you present your Branford CT home in it's best light to wow prospective buyers and sell fast!

In addition to the 450 Ideas to Help You Sell Your Home Faster e-book, 
this offer includes a Special Free Bonus Package.

Bonus #1 - 12-page eBook "
Moving With Your Children"

This special report will help your client's children 
make a smooth transition between their new home and 
the familiar surroundings they are leaving behind.

Bonus #2 - 12-page eBook "Moving With Your Pets"

This report will help with the special considerations 
necessary when relocating your client's dogs or cats.

To recieve your e-book including the two free bonus books please fill out the form below and hit submit.  An email will be sent to you at the email address you provide with a copy of the e-book and 2 free bonuses. Even if you don't plan to sell your home for a while, this is an excellent resource for ideas to make your home more pleasant to live in. There is no cost or obligation and I hope you find it of interest.

 

PLEASE NOTE: We consider this information personal and confidential.  It will NEVER be sold, rented or given away to any other parties EVER...PERIOD!

************************************************************

Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Branford CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market and now is one of the best times to buy while interest rates remain low. For more information on Branford CT real estate homes or condos, see Branford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Branford CT homes and condos. 

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Copyright © 2008 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Want "Top Dollar" For Your Branford CT Home? 450 Ideas To Help Your Home Sell Faster*

Are your children living on their own, married, or off to college? Have you decided to replace your family home with a smaller residence? Whether you want to focus on other priorities, or build the cottage or beach house you've always dreamed of, or simply no longer wanting to spend energy maintaining a large home, consider the following strategies for downsizing your home:

Decide Where To Go

Think and map out what you want to do next:

1. If schools have always prioritized where you have lived, now think about other criteria important to you, such as rural living or closer proximity to recreational pursuits.
2. Consider laying the groundwork for a retirement lifestyle. Your new home could also be the one you retire in.
3. With fewer living expenses, you may have more expendable income and find that you can increase the luxury or convenience of your lifestyle.
4. Determine how much space you actually need. Examine your current home and subtract the square footage of rooms you don't need anymore. Add in the measurement of new spaces you might want, such as a workshop or sunroom.

Sort Through Your Stuff

1. Where do you begin if your current home is packed full with a generation's worth of accumulation?
2. If you have grown children's belongings in the house, next time they are home, have them sort their things into four piles: what they'll take right now, what they need you to hold for them, what they want to give away, what can be tossed.
3. Go through the rest and determine future needs. Some possession might be family-sized, such as camping gear. Do you foresee future activities of a similar nature? Other possessions might be house-oriented. For example, if you're moving to a townhouse, you can sell the lawn mower and weed whacker.
4. Keep memorabilia and other sentimental keepsakes in the family while getting them out of your house. Give your grown children the arts, crafts, projects, trophies, and holiday decorations they had as kids. They may appreciate having them as they start creating their own family traditions.
5. Be sure to keep your best stuff. For example, if you have several sets of dishes, plastic, stoneware, and china - consider giving up the plastic, and maybe the stoneware, to your child setting up his or her own household. Make the china your everyday dishes.

When In Doubt, Throw It Out

Many possessions are emotionally laden or maybe you're just overwhelmed with the thought of "maybe we'll need it someday". While sorting your stuff through this difficult process, keep these suggestions in mind:

1. If you haven't used something in a couple of years, it's probably a good choice for the out pile. Will it be worth the effort of packing, moving, and unpacking the item?
2. Think about the space of your new home and where you will put the stuff you are keeping.
3. Put any items you can't decide on into a separate box. Revisit the box after you've thrown out some other things. The decisions will get easier.
4. If it's still too difficult, put questionable items into a sealed and dated box but don't list the contents. If you don't open the box within a year, give the box to charity.  

Selling a family home is never an easy decision. If you are thinking of downsizing, use the experience and knowledge of a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) to carefully guide you through your transactions. SRES® designees are REALTORS® who have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise to counsel senior clients through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling a family home. A REALTOR with the SRES designation can also refer you to other professionals such as a C.P.A., estate planner, or attorney who also have a specialty interest in senior clientele issues.

Source: MSN.com. "Flying the Empty Nest." http://houseandhome.msn.com/Move/FlyingtheEmptyNest0.aspx

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Contact Donna Bigda, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor®, RE/MAX Alliance Licensed Realtor® in the State of Connecticut at 203-488-1641, ext. 214 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Branford, Guilford, Madison, East Haven, New Haven and the rest of shoreline area in New Haven County Connecticut.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Branford CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market and now is one of the best times to buy while interest rates remain low. For more information on Branford CT real estate homes or condos, see Branford CT real estate or sign up today to get access the hottest new listings here Branford CT homes and condos. 

Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

Copyright © 2008 by Donna Bigda, All Rights Reserved ...*Flying The Empty Nest - Strategies For Downsizing*