Kathy Wall

Environmental Issues When Buying A Home
June 29, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 4 Comments

I recently had to renew my real estate license for another 4 years and, as part of that process, had to take 45 hours of continuing education.    I’ve been selling real estate for 16 years and, after all of that time, you start to think you know it all.    Clearly, I was wrong, because I learned a lot from taking these courses.    

The course that covers environmental issues in  homes was of particular interest.   I thought that some of the things I learned might be of help to my readers, so my next few articles will cover some of the environmental issues people need to be aware of.   Today, I’ll talk a little about asbestos. Read more

Kathy Wall

Real Estate Jargon…What Do All of These Terms Mean?
April 6, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 11 Comments

We Realtors often bandy about tons of real estate jargon.  We talk to our clients and friends about short sales, REO’s, contingency periods, etc.     I have come to realize, however, that just because we know what all of this stuff means, not everyone does, so I thought it would be helpful to describe some of the terms we use.   Hopefully, this will give you some idea of what we’re talking about as we rattle on and on and your eyes are going bleary!  Here goes:

Contingency Periods:    We, generally, refer to these when doing our contracts.   As an example, we tell you that you will have a 10 day period to “remove  your property condition contingency” or 20 days to remove loan and appraisal contingencies.   What this really boils down to, is that these are the time frames during which you will have  the right to get your deposit back if  you cancel the contract.   Once you “remove these contingencies,” you are no longer entitled to get your deposit back, unless you can prove some sort of fraud.  Read more

Lee Ginsburg

Positives of This Economy!!!
March 27, 2009 · Lee Ginsburg · 5 Comments

JEvery Negative Has a PositiveJ
Positives of This Economy

1.     Bay Area Housing Affordability has gone from 16% to 38%

2.     Debt of Americans is Decreasing.

3.     A Large Increase in People Volunteering.

4.     A Large increase in Military Enrollment.

5.     First Time Home Buyers can get an $8000 Tax Credit.

6.     Buyers of California New Homes can get a $10,000 State Tax Credit.

7.     People are able to modify or refinance their loans to an affordable payment.

8.     Businesses have the opportunity to clean up their books and start fresh.

9.     Great Opportunity to Purchase a new car or any other major purchase.

10.  Tax on Debt Forgiveness is waived. 
   
And one of my favorites; you can Buy any Foot Long Sub for only $5.00

Please add to this list of Positives
www.leesellsmore.com

Julie Cleland

There is no “I” in Real Estate Team!
March 2, 2009 · Julie Cleland · 3 Comments

You’ve decided to buy or sell a house so you gather all the players you’re going to need around you. You have your lender, your Realtor ®, escrow officers and any inspectors needed. You’ve gathered them around with the intention of meeting your goal of buying or selling that home. You’re all on the same page so how hard will it be to get along. That depends. Read more

Lee Ginsburg

Housing Stimulus – An Open Letter to the Politicians
February 10, 2009 · Lee Ginsburg · 6 Comments

To Congress Woman Jackie Spier, Senator Diane Feinstein, and Senator Boxer

 

 I am a local realtor specializing in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.   I do not think the $15,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit in the Economic Stimulus Package is making best use of Tax Payers money.  Read more

Julie Cleland

Questions! Why so many questions?
November 21, 2008 · Julie Cleland · 5 Comments

You’ve decided to go out and jump into the home buying process.  Good for you!  You think, this will be fun…driving around neighborhoods, looking for homes, thinking about all the ways you’ll redecorate.  What you might not think about is all the questions you are going to be asked and all the personal information you’ll be expected to share.  I’ve had one client lament it would feel less vulnerable standing in a room full of strangers with their skivs on than laying out all the details of their life.  But like many things, that which isn’t pleasant may still be good for us. Read more

Shokoofeh Nowbakht

20 homes under $500,000 in San Bruno
July 16, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · Comment here

First time home buyers and investors, what are you waiting for? I just checked the multiple listings and found 20 homes in San Bruno for sale, listed under $500,000. WOW!!! These include regular sales, shortsales and bank owned.

This is the time to buy real estate!

Shokoofeh Nowbakht, Realtor