In the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine there are a lot of Irish decendents out celebrating their heritage today, but do you have to have the luck of the Irish to have a successful real estate transaction?

Here at Great Island Realty we are big believers in making your own luck! That is why all our agents are continuously honing their skills and knowledge of the real estate market trends for the Seacoast and beyond!

 When it comes to selling your home, a great realtor can make all the  difference! By  listening to your real estate agent's advice on pricing,  staging, marketing techniques and  offer negotiations you just might find  that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

 If you are buying a new home an exceptional realtor can provide you  with realistic  comparables, negotiating tactics and knowledge of the  area to find you the best home  for your four leaf clover collection!

 So when it comes to real estate it's true that a talented and educated realtor can make    all the difference! With, or without a lucky little  leprechaun to assist!

  Happy St. Paddy's Day! After all a little extra luck can't hurt!

Mortgage lenders are making it easier get approved for a mortgage.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced a new low-down payment mortgage program which requires just 3% down payment, joining other government agencies in offering loans which require little or no money down.

The new, retooled 97% LTV program is more forgiving toward first-time buyers and the new program can be used for home refinances as well with few restrictions.

In offering a 3% down-payment program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bring yet another financing option to today's home buyers wanting to minimize their down payment.

Among the most popular low-down payment options in today's market is the FHA loan.

FHA loans require down payments of 3.5% and provide for flexible underwriting standards. Home buyers with less-than-perfect credit may find FHA loans to be more cost-effective than loans via Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; and simpler to get approved.

VA loans are another popular option. Available to Veterans and active members of the military, VA loans allow for 100% financing and never require mortgage insurance.

USDA offers a ZERO down program. USDA loans are sometimes called "Rural Housing Loans" and do have income limitations as well as geographical limitations (i.e.- RURAL locations). USDA loans offer very low rates and allow for 100% financing. They also require just a small mortgage insurance premium as compared to other low- and no-down payment loans.

Lastly, each state often has a State Housing program with low down payment options.  Ask me for details about your state.  Today's home buyer has plenty of financing options to get you in a home!

Article Courtesy of

Scott McCauley, Mortgage Planner

Regency Mortgage Corporation

Phone: 603.610.8852

Email: scott.mccauley@regencymtg.com

NMLS #174108

Licensed by New Hampshire Banking Department, NMLS # 1938

Updating your kitchen is one of the single best investments you can make in the value of your home. Many potential buyers are drawn to a beautiful kitchen... even if they don't cook! It's often the center of the home - a gathering place for entertaining, family time and morning coffee.

Kitchen updates that add value don't have to break the bank! You can make a big impact by spending a few hundred dollars or really go for the 'wow' factor and spend thousands. However, if you do go for it and completely remodel your kitchen, it's a great idea to consult a real estate professional first to determine the value of your home. Doing this provides a safeguard against 'over-improving', which won't allow you the return on your investment when it comes time to sell your property.

Looking to make a few minor improvements?

Here are a few quick updates you can make for around $200 or less:

• Replace a small appliance - Update the microwave or dishwasher with stainless steel for a clean, fresh look.
• Freshen the paint color - Choose a light, bright and semi-neutral color to appeal to all tastes.
• Install a new light fixture
• Replace your cabinet hardware

Ready for a more significant change?

Consider these higher-ticket updates:

• Replace all appliances with popular stainless steel package
• Install new tile or hardwood flooring
• Reface or replace kitchen cabinetry
• Install a tile or natural stone backsplash
• Upgrade your countertops to granite, quartz or other natural stone product

  Check out our Beautiful Kitchens board on Pinterest and get inspired!

During the process of a home buyer's loan there are certain things to be aware of that could impact the loan transaction. During the loan approval process, the borrower's credit history, income and assets are verified for the initial approval and often times just before the loan closing. So here are some Do's & Don'ts to make home buyers aware of to help ensure closing:

DO:

• Tell the mortgage planners of all debts and liabilities
• Keep credit accounts current - such as existing mortgages, car payments and credit cards
• Contact the mortgage planner before changing jobs, leaving your current job or becoming self-employed
• Retain copies of all paycheck stubs and any statements on bills being paid off during the loan process

DON'T:

• Authorize any inquiries into your credit (that is, don't apply for any financing including charge cards, appliances, vehicles or charge a large amount on an existing credit card)
• Close any open accounts
• Co-sign a loan for anyone else
• Sign up with any credit repair or 'consolidation' companies
• Spend money that has been set aside for closing
• Make large account deposits into a bank account outside of payroll or gift funds

Article Courtesy of

Scott McCauley, Mortgage Planner

Regency Mortgage Corporation

Phone: 603.610.8852

Email: scott.mccauley@regencymtg.com

NMLS #174108

Licensed by New Hampshire Banking Department, NMLS # 1938

Sounds boring, doesn't it? Title insurance isn't the most exotic topic, but it's one of those things you just need. A home with a title issue could turn into a major headache and may have serious consequences.

So, What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance protects lenders and owners against title issues tied to your home. There are two types of title insurance - a Lender's Policy and an Owner's Policy. When obtaining a mortgage on a home, most lenders will require that a Lender's Policy be purchased. This type of coverage protects only the lender, not the borrower, on their investment. The Lender's Policy does not cover equity in the property and will not pay legal expenses if there is a problem. Only an Owner's Title Insurance Policy will protect the property owner from defects in title that could have a significant impact on the interest in the property.

If you are not financing the purchase of your home, an Owner's Policy becomes that much more valuable. Far less expensive than lawsuits and legal advice, the one time Owner's Title Insurance premium is simply the best protection for you and your heirs against the unforeseen.

Why Is Title Insurance So Important?

There are several hidden risks that make title insurance a necessity when purchasing a home. Our friends at Signature Escrow and Title Services identify the top hidden risks as:

• Undischarged Prior Mortgages
• Improperly Signed Documents
• Tax, Current Use, or Mechanics' Liens

These are the most common risks that may exist but they are certainly not the only ones. Clerical errors, fraud and missing heirs are among just a few of the other potential problems that could pop up. Taking care of these issues during or after the purchase of a home could be incredibly expensive and a huge headache. Not only could it affect your interest in the property (which is a big enough concern) but if you want to sell your home marketability could be at risk.

Click here for more information on Title Insurance