beach areas: How To Keep Your Stone and Tile Surfaces Looking Like New
- 02/01/12 08:59 AM
The beauty of stone countertops and ceramic tile has become more and more popular over the years. It's no wonder, as these surfaces add a nice upscale touch to your home and actually add to the resale value. Though people love stone and tile for both the look and the durability, both do require proper care and shouldn't be taken for granted as resurfacing or replacing can be quite costly. Here are 4 tips to help keep your stone and tile surfaces looking their best while at the same time protecting your investment: The 6-Month Seal Rule: Every six months, reapply … (2 comments)
beach areas: 2012 Housing and Mortgage Predictions...and Tug Of War
- 01/24/12 06:49 AM
A business associate of mine, Robert E. Toffel from USA National Title, shared his article with me concerning the usual beginning-of-the-year predictions that are surfacing in the real estate world. If there's anything to be learned here it's 1) improvement has been predicted, 2) decline has been predicted and 3) since both improvement and decline have been predicted, it's best to make educated decisions to take care of your own real estate needs. You can find opinions to back any side of the equation, so focus on your needs and the best way to handle them. That being said, here is … (0 comments)
beach areas: New Year's Checklist For Home Buyers
- 01/06/12 02:53 AM
It's 2012...a new year with new opportunities for us all. If you're on the market to buy a home, make your New Year's Resolution to be prepared for the process of buying a home. Here is a checklist to help you along and eliminate some of the potential headaches along the way: Get Pre Approved For Your Mortgage - This really goes without saying, but there are still many people who don't do this beforehand and it just adds time to an already lengthy process. Work With A Realtor - Hey, what would you expect me to say? Seriously, though, the real … (2 comments)
beach areas: Down Payments - More Important Than Ever Heading into 2012
- 12/30/11 02:12 AM
Especially in today's economic climate, the amount of your downpayment has never been more important. There are many aspects of the real estate transaction process which can be major roadblocks if you're not prepared. The most challenging part of buying a home can be coming up with an acceptable down payment, unless you have equity built up in your current home. The amount of your down payment really determines how much home you can afford and how much you can be pre-approved to borrow. Down payment money can come from: 1) Equity in your current home 2) Other asset equity 3) … (2 comments)
beach areas: Are You Missing Out On Tax Benefits You're Entitled To?
- 12/27/11 05:14 AM
The new year is almost here, and soon after that we'll be heading into tax season. Most people look at March and April as tax season, but the sooner you dive in the sooner you can finish...and the more likely you are to not miss out on any potential tax benefits you're entitled to because you're not waiting until the last minute:) Here are some of the most commonly overlooked benefits: 1) Support for Relatives: Housing or financial support for a relative may make you eligible for a more favorable head-of-household status. Alternately, you might be able to simply claim them … (0 comments)
beach areas: Fire Prevention Checklist and Resources for National Fire Prevention Month
- 10/24/11 05:15 AM
One of the best things about the Internet is that so many information resources that used to be hard to obtain or just flat out unattainable are now at our fingertips. October is National Fire Prevention Month, and with that in mind here are some resources to help you with fire prevention and safety in your Beach Areas home. Keep dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, curtains and anything that can burn at least three feet away from the range top. When you're cooking, always stay in the kitchen. Keep grills at least 10 feet away from all other objects, including the house. … (3 comments)
beach areas: Safety and Security After the Sale
- 10/11/11 06:00 AM
So, your move is over and you have unpacked the many boxes and are arranging furniture and such. Now is a great time to do a safety and security check of your new home. Here's a checklist to get you started: Check your home for loose floorboards and/or tiles Check the smoke alarms. Are there smoke alarms on each floor? Put fresh batteries in each smoke alarm when you move in. Check all handrails. Are they secure and sturdy? Put all of your transaction records in a safe place where you can easily access them for tax time, etc. These records … (2 comments)
beach areas: Homebuilding On The Rise? Not Quite What You Think...
- 10/07/11 07:47 AM
Recently, I wrote about how apartment rents are on the rise in the Orange County and Beach Areas and that experts are projecting this to be the case for the next 5 years or so. Reports are coming out now that new home construction is up exponentially from last year, which is true; however, as you will see that report on its surface can be a little misleading. New home permits in Orange County are up 73.7% from the same period last year. That's 3,901 housing units...at a value of $694 million dollars, which is 38.3% higher that the same period … (0 comments)
beach areas: "Supply and Demand" or "Greed and Need"?
- 09/21/11 01:50 AM
There was an article at the end of July in the Orange County Register that I'm revisiting because it's the completion of a circular chain reaction that is important to understand whether you're currently a Beach Areas home buyer, a home seller or are a home owner wanting to keep up with the market climate. The article is titled "Apartment Rents To Rise For Many Years" and features an interview with the CEO of Steadfast Cos. in Irvine. The article approaches the subject of rising rents in the face of only modest employment growth. In response to the question of what … (1 comments)
beach areas: Recommended Reading For Homebuyers
- 09/07/11 05:30 AM
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or just haven’t gone through the buying process in a long time and want to get current (or if you just love reading books about real estate), here’s a list of reading that I think you will find very helpful in the process:) 10 Minute Guide to Buying and Selling Your Home (10 Minute Guides) This book covers it all efficiently, from price to strategy to the big one for both buyer/seller and agent – preventing and avoiding last-minute problems at the closing table. 10 Steps to Home Ownership: A Workbook for First-Time Buyers Author … (3 comments)
beach areas: Home Buying On The Rise Again In Orange County
- 09/02/11 03:43 AM
Signs are pointing to a rise in homebuying in Orange County and an end to the slump we've experienced in 12 of the past 13 months. Two recent articles in the Orange County Register present some encouraging statistics as well as some points to keep in mind for both buyers and sellers. Here are some highlights: 2,593 homes closed in the latest period, up 1.7% from a year ago. Median selling price for homes is down 0.7% from a year ago ($437,000) Sales are up 1.7% for the county 15 Orange County zip codes had an increase in sales and prices … (1 comments)
beach areas: 9 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away
- 08/17/11 06:25 AM
Some people are preparing for their summer vacation getaway before the summer is over. Some people are already preparing for going away to visit family or friends during Thanksgiving and Christmas, Hannukah, etc.
Before you go away for any vacation, make sure you've made proper preparations for security while you're gone. An empty house, condo or apartment can be a tempting target for burglars. These pre-vacation/weekend getaway tips will help you rest easier while you're away:
Install sturdy and secure locks on all of your outside doors and windows. Make your home look as lived-in as possible while … (5 comments)
beach areas: FMAC, FNMA, QRM...OMG!
- 07/24/11 09:32 AM
In my recent newsletter, I wrote about the proposed shoring up of FMAC and FNMA (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) by politicians in Washington. These are basicaly the two agencies that insure home loans. This “shoring up” process will start this coming September 30thwith a measure that will result in borrowers being required to pay increased interest rates for loans over $625k. The issue that's getting the most attention in the news, though, is the Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) proposal that will require a 20% minimum down payment on ALL real estate purchases. Of course, there will be exceptions, but they're … (3 comments)
beach areas: What REALLY Adds Value To Your Home?
- 07/11/11 12:24 AM
There are many misconceptions about what truly adds value to your home and can make it sell for a higher price. Some sellers have found out the hard way that modifications they perceived as adding value actually do the opposite, especially in today's market. In past years, the big culprit has been the addition of a swimming pool. NAR has released reports over recent years that clarify what adds value and what doesn't. Here is a checklist of some of the results. Central AC can add up to 12% to the price of a home. Remodeling to add additional living area … (0 comments)
beach areas: Getting A Loan Is Like Having A Baby!
- 07/01/11 06:27 PM
Don’t know about you but this last few months has been a challenge for my buyers when it comes to the loan process. They understand the need to get a pre-approval letter and most are very pro-active about getting quotes and comparisons, etc. The pre-approval helps us get the offer accepted and escrow opened. The buyers are happy to provide job info, bank statements, and credit history – all the “usual” paperwork that we’ve all come to expect.
Of course, they are extremely excited when the loan rep calls and says, “your loan is approved” and expect they’ll be in their new … (5 comments)
beach areas: When Is The Best Time To Sell At A Loss
- 06/27/11 12:30 AM
While I truly wish no one ever had to ask this question, some of you are wrestling with it right now. Homes are staying on the market longer than in years past and many sellers are having to come down on their price more than once to get the deal done. Other sellers are standing pat on their price, hoping that the market will rebound enough for them to turn a small profit or at least break even. The problem is (as shown on the chart I posted a few weeks back) that prices still have not bottomed out in … (6 comments)
As crazy as it may sound, deposits are causing some problems with loan approval in this time of more stringent guidelines for mortgage loans. Whether it's here in the Beach Areas or anywhere else, the story's the same... Having the funds in your bank account isn't enough anymore. In fact, having the funds for closing in your bank account isn't enough any more. In fact, sometimes having reserve funds in your bank account isn't even enough any more. It's true. Lenders are scrutinizing bank statements like never before...especially any deposits outside of your normal paycheck deposits. There is a … (2 comments)
beach areas: Get Rid of Clutter Now and Save Time Later
- 06/08/11 09:18 AM
How many times have you moved in your life? Close your eyes and remember the feeling…you get the big, bulky pieces of furniture, appliances and other items out of the way and then you realize it's time for the real work. You have your work cut out for you with all of the clutter and miscellaneous bits and pieces that will either need to be given away, sold, boxed up or thrown away. This is typically the most tedious and time-consuming part of the moving process. Even if you’re not planning on moving anytime soon, take some time on a … (3 comments)
beach areas: Mortgages At Lowest Point - Be Prepared
- 06/03/11 04:31 AM
According to Freddie Mac, fixed-rate mortgages are at their lowest point of the year. For the fifth consecutive week, mortgage rates declined with borrowers paying approximately 0.7% of the loan amount up front (lender fees) to get these rates: 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage: 3.80% 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage: 4.61% Keeping in mind that this comes in the midst of mixed data economy-wise and housing-wise, the important thing to remember is the old Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared" if you're on the market to buy. The rates are certainly great, but they don't mean anything if you haven't done your homework … (2 comments)
beach areas: May...Or May Not
- 05/31/11 02:59 AM
There's a great article on the KCM (Keeping Current Matters) blog that touches on some good reasons to consider selling your house rather than waiting, if a move is indeed in your future. There are some really good points made and here are some of the highlights... Springtime, especially May, is when most buyers enter the real estate market. This greatly increases exposure and the chance of getting quality offers, just by sheer volume. Foreclosures and short sales are increasing in total. While the influx of new foreclosures and short sales may be going down, there is a large … (0 comments)
The beauty of stone countertops and ceramic tile has become more and more popular over the years. It's no wonder, as these surfaces add a nice upscale touch to your home and actually add to the resale value.
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