6 Common Mistakes Homebuyers still make

Getting a new home is easy but tricky at times. Many buyers are encountering stumbling blocks en route to their chosen house. This is because they commit minor mistakes along the way that hinders smooth processing. This can be prevented only if you are familiar with these common mistakes.
1. Having no pre-arrangements with the bank for mortgages before making an offer is the most popular mistake. Communicate with a bank to know the price range you are capable of paying and other mortgage details that you need to know.
2. Knowing your exact budget is critical. Most people look around for houses even without the budget in mind. First thing you need to know before finding a home to purchase is how much you can pay for a new home. You can save much time if you trim down your list of houses based on its price; imagine finding that dream home only to find out you won’t be approved for the mortgage?
3. Getting unreliable and inexperienced real estate agents is a big no-no. Choose an agent that has the background to back him or her up. Also, consider the real estate companies you are dealing with. Make sure that they have a good standing in terms of the services they are providing.
4. Most people are shopping around within a limited market. You can find homes for sale anywhere such as internet, print ads, and even on TV. You may also want to ask for help from your agent to provide you a list of preferred houses. You can save time if you know what kind of house you are looking for.
5. Purchasing a home long distance without thorough inspection is a mortal mistake. After choosing a home, it is a must to visit it personally so that you can see it in a closer view. Some pictures only show the good angles of the house. It can be very deceiving at times. Check the structure and foundation to ensure safety. Also, look around the neighborhood and get comfortable with it.
6. Buyers tend not to compute the total cost of the house. Other expenses such as home insurance, association dues and even lawyer's fee for proper documentation of the purchase should be considered. We are not talking about coins here. These range from hundreds of dollars to even thousands. You need to prepare your pocket for it.

Buyers are usually not aware of all the details. It is your home and you are responsible for it. You need to know and understand everything about it, from home warranty to insurances and even the history of the house.

The Fine Line between Price & Value

Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, sellers can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified buyers willing to pay the asking price.
Some tips to achieve a positive impact on value are:
• The perceived size impacts value, even more so than actual square footage. Open floor plans make a room feel bigger than larger spaces with smaller rooms. Showing property that is furniture free, or at reduced clutter, helps to make the space feel bigger.
• Vacancy increases sale-ability. Property is easier to show and easier to sell, and quicker to take possession of when it is vacant at the time it is offered for sale. Evidence of problems to take possession of the property -- such as encroachments, or tenants who won’t allow buyer tours -- negatively impact value. Vacancy also helps the buyer walk through the property imagining ownership. Sellers should remove personal trinkets and family pictures as well as being conveniently absent during a buyer tour.
• Cosmetics are important.
 Fresh paint will always add more value than it costs.
 Clean or new carpet/flooring adds more value than it costs.
 Landscaping adds more value than it costs. At the very minimum, make the entrance area neat.
 If you can, add some colorful flowers and new sod.
• Take care of the obvious! The spot on the ceiling from the roof leak takes thousands of dollars from the perceived value and the offer price.
• Condition affects value. Do a seller's home inspection to identify and fix the problem BEFORE closing. No point holding up your check a few extra days; plus a failed buyer's inspection could cost you the sale. Buyers will often bargain down your asking price to accommodate for property condition and repairs.
• If you can, remodel/update the kitchen and master bathroom. These two areas have a big impact on home buying decisions.
• Strategic renovations impact value and your bottom line. Don't spend more money to renovate the place than you can recapture in value on the sales price.

Seva Health & Services

Beenu Sikand just became a Committee member for"Seva Health Services".

2009 Starkey Enterpneurial Award

Beenu Sikand was chosen an Honoree for 2009 Starkey Enterpneurial Award. This is the second time she was nominated and chosen for this award.


http://www.iwemag.info/IWDec09_eBook/flash.html#/70/

Asian Festival

Indiana Diversity Women Network

The Sixth Annual Race For All Races

Beenu Sikand(member of Asian American Alliance) and Sikh volunteers

On Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Indianapolis City Market ,downtown Indianapolis ,the walk started.This broad-based, family oriented event promotes the diversity of the city of central Indiana and and a portion of the proceeds benefits the IPS Scholarships. Monies are used for such items as book rentals, eyeglasses, backpacks, shoes and college fund.
Around 200 Sikhs participated in this walk. All the three Sikh temples were proud to be a part of such a noble cause.

WOMEN'S DIVERSITY LUNCHEON

Beenu Sikand and first lady Winnie Ballard

Beenu Sikand and friends with T.V anchor Joy Dumenden

In 2008,the Indiana Diversity Women's Network,held its first luncheon on the north side of Indianapolis. It was a very successful event and was attended by more than 150 women from all over Indiana.IDWN is an organization designed by JUANA WATSON,senior advisor for Latino and immigrant Affairs,under Governor Mitch Daniels. Her and Elizabeth Jacjson togetherthey appealed to the women of Indiana,women with different cultural backgrounds.to gather together and share life experiences.Their mission is to provide opportunities throughout the state of Indiana for women of all cultural backgrounds,to share thier journeys stories,to network,and to celebrate racial and ethnic diversity.When stated as a sentence,the acronym IDWN says,"I'd Win!" Juana Watson is a chair person,Elizabeth Jackson is the President and Beenu Sikand is a committee member.

2006 Grand Centurion award winner

Beenu Sikand became no. 2 agent with Century 21 in Indiana and Ohio in 2006.

To achieve CENTURION status, is to earn one of the most prestigious awards presented to CENTURY 21 real estate professionals. Only a small number of producers in the CENTURY 21 System ever reach this elevated status. GRAND CENTURION Producers - AGC of $627,000 and above or Units of 180 and above. She is a Centurion producer 2005 and grand centurion producer 2006.

4th Annual Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman Award (INDIANAPOLIS, IN May 11, 2007 . ...

C21 realtor Beenu sikand got nominated for Starkey Entrepreneurial Women Award. An Indian immigrant who came to U.S.A 16 years ago. With her hard work and dedication, she has become one of the top Realtors with century 21 in Indiana and help her clients in residential and commercial real estate market. She is dedicated to provide good service to her clients and to take her business to the next level. She owns an Insurance agency and Travel agency. She launched a magazine called 'Guldusta' in 2006.