Tips from Norma Toering (310) 493-8333 The home buying process can take months to complete, but I've taken a bold step by attempting to condense the process into a four minute video. It is more important to have a professional you trust guiding you through the process than totally understanding the sequence of events that must occur from looking to acutally living in your dream home. However, it's always a good idea to have an understanding of the process. If you have additional questions after watching the video, we are always available to assist you. - Toering … (0 comments)
The home buying process can take months to complete, but I've taken a bold step by attempting to condense the process into a four minute video. It is more important to have a professional you trust guiding you through the process than totally understanding the sequence of events that must occur from looking to acutally living in your dream home. However, it's always a good idea to have an understanding of the process. If you have additional questions after watching the video, we are always available to assist you. … (2 comments)
buying a home: A Labor Day Call Brought a Valentine's Day (Almost) Closing
- 02/26/10 02:09 AM
It was one of those Monday holidays and I was preparing to leave for a family get together when my cell phone rang. I thought it might be my daughter calling to ask me to pick something up on the way, but the number displayed was not familiar. I answered it anyway.
The caller (soon to become my client) was shocked by a "real" person's voice and not a recorded message. He and his wife were parked in front of one of my listings and wanted more information on the property. The house was in escrow but I offered to follow up … (7 comments)
buying a home: Will There be Mulitple Offers, or None at All?
- 06/29/09 05:26 AM
Last week the bank foreclosed on a client's house. Today a coworker will lose a home to the same fate. The housing market is far from receiving a clean bill of health. Yesterday at my open house three prospective buyers lingered, sat on the patio and soaked in the oh-so-stunning panoramic view, but walked away unable to pull the purchase trigger. Two of the three absolutely want the house, they can afford the house, but they are gripped by fear and lack confidence in the stability of the housing sector. How can a single agent overcome such valid concerns? The truth is I cannot remove … (6 comments)
buying a home: Your Assignment, Should You Want a House, Is to Have a Sitdown with a Lender
- 04/01/09 03:51 PM
I have some wonderful friends who love to look at houses. Notice I did not refer to these very lovely people as prospective buyers, although they may be, because they simply refuse to complete the pre-approval process with a lender. Oh, they've had the pre-qualification conversation, and I know what they make and I have a rough idea of what they can afford, but come on, if you want to buy a house don't risk losing the one you want because you are not sure you can afford it. Get thee to a lender ASAP. It is really difficult to accomplish a … (4 comments)
buying a home: Sorry, Buyers -- Congress Said No, But Never Fear, Your Realtor is Here to Help
- 02/11/09 04:02 PM
I must confess, not one of the buyers I am currently working with ever mentioned their home purchase was hinged to the passage of the $15,000 home-buyer credit. Yes, it would help, but it was not a deal breaker. There are other more daunting hurdles facing them.
The deal breakers and deal delayers are 20% down payment requirements, housing prices that are still out of reach for many buyers in my market of Southern California and an economy that is freaking out even the most optimistic wannabe home buyers. It is no wonder even those who can afford to purchase … (10 comments)
buying a home: Before You Buy
- 11/15/08 04:59 AM
Your down payment of 20% is in the bank for that million-dollar home you want to buy in Palos Verdes. Congratulations, but there is still work to be done before you start shopping:
Know the Score: If you're not already familiar with your credit score, find out what your number is. If it's below 700 spend a few months pumping it upward. If necessary, there are professionals who can help you clean it up.
They've Got Your Number: One of the first things a lender will do when you apply for a loan is run your credit score. … (0 comments)
buying a home: Is It Possible We're Over-Staging Our Listings?
- 08/02/08 11:23 AM
A few weeks ago I showed property to some very classy buyers. We saw several upscale homes and all were staged to "the nines." It was full-on model home and then some. I think my buyer's response will surprise you; it did me. Here it is:
"I'd prefer to see the home vacant, without all the frou-frous. Why doesn't the seller spend the money on something that would actually benefit the buyer?"
Yikes, does he have a point? After a deep breath or two I asked what he would prefer instead? Sit down, if you're not already doing … (10 comments)
buying a home: The Weakest Link in a Real Estate Transaction
- 02/26/08 08:54 AM
When moving through the stages of selling a property--from showing to closing-- I often think of the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." It also takes a group of committed professionals to close a real estate transaction. One weak link, whether it be agent, lender or escrow officer can turn a positive experience into a painful memory. I've enjoyed many seamless closings and many more with only minor glitches that all parties worked together to resolve. Naturally, if you do something long enough you will build a body of work that includes a few transactions you would like to forget. Usually, … (19 comments)
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Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
I am a California real estate Broker-owner. Tune in for Best Buys in Palos Verdes; Market Updates; Buy & Sell Signals; Advice to Buyers & Sellers and other real estate related topics of interest. Updates will be posted on all four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, PV School District and other happenings on The Hill.
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
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