Do I really need a home inspection?

August 25, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · Comment here

My client asked if he really needed a home inspection. “I’m going to buy this house, no matter what. Why should I pay for home inspection?”, he wondered. My suggestion was Read more

Housing Stimulus Package! I don’t think so!!!

August 17, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 2 Comments

Credit/Loan Does it Stimulate the Housing Market? I don’t think so!!!

AS promised in my last blog I have continued my thoughts on the most recent Housing Stimulus Package. I will continue in next week’s blog.

Part of the recent Housing Stimulus package is a much publicized First Time Home Buyer Credit! It is not a credit. It is 15 year Interest FREE loan. Gotta take anything For Free. This applies to any home purchased between April 8, 2008 and July 1, 2009. How and why they picked those dates; Read more

10 Simple Ways To “Greenify” Your Home

August 5, 2008 · Sophia Lin · 1 Comment

1. Install low flow toilets, showers and faucets

2. Install solar panels on roof to use the sun’s energy to generate hot water

3. Use “energy star” approved appliances

4. Use eco friendly materials such as bamboo for flooring and non-toxic paint for painting

5. Plant a tree for shade to help cool your house in the summer Read more

Is This New Stimulus Package Going To Help The Bay Area???

August 4, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · Comment here

YES! YES! YES! It may not be as immediate as we would like but it will. The two major provisions that I see as beneficial to specifically the Bay Area Are:

The increase in the conforming loan limit to $625,500 permanently and the ability of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to borrow if necessary from the U.S. Treasury.

The increase in conforming loan limits has no immediate effect since the emergency stimulus package temporarily increased the limit to $729,750. That terminates Dec. 31 of this year so the new permanent increase is a major long term bonus. Bay Area Realtors Read more

How much do I offer?

July 16, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · Comment here

Ok, you find a house and now like to make an offer, but how much? Don’t think just because it’s a short sale or REO that you can offer 20% or so lower than the asking price. Do your homework, study your market, and find out what the market value of the property is. Discuss it with your realtor. Generally, if the property has been on the market for months and specially if it hasn’t had a price reduction, you would have a stronger position to negotiate. Don’t be surprised to see multiple offers and overbidding on short sales and REOs in today’s market. Sometimes, the listing agents list the property at lower than the true market value to create activities and multiple offer situations. So, talk to your realtor and make a reasonable and realistic offer.

GOOD LUCK!

Welcome to PruVoices!

July 2, 2008 · admin · 2 Comments

Welcome to PruVoices, a real estate blog sponsored by Prudential California Realty located in San Bruno, California. We are here to talk with you about all sorts of real estate related topics and hope you join in on our conversations on all things real estate!

Our topics include:

Bay Area neighborhood news and events. The San Mateo Peninsula areas we cover include Daly City, Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, and Redwood City.

Local real estate trends such as the amount of homes on the market versus recent sales. What is affecting real estate prices in your neighborhood?

Marketing your home. Let’s talk about great ways to get your home sold and how to get top dollar.

Real estate finance topics include current interest rates, pre-qualifying for home financing and FICO scores and loan programs such as FHA loans, first-time home buyer programs, CalVet, and some of the more local programs.

Real estate in the news, a place to express your opinion and leave comments about real estate articles in the news and on the web.

Frequently asked questions is another category that should help some of those who are too shy to ask!

We look forward to connecting with buyers, seller, and agents alike. We welcome all comments on our posts. Please don’t be shy to ask a question. That is how we all learn!

Our goal is to continue to provide information and engage in conversations about different areas in the Bay Area that you would like to buy, sell or simply talk about. We are very excited that you found us so leave us a comment and we will respond promptly!

Thank you for joining us!