california: Spring Cleaning Checklist For You - 05/22/12 01:59 AM
It's not too late to do your spring cleaning if you haven't already.  Many people get so busy that it's summer by the time they get to it.  If that's the case with you, here is a handy checklist to help you get it done.
Kitchen:
Dust and vacuum your refridgerator coils - This can not only save you money by your fridge running more efficiently, it can also years to the life of your refridgerator.
Defrost freezer and/or deep freeze - I know, I know.  Many people dread doing this, but it's good for keeping tabs on what you have … (1 comments)

california: Finding the Right Neighborhood for You and Your Family - 02/14/12 07:11 AM
 
One of the most important considerations in planning your move is to find the right neighborhood for you and your family. Beyond the practicalities and aesthetics of your new home, there are important points to consider about the area you're looking at possibly moving to. Here is a checklist of 12 points to consider: How close is it to your place(s) of employment, entertainment and shopping for your needs. How close is it to a hospital and medical facilities? Are there more homeowners than renters? Are there quality schools with high standards?  Is there daycare available close by?  Is there … (0 comments)

california: 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)

california: Real Estate Recovery in 2012? - 01/17/12 07:13 AM
There was a great article in the Orange County Register recently regarding 2012 and what real estate experts and insiders are predicting.   The overall concensus seems to be that we should see slight improvement in 2012, but the real improvement won't be realized until 2015 at the earliest.
Cameron Merage, the founder and CEO of First Team Real Estate had some interesting insights into the coming year and made these points:
1)  We will see a flat to improving market in 2012 just as we did in 2011.
2)  Economic rebound could be delayed by more influx of foreclosures and … (0 comments)

california: 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)

california: 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)

california: 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)

california: 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)

california: Which Is Right For You...Condo or Single-Family Home - 03/01/11 12:57 AM
 
Many people looking to buy a home find themselves pondering the question, “Does a single family home or a condo suit me/us better?” Owning a condo is perfect for you if you have a busy lifestyle, travel a lot and/or have little or no interest in landscaping or home maintenance.
Consider these pros and cons when deciding between a condo and a single-family home:
Condo:· Typically less expensive than a single family home.· You own the space within the walls.· Fewer maintenance requirements.
· The building exterior, landscaping, surrounding roads and driveways, and common areas are typically all owned by … (0 comments)

california: Space...The Final Frontier - 02/16/11 12:47 AM
 
More “bang for your buck,” more house for your money, a great value...whatever words you want to use, it all leads to the same place. Home buyers want to get what they feel is the best value for their money. The criteria changes from buyer to buyer, but one thing is constant: space.
People want space. Even if the home or condo is on the small side, it will appeal to buyers more if it feels as spacious as possible. Here are some simple tips to open up our home and make the most of available space in the eyes … (0 comments)

california: Look At Your Home From Both Sides - 02/02/11 08:27 AM
 
If you're thinking about buying a home, you probably have good idea what you want your new Beach Areas home to be like. If you're thinking about selling your home, this post will give you some insight from the buyer's side which will help you make decorating choices that won't cause you more work as you get your home sell-ready.
Everybody wants the “best deal” when looking to buy a home, and that so-called “best deal” looks different in each buyer's eyes. Truth is, though, the best deal is usually on a home that needs some work...the proverbial “fixer-upper,” and … (0 comments)

 
Ann Stefanucci (First Team Real Estate Inc.)

Ann Stefanucci

Huntington Beach, CA

More about me…

First Team Real Estate Inc.

Address: DRE #00635764

Mobile: (562) 244-8021

Fax: (714) 908-0381



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