HOA Dues: Junk Fees or Good Budgeting?

October 17, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 2 Comments

Many people are under the belief that paying the HOA Dues is like throwing money out the window. I am not sure so let’s review the costs of Home Ownership that is covered under the HOA Dues.

The following costs are approximate present day costs for a 1200 square foot home and a 2 Bedroom Bay Area Condo Read more

Market Analysis – Taking stock of what’s right with the United States

October 15, 2008 · Francis G. Bautista · 2 Comments

“Taking stock of what’s right with the United States” is an article that Dean Rizzi forwarded to us all. It is a fascinating article in that it outlines and takes note of 10 positive and great things about our country. With the current wall street market in a tizzy and the election mud slinging dominating the air waves not to mention the economic and housing crisis, it is easy to lose sight and forget that we live in a great country. Because this is an election year….a brighter and more positive direction for our country would be nice as well. Read more

Appraisers… what’s their real job description?

October 9, 2008 · Nicole Machado · 5 Comments

Since when did appraisers become home inspectors? Just curious as I encountered a never before sitaution today… As my property inspector was packing up from a routine property inspection, the appraiser drove up (early I may add) to what I thought at the time was to appraise the property. Read more

Debate #3, better,worse, more of the same?

October 8, 2008 · Brian Boisson · Comment here

Did you watch #3, I thought for the most part, just more of the same, McCain’s mention of the Fed buying up all the bad mortgages got my interest. Health care has been an issue for as long as I can remember, and other than a lot of the usual he said, no he said, and what I thought was a bit of rudeness on McCain’s part nothing changed my mind about either one of them. How about you, any new thoughts since #2

The Great Depression, take two?… NOT A GOOD THING…

October 4, 2008 · Nicole Machado · 1 Comment

I usually don’t partake in discussions that revolve around politics, however, after last nights debate and the passing of the “bailout” I feel obligated to do so! Read more

How much does it cost to make an offer?

October 2, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · Comment here

“How much does it cost to make an offer,” my first time home buyer asked. Nothing, but you do need to write a check for up to 3% of the purchase price, made out to a title company of your choice. This is the “earnest money,” or “good faith money.” This is not a down payment, but just a deposit to secure the offer or contract to show how serious the buyer is. In the simplest words, by default, buyer has 17 days, unless otherwise stated in the contract, to cancel the contract and get their deposit back.

How Much Will the Seller Take?

October 1, 2008 · Julie Cleland · Comment here

In today’s market every buyer is looking for a bargain. With that in mind it is no surprise that the question most often asked these days from buyers is “How much will the seller take?” There is only one sure-fire way to find out…write up an offer! Read more

DEAL or NO DEAL

September 23, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 3 Comments

Deal or No Deal?

Everyone’s definition of a “DEAL” is different.

Many of today’s buyers are in the mindset that a “Deal” is purchasing a home below current market value. What is current market value? It is the price a willing and capable buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept. Below Market sales do not occur in today’s web 2.0 world. Information is plentiful for both the buyer and the seller. Properties priced below market value are not kept a secret for long. Homes listed at below market prices wind up getting multiple offers and sell at the price determined by the bidders which is now the market price. Many of these people looking for this type of “DEAL” have not purchased anything and may not because they continue to offer below the market price. They are not the only buyer out there. I recently heard of aproperty with 89 offers. The demand is still very strong. Before the internet many properties were kept a “secret” because it took more time, effort and money to get the information out; so yes purchasing below market value was possible then but not now. Read more