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
Antique Valentines, Tea and Chocolates
January 31, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Want something sweet, sentimental, and a little out-of-the-ordinary for your Valentine date this year? Check out the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society’s Valentine celebration THIS Saturday (yes THIS Saturday, Feb 4th). It’s a great way to kick off a season of love and appreciation for your significant other.
When: Saturday, Feb 4th, from Noon to 4:00pm
Where: Dr Willella Howe-Waffle House, 210 Civic Center Drive W, Santa Ana, CA
What: A Tour of the Historic Property, including a display of antique Valentines, a cup of Tea and a selection of Chocolates
Cost: Adults $5, Seniors and Members $4, Students $3
Find out more at www.SantaAnaHistory.com.
Gigantic Antique and Collectible Sale – Santa Ana
January 30, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Attention all antique lovers! The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society is having a “GIGANTIC” Antique and Collectible Sale on Saturday March 3rd — a great opportunity to pick up some pieces for your historic home (or any home that needs a little infusion of character). Personally, I’m excited to check out some of the salvaged architectural elements and furniture. Best of all, the pieces are priced to sell! We hope to see some of you there!
Click “more” to see the invitation below. Read more
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
January 26, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, your real estate agent’s skills can make or break a sale. That’s why it’s so important to find a trustworthy, professional Realtor who has your best interests at heart. Especially in this market, easy transactions are few and far in-between. Lenders are tightening up their policies, new laws that create potential complications have recently taken effect, and there are far more difficult transactions such as short sales, which require Realtors with expertise to navigate.
Markus was recently interviewed for an article on Wisebread.com entitled “How to Choose a Real Estate Agent”. How can you tell the bad apples from the true professionals? Read more
Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act Expiring – 2012 is the Year for Short Sales
January 19, 2012 by HeidiBrown · Leave a Comment
It’s big news for homeowners everywhere who are struggling to meet their mortgage payments: the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act is set to expire on December 31st, 2012, making this year the year to do a short sale.
If you’re considering a short sale (which is a far better alternative to foreclosure), now is the time to take action. Once the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act expires, and you decide to do a short sale, you may end up paying thousands more in taxes. Read more
