There are tons of people out there who'd love to purchase a home but don't have much money saved.  Often these people believe that they have no shot at buying a home.There are actually many ways to buy a home with very little money, possibly even with no money!  It's very important when trying to purchase a home with very little money down to understand the PROs and CONs of buying a home with little money down.Below we're going to discuss 3 great tips for buying a home with very little money. If you're looking for some ideas and ways to buy a home without a boatload of money, the following tips will be very helpful!1.) Local Grant ProgramsDepending on where you're looking to purchase a home will depend on the type of local grant programs that are available.  It's a sure bet that in your... 08/18/2017

One of the most controversial topics in the real estate industry are open houses.  Like with anything, there are PROs and CONs to open houses.As a home seller, your real estate agent should be doing everything to put your interests first.  So the question I present to every home seller is, "do open houses put your interests first?"At first glance, many home sellers believe that an agent hosting an open house is putting their interests first.  This is understandable because many agents will convince a seller that the reason their home is going to sell is because they're going to host an open house every weekend.Believing that an open house is necessary to sell a home is actually one of the most common open house myths.  Before deciding that opening your home up to every Tom, Dick, and Ha... 08/17/2017

What Happened During March 2017 In The Brighton NY Real Estate Market?Good afternoon fellow Rochester residents!  I hope this post finds you well after a long Easter weekend! We're more than half way through April and the weather is starting to look more and more like spring here in Rochester!Thanks for stopping in to learn about what happened in the Brighton real estate market during March 2017!  Top Brighton NY real estate agents are starting to see a small improvement in the number of new listings in Brighton, which is good news for Brighton buyers!In this market recap find out how the real estate market in Brighton is doing as well as learn about it's performance from March.  Continue reading to find out about the current homes for sale in Brighton, pending sales, and also the Brigh... 04/18/2017

How Did Real Estate In Webster NY Perform In February 2017?Happy Wednesday fellow Rochesterians!  The month of March is almost 1/3 of the way complete and just like the rest of 2017, this month is flying by.Thank you for stopping by and checking out this Webster NY real estate market report.  In this report you're going to find out how the real estate market in Webster is doing as well as learn about it's performace from February.Continue reading to find out about the current active homes for sale in Webster, pending sales, and also the homes that closed during February 2017 in Webster.  As always, if you have any questions about Webster real estate, comment below or contact me directly and I'd be happy to answer them!February 2017 Webster NY Single Family Residence ReportActive Webster... 03/08/2017

274 Winchester Street, Rochester N.Y. 14615 has been relisted with Nothnagle Realtor's and a list price of $73,900. The Open House is scheduled for Sunday 4/17/16 from noon to two p.m.This three bedroom one bath has newer vinyl replacement windows, an updated electrical panel box, hardwood floors.For more information of this property:Call 585.469.9199 or www.nothnagle.com/raymondcamp 04/09/2016

During the first quarter of the year is when most municipalities will send out their tax bills for the upcoming year.  This time of the year is less than exciting for most homeowners.  Property taxes, depending on where you live, can be a very large sum of money!There are some homeowners who get extremely annoyed because their tax assessment on their home may seem higher than it should be.  The truth is that if a tax assessment on a home really is higher than it should be, no municipality is going to come knocking on your door with a check in hand to refund you the extra money you're paying in taxes.  That would be nice if they did wouldn't it?! As a top Brighton NY real estate agent, I'm constantly contacted by past clients of mine asking about their tax assessments.  I'm always more t... 02/19/2016

It's coming May 8 - 17 2015 the Lilac Festical is coming to Rochester, New York.https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=RfCSdfNZ0LFPrHSm0ublXdzhdrDFhtmHhN1u-gM,Li561X6sSsKGG8cusb_QK6-DJO1iUt_rtu1O1_uqCf7ej_AbP--7MUieyL0UXfoN_sJY_0mBL50bAWdlpjD-I6lPZqLnkzyafBbDYegL3zOUzJQP-VQQpEt6G2j2XZMHUw  There is always something for everyone with a 5 and 10k race, a parade, food, booths to offer services or sell products, wine and chocolate tasting and of course the more than 2200 varieties of Lilacs spread over 22 plus acres.Besides wine there will also be a craft beer tent to sample the wares of the area as well as music venues to whet any type.For more information to help fit your schedule:Rochester Lilac Festival - - Rochester Events  04/14/2015

Rochester, NY is my comeback city.  I  live in South Florida, but make it a point to travel to Rochester and surrounding area every year.  It started out as a friendly visit to a friend's place, but now I actually enjoy going there and exploring.    What I have noticed over the years is that Rochester is a city on the rise, slowly, but making a comeback nevertheless.  Over the last 17 years I have noticed that newer buildings, stadiums, and businesses are moving into the area, thus generating more activity downtown. Anyone traveling there for the first time might get a little depressed and wonder what on earth they are doing there, but if you travel to Rochester with an open mind and do a little research you will find that there is a lot to do and enjoy in the area.  Heck, I had the bes... 10/22/2014

44 Emeralda Road, Gates(Rochester), New York 14624 will be held open today from 1pm to 3pm 06/08/14. Listed by the Jeff Scofield Team at RE/MAX Plus List Price now: $124,900 PRICE REDUCED! Seller is motivated- make an offer. Completely renovated contemporary home with pristine double lot on a dead end street backing up to wooded land! Renovations include new flooring, six panel doors with stainless hardware, lighting, updated baths, ceiling fans, fresh paint throughout entire interior and exterior along with a new hot water tank. The completely remodeled kitchen includes glass mosaic backsplash, countertops, sink, re-finished cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Take into consideration the lot size, square footage and updates when making your comparisons!  Virtual Tour Link: http://... 06/08/2014

Avoid These 8 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes   You have decided its too expensive to rent any longer and have been saving and skimping two years for a sizeable down payment. Excitement kicks in when you,  a first time home buyer, sees “the one”.  Will you Avoid the 8 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes"? Statistics from the 2013 National Association of REALTORS report shows that home buyers spend 2 weeks looking at homes both on-line, at open houses and driving-bys before ever contacting a REALTOR®.  Avoid these 8 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes:  Not getting Pre-Qualified First: Before starting the home search process all first time home buyers need to get Pre-Qualified. Agents & their first time home buyers need to know exactly how much home home buyers can be afford including the estimated... 01/23/2014

USA Choice Realty – A Leader in Turn Key Real Estate Investment Properties! USA Choice Realty is a real estate agency that assists investors in purchasing turn-key single family investment properties in Rochester New York and in select cities throughout the United States. USA Choice Realty utilizes decades of real estate investment experience to find the absolute lowest prices on high quality investment properties for our investors. We offer a hands-off approach to real estate investing, allowing our investors to save both time and money during the detailed process of finding and securing a quality investment property. We offer a wide range of educational services to our investor members including: investment education, legal representation advice, banking, property management, 401k an... 08/09/2013

Are you planning on buying a home and not sure how to go about it? Should you work with a buyer's agent, or just call the listing agents for the homes you want to see directly? Especially if you've never bought a home before, this can be a confusing decision! As a buyer's agent myself, I believe strongly in the benefits of having someone to represent you in the purchase of your home. In that vein, here's a list to help you make that decision:   17 Things a Buyer's Agent Can Do For Their Buyers That a Listing Agent CAN'T 1.  Give them advice and council2.  Keep their position confidential so they can talk freely3.  Create a negotiating strategy and negotiate on their behalf4.  Objectively evaluate properties and share negative features or reasons not to buy a home5.  Write an offer to th... 01/22/2013

I apologize that I haven't blogged in so long. Business has been unusually busy for the holiday season, which is a good thing! I love showing houses this time of year. Homes look so cozy with their holiday decorations. As long as the sellers don't go overboard, it can really make it easy for buyers to picture themselves celebrating their holidays there. I've shown some really lovely ones this season. Here at the Wahl household, we've also been getting ready for Christmas. The tree is up, the decorations are scattered about, and a handful of presents are wrapped. There's a lot more to do, but we're getting there! Bear has decided he's okay with the large green object in his living room once again. He even got one of his Christmas presents early this year.   I think Christmas 2012 is goin... 12/11/2012

Looking for something to do tomorrow? Come out and support local artists at the Mayday Underground Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair! The fair will be taking place at the Main Street Armory at 900 East Main Street in Rochester, and it will go from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 3rd. There will be approximately 80 local artists and craftspeople selling handmade jewelry, art, photographs, housewares, and more. The show focuses on unique items made by independent business people. My good friend Brian will be there representing his business, Rochester Nomad Photography, so stop by and say hello!   Copyright Rochester Nomad Photography   You can learn more about the festival by visiting their website. Happy shopping!   *****   I am proud to help buyers in the Greater Rochester, New York are... 11/02/2012

As an independent contractor, I spent a decent amount of time working from my home office. My dog, Bear, is constantly by my side. I like to joke that he's my "office assistant". Sure, he pesters me sometimes when he wants something, but I'm extremely thankful for his loyalty and companionship.     Do you have an "office assistant"? Is it of the canine or feline variety??    *****   I am proud to help buyers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find their dream homes. As a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), I have the training to help you through each step of the home buying process. First-time buyer? Contact me for a free first-time home buyer consultation, where I'll walk you through the home buying process! If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester ar... 11/01/2012

It's a difficult economy. I frequently meet wonderful people who are eager to own their own homes but, for whatever reason, are not in the right place financially yet. Often, it's because their credit was dinged in years past and they can't yet qualify for a mortgage. If you're in that situation, what are some options to put you on the road to home ownership?   First-Time Home Buyer Programs. If you've never owned a home or it's been a number of years since you did, you may qualify to participate in one of these programs. You contribute a certain dollar amount per month, and the bank matches that, typically up to $7,500. These programs typically take 1-2 years, but you end up with a significant amount to put toward your closing cost. They're a great option if you don't need to buy immed... 11/01/2012

Does buying your first home in the Greater Rochester Area seem downright SCARY? Does the thought of applying for a mortgage make you SQUEAMISH? Does the prospect of searching for the perfect home make you QUAKE IN YOUR BOOTS? Does the potential of having the deal on your dream home fall through cause a SHIVER TO RUN DOWN YOUR SPINE? Give me a call! I specialize in helping first-time home buyers feel more comfortable about the home buying process. I'd love to sit down with you for a first-time home buyer consultation to explain the entire home buying process and how I can help make it go more smoothly for you. It may be Halloween, but your home purchase doesn't need to be FRIGHTFUL!   *****   I am proud to help buyers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find their dream homes. As a C... 10/31/2012

Tonight is a night that many of us in the Rochester area and elsewhere around the country will be attending Halloween festivities. It's a great time to have fun with our friends and family! I just want to remind everyone to be safe tonight. Don't forget your designated driver, and be safe on the roads!     But, most of all, have fun! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!   *****   I am proud to help buyers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find their dream homes. As a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), I have the training to help you through each step of the home buying process. First-time buyer? Contact me for a free first-time home buyer consultation, where I'll walk you through the home buying process! If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to c... 10/27/2012

In a previous post, I answered the question, "But, Why Should I Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement?" As promised, I'm now going to highlight some benefits a buyer receives by becoming a Buyer's Agent's client. Many people don't realize that, according to New York State law, if you don't have a buyer agency relationship with an agent, he or she automatically works for the seller. Even if you call an agent to show you a listing that's not theirs, unless it's specifically discussed that you'd like to work with them as a Buyer's Agent, you're still only considered their customer, not their client. They can work with you, but not for you. They're required by law to look out for the seller's best interest first. You may think, that's not so bad! But, because you're a customer, the agent is... 10/26/2012

Imagine this scenario: You're a first-time home buyer. You've been speaking on the phone to a real estate agent, and you set up a time to meet at her office for a buyer consultation. You gather up the printouts of the homes you've been browsing online and drive to the office. The agent greets you in the waiting area with a warm smile and a handshake and leads you to a conference room. She tells you about the home buying process and how she does business, and you discuss what you're looking for in a home. So far so good, right? Then, she pulls out a frightening-looking form called a Buyer Representation Agreement. By signing the agreement, she tells you you'd be obligated to work with her to purchase your home. No more calling the listing agent directly, impulse buying that home you love... 10/25/2012