Tag Archives: Giuseppe Zerillo

It’s an exciting time when you’re starting the home-buying process. One of the big questions most buyers ask at this point is, “How much do I need for a down payment?” There are a handful of options to choose from. Options for first-time homebuyers vary from state to state and it’s always good to check with a licensed mortgage broker. People who have owned homes before and are looking to relocate are still able to qualify for an FHA loan with a down payment as little as 3.5 percent of the purchase price. However, for this type of loan, the …

One of the downsides of selling an investment property is the capital gains tax that the IRS requires you to pay. But the IRS also provides you with an out know as the 1031 exchange. This method allows you to defer capital gains tax liability when selling an investment property by purchasing another like-kind property with the profit gained by the sale of the first. There are guidelines that must be followed and conditions that must be met in order to qualify, and that process starts with filling out the necessary paperwork providing information about the properties you’re looking to …

Social media has transformed traditional real estate marketing, numbering the days of door-to-door sales and cold calling. As with all other areas of business, social media has moved the market. With so many new ways to advertise and connect, the possibilities are endless. Social media is relate-able, accessible and affordable to everyone. For clients and professionals alike, this means business. And the options are endless, including photo forums, discussion forms, social networks, videos, testimonials, reviews, blogs, check-ins, tags, and everything in between. There are certainly generational issues when it comes to social media marketing, and though the technology may be …

You have placed your property on the market and an offer or even multiple offers have been received, but how do you know if the offer is good for you? Your broker is obviously there to assist you and offer you guidance, but the ultimate decision belongs to the property owner. You always want to achieve the highest price for your property, but believe it or not, the choice may not always come down to price. Take a look at the amount of earnest money a buyer is offering to deposit. Earnest money is the amount the potential buyer is …

The home buying process can be exciting, and many first-time buyers are eager to get the ball rolling. That’s definitely a good thing, but don’t let your heightened emotions get the better of you. Most folks these days begin their home buying search online. When you come across that special property on the computer, you may be tempted to jump the gun and call the listing agent immediately. But stop yourself. Why? There should always be a proper chain of communication and your agent should be the one to make the phone call on your behalf. Remember, your agent has …

Moving has always been an interesting adventure for people, especially when you unearth something you thought you had lost. It’s a fresh start for some, and many consider it a new chapter in their lives, but for others, it can be a stressful time. Procrastination is going to be your worst enemy. Don’t put off packing until the last minute. Your local grocery store many times will give you free boxes if you give them a couple of days notice. Start out with items you know you won’t need right away, like maybe your winter wear if you’re moving in …

You placed your home on the market and a potential buyer has given you an offer, or in some cases you have received multiple offers on your home. Once that happens, will you know which one is actually the best offer? Many people are under the assumption that the highest price is the best offer, but that may not always be the case. The answer to the question, “Should I accept or should I reject?” can be found in the sales contract, which contains all the particulars regarding the sale of your home. Let’s begin with the contingencies; a contingency …

The snow is melting, temperatures are on the rise and the real estate buying season is kicking into high gear! It’s time to lace up our athletic shoes, get that Michael Jordan ice water flowing through our veins and take to the court! Talking real estate can be intimidating and frustrating, so let’s look to the world of sports for inspiration. My goal in this article is to “coach” you through the home buying process and help you develop the skills, strategies and confidence to dominate the game. Like any sport, buying a home requires dedication, time and preparation. I …

Buying and selling a home is often the biggest financial transaction of your entire life, and there’s so much more to the overall cost than the asking price. It’s important to understand ALL of the costs associated with the transaction, whether you’re on the buying or selling end of it. Many people do not understand what they are actually paying for. You are sitting at the closing table sipping your coffee and reviewing the closing statement with your attorney before you sign it and you encounter so many different line items. Let’s talk the ones that will cost you the …

You have been searching for the right home for yourself and nothing seems to be meeting your needs. Many homebuyers will see roughly 10 homes prior to making an offer on one, but if you are on your 40th home, you may be paying attention to the wrong things when previewing a property. Paint colors can turn anyone off when entering a home and the same goes for wallpaper. Even if the paint color is on the outside of the home, that can easily be changed and could give you the opportunity to personalize the property to your likes by …