Daily News
MBA Urges Regulators To Avoid Invoking Suitability Standards
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) recently made a preemptive strike against what it obviously perceives as the next threat against the mortgage industry - "suitability standards."
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Buy for resale value
People buy homes for a variety of reasons.
Regardless of the reason to buy a home, it is worthwhile
to consider what its resale value will be even if you
have no intention of selling it in the future; just in
case.
The article, “Buying
a Home With Resale Value,” listed on realestateabc.com,
explains that investing in a home with the potential for
a high resale value should be acknowledged by every potential
home owner.
There are five factors that can determine the potential
for a home’s
resale value.
The first and most obvious factor is location. We have
all heard or seen the quotation that “location,
location, location” is what makes a smart
real estate investment. This pertains to not only
geographical location, but also location in relevance
to community and economic ties.
“When choosing a community for your
purchase, it makes the most sense to buy in a city with
a viable and stable economy. Five, ten, or even fifteen
years from now – when you want to sell your home
– you can have a reasonable expectation that your
community will still be a desirable place to live.”
A decent amount of commercial and business districts also
contributes to the economy by providing jobs to local
residents adding “an income source that the city
can use to upgrade and maintain roads and city services.”
Another contributor to resale value is the proximity and
condition of government services. Make sure that the public
library is not too old and out-dated, or that it has at
least been remodeled.
“You should also
look into local crime statistics and see how the city
compares to the national average and other local communities.
Is the police force effective and responsive to community
needs? Are fire stations located strategically around
the community so that they also can respond quickly in
an emergency?”
“Another area of inquiry
is community services. Does the city sponsor youth sports
and have well maintained athletic facilities and parks?
Do they sponsor community events, such as an annual parade?
Are there activities available for children, teenagers
and senior citizens?”
Regardless of whether you have or plan to have children
or not, you should have knowledge of the local school
system. Is it overcrowded? Are there more schools planned
for the future to support the growing number of kids?
How are their standardized test scores? You can find out
this information via the Internet or through calling the
offices listed in the telephone book.
The final factor that can contribute to the resale value
of your home is property taxes. “Property taxes
may be higher in one town than another nearby city. This
can sometimes affect whether potential homebuyers view
a community as a desirable place to live. Often, they
will choose not to purchase in a community with higher
taxes, though this decision is not always justified. Higher
property taxes often mean newer and more modern schools,
well-maintained roads, and bountiful community services.”
Even though the thought of your home’s resale value
will not be a priority in your thought process before
you buy a home, it is something that you will want to
consider.

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