Most all Manufactured Homes are built on one floor. By their very nature they are more accommodating than older homes with multiple floors and narrower passageways.
Customers routinely request changes in specifications to help them live more comfortably in their homes. We are pleased build any feature into a home to make it more accessible and livable for the resident or their guests. These changes typically include ramps to better access the exterior doors to the home, wider doorways to suit their needs, more spacious bathrooms and kitchens, installing select showers or “walk-in” bathtubs, blocking for and affixing grab bars, higher commodes, drive under sinks, lower counters, lever locksets, and numerous other changes as needed by the resident.
We recently encountered a program that sets basic standards for builders to build EasyLiving Homescm. The premise of EasyLiving Homescm is to allow builders an alternative to fully accessible homes that not every customer desires. EasyLiving Homecm features are:
· Easy Access with a step-free entrance from a driveway, sidewalk, or other firm route into the central living area.
· Easy Passage because the exterior door that provides the step-free entrance and EVERY interior passage door on the main level (including bathrooms) is at least a 3’0” or 2’10” door, or a 2’8” pocket door, or other solution that provides 32 inches of clear passage space. Closets are not required to meet the 32-inch clear passage standard, but this can be an added advantage when feasible.
· Easy Use with no less than one bedroom, a kitchen, some entertainment area, and at least one full bathroom with sufficient maneuvering space… all on the main floor.
Jensen communities will be offering EasyLiving Homescm at our Brook Ridge Community in Hooksett NH along with fully assessable homes customized to a buyer’s individual needs. We welcome our customers’ input on how we can make homes that better suit your needs.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Market Timing
Are we near the bottom of the real estate market cycle? If we are at the bottom, would you be ready to buy a new or resale home?
Without the confidence that the market is at or near the bottom, many buyers have remained on the sidelines or on the fence. They want to buy, see homes that would fit their needs, but are not ready to act for fear of missing the lowest price possible. Some buyers have time to wait, but is waiting at this point in the market really a good idea?
For the same reason that market timing is usually not a good stock market investment strategy (most financial planners would say that “dollar cost averaging” will win out for the average investor in the long run), it is important to understand the emotions most buyers go through in real estate or financial cycles.
Our retirement plan investment advisor uses the following chart to illustrate why waiting too long to get back in the market may make you miss out on increases in value.
It takes financial security to buy homes or stocks on the way down but buying near the end, through the bottom of the trough, and/or into the recovery period is a great way to buy low with an eye for the best returns. Apparently most people don’t jump back in until the prosperity period starts and they have missed out on the typical appreciation that takes place in recovery.
Everyone needs to carefully and conservatively assess their own personal situation. This may be best done with the help of financial and legal advisors. But once you know your financial abilities, consider taking advantage of a buying opportunity of a lifetime.
Without the confidence that the market is at or near the bottom, many buyers have remained on the sidelines or on the fence. They want to buy, see homes that would fit their needs, but are not ready to act for fear of missing the lowest price possible. Some buyers have time to wait, but is waiting at this point in the market really a good idea?
For the same reason that market timing is usually not a good stock market investment strategy (most financial planners would say that “dollar cost averaging” will win out for the average investor in the long run), it is important to understand the emotions most buyers go through in real estate or financial cycles.
Our retirement plan investment advisor uses the following chart to illustrate why waiting too long to get back in the market may make you miss out on increases in value.
It takes financial security to buy homes or stocks on the way down but buying near the end, through the bottom of the trough, and/or into the recovery period is a great way to buy low with an eye for the best returns. Apparently most people don’t jump back in until the prosperity period starts and they have missed out on the typical appreciation that takes place in recovery.
Everyone needs to carefully and conservatively assess their own personal situation. This may be best done with the help of financial and legal advisors. But once you know your financial abilities, consider taking advantage of a buying opportunity of a lifetime.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
What a time to sell a home!
When selling a home it is important that it stands out above the competition in the marketplace. This is not easy (or is it?) with so many homes, short sales, and foreclosures on the market for sale.
Unfortunately for many sellers, they are not thinking businesslike about the sale and putting their best foot forward. This gives those who have the right mindset and are willing and able to do some extra work a chance to make their property shine for a quicker sale at a higher price.
We have been well educated by Barbara Sperry of Relocation Strategies to get sellers to think of the home they are now living in as their current property. “Home” is where they are moving to. By focusing on the sale of their current property as a business transaction, they are more likely to be successful in making the right moves to sell their home.
Please keep this in mind: Buyers are more in tune with the market than sellers. Buyers know a good price when they hear it and know which homes are in the best shape. Sellers typically know their own house and not the market. Sellers tend to think more of their homes than buyers will. In other words (and especially in a buyer’s market) sellers are not fooling today’s buyers.
Before putting your home on the market:
· Get a realistic assessment of price by obtaining an appraisal or a number of broker assessments.
· Clean and freshen the outside of your current property by washing, weeding, mulching, painting, sealing, cleaning, planting and anything else that will give it curb appeal.
· De-clutter the inside of your current property including rooms, attics, basements, shelves, closets, cabinets, and any other overstuffed space.
· Remove excess furniture and stage your home in a way that will best show the room available.
· Remove outdated wall paper and paint in an earth tone color.
· Remove outdated carpeting and stick with neutral replacements.
· Eliminate pet, smoke and other odors.
· Keep the house clean and ready to show. Turn on lights and open curtains and blinds before each showing.
Buyers are looking for homes that are in “move in condition”.
When you think of it, these items don’t need to cost a lot of money and are a small investment when you consider what not doing them will mean for the number of days your current property will be on the market. So get busy and good luck getting to your new home!
Unfortunately for many sellers, they are not thinking businesslike about the sale and putting their best foot forward. This gives those who have the right mindset and are willing and able to do some extra work a chance to make their property shine for a quicker sale at a higher price.
We have been well educated by Barbara Sperry of Relocation Strategies to get sellers to think of the home they are now living in as their current property. “Home” is where they are moving to. By focusing on the sale of their current property as a business transaction, they are more likely to be successful in making the right moves to sell their home.
Please keep this in mind: Buyers are more in tune with the market than sellers. Buyers know a good price when they hear it and know which homes are in the best shape. Sellers typically know their own house and not the market. Sellers tend to think more of their homes than buyers will. In other words (and especially in a buyer’s market) sellers are not fooling today’s buyers.
Before putting your home on the market:
· Get a realistic assessment of price by obtaining an appraisal or a number of broker assessments.
· Clean and freshen the outside of your current property by washing, weeding, mulching, painting, sealing, cleaning, planting and anything else that will give it curb appeal.
· De-clutter the inside of your current property including rooms, attics, basements, shelves, closets, cabinets, and any other overstuffed space.
· Remove excess furniture and stage your home in a way that will best show the room available.
· Remove outdated wall paper and paint in an earth tone color.
· Remove outdated carpeting and stick with neutral replacements.
· Eliminate pet, smoke and other odors.
· Keep the house clean and ready to show. Turn on lights and open curtains and blinds before each showing.
Buyers are looking for homes that are in “move in condition”.
When you think of it, these items don’t need to cost a lot of money and are a small investment when you consider what not doing them will mean for the number of days your current property will be on the market. So get busy and good luck getting to your new home!
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Best of Both Worlds
Owning a home and living in a manufactured housing land lease community offers residents the best of two types of home ownership. You get to own your own home and enjoy the benefits that typically only come with a multi-family complex. Best of all a home can be purchased and the site leased well within one’s means.
Given the choice, most people would choose a single family detached home. Without someone on the other side of a common wall, you really have your own place. Who wants to worry if someone will hear them just trying to live in their own home? And while a large lot is not always ideal, having a small yard to garden, work in, play on, and simply relax outdoors is part of the American Dream.
A small manageable home is a given in a land lease community. They provide for small homes and sites where people do not have to be burdened with all the responsibilities of land ownership. In a land lease community it is common that “everything below the ground or permanently attached to the ground” is the responsibility of the community owner. That means no pipes or leaks to worry about. When your driveway needs repaving or a tree needs removing, the community owner does the heavy lifting at their cost.
When some people hear the term “land lease” they might think its a bad deal. After considering the benefits of being able to make a much smaller housing investment, not having to worry about the problems of owning a lot (well, septic, tree trimming, replacing driveways, etc.), having common costs included like trash collection and land taxes, not getting involved in a homeowners association, and being able to enjoy any recreational amenities that are provided, the land lease has many advantages.
So consider a house within your means in a manufactured housing community near you!
Given the choice, most people would choose a single family detached home. Without someone on the other side of a common wall, you really have your own place. Who wants to worry if someone will hear them just trying to live in their own home? And while a large lot is not always ideal, having a small yard to garden, work in, play on, and simply relax outdoors is part of the American Dream.
A small manageable home is a given in a land lease community. They provide for small homes and sites where people do not have to be burdened with all the responsibilities of land ownership. In a land lease community it is common that “everything below the ground or permanently attached to the ground” is the responsibility of the community owner. That means no pipes or leaks to worry about. When your driveway needs repaving or a tree needs removing, the community owner does the heavy lifting at their cost.
When some people hear the term “land lease” they might think its a bad deal. After considering the benefits of being able to make a much smaller housing investment, not having to worry about the problems of owning a lot (well, septic, tree trimming, replacing driveways, etc.), having common costs included like trash collection and land taxes, not getting involved in a homeowners association, and being able to enjoy any recreational amenities that are provided, the land lease has many advantages.
So consider a house within your means in a manufactured housing community near you!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I Wish We Had Moved to a 55 and over Community Sooner
When Jensen sales representatives sit down to learn about a potential buyer, we find they often feel all alone with their quandary over whether to sell the family home and make a move for themselves to a 55 and over community. We typically hear that the children have left the house (presumably for good!), the yard is getting too much to maintain, climbing stairs in the cape or colonial is wearing them out, and some more modern conveniences would help make cooking, cleaning, working and living a lot easier (like a first floor laundry, island kitchen, new flooring, better storage, etc.). They don’t need so many rooms and would like to reconfigure others to have open living/kitchen/dining areas, a first floor master bedroom/bath, and a home office or hobby space. If we only had a nickel every time we heard this…
Beyond the house, the old neighborhood holds great memories but has changed one too many times and they are now ready for a change. Yet, it is hard to give up the house and place that has meant so much to them. We understand what you are going through. Jensen is here to listen and help you find a more accommodating home and neighborhood.
You are not alone! Many Jensen residents have made the journey before you. A house within your means is more important today than ever. Making a move needs to be a step forward to a more secure and comfortable lifestyle. Using one’s equity to buy a new or resale home, perhaps being able to keep some funds in reserve for emergencies or that special trip, and having the income to cover monthly expenses allows for a good night’s sleep. Getting in on the Good Life in a right-sized and more manageable home is a dream come true.
Please keep in mind another statement we hear all the time: “We wish we had done it sooner!”
Beyond the house, the old neighborhood holds great memories but has changed one too many times and they are now ready for a change. Yet, it is hard to give up the house and place that has meant so much to them. We understand what you are going through. Jensen is here to listen and help you find a more accommodating home and neighborhood.
You are not alone! Many Jensen residents have made the journey before you. A house within your means is more important today than ever. Making a move needs to be a step forward to a more secure and comfortable lifestyle. Using one’s equity to buy a new or resale home, perhaps being able to keep some funds in reserve for emergencies or that special trip, and having the income to cover monthly expenses allows for a good night’s sleep. Getting in on the Good Life in a right-sized and more manageable home is a dream come true.
Please keep in mind another statement we hear all the time: “We wish we had done it sooner!”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
No Time to Test the Market!
Selling a home or other property in today's market takes a dose of reality and commitment.
The dose of reality comes in the form of the selling price. If the seller is not facing the reality of Fair Market Value the likelihood of a sales happening is slim to none. FMV means what a willing buyer and willing seller agree to in a free market. Until a sale has been consummated, we are talking about an estimate of FMV. Actual FMV is only determined once the sale goes through.
No on likes to see how their home has lost value from the peak. And if we don't want to sell, then we don't have to face it. If we do want (or need) to sell, then we need to face reality or face months or years of being frustrated without a sale. If we are not committed to selling at FMV, leave the property off of the market.
A qualified appraiser using relevant comparables can perhaps provide a better FMV than most agents who are motivated by obtaining a listing. Spend the $300, it will probably save you money in the long run. If you don't want to spend the money, talk to at least three qualified agents who have had success selling in the current market.
This is no time to test the market. Loosing the initial month or two with an over priced property thinking that coming down after you have lost all interested buyers is no way to sell in today's market.
Good selling!
The dose of reality comes in the form of the selling price. If the seller is not facing the reality of Fair Market Value the likelihood of a sales happening is slim to none. FMV means what a willing buyer and willing seller agree to in a free market. Until a sale has been consummated, we are talking about an estimate of FMV. Actual FMV is only determined once the sale goes through.
No on likes to see how their home has lost value from the peak. And if we don't want to sell, then we don't have to face it. If we do want (or need) to sell, then we need to face reality or face months or years of being frustrated without a sale. If we are not committed to selling at FMV, leave the property off of the market.
A qualified appraiser using relevant comparables can perhaps provide a better FMV than most agents who are motivated by obtaining a listing. Spend the $300, it will probably save you money in the long run. If you don't want to spend the money, talk to at least three qualified agents who have had success selling in the current market.
This is no time to test the market. Loosing the initial month or two with an over priced property thinking that coming down after you have lost all interested buyers is no way to sell in today's market.
Good selling!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Great Time to Buy a Home!
We are very much in a "buyer's market". According to InvestorWords.com a Buyer's Market is:
•A market which has more sellers than buyers.
•Low prices result from this excess of supply over demand.
•Also called a soft market.
•Opposite of Seller’s Market.
Obviously if people had more confidence in their income and equity, homes would be selling at a fast and furious pace until demand caught up with the supply. Buyers need to consider their own comfort level and confidence in their "means".
But, if you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a better deal please consider that the combination of choice, price, interest rates, and seller incentives may not get much better. And if you have not owned a home for the past three years, you should be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit which will expire by year end.
Have a house to sell and don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire? I don't blame you! We all need to buy a house well within our means. Seriously consider how you can rightsize into a better home and community. Small manageable homes have always been in fashion at Jensen communities. And although they may be smaller, they are big on comfort, efficiency, and as carefree as a home can get. The planned simplicity in floor plans meets the needs of those looking to rightsize their lives in a safe and friendly neighborhood setting.
It is time to get off of the fence and get looking at the great homes on the market!
•A market which has more sellers than buyers.
•Low prices result from this excess of supply over demand.
•Also called a soft market.
•Opposite of Seller’s Market.
Obviously if people had more confidence in their income and equity, homes would be selling at a fast and furious pace until demand caught up with the supply. Buyers need to consider their own comfort level and confidence in their "means".
But, if you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a better deal please consider that the combination of choice, price, interest rates, and seller incentives may not get much better. And if you have not owned a home for the past three years, you should be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit which will expire by year end.
Have a house to sell and don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire? I don't blame you! We all need to buy a house well within our means. Seriously consider how you can rightsize into a better home and community. Small manageable homes have always been in fashion at Jensen communities. And although they may be smaller, they are big on comfort, efficiency, and as carefree as a home can get. The planned simplicity in floor plans meets the needs of those looking to rightsize their lives in a safe and friendly neighborhood setting.
It is time to get off of the fence and get looking at the great homes on the market!
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