As 2011 comes to a close, it is no surprise that there are over a dozen new laws that will affect both real estate agents and brokers. To assist you in understanding these new regulations and laws, we will be posting them over the next...
According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the biggest disagreement between landlords and tenants come after the tenant vacates the property, and it is often centered on the refund of the security deposit. Knowing what the law will and won’t allow will go a...
Mortgage rates remain at a historic low. If you haven’t refinanced in a while, now just may be the time! Before you jump into the pool with both feet, make sure you consider the following: Know your options. Comparing quotes from at least three different lenders...
On October 1, the limit on loans that government controlled mortgage agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, can guarantee will drop from $729,750 to a maximum of $625,500, unless Congress intervenes. In September, lawmakers called for a short-term extension of regulations, hoping to allow the...
It took the sheer force of nature to make Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz realize there was no place like home. It turns out that owning one’s home still ranks at the top of the list for most Americans, but why do consumers want...
The seemingly changing news of financial news makes it challenging to know what to do as a seller in this market. But if traffic through that attractive 4-bedroom has been less than stellar, don’t get cold feet and yank the property off the market. Instead,...
Because most commercial real estate properties are for investment, the decision by an investor to purchase the commercial property is primarily based upon a financial performance analysis of the asset. A couple months ago, we discussed CAP rates, one of the fundamental components of the...
Short sales often conjure thoughts of lengthy negotiations, tedious paperwork, and a never-ending closing process. Fortunately, mortgage lenders and the United States federal government are working to change this. As such, it is important for real estate professionals to understand how these changes in the...
There’s a lot of talk these days about sustainable and “green” living, and new construction is no exception to this new way of life. Heavy hitters such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, and IBM Corporation have recently started making their mark in the...
The process of buying a home most often entails a great deal of time, research and planning. As such, the last thing a new homeowner needs is the stress and aggravation associated with broken appliances in the home. One step that can assist in avoiding...
