logo

Category : Uncategorized

Buy a Vacation Home

Buying a vacation home is exciting but as with any other major purchase, it’s important to think things through carefully.  Here are some suggestions to help you make the best buy. Decide whether this is a place where you’d like to spend every vacation. Base your decision on your lifestyle and recreational interests. Select the type of vacation home that best suits your needs. Do you have family to consider? Hire on a reliable Real Estate agent and he will […]

Fall Blooming Flowers and Plants

Even though the season says it Fall, California can’t seem to shake off the summer heat.  More than likely, you’ve noticed that nature is alive and well as our blooming landscapes have died off and the gardens have lost their color. Even though the drought is still active, there are some hardy fall blooms you can plant in your garden and will last up to 3 years. You may have heard of perennials but do you know what they are? […]

How Are Property Taxes Calculated?

Once you become a property owner you will own property taxes forever and faithfully on an annual basis.  On average, most folks will pay their bill when it arrives without question however, a time may arise when you find yourself wondering whether you’re actually paying the right amount for your property taxes. With that said, we need to learn more about property taxes calculation, and how values are determined. Why Do You Property Taxes? The taxes that you pay on […]

How to Organize a Small Home

Small homes have great potential with proper planning. If you own a small home or plan to downsize here are a few helpful organization ideas so you can make the most of your cozy space. Baskets, Plastic and Bags Storage containers come in all shapes, sizes and textures.  You can get organized and decorate your home at the same time.  Large plastic containers are great for books or linens.  Baskets are nice for you home office and closet.  For even […]

Kitchen Trends

The kitchen is the heart of a home. Are you shopping for new house or, is it’s time to update your current abode? Meals us to be prepared and served in a room behind closed doors; the kitchen.  In this room you never saw the cook until the meal was complete or the dishes were washed.  There was another space in most homes named, the dining room.  The dining room was designated for holiday’s and special occasions…only. Finally, the open […]

Why do I need a Notary?

A Notary is a designation to be respected.  They are appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Their legal responsibility is to detour fraud and to ensure proper execution.  The Notary is an impartial witness that ensures the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly. There are many documents, especially in the real estate industry […]

So You’re Ready to Buy Your First Home?

You’ve paid off your debts, your credit score has increased, and you have saved enough to make a down payment. You also qualified for a loan. Here are some considerations before you buy a house because, there are additional costs beyond the initial purchase. First to consider is calculate what to spend. You need to plan for mandatory fees such as property taxes, homeowner insurance, and homeowner association dues (if your desired community as an HOA). These fees are not […]

10 Mortgage Terms You Should Know

Unpacking the lingo is the first part of the home purchase process.  Understanding the terms, acronyms and other confusing jargon will help you better negotiate the terms of your mortgage. Buying a home is the single most expensive purchase most people will accomplish in a lifespan.  Here are ten terms explained as simple as possible: It’s all in the family –  Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae This trio was formed by the federal government to support a national […]

NOT ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS ARE EQUAL

Adding value to your property is a smart decision. But beware; there are some projects that sound good in theory but will cost you more than the equity payout.  Here are some projects to avoid: Home Office Remodel The home office is a popular space in most homes today. If your home office leaves a lot to be desired kept your improvements simple; a pleasant paint color, better lighting or a nice desk.  Don’t try to remodel it unless there’s […]

30-YEAR MORTGAGE RATE REMAINS STEADY

The Associated Press reports that the average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate this week remained at a 52-week low of 4.10 percent for the third straight week. The average for a 15-year mortgage, a popular choice for people who are refinancing, slipped to 3.24 percent from 3.25 percent. This is certainly good news on the economic front, where some analysts suggest that the static low rates have increased home sales across the country. The AP article stated that real-estate data provider […]