5 Financial Reasons to Buy

Do You Know the Importance of Becoming Preapproved?

Do You Know the Importance of Becoming Preapproved?

Thanks again for joining me! I wanted to introduce my partner, Anita Karmo, who is my buyer’s agent. Anita helps me with all of our buyers who are looking to purchase homes. I thought it would be fitting to talk about purchasing power with getting preapproved and what the best option is for buying a home. Anita says the first thing a potential buyer must do is figure out what type of loan you can get. This can be among FHA, VA or conventional mortgages. When your spending thousands of dollars on a property, you want to know what loan program is best is going to work for you and fit into your financial budget.

Be aware of your closing costs as well! In most cases, if you have an agent like us, we can negotiate a lot of those fees to be paid by the seller. Anita also stresses that this step helps to know what your purchasing power is to avoid becoming house poor. This means owning your home and also having a life without being buried in household expenses and monthly payments. Your preapproval not only helps budgeting, but also makes for a stronger offer. Sellers treat this like having cash in hand! We have many great lenders that have pleased many of our clients and we would be happy to set a meeting with them for you.

If you’re in the market for a home or would like further education on the process of buying a home, we’re always here for you! Our goal is to make you an informed buyer to allow you and your family to make the best decision in buying your next home. Thanks and make it a great day!

California markets are some of the healthiest

Zillow: California markets are some of the healthiest

trulia.com ·

 

CNBC.COM reported that according to Zillow the nation's healthiest housing market is San Jose, followed by San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, and just making it at No. 10, Sacramento.
"Rapid home value appreciation in the West, particularly California, is currently having a very positive effect on a number of other factors, including negative equity, foreclosure activity and the overall financial health of local homeowners. But that same rapid appreciation may cause affordability issues in the future in these markets, leading to potentially unhealthy conditions," Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries said.

Rounding out Zillow's top 10 were Denver, Boston, Pittsburgh, Portland, Ore., and New York City, ranking five through nine.
Phoenix and Las Vegas could make the top of another list—the unhealthiest.

The Cost of Waiting

KCM 2013

Know Your Options for the "Fixer Upper"

Knowing Your Options for the "Fixer Upper"

  The fixer-upper properties on the market will give you more purchasing power when shopping for a new home. Bargains can be found in homes that have been foreclosed, seized by the government or just fallen out of repair due to homeowner neglect. While it is true that you will save thousands of dollars on these homes that will need lots of work, there are hidden costs that buyers fail to consider. Ask yourself if it’s worth it and know your options.

Know exactly what you are getting into
Don’t underestimate the cost of renovations and repairs. A home inspection will let you know the fundamental repairs and maintenance that must be done to the home. Without a home inspector, you may end up over paying for the fixer-upper anyway.
The inspector will evaluate any problems with the interior and appliances, roofing, heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation and ventilation, and the structural foundation, exterior faults and more. Fixer-uppers may have a lot of problems with these parts of the home, and a realtor can downplay the extent of the issues because of their stake in the outcome of the sale. A home inspector is worth hiring to get an unbiased perspective and uncover problems you can’t see yourself.

What Can You Do to Prepare Your Home for Sale?

Today I wanted to talk to you about a topic that’s very important to people who are going to sell their home. If you are preparing your home for sale, I am going to present a few inexpensive ideas that can bring you thousands of dollars and a quicker sale. The number one factor is curb appeal. The first impression is where they will automatically form an opinion of your property before they even step food inside. There are a few basic things to bring out your home’s curb appeal. Making sure the lawn is cut, the grass is green and there is no weeds coming through gives the property a well-manicured look. You want to make the look inviting and fresh and also show the buyer that you’ve taken care of your home. Paying attention to the front and back yard is key and be sure to take care of any broken fence pieces or peeling paint.

Moving onto the interior of your home, the simple task of decluttering alone will bring you thousands of dollars. When you have me out to your home, I will point out what we can do and the changes you can make. Also, give your home a scrub down because a clean will also bring in more money. Be sure to move around furniture because when enter a home after being outside, your pupils dilate and things appear smaller. It is also important to keep your lights on when you can to make the room appear bigger.

I’ve put together a checklist for preparing your home for sale. It is very detailed and contains some great tips. If you would like me to send it to you, give me or send me an email. Thanks and have a great day!