Renting vs. Owning: Which is Right for You?
Are you torn between renting and owning a home? It’s a big decision that impacts your lifestyle and finances in the long run. Both options have their pros and cons, but understanding the key differences can help you make a more informed choice.
Preparing to Take Out a Mortgage? Do This First
Purchasing a home is a significant life milestone, and for most people, it involves securing a mortgage to finance the purchase. Mortgages can be complex, but with careful preparation and planning, the process can be streamlined and less daunting. Here are essential steps to take when preparing to take out a mortgage.
Should I Use a Buyer’s Agent?
A buyer's agent is a licensed real estate professional who works exclusively for the buyer's best interests throughout the home buying process. While some individuals may be hesitant to engage a buyer's agent, citing concerns over additional costs or the belief that they can navigate the process on their own, there are numerous compelling reasons why utilizing the expertise of a buyer's agent is invaluable.
Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a Home?
If you are thinking about buying a home, you may be wondering if you need to hire a buyer’s agent. Before you make your decision, it’s good to know what exactly a buyer's agent does. This post will cover the role of the buyer’s agent and the benefits they bring to the home buying experience.
What Are Buyer Broker Agreements?
According to the recent NAR (National Association of Realtors) settlement, it may soon be required that buyers sign a Buyer Broker Agreement before they tour homes with a buyer’s agent. That being said, in some areas of the country, buyer’s agents have always had their buyers sign this agreement prior to touring homes. So, what is a Buyer Broker Agreement?
Everything You Need to Know About VA Loans
When it comes to purchasing a home, navigating through the various financing options is a crucial step in the process. For veterans and active-duty service members, the VA loan program stands out as an attractive option. Created to honor their service, VA loans offer unique advantages, but as with any financial decision, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. In this post, I'll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of buying a home with a VA loan.
How Real Estate Agents Get Paid
You may be wondering how exactly real estate agents get paid. In this blog post, I'll break down how real estate agents currently get paid in Northern California.
Preparing to Take Out a Mortgage? Do This First
Purchasing a home is a significant life milestone, and for most people, it involves securing a mortgage to finance the purchase. Mortgages can be complex, but with careful preparation and planning, the process can be streamlined and less daunting. Here are essential steps to take when preparing to take out a mortgage.
When is my first mortgage payment due?
Your inaugural mortgage payment is generally due on the first of the month, 30 days after you close the deal. You're paying for the previous month, not the current one. After spending so much money to buy the home, this is often a welcome reprieve.
7 Benefits of Home Ownership
Owning a home brings forth many advantages, both personal and financial.
Understanding Escrow: A Guide for Bay Area Home Buyers and Sellers
Have you ever wondered exactly what happens when someone is “in escrow” when buying or selling a house? In this article, I will demystify the concept of escrow and explain its importance in the home buying and selling process. Understanding escrow will give you the confidence to navigate a real estate transaction smoothly and securely.
Are Fiduciary Realtors Your Secret to Real Estate Success?
Buying or selling a property may be one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make in life. It's a journey filled with excitement, dreams, and, sometimes, a bit of anxiety. To ensure a seamless experience, you'll want a skilled professional who not only guides you through the process but also acts as a fiduciary—a trusted advocate with your best interests at heart. In this article, I'll explore what it means for real estate agents to be fiduciaries and how this dedication benefits their clients on their quest to find the perfect home.
Strategies for a Buyer’s Market
Have you heard people say that it’s a good time to buy because we are in a buyer’s market? But what does that mean exactly? A buyer's market is a real estate market in which there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. Houses tend to sit on the market longer, so sellers are more willing to negotiate on things like price or make other concessions.
Homeowners Insurance in California
You may have heard on the news that State Farm and Allstate, two homeowner insurance providers, are no longer accepting new applications for homeowner insurance policies in California. This was due to the risk of wildfires faced by California homes as well as the increased costs to rebuild.
6 Ways to Hold Title in California
Holding title to property is legal ownership. It gives you the right to possess, use, enjoy, sell, or transfer it. In California, there are several ways to hold title to property. The most common ways are sole ownership, tenancy in common, joint tenancy, community property, community property with the right of survivorship, and a living trust.
What is a Living Trust?
Have you heard your friends talk about putting their homes and other assets into a living trust? But what is a living trust? A living trust is a form of estate planning that allows you to control your assets while you are alive and have them distributed according to your wishes after you die.There are several reasons why it is important to have a living trust.
Should You Waive Your Contingencies?
Have you heard someone say that you should waive your contingencies to make your offer more appealing? The California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) typically includes several contingencies that protect the interests of both buyers and sellers.
What are closing costs?
Before you buy or sell a home, it is important to prepare. Closing costs are often higher than most people expect and some people don’t expect them at all. So, what are closing costs?
Wants and Needs When Searching for a Home
Once you are pre-approved and have a good grasp of your budget, you can begin to prioritize your new home’s features. You may want to create a list with three categories.
First Time Home Buyer Basics
Are you a first time home buyer wondering how to start the process? Worried about how you might save up for a down payment? Don’t worry! Read this post to find out the first steps to home ownership.