First Time Home Buyer? - 09/25/09 01:08 PM
Hi Lesslie,
I'm a first time buyer and I'm wondering what advice you can give me in purchasing a house.  What should I be looking for?   Pete K.   
 
Hello Peter, Here are some of the most important things to consider as a first time buyer.
A year after the financial collapse of 2008, the housing market is very different than it was before the foreclosure crisis.Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:
 
If possible, put 20% down and get a fixed rate loan.  With a fixed rate, you … (3 comments)

Negotiation-How Important Is It? - 09/18/09 07:30 PM
Hi Lesslie,
I want to be sure that the agent we are working with is negotiating in my behalf, and is a good negotiator. How do I determine this? Brian H.
 
Brian, a good negotiator will make all the difference in the world when you go to purchase a house.  If you are looking to buy a short sale or REO (bank owned) property, there is usually not much negotiation, but a "take it or leave it" mentality from the lender.  When dealing with a private party, the job of your agent is to be able to help everyone involved … (1 comments)

Villa Park Rotary Newsletter September 17, 2009 - 09/18/09 06:11 PM
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Bob Meyers', Orange Rotarian, Trip to Holland--A Bit of Home - 09/14/09 11:06 PM
Orange Rotarian Bob Meyer's trip to Holland.
 
Tuesday, 9-15-09 was spent at the Dutch War Museum.  Every vehicle, gun or machine gun of WWII is on display..Europe that is.  There was 13 Hectors of stuff under one roof.  Plus all the news paper headline & front pages.  Add to this all the propaganda pamphlets.  If that is not enough they have film and sound displays.
 
One display based on the bombing of London is unbelievable.  You are in a underground bunker and can hear the bombs dropping and the sounds of the multiple explosions...add to that the ground shaking … (0 comments)

Villa Park Rotary Newsletter September 10, 2009 - 09/14/09 10:34 PM
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Questions About Painting Your New REO/Foreclosed Home? - 09/11/09 04:33 PM
Hi Lesslie, I've just bought a house that was in foreclosure, and I'd love some hints about painting it.  What do you suggest?   Natalya B.
Natalya-painting is one of those items where you get the most bang for your buck.  Some people hire others to do the job, while some people paint their house themselves.  First of all, select a palette of colors for your living space that you like-you may have seen a model home or colors at a friend's house that make you feel good. This is a great form of your personal taste and expression.  "Beware however that … (1 comments)

Will the Seller "Buy Down" my loan or pay closing costs? - 09/04/09 05:11 PM
 What's a "Seller Buy Down" and can I ask for this when I make an offer?
 A seller buy down is simply making an offer subject to the seller paying some of your closing costs. Then those closing costs are used to pay your loan...escrow... and /or title fees.  Occassionally a seller will also BUY DOWN an interest rate for a prospective buyer.
Each home will have a different chance of the seller agreeing to it, depending on the circumstance and motivation of the seller.
 Example: if you offer on a bank owned or short pay property...the chances of the seller … (1 comments)

Villa Park Rotary Newsletter September 23, 2009 - 09/04/09 05:01 PM
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