BofA to Reduce Principals by up to $100K
March 14, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: 401K Calculator
If you’re a homeowner struggling with an underwater home, Bank of America’s settlement with government regulators may be very welcome news. As part of the settlement, Bank of America will be giving approximately 200,000 homeowners principal reductions of up to $100,000. If you’re one of the homeowners affected, this could very well save your home. Read more
Green Homes an Encouraging New Trend
March 12, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: Dave Dugdale
I’m happy to see that one of the most popular emerging trends on the market today are eco-friendly “green” homes that actually give energy back to the grid. Some homeowners are even seeing a profit from their home’s energy-generating capacity. They’re paying $0 in energy costs, and even getting some money back. Read more
Amazing Prices on Bank-Owned Properties
March 7, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: Nick Bastian
We can’t believe the amazing prices we’re seeing on bank owned (REO) and short sale properties. It’s the first time in the last five years that prices are looking good for real estate investment purposes.
Just to give you an idea, currently in the Old Town Tustin area there is a 3 bedroom home for sale for $350,000 and a 4 bedroom historic home for sale on a large lot for $535,000. Even one year ago these prices would have been unheard of. Read more
Warren Buffet’s 2012 Advice: Buy, Baby, Buy!
March 1, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
401kcalculator.org
A very interesting article in the International Business Times today highlights legendary investor Warren Buffet’s advice for real estate investors: Buy, Baby, Buy (especially single-family homes)! Read more
Which Home Repairs to do First?
February 16, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: Mark Hunter
Owning a home is great – you get to build your own equity, have the satisfaction of owning your own property, get to customize it the way you like it, not to mention the tax breaks and other benefits. But owning a home does come with responsibility: to keep your home maintained and repaired. When your budget is tight, which repair jobs are the most important? Read more
Want to Buy Foreclosed Homes?
February 13, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: Jeff Turner
For those of you wanting to make a killing on today’s housing market, foreclosures and distressed homes are the way to go. But you’ll need good credit and ready cash if you’re going to make your move.
Six Must-Haves for Mortgage Approval
February 9, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: 401K Calculator
If you’re thinking of buying a home, getting approved for a loan is one of the first steps. It’s getting more complicated to get approved for a loan these days, so make sure you have your paperwork in order. It’s also important to find a loan agent who is competent and effective at navigating possible complications. That being said, don’t be discouraged. People ARE getting loans, and they are buying homes. Contact us, and we can help to answer any questions you may have, and point you in the right direction. Read more
Brass Fixtures Send CHEAP Message
February 6, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
An article encouraging sellers to get rid of cheap brass fixtures appeared on Inman News today, and I couldn’t agree more. In the article, Chicago real estate agent Steve Somogyi emphatically states that he thinks dated, cheap, yellow brass fixtures send the wrong messages to buyers: C-H-E-A-P!
Changing out dated brass fixtures can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your home, and it is a small investment that may potentially impress buyers. Read more
Tricked-Out Man Caves: The Perfect Superbowl Venue
February 4, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: Zillow.com
Just in time for the Superbowl, gentlemen, I give you…THE MAN CAVE!
Apparently, according to an article on Zillow.com, homes with man caves are surging in popularity these days. You know what I’m talking about when I say “man cave”, right? I’m talking cushy sofas, big-screen TVs, plenty of beer (or maybe even a wet bar), snacks, and a dart-board. You might have one in your home. But when it comes to tricked-out man caves, these properties have got it down. Read more
Do Not Write Off Mello-Roos on State Income Tax
February 1, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Photo: 401K Calculator
California tax-payers will have to be extra-careful when filing their 2012 state income taxes in 2013, as the State Franchise Tax Board cracks down on homeowners who have been illegally writing off their Mello-Roos fees or taxes paid via the 1915 Bond Act.
Although Mello-Roos and 1915 Bond Act taxes have not been legal deductions in the past, many California homeowners routinely wrote them off their state income taxes because they were lumped in with their total property taxes. Read more
