Bernadette Ramirez

What Do I Get When I Buy A House?
October 11, 2011 · · 3 Comments

Well that’s a pretty loaded question. I think it depends on why you are buying. Lets break it up into pieces.

Are you investing or is this home going to be your primary residence?

If you are looking at purchasing a home for investment purposes, it’s probably a good idea to make sure it has a good return on it. Also… you want to make sure with the rent you are not only able to pay the mortgage (be sure to check if your property taxes are included in your mortgage payments). You will also want to make sure that the amount of rent you charge is comparable to the area and to your mortgage payments. Ideally you would like enough rent to cover the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance.  In the perfect world you would like your tenant to pay enough rent yet the rent be atractive enough to keep them as long term tenants to relieve as many out of pocket expenses for you. Inevitably there will be some sort of repairs or maintenance that will be your responsibility as the owner to remedy  some of which you can write off :)      Read more

Dean Rizzi

How do I Improve My Credit?
October 6, 2011 · · 2 Comments

If you have had credit problems, be prepared to discuss them honestly with a mortgage professional. Responsible mortgage professionals know there can be legitimate reasons for credit problems, such as unemployment, illness, or other financial difficulties. If you had a problem that’s been corrected and your payments have been on time for a year or more, your credit may be considered satisfactory.

If you are currently in excess debt, there are four ways to control it:

If your credit is not in terrible shape, you can reduce your other expenses, even if it means making hard choices or changing your lifestyle to fit your income. Consider selling a second car, taking equity out of your home, applying for a non secured signature loan, obtaining a loan from a relative, selling your home and paying off your debts with the proceeds and then renting, cashing out your 401K/retirement benefits, or selling family heirlooms, jewelry, etc.

If your credit is already damaged or one of the above isn’t an option,     Read more

PruCalVoices

Winter Is Approaching … Is your Home Ready?
October 5, 2011 · · 2 Comments

Autumn winds will blow a chilly reminder that winter is fast approaching. Perform the following maintenance tips each fall to protect your property’s value and prevent major repairs.

 Roof, Gutters and Downspouts

Rain, ice, and wind can all cause damage to your roof and gutters. Now’s the time to trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof. You also should remove debris, such as leaves and sticks from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters don’t allow water to properly drain away from the home, which can cause seepage in your ceilings and walls. You can also invest in gutter guards, a screen that prevents debris from entering the gutter and directs the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.

Water Heater

You don’t want to find out that your water heater isn’t operating properly when you need it most. So use this time to perform an annual inspection, which includes having your tank’s pressure and temperature relief valve checked. In addition, remove sediment from the bottom of the tank by draining two gallons of water to improve heat transfer and the efficiency of your heater.   Read more

Lee Ginsburg

Good Article on Light Bulbs
October 2, 2011 · · 2 Comments

I just read this article on light bulbs. 

I went to Orchard Supply recently to purchase a light bulb and left with a head ache.

I wish I had this article and hope you find it helpful.

I am not able to remember it all so I am going to print out a copy next time I need a light bulb.

follow the link http://tinyurl.com/3ekxzfy

 

light bulb

Lee Ginsburg
“It is better to own real estate and wait,
than wait to own real estate”

Nicole Machado

$5000.00 Grants for First-Time Military Buyers
September 21, 2011 · · 4 Comments

The Dream Makers Program offers grants for down payments to first-time homebuyers of modest means who valiantly work to protect our country’s national security.
You don’t have to be a Pentagon Federal Credit Union member to benefit from Dream Makers, and you can apply the grant to a mortgage from any financial institution.

How Do I Qualify?
You’re eligible for a Dream Makers grant if:
You’re Military (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard or Veteran), a Department of Defense employee or a Department of Homeland Security employee.
You’re a first-time home buyer, or you have not owned a home for the last three years, or you have lost your home through divorce or disaster.
The gross household income, including allowances, that you use to qualify for your mortgage loan is:
A maximum of $55,000 per year, or
A maximum of 80% of your community’s median income based on your family size

What Steps Do I Take?       Read more

Nicole Machado

South San Francisco Sewer Lateral Program is back…
September 14, 2011 · · 1 Comment

Calling all South San Francisco Home Owners!! The City of SSF has brought back their sewer lateral program back…

Let the City of South San Francisco help you replace that leaky old sewer lateral and help you pay for it! The City of South San Francisco’s Sewer Lateral Grant Program will cover 50% of the cost, up to $2,500, by following program requirements. The City is offering a program to help residents improve their sewer systems and in the process help reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sewer lines, which can improve the quality of the waters of the San Francisco Bay.

WHAT IS A SEWER LATERAL?

Within the City of South San Francisco, the building lateral is defined as the portion of the sewer system, beginning at the junction with the house plumbing system, usually located two (2) feet from the foundation wall of the building, and extending to and including the connection to the public sewer main. The building lateral is the private property of the property owner who is, therefore, responsible for all costs relating to the installation, connection, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, alteration, abandonment or removal of the building lateral.

These building laterals are often a significant source of infiltration and inflow of additional water, or “I & I”. The Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program, or “SLRGP”, is designed to help defray a portion of the costs when the property owner or their agent is required to replace the entire lateral including the connection to the main.

This information was found at http://www.ssf.net/

Nicole Machado
Your SSF Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist

Lee Ginsburg

Great Loan Options are Here!!!
September 9, 2011 · · 1 Comment
Dear Homeowners and Potential Home Buyers,
I want to let you know of a great opportunity. Interest rates!!!
Interest rates are at record lows. We have been hearing that for a few years and our government plans to keep it way for a few more. With that said mortgage interest rates do fluctuate daily.
Many people think loans are difficult to get. That is a misnomer. Just prove you can afford the payments and you get the loan. The bank might ask lots of questions and request lots of papers but they are willing to offer you a loan and guarantee to hold the same price for the next 30 years. Do you know of another product or service that guarantees the price for the next 30 years?
30 year fixed rates today are 4.25-4.5%. For your knowledge a 1% increase will affect a $500,000 loan by about $300. A 10% price adjustment will affect your payment by about $250.000. I am trying to show the influence of interest rate on your monthly payment.
10000-2b
Many people believe you need 20% down payment or equity for refinancers to get a loan. Another misnomer, that is not correct. With all that has happened in our banking system it is unbelievable but you can still obtain a loan with only 3.5% down payment or equity.      Read more
Nicole Machado

12th Annual SSF Citywide Garage Sale
September 7, 2011 · · 1 Comment

Calling all South San Francisco residents who may want to participate in this event.
For the 12th Consecutive Year, the City of South San Francisco and the South San Francisco Scavenger Company are sponsoring the “Citywide Garage Sale”. The Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Residents wishing to participate may open their garages and participate in the sale on that day. Participation is FREE and registration is not required. Help the City in its continuing effort to encourage recycling and reuse by:
- Announcing the sale at your church or in a club newsletter
- E-mail family and friends
- Download the attached flyer and post it on a community or employee bulletin board
- Help ensure a large turnout on your block by encouraging your neighbors to participate

If you have any questions about the Citywide Garage Sale, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 877-8518.

ssf garage sale flyer

This information was was found on the city of South San Francisco’s website www.ssf.net

Nicole Machado
South San Francisco Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist