November 2012
1 post
How to Maintain Your Lawn in the Fall
Labor Day is barely out of sight so why are we talking about fall already? read more
October 2012
9 posts
Real Estate Watch: Homeowners' tips on paying off...
Homeowners dream of the day they pay off the mortgage and own their property debt-free. read more
Can I offset real estate profits with stock...
As long as you owned the land for investment purposes, you can offset capital gains… read more
U.S. home sales reach two-year high
U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped in August adding momentum to the housing recovery. read more
September 2012
7 posts
5 building permit issues you can't ignore
Don’t get stuck with $20K bill when it’s time to sell. Check the building permit record… read more
Five things stagers don't want to see anymore
Ask these questions when hiring a stager. read more
Average on 30-year US mortgage slips to 3.55 pct.
Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages are slightly above record lows reached earlier this year. read more
Rental Homes: Making More Money by Keeping Your...
As an individual landlord, you have challenges in maximizing the money you earn on your rental. read more
August 2012
8 posts
700,000 homeowners no longer underwater on...
Thanks to improving home prices, fewer mortgage borrowers owe more on their homes than they are worth. http://money.cnn.com//2012/07/12/real_estate/mortgage-borrowers/index.htm
Latest Home Trend? House Sizes No Longer...
According to a recent trend survey, architects are reporting increases in the size of both remodeled and new-construction homes.
http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-07-13/latest-home-trend-house-sizes-no-longer-decreasing/
Construction spending rises, continuing positive...
Construction spending rose 0.9 percent in May from April, the Commerce Department reported recently. It was the second straight monthly increase and the biggest percentage gain since December. http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20991707/construction-spending-rises-continuing-positve-reports-about-housing?
Homefix: Drought can cause serious structural...
If your home has been damaged by flooding or drought, a series of steel piers or helical piers can be installed to support the foundation independent of the soil. Both solutions are expensive, and you should contact a structural engineer before deciding on any type of foundation repairs. http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20993141/homefix-drought-can-cause-serious-structural-damage?
Save Money on Home Improvements
There are several ways homeowners can save money on their home improvement projects, and being diligent about how they go about their upgrade and the materials they use allows them to save without sacrificing quality. http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/save-money-on-home-improvements/
What is Water Hammer?
Have you ever heard a banging noise coming from your water pipes when the water is turned off quickly? It usually sounds like the pipes are banging on something inside the walls, and that’s exactly what’s happening. When the flow of water is turned off very quickly, a small shock wave is created inside the pipe, which can cause the pipe to shake and often bang on the wall studs or floor joists.
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Home-building permits at highest level since '08
Builders appear to be getting more bullish on residential real estate: In May, they applied for permits to build new homes at the highest rate since September 2008, according to a government report issued recently. http://money.cnn.com//2012/06/19/real_estate/housing-starts/index.htm
July 2012
10 posts
Rents keep rising, while home prices inch higher
“With rents rising faster than prices in most markets, buying is getting even more affordable relative to renting,” said Jed Kolko, Trulia’s chief economist.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/07/03/real_estate/rents-rising/index.htm
Mortgage-debt forgiveness preventing foreclosures
In a recent report, Amherst Securities Group said that when principal reductions brought mortgages near the home’s market value, borrowers were substantially less likely to fall behind on payments again and lose their homes. http://money.cnn.com//2012/06/22/real_estate/mortgage-debt/index.htm
Mortgage rates smash old record
Mortgage rates fell again, smashing previous record lows, according to a regular weekly release from mortgage giant Freddie Mac. http://money.cnn.com//2012/07/05/real_estate/mortgage-rates/index.htm
Latest Bathroom Design Trends Focus on Form and...
The green movement in home building is not a fad. Enter… dual-flush toilets, LED lighting and walk-in showers. These are just a few of the latest bathroom trends that are emerging and are more affordable for homeowners.
http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-05-23/latest-bathroom-design-trends-focus-on-form-and-function/
Cashing in on Facebook's new millionaires
How do you think Facebook’s IPO will affect the Silicon Valley real estate market? Take a look at this article to read a few opinions.
http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/sbergsmancoxnet/cashing-in-facebooks-new-millionaires?
What the Economists Are Missing in the Real Estate...
The economy is getting better, unemployment rates are improving, consumers are spending a bit more while not going overboard and consumer confidence is improving. Read this article to find out what economists are missing.
http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/what-the-economists-are-missing-in-the-real-estate-market/
How to Simplify the Home Closing Process
It’s common to feel anxious while completing the home buying process - last thing you want is a last minute surprise while you are closing on your home. This process is the final hurdle you’ll face after you have agreed to purchase a home, so it is important to be prepared. There are several steps which can help ensure the closing process goes smoothly.
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Is that swimming pool safe? What homebuyers...
When you look at a home for sale and slide open the patio door to reveal a backyard swimming pool, you’ll likely have one of two reactions.
Read this blog post to keep some important safety tips in mind when you’re considering buying a home with a backyard pool.
http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/is-that-swimming-pool-safe-what-homebuyers-should-know/
Advice for flipping homes
There are people who do flip homes full time and do make money at it. But the odds are highly against the average person succeeding. However, if all those reality TV shows have piqued your interest, here are a few items to consider if you want to attempt this strategy. Be sure to call me and ask for my opinion and advice. http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20534391/advice-flipping-homes?
Be prepared for any home emergency
Sometimes disaster strikes, despite your best efforts to prevent it. And that means you should always be ready for the unexpected.
Take a look at this link for tips to be prepared for home emergencies.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/05/25/real_estate/home-emergency-preparedness.moneymag/index.htm?
June 2012
7 posts
Real Estate: Review homeowners insurance coverage...
At least once a year, it’s a good idea to review the insurance coverage on your biggest asset: your home.
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20649213/real-estate-review-homeowners-insurance-coverage-regularly?
Danger Zone: Common Threats to your Home
Money Magazine has listed the 10 most common hidden causes of fire, flood and water damage and what you can do to lessen or eliminate those everyday threats.
This is one link to look at.
http://money.cnn.com//galleries/2012/real_estate/1205/gallery.flood-fire-damage.moneymag/index.html?
US sales of new homes rose 3.3 percent in April
Americans bought more new homes in April, the latest evidence that the U.S. market could be starting to recover.
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20694462/us-sales-new-homes-rose-3-3-percent?
Real Estate: FHA streamline refinance gets cheaper...
The government is about to make refinancing FHA mortgages more affordable and potentially easier for hundreds of thousands of homeowners.
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20712385/real-estate-fha-streamline-refinance-gets-cheaper-homeowners?
US 30-year mortgage rate falls to record 3.78...
The average U.S. rate for the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a record low for a fourth straight week. Great news!
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20705108/us-30-year-mortgage-rate-falls-record-3?
Homefix: You cannot sell a house with uneven...
The height of each step is extremely important in preventing tripping and falling. Take a look at this link to read more about uneven stairs.
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20622654/homefix-you-cannot-sell-house-uneven-stairs?
You invest in your home to improve livability...
If you get more value in the process, consider it a bonus, but don’t make ROI your prime directive. Take a look at this interesting article and let me know if I can answer any questions.
http://www.inman.com/opinion/guest-perspective/2012/03/20/9-home-renovation-ideas-increase-livability
May 2012
8 posts
Real Estate: How to catch a homebuyer's eye
Looking to sell your home? If you have followed the usual chestnuts about boosting curb appeal and staging your living room properly, but still aren’t getting any bites, there are other ways to help catch a buyer’s eye.
http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_20335751/real-estate-how-catch-homebuyers-eye
Planning on Remodeling? Read further for tips to...
When remodeling, create a financial plan upfront and contractors can tailor proposals to fit what you can afford. Take a look at this informative link and let me know if you have any questions.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/03/12/real_estate/remodeling-contractors.moneymag/index.htm
How can I lower my homeowner's insurance premium?
There are several reasons premiums might go up. Sometimes it’s because you’ve made claims. At other times, increases are out of your hands. Please take a look at this link and let me know if you have any questions.
http://helpdesk.blogs.money.cnn.com/2012/04/03/how-can-i-lower-my-homeowners-insurance-premium/
App helps homeowners keep up with maintenance...
If you’d like to use your smartphone to manage home maintenance and improvement projects — you guessed it, there’s an app for that….HomeZada.
http://www.inman.com/news/2012/04/11/app-helps-homeowners-keep-with-maintenance-projects
FHA to reject borrowers in minor credit disputes
Borrowers in ongoing disputes with creditors over debts of $1,000 or more may no longer qualify for FHA-insured loans. Even borrowers with perfect credit scores can be denied over a single $1,000 problem charge.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/03/30/real_estate/FHA-loans/index.htm
Low-ball appraisal: Mortgage denied
Even as some mortgage standards have eased, hitting a needed appraisal value is proving a frustrating blocker for buyers and sellers and those looking to refinance.
Don’t let this happen to you.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/03/30/real_estate/mortgage-denied/index.htm
Here’s to Innovation...
Weren’t we all supposed to be flying cars to work (sure would make my commute better!) and hanging out on the moon by 2012? Take a look at the Coldwell Banker blog post here:
http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/heres-to-innovation/
What the foreclosure settlement means for you
The $26 billion foreclosure settlement has finally been given the green light, making it possible for roughly two million of the nation’s hardest hit borrowers to see a significant reduction in their mortgage payments.
http://money.cnn.com//2012/04/09/real_estate/mortgage-settlement-faq/index.htm
