Tuesday, December 16, 2014

25 Best Holiday Hacks for Around the House




With the holidays fast approaching it can be a stressful time of year for you and your family--so here are twenty-five hacks to use around your house to make your life easier.


1.  Use two different sized lights for the tree. This is an easy way to make your tree look fuller and more dynamic without having to complicate the decorating process.




2.  DIY Christmas Lights. Get a bag of ping pong balls, cut a small “x” in them, and put them over existing christmas lights.
  

3.  Repurpose generic ornaments. Get generic ornament bulbs and place them in bowls and vases around the house. If there are any left place them on the tree to fill the empty spaces.

4.  Use command strips. Never underestimate the value of using command strips instead of nails--in the long run you will thank yourself. Use them to hang lights, banners or flip one upside down and use it as an inconspicuous way to hang a wreath on your front door.

5.  Use clothespins. Another way to avoid drilling into the walls and hammering in nails is to use clothespins. They are typically cheaper than command strips and they can be used indoors or outdoors.

6.  Use what you already have. Make sure to go through storage before going to the store to purchase more decorations. Also, as a fun activity go outside and gather up various leaves or pine cones with the children to place around the house.

7.  Decorate with LED lights. Whether inside or outside LED lights can be used all around the house to provide holiday spirit--not to mention they last longer and use less energy which saves you money in the long run.

8.  A lazy susan is great for tree decorating. Place a lazy susan underneath the tree stand in order to easily access all sides of your tree--it’ll save you time and energy.

9.  A plastic snow saucer could save your floor. Is your only option to put your tree over your hardwood floor? Save yourself from worrying by placing a plastic snow saucer underneath the tree stand.

10.  Use burlap as decoration. Burlap is an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a tree or hanging garland.


  
11.  Create your own family Christmas banner. Glue your favorite family photos to brightly colored card stock and hang from a string with clothespins. This particular decoration allows you to change out the pictures, rearrange the banner, or go with different color schemes from year to year.

12.  Reuse old Christmas cards. Arrange old Christmas cards in the form of a Christmas tree on the wall or create a Christmas card collage as a fun way to go green with used cards.

13.  Hang lights outside with picnic table clips. Picnic table clips are an easy way to get lights up with minimal effort and they do not cause any damage to the house.

14.  Turn your refrigerator into a snowman. Decorating the fridge can be a cheap fun way to decorate while also getting the kids creatively involved in the decoration process.




15.  Purchase second hand decorations. When shopping for decorations, unless you are looking for something specific, your first stop should be a the local Good Will or Salvation Army. There are usually cheap, worthwhile finds and the proceeds may even go towards a good cause.

16.  DIY snowflakes make great window decorations. Fold up a coffee filter 2 or 3 times, cut holes as you desire and tape them up on the windows for a cheap and effective holiday decoration.


17.  Don’t forget about zip ties. Zip ties are a quick and easy way to securely hang lights and garland around the house--and it saves you from damaging your home.

18.  Make your own ornaments with trinkets or souvenirs. This is a cheap, creative way to use what you already have. Go exploring around the house to see what lost trinkets/souvenirs you have forgotten about and repurpose them into ornaments.

19.  Make your own Christmas chandelier. Hang ornaments from a light fixture with ribbon in order to create a fun, decorative Christmas chandelier.



20.  Use a toilet paper roll as a vase filler. Don’t have enough ornaments to fill up a bowl or vase? Simply stick an empty toilet paper roll in the middle or under the ornaments and it becomes a convenient filler.

21.  Repurpose your paper towel holder. Put various strings of ribbon or tape on your paper towel holder to save you time and effort while decorating or wrapping presents.

22.  Last minute wrapping paper. Flip a potato chip bag inside out, wash it and use it as wrapping paper. It’s a cheap, creative hack that will save you in a pinch.



23.  Store lights on hangers. When packing up your house after the holidays make sure to wrap all your lights around a hanger in order to keep them from becoming tangled.

24. Use creative ornament storage. Use plastic red cups or egg cartons as a safe and smart way to pack up all your precious ornaments.


25. Make your own hot glue snowflakes. Take your hot glue gun and apply the hot glue straight to your window. You can make your own unique and inexpensive snowflakes with what you already have!


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Hot Tub Season

It is that time of year again when temperatures begin to drop and we hibernate within

our homes, but what if we do not want to be locked up inside hiding from the weather?

It means it is hot tub season! But there are so many questions that go along with

purchasing a hot tub. Is it worth it? Will this add value to my home? Where do I begin? I

will take some time and answer all the most important factors when deciding whether or

not to purchase a hot tub.


Is it worth it?

There are several factors which will determine if it is the right purchase for you--the first

thing to think about is whether or not you have a convenient space for a hot tub in your

yard. If you have to place the tub at a far end of your yard where you will have to brave

the elements to even get to the hot tub it might not be a wise purchase. If your yard

easily accommodates a spa close to the door that leads to your yard then start looking,

because prime location is key to getting the most out of your hot tub. Another factor to

consider is the health benefits of a hot tub; do you work at a job where you have to sit

at a desk all day? Many people have back problems and muscle pain due to sitting and

stress from work--a spa is an excellent de-stressor that can not only add value to your

yard but also to your life. Consider the health benefits when considering purchasing a

hot tub.


Will it add value to my home?

Generally, there is no hard and fast rule in determining whether or not a spa will add

much monetary value to a home. This is because adding a spa to a tiny, barren back

yard and adding that same tub to a large, beautifully landscaped yard hold different

value. Adding a hot tub to a unimpressive yard will bring up the overall value more than

adding a spa to a yard that already adds value to the home. As a rule of thumb if you

are looking to significantly improve your house for sale purposes there are cheaper and

wiser choices to work with. But if you are simply looking to make sure the money will not

be wasted, worry no more. Adding a hot tub to your yard may not significantly raise the

price of your home in the future, but it will certainly add to the appeal and will bring up

the value of your yard.


Where do I begin?

The best way to begin shopping for your hot tub is looking at spas online and comparing

prices--this way you can get a feel for your price range. The average cost of a hot tub

runs between $4,000-7,000, but you also need to take into consideration whether the

ground needs to be leveled, if you want to lay a cement pad down, and if you want a

walkway put in leading to the spa. After you add up the costs set a budget for yourself

and visit one or two of your local pool/spa stores. Compare prices at the stores and

decide what works best for your yard and for your lifestyle. After you find the deal

that is best for you there are many financing options available to costumers at all

stores. HINT: In some cases your insurance company will pay for your spa if you get a

recommendation from a doctor due to back, neck or muscle pain. Find out what your

options are before making your purchase. So go out there and find the best option for

you, your yard, and your life!

Monday, December 1, 2014

For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection


            When buying a home, your agent will have you sign what may seem like a hundred pages of documents, all saying roughly the same thing: get a home inspection. It seems like a no-brainer to find out if the house you want has any serious problems before you make the biggest financial purchase of your life, but many home buyers dont give a home inspection the sort of attention it deserves.

            It makes sense; youve searched for months and finally found the one. You have an accepted an offer and a close date on the distant horizon and your agent wants you to spend a good chunk of money to hire an inspector to find things wrong with your dream home. The seller swears its fine! Get a home inspection, it can help you in more ways than you realize.

            How to choose a home inspector: Start by asking your realtor for the name of a reputable home inspector. Then ask your friends who have made recent home purchase who they used and check online reviews--remember, the inspector you hire is working for you, not the seller and not your agent. Its important that the inspector communicates directly to you, the home buyer, and not through your agent. Your agent may schedule the inspection, but otherwise, you are the boss and the inspector is your hire.

            Next, ask a potential inspector their qualifications. Are they licensed and bonded? Ask to see a sample report. Is it clear and thorough? Did the inspector take pictures of their findings? Ask the inspector what they do and dont cover in their report. In general, home inspectors will inspect a house from top to bottom, including crawling underneath the home and going up on the roof. They will not move furniture if it is in the way or break down anything to get a better look. Make sure you can be present during the inspection. Inspections can take hours, but its important for you to be there for at least a walk-through with the inspector. This is not the time to bring your extended family to see your future home or to measure for furniture--give the inspector your full attention. Ask questions! The inspector should not offer to repair any defect found during the inspection, but may make recommendations for further inspections by more specifically qualified tradespeople, like plumbers, roofers, or electricians. Your agent can only pass on the inspectors report to you; they cant interpret findings.

            What happens if the inspector misses something? In a word, nothing. Unless the inspector is deliberately concealing material defects and it can be proven, the inspector is not liable for missed problems. However, inspectors get most of their business through recommendations by realtors and a poorly done inspection makes the agent look bad too. If an inspector is not living up to an agents high standards, they will not continue to recommend that inspector. Inspectors do not offer incentives to realtors for referrals. An inspector relies on good word of mouth. Keep in mind though, no inspector is perfect. Even the best inspector will miss something.


            Is it worth it? Finding potential problems in the house you want to purchase can be a real let down, but it leaves you with options you wont have after the transaction is complete. For starters, the buyer can simply choose not to purchase the home. Or they can negotiate with the seller to have something fixed before the close of escrow. And, if the buyer has a home warranty, if something unexpectedly breaks after moving in that wasnt noted as a problem in the inspection, you have that piece of protection when working with the home warranty company. Especially in homes that have been vacant for an extended period of time, big-ticket items can and do break after a new owner moves in.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

What To Consider When Choosing New Trees

You've waited for this a long time, and now your dream has come true: You have a new home! And with it, a new yard. And now it's time to visit the nursery for a new leafy friend with a strong trunk. First and foremost, what is this investment in your yard going to function as? Do you need something that will shade your yard, give you privacy, or is it as simple as your yard being a bit of an eye-sore to you without some sort of large, luscious magnolia?

Look up what planting zone you live in to easily be able to scratch off trees from your list based on how they'll survive in the climate and check your soil type to ensure that your tree won't be doomed from the start due to dirt that is too rich or too sandy. Consider power lines above restricting height options and pipelines below. Certain trees could look gorgeous and provide excellent shade, but have roots that smother their neighboring plants or even damage the foundation of your house and crack sidewalks. 

What part of the day is your tree going to be able to provide shade and where? The space on the side of the house in which you need a tree may be limited. Say you need a tree that only grows up to 20 feet. You might consider a pink flowering tree like the dogwood or the wide, colorful canopy of a Japanese maple variety. Both have seasonal leaves that can provide shade in the summer and flaunt their handsome branches during the cold season. On the other hand, that does mean having to deal with leaves all over your driveway and possible allergies as the seasons change. There's no need to sacrifice your seasonal well-being for a well-shaded patio. 

Whether you choose the rugged Australian tea tree or tall and vibrant Robinson crabapple, do your homework just like you would with any long-term investment so you can contentedly watch your leafy family addition mature and thrive for years to come.


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

San Francisco's Spookiest Neighborhoods



The time for ghouls and goblins is among us! What better place to be than in the top-ranked Halloween city of the U.S.? Little stroller-bound monsters and full-grown warlocks alike can enjoy the sweet treats, haunted houses, and fantastically spooked out yards in neighborhoods all over San Francisco.

Considered some of the safest trick-or-treating destinations, Noe Valley and Beldevere Street will be teeming with youngsters on Halloween, but a quick drive through is a no go. Parts of the neighborhoods will be closed to thru-traffic entirely and parking will be near impossible.

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the views and potential for haunted houses in Presidio Heights and the Richmond. These neighborhoods are popular among pre-teens for their generosity with treats and sheer Halloween spirit. You’ll be amazed at how much detail goes into being the spookiest joints in the ‘hood.

Traverse the foggy streets and see some deliciously frightening Victorians in the more diverse areas of Haight-Ashbury and the Sunset--perfect destinations for enjoying some of the creativity of the residents and spooky atmosphere. 

No matter where you go this holiday, the Bay is filled to the brim with Halloween spirit! For more fun activities, check out The Daily Clog.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Scoop On Open Houses

One of the most discouraging things I hear from potential buyers is how disappointed they are with the homes that are available. I ask them, “How are you seeing the homes you are interested in?” The answer is most often open houses. Open houses can be a great place to connect with a realtor and to get a sense of what kind of house your money will buy, but it’s not a substitute for a realtor’s expertise and access to the MLS.

In the most recent buyer survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, only 3 percent of buyers reported finding their new home from an open house. So why do realtors continue to have open houses if it’s not leading to the house being sold? They host open houses to sell themselves. It’s not just for the buyer’s benefitthe second most likely person to visit an open house is a neighbor who is curious what homes like their own are selling for and it’s a chance for the realtor to make an important connection.



Plenty of people plan their weekends around open houses, but why not let a realtor do the work? For starters, there is no rule that a home for sale has to have an open house. If you’re waiting for an open house to see the inside, keep in mind that a well-priced home may sell before an open house can be scheduled. If an open house is scheduled after a few weeks on the market, you can bet it’s because the house isn’t sellingnot surprising then that so many people who limit themselves to just open houses find nothing but over-priced listings staffed with over-eager agents.

The alternative? Give a realtor a chance. Buyers’ agents are paid by the seller’s agent, so the help is free. If you are serious about buying a home, the sooner you start working with a professional, the sooner you’ll have your weekends free.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Should You Consider Purchasing a Foreclosure?

You may have heard a plethora of conflicting information about foreclosures. As is the case with any real estate transaction, each foreclosure will be its own unique situation. To get you started, here are some basics about foreclosure properties.

From the buyer’s perspective, there is little difference between purchasing a home through a standard sale versus a foreclosure. Buying a foreclosed home is not a guaranteed deal like it may have been a few years ago, but if the property appeals to you, there’s little reason to avoid a purchase just because it’s a foreclosure. 

A foreclosure, also called an REO, is a property that has been repossessed by the bank and is being resold after the homeowner fails to repay the mortgage. Because the asset manager has never lived at the property, the bank is exempt from providing the information normally provided by the homeowner. However, a buyer still has the right to a home inspection, and no seller questionnaire will exclude the need for a thorough and professional investigation.

Perhaps the biggest difference between a standard sale and a foreclosure is what the home inspector will find during the course of their investigation. In a standard sale, the homeowner has a vested interest in the property selling quickly and for the most amount of money possible. These houses are usually clean and don’t need major repairs. In the case of foreclosures, there are a whole host of possible scenarios that can affect a property from the time the homeowner stops making payments to when the house is put up for sale. Some people feel they are being forced out of their homes and will make attempts to sabotage the property. Some realtors have seen cement flushed down toilets to destroy the plumbing, or graffiti spray-painted on walls. Some occupants will take anything of potential value from the property: appliances, fixtures, flooring, copper pipes and wiring, yes, even the kitchen sink. However, there are plenty of properties that are perfectly fine. The word “foreclosure” really does apply only to the type of sale and not to the condition of the property.

In a rising market, a foreclosure is a great option for a buyer intending to live in the home. When making an offer on a foreclosure, your realtor should contact the listing agent to get an idea of the flexibility of the asset manager. Sometimes the selling bank may fulfill requested repairs, but not always. If they do not, and you have a loan that requires the house you buy to be in good condition (such as a VA or FHA loan), your offer could be rejected. But because so many loans that were foreclosed on were backed by the government via Freddie mac or Fannie Mae, the bank is incentivized to return the properties to owner occupants, giving them the advantage over investors with cash.

Depending on what type of loan the original homeowner had, the bank may be able to offer the new buyer a loan type that allows for money for repairs in addition to money for the purchase. However, there are fewer REOs available these days are banks are in no hurry to recoup a few hundred thousand dollars, so don’t assume the house is priced under market value. Look at comparable properties just as you would a standard sale before making an offer.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Bay Area Accessible Playgrounds


Moving to a new town presents many challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with their new neighborhood. Luckily we live in the information age, where new technologies are helping us navigate the unknown like never before. One of the latest is NPR's new online guide, designed to help families locate accessible parks and playgrounds.

Outdoor time, movement, and play are vital for children's development. That is just as true, if not more so, for children who are differently abled. Yet not all parks host optimal environments for children with special needs.

Many features that define an accessible playground happen to be beneficial for all children, such as one-way entries to prevent unseen exit or smooth surfaces. Matteo's Dream in Concord provides many accessible features, such as ramps to play components, sound-play components, and an accessible swing. 

It's going to be another warm weekend--enjoy it while it lasts and get out and play!






Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Simple Solutions for Earthquake Preparedness

My fellow Californians and I experienced a rude awakening early Sunday morning has a 6.0 earthquake hit the Vallejo/Napa area, causing significant damage and many injuries.

 It is so important to be prepared for natural disasters. Here in the Bay Area, earthquakes are the globe's disaster of choice. There are several things we can do in our homes to help make the unknown a little bit safer.

- Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
- Bolt large furniture such as bookcases to wall studs.
- Hang heavy items, such as mirrors or pictures, away from beds, cribs, and sitting areas.
- Learn how to shut off the gas valve in your home.
- Know where the flashlights are and ensure batteries are fresh.
- Prepare an emergency-supplies kit and store in an easily accessible area.
- If you live in a multi-family residence, be aware of your building's emergency exits and evacuation plans. (But do not exit the building while the earth is still shaking!)
- If you're leaving town for more than a day, turn off your water.

Also check out How to Earthquake Proof Your House for tips on inspecting your home's potential earthquake integrity, such as checking the walls and foundation.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Keeping Your Home Safe While You're Away

Preparing for vacation is more than booking a flight. When it comes to keeping your home safe, think about the whole picture, like the landscaping and mail. Small actions can provide ample security.

Hiring a house sitter: Safest route. The cost may be greater to pay a friend or relative to take over the responsibilities of your home while you’re off gallivanting, but it is certainly more secure. Plus, you get to skip all of the other tedious steps and move right along to vacation mode and no plants or animals go uncared for.

Mail and newspaper: Don’t let your letters be tampered with or stolen while you’re gone! USPS offers the service of putting your mail delivery on hold for three days to a month. Either call your local post office or check to see if you can submit the request online in your area.
  
It’s pretty easy to tell no one is home if there’s a pile of soggy newspapers out on the front lawn. If you still get your news the old-fashioned way, cancel your paper service while you’re gone. And if not, are you in a neighborhood where people leave fliers on your door? Ask a friend to swing by from time to time to pick up yellow page books or ads dropped on your door.

Lights, mower, action!: A vulnerable home is an empty home, so put on a show while you’re away. Invest in some light timers to help give the illusion of occupancy. See if you can arrange a neighbor to take your trash cans to the road along with his own. Hire someone to do landscaping, even if it’s as minimal as the kid down the road that mows lawns for his xbox fund.

Discretion: We all know you’ll be posting pictures of your vacation, but take a moment to reflect about how broad an audience you want knowing you aren’t around to protect your home. You might want to edit your privacy settings a tad before you go advertising your absence.

In home: Lock stuff, but more thoroughly than you usually would. To avoid other more “natural” fiascos like flooding or fire and to be efficient, turn off water, gas, and breakers. If these interfere with your timed lights, refrigerator, and your watering system for your yard, consider investing in a bypass valve for your irrigation and label breakers so you know which ones to leave on. Unplug all your unnecessary appliances and electronics, and since you won’t be around to appreciate the bought air anyways, adjust the thermostat or turn it off altogether.

For more information, check out these resources:


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

How to Short Sale Your Home to Prevent Foreclosure

Struggling to make house payments? If you are underwater on your mortgage and unable to refinance for a more affordable house payment, you may consider a short sale. The name, “short sale” is not named for the length of time it takes to complete, but refers to selling short, or selling your home for less than you owe with your bank taking a loss on the difference.

Not everyone can or should short sell a property. First, you will need to qualify for hardship. For many people short selling a house, the catalyst is a loss of wages due to serious illness, long term change in employment, divorce, death of a mortgagee etc. In other words, you can no longer afford your mortgage payment and don’t see a long term solution.
The first step towards a successful short sale is finding a Realtor who is familiar with short sales, your lien holder, and their rules for completing a short sale. The next step is proving hardship. This requires revealing a detailed financially history including bank statements, tax returns and pay stubs, proving an inability to make regular mortgage payments.

Your Realtor will put your house on the market, and the lien holder will get a Broker’s Price Opinion from a skilled Realtor unassociated with the sale to have a third party market valuation. After an acceptable offer has been made by a buyer, the bank with either approve or deny the short sale. If approved, the sale moves into escrow and should be complete in about 30 days.

What does selling short cost you? If the property you are selling short is your second home, you may be responsible to pay taxes on the difference between the new buyer’s purchase price and your loan payoff amount. Also, your credit score will not only be negatively affected, but you will not be considered for a new home loan for a minimum of four years after the short sale is complete. However, the lien holder will pay both Realtors’ commissions and taxes associated with the sale. In some cases, the lien holder will also compensate the seller for predicted moving expenses.

Monday, August 4, 2014

How Patience Can Land You the Best Deal In Town

Kicking yourself for not getting into the market when it was at its lowest? There are still deals to be found in real estate, without having to buy a fixer in need of major renovations or compromising on location. Short sales are where to turn to find properties available at less than market value. The catch is patience. The ironically named “Short Sale” can take significantly longer to close than a traditional 30 to 45 day sale. Even with laws in place regulating how long it can take for banks to process a short sale, some sales still take years and some never close at all.

The real risk for the home buyer is the loss of opportunity. The traditional escrow period for the buyer to inspect and appraise the property does not start until the lien holder approves the sale. A lot of potential dream homes can come and go while the buyer is just waiting for that very important letter to arrive. However, patience can pay off in a rising market when all those other potentially great properties start selling at higher and higher prices, and the sale is finally approved at the original offer price, made when the market was down.

One other factor that dissuades buyers from considering a short sale is the idea that they are somehow taking advantage of a seller when they are down and out. In most cases, the buyer is actually doing the seller a great service by agreeing to purchase a distressed property. The seller must prove hardship to qualify for a short sale, so most often, the alternative the seller is facing is foreclosure.

Keep in mind, the seller is not permitted to make or pay for repairs on the property and the lien holder won’t pay for them either. If the buyer’s loan requires a repair before the close of escrow, they may be paying for a repair on a property they don’t own yet.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Escrow Has Closed! Now What?

The close of escrow is always an exciting time for buyers and sellers. Those 15-45 days of negotiations and inspections have finally settled and it's time for each party to move on to their next life chapter. Here is a quick list of some things to remember after closing.

Sellers

- Leave the appropriate items in the house, including appliance owner's manuals/warranties, keys, and garage door opener(s). Also leave any pertinent contact information for the HOA or condo board.

- Discontinue any old services such as utilities, alarm, cable, and Internet.

- Keep your records close by for tax season. Your new capital gain will yield a hefty tax but you can sometimes counterbalance it with write-offs such as home improvements.

Buyers

- Change the locks and keys for your doors. Think of all the folks who have had access to those keys over the past month and how many copies are potentially still floating around. It's a quick and easy solution for your family's safety and peace of mind.

- Contact utilities, alarm company, and other providers such as cable and Internet to begin your services.

- Have easy access to your home warranty coverage and contact information. Don't let a small fix turn into a big problem--if anything goes awry, contact your home warranty to have it fixed right away.


And of course, always remember to change your address with the post office and other service providers. Congratulations on your new life chapter!

Monday, July 14, 2014

5 Home Buyer Myths Debunked

Buying or selling a home is a skill that takes practice and research, just like any other. If it’s been several years since you bought or sold a home, the market, laws, and standard procedures have likely changed. The fact that you’ve landed on this page demonstrates that you already have what it takes to become an informed buyer or seller.
I don’t recommend buyers and sellers do all the work themselves–that’s what agents are for, after all! But it’s vital to educate oneself a bit before diving into such a complex transaction. Any good real estate agent will review this information with you at the beginning of your relationship.
Myth 1: I can just walk into an open house and get the information I need from the listing agent.
Truth: Listing agents are fantastic resources–for the sellers. If you’re already working with an agent and you walk into an open house solo, the agent there is going to assume you’re “unattached”. This can send the wrong message to both parties. Just send your current agent a message that you’d like to see the home in question and they’ll arrange a viewing.
Myth 2: Seeing homes out of my price range is always a bad idea.
Truth: It’s wise to stick to your budget and not torment yourself with expensive homes, but there is always an exception. Some sellers mistakenly price their homes too high, thinking they will just negotiate down to true market value. This causes the home to be on the market for too long and miss out on buyers who would otherwise be interested. Ask your agent to keep an eye out for homes like these–he or she will be able to see the clues before setting foot on the property (hint: one indication is the number of days it’s been on the market).
 Myth 3: I can borrow money from a relative to help with the down payment.
Truth: Yes, you can do that. However, a lender is going to find out if any of your income is borrowed since it’s common for them to request two months of bank statements–and they will certainly notice an oddly large non-payroll deposit. This will be calculated in your debt-to-income ratio. So for those looking to buy a home below their means, it could be a great tactic. For those seeking a home right at the top of their monthly budget, it could backfire.
Myth 4: The best offer will be the highest offer.
Truth: There is more for a seller to consider than just the offer price. The seller’s ultimate goal is to get a fair price for their home with as little hassle or delay as possible. A home loan or cash offer that isn’t contingent on an audit or inspection clearance means smoother sailing during escrow. A home loan with a high percent down will more likely be approved than one with very little down.
Myth 5: All real estate agents offer the same breadth of services.
Truth: Almost all agents offer basic, must-have services for their clients, but not all agents go above and beyond. A great seller’s agent won’t hesitate to water your lawn to perk it up before an open house. A fantastic buyer’s agent will meet with your contractor so he can take measurements before you have keys to the new house. Any agent worth their salt will know the local area incredibly well and can offer you invaluable insights. 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Opportunity for FREE Information on Buying or Listing a Home

Real estate agents wear many hats, one of which is Educator. We constantly inform and advise clients. But we also reach out to everyone else, sharing knowledge on market trends and industry tips. The better educated the public is about real estate, the smoother a home purchase transaction is when it’s time to buy or sell.
If you’re starting to think about buying or selling a home, give yourself a huge head start by registering for free information.
You’d be surprised at the breadth of material we send out–from overcoming fear to mortgage reduction.