Home Buying Tips

• How can I improve my real estate purchase offer?
  Few failed endeavors can match the frustration of losing out in a multiple-offer competition. But, almost as disappointing is making the only offer—and a strong one—and having the seller outright reject it. Here are a few tips on how to sweeten your offer without jeopardizing your financial security. Continue article...
• How would a truly flexible mortgage work?
  Lat week I had little good to say about Fannie Mae's new Payment Power Program (PPP), which allows a borrower to skip up to two mortgage payments in any 12-month period, and up to 10 over the life of a loan. A skipped payment results in an additional loan, equal to the payment plus a healthy access fee, tacked on to the balance. As an emergency source of funds, it is much more costly than accessing a home-equity line of credit (HELOC). Continue article...
• The Perfect Escrow - Does it Exist?
  Very simply defined, an escrow is a deposit of funds, a deed or other instrument by one party for the delivery to another party upon completion of a particular condition or event. The California Escrow Law – Section 17003 of the Financial Code – provides the legal definition. Continue article...
• Is Your Dream Custom Home Out of Reach? Not Today!
  When the average American thinks about a custom home he thinks of finding a builder and perhaps an architect who take his dreams and convert them into the home of his dreams. Always the fly in the ointment is cost. Can the average American afford the luxury of a custom designed home? Continue article...
• Home-based business brings recapture concerns
  Working at home has become as common as playing at home. Some employers will tell you the two are synonymous while many spouses – especially seniors and aging Baby Boomers not used to having their partner in the home all day—wonder if home-based work really is a good idea. Continue article...
• Manufactured Housing Sheds Stereotype
  Forget the term "mobile home" - it's so 26 years ago. Continue article...