Kathy Wall

Should I rent or buy?
November 16, 2011 · · 4 Comments

Should I rent or buy is a question that just about everyone asks themselves at one time or another.     At what point does it make more sense to own a home than to rent one?   Much of the decision comes down to personal choice…..Do I want to be in charge of my own home or have someone else be responsible for repairs and maintenance? 

For me, the choice was a relatively simple one because I have always hated the idea of a landlord telling  me what I could and couldn’t do in my home, so I always knew I would try to do whatever I could to purchase my own home.       

In the end it often comes strictly down to the money.   Sometimes, it simply doesn’t make sense to purchase a home, particularly if it means that you will be struggling to make the payments each month, let alone pay for property insurance and taxes.    When my son and his wife were trying to decide whether to continue renting or buy a home, they went to this website and found it to be very helpful:  http://www.decisionaide.com/MPCalculators/Menus/MP_Calculators.asp.     When you get there scroll down the page and you will find a link for Renting vs. Buying.     Read more

PruCalVoices

Turn that movie in on time!
September 9, 2009 · · 5 Comments

Credit PathWhen working with Buyers I always get asked about how they can boost their credit scores especially when trying to qualify to purchase their first time home.  My 13 years experience in the finance industry spanning from retail banking, credit, to mortgage brokering has taught me to not to take your credit history for granted.  A lot of folks don’t understand that something miniscule as not paying your movie rental collection can come back to truly haunt you on your credit report; and thus prevent you from buying a home sooner than later. 

 For instance, just recently I had a new buyer pre-approved for a loan, and we discovered that he actually can not start looking for a home until early next Summer.  He had to correct a major derogatory item on his credit report beforehand.  I told him to please not feel defeated!      Read more

Lee Ginsburg

Learning to Budget! Kudos To The Teacher.
December 28, 2008 · · 6 Comments

As many of you are aware my Prudential office in San Bruno, Ca. is the largest single independent Prudential office in the country.  We are very progressive and have kiosk in several of the regional malls in the area.  As I had my shift just before the holidays, a young boy, I’d say about 12 or 13 was looking at some listings.  I let him look for a while and then approached.  He told me he was 30 years old and looking for a rental for his family of 4 with a $60,000 annual income.  I did a double take and he explained he had a home work assignment to balance a family budget including housing.  I helped him find a few rental homes in the area.  The reason for me writing about this, I thought it was a great assignment; Reality, Life.   I think this should be taught in detail to all high school seniors and to all purchasing a home.  I believe saving should be part of a family budget.  The savings could be for a down payment, home maintenance, vacation, rainy day, etc.  Read more