It’s not what they offer, it’s what you walk away with that counts!

July 9, 2009 · Julie Cleland · 4 Comments

When it comes to buying or selling a property, the conventional wisdom is that it’s all about the offer price and that certainly is a big part of the picture. However, a seller really needs to think about what they will walk away with, or rather, what they will NET; after all selling expenses are paid out. As a seller you have to make decisions that in the long run may end up costing you money. Read more

Tenant Occupied Properties

June 1, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 4 Comments

For whatever reason, over the course of almost 16 years in real estate, I have very seldom sold homes that were occupied by tenants. Right now, I am involved with 3 properties that are occupied by tenants. Wow! Is it ever tough.

These transactions are so complicated with items that you would never think of. In the last couple of weeks I have dealt with:

1) Having the key to a tenant’s unit get stuck in the lock. The tenant was out and I have no phone number for him. I couldn’t reach the property management company and I, certainly, couldn’t leave this man’s home with the door unlocked. Fortunately, one of the people I had been showing the home to stayed with me, had a tool kit and, literally, took the lock out and solved the problem. Read more

Missed Opportunity ?

May 22, 2009 · Terry Birt · 6 Comments

buyers-choice Recently, it seems that all the buyers have come out of the wood work….
We have been inundated with large groups at our open houses and receiving large amount of “sign calls” and inquires on our websites…
But the one thing that has not changed is fear…Depending on where the property is and the price range that it is in, there is a different strategy on how to make an offer. I think the public understands that the interest rates are great, and inventory has lessened, and buyers are hearing about multiple offers; but there is something that is preventing them to make a move. My advise: Work with your agent…let them help you understand… ask a lot of questions.

Just this week, I have encountered buyers who I met a few weeks ago, they saw this home in their price range, and have their financing in order, but they needed time to “think about it”. When they came back to reconsider the home, it was gone (in escrow with multiple offers). Had they written a couple of weeks ago it could have been theirs.

Don’t lose your opportunity. There are several ways to protect yourself from competition and allow you to participate in obtaining home with your price and terms.

Loan Program for Teachers in California

March 24, 2009 · Nicole Machado · 4 Comments

Calling all Teachers… Incase you didn’t know, CalSTRS is the California State Teachers Retirement Program that provides retirement related benefits to teachers in public schools and community colleges in California. Back in 1984 CalSTRS developed a home loan program which was designed for an additional option for home financing for it members and retirees. Giving its members and retirees additional mortgage loan options at competitive rates. This is a great option for you first time home buyers as it only requires a 3% down payment. You can compare this program with an FHA loan as it requires a 3.5% down payment. A big thank you to Dean Rizzi of Guarantee Mortgage for sharing this program with us. Click on the flyer for additional info and qualifications (Once you have clicked on the picture click once again to see a clear copy or to print out the flyer)

January home sales in the west are WAY up!

February 25, 2009 · Dean Rizzi · 1 Comment

I just caught this article off of Google AP. I’m passing it along because it gives more detailed picture of the January sales report. NAR reports existing home sales where down to their lowest levels in six years. However, if you look at the western region, they are up 32.1 percent from a year ago. Although prices are down, sales jumped 57% in the bay area!! Buyers are clearly taking advantage of the high inventory. What a great time for young families to get into that first home!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h78GtI74ZouhZ1bCfF7cOWPQWKzwD96IS94O1

What is TDS?

September 17, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · 1 Comment

“

“What is TDS?” my client asked. It is a 3 page Transfer Disclosure Statement which the seller is required by law to fill out. The main purpose is for the sellers to disclose to the buyers anything they know about the condition of the house. Read more

Knock Knock is anyone Home? (I hope not)

September 10, 2008 · Sophia Lin · Comment here

Should a Seller be present when a Buyer is previewing their home? As an experienced Buyer’s and Seller’s agent, I understand both sides. I believe it is in the best interest of both the Buyer and Seller for the Seller not to be present at a showing (unless in some understandable circumstances) I like to use the simple analogy of when one goes to the store to buy a pair of pants. We look around for what we like, we see if we could afford it, and then we try it on (the most important part, if it doesn’t fit, we don’t want it). Now when shopping for a house the part where we try it on is when we are previewing the home (the most important part) When Buyer’s are Read more