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

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.

Christmas Come Early

September 15, 2008 · Nicole Machado · 1 Comment

As we approach the holiday season, while everyone else is immersed in cooking the Thanksgiving Turkey and getting up at dawn to get those Holiday discounts on the season’s hottest new toy you can take advantage of the season’s best toy… a house! Read more

How To Be A Great Real Estate Client

September 14, 2008 · Jean Joh · 1 Comment

“How can I be a great client to my real estate agent?” Okay, this is probably not on the top ten list of Frequently Asked Questions…probably not even the top one hundred…I’ll admit it – I have NEVER in my real estate career been asked this question by a client. I have invested countless hours into preparing to be the best agent I can be – reading books and articles, attending classes and seminars, keeping on top of the inventory in the area – but I have yet to see a book called, “Being a Great Real Estate Client for Dummies” or the like. And so, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to turn the tables and talk a little about what it takes to be the type of client that a real estate agent would love to work with. Read more

Buyers Beware

August 14, 2008 · Nicole Machado · Comment here

Have you ever purchased something from a store to later find out it was defective and feeling frustrated that you would have to return it or find out you couldn’t do to good ole “store policies”? What if you purchased a house and later found out there was something wrong? Sorry folks, no returns on those a couple of months down the road! 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

Home Sellers Everywhere…

July 31, 2008 · Nicole Machado · Comment here

Home sellers everywhere contemplate whether now is the time to “move up” the real estate ladder and upgrade. Some think they can’t afford to move up because they have lost equity in their current home since the market has taken a turn. When in fact they haven’t lost anything in all actuality. If it wasn’t time for you to sell your home when you had that supposed “equity” well then you never had it at all. If you wait to “move up” the cost of your new home will cost more. You want to upgrade when prices are down so your new mortgage is more affordable and while interest rates are still at hystorical lows. Sellers put your buyers hat on… think like a buyer and not like a seller, in the end you’ll be happy you did!