Category Archives: Finance

How to Buy a Foreclosure

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Realty Executives

If you’ve decided that foreclosures are right for you, here are some simple tips to ensure that you get the right deal and don’t risk over-leveraging yourself. Work out a budget Map out your current financial assets and liabilities. Factor … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Finance, Foreclosures & Short Sales | Tagged acutions, foreclosure, homebuying, investment properties, rental property | Comments Off

Make the Most of Homeowners Insurance: 7 Tips

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Realty Executives

A home is the single biggest investment most Americans will ever make. Protecting that investment is not just a legal responsibility, but the smartest move you can make. Here are 7 tips for getting the most out of your homeowners … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged actual cash value, earthquake insurance, flood insurance, homeowners insurance, Homeowners Insurance Premiums, homeowners policy, Insurance | Comments Off

Mortgage Options: ARM or Fixed-Rate?

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Realty Executives

Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing your existing home, you have a host of financing options available. But before you start talking about points, fees, and closing costs, you need to decide whether to choose a fixed-rate or … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged adjustable rate mortage, ARM, closing costs, finance, fixed-rate mortgage, loans, points | Comments Off

Is it Time to Stop Waiting?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Realty Executives

Home values took a universal dive in 2008, but for most markets, it looks like the worst is behind us. While certain metropolitan areas continued to bleed in 2011 (some cities in Southern California saw a dip of more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged 2012, Buying, economy, First-Time Homeowner, market bottom, turnaround, when to buy | Comments Off

Top Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Realty Executives

Your first home purchase is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Here are some tips to limit the trauma and help you find the home of your dreams the first time around. 1. Set your budget The most important … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged budgeting, first-time homebuyer, First-Time Homeowner | Comments Off

How Much Home is Too Much?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Realty Executives

You’ve found the home of your dreams. It’s expensive, but it’s beautiful, it has room to grow, and you can just squeak by if you’re careful–maybe. This is a common situation, and all too frequently, it ends poorly–just look at … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers, Finance | Tagged home affordability, home finance | Comments Off

What does the New Obama Housing Plan Mean to You?

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Realty Executives

On Wednesday, February 1, President Obama presented a series of housing proposals. The primary proposal aimed at making mortgage payments more affordable for existing homeowners–particularly those struggling with underwater mortgages. It’s still a long way from approval, but if the … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Foreclosures & Short Sales, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged credit rating, credit score, FICO, foreclosures, loan under water, refi, refininacing, underwater mortgage, upside-down | Comments Off

Selling an Underwater Mortgage

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Realty Executives

If you put less than 15% down on a recent purchase, there’s a good chance that you owe more than your property’s current value. It’s a tough spot to be in—and tougher if you want to sell. But despite the … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Foreclosures & Short Sales, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged home improvement, mortgage, negative equity, short sale, under water, underwater | Comments Off

Get the Most from Homeowners Insurance

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Realty Executives

A house is not just your biggest investment–it’s your home. Homes provide safety, security, and continuity, and no one wants to think about the worst that can happen to them. But fires, floods, theft, and other dangers are real, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged disaster planning, financial risk, homeowners insurance, homeowners policy, insurance premiums | Comments Off

Finding the Right Tenants

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Realty Executives

Whether you have an old home that won’t sell, can’t afford to buy in your current neighborhood, or just want to earn a passive income, there are plenty of reasons to enter the rental property market. Choosing the right property … Continue reading →