Brian Ripp's Blog

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Real Estate Broker/Owner - Legacy real estate - CA BRE#00886348
RECENT BLOG POSTS
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If you are interested in purchasing a new home, you'll need to research your financing options.  One major part of financing is the annual percentage rate (APR).  As you enter into a deal, you will likely know your area's prime interest rate, but you also need to learn about the lender's APR.  Th...
03/15/2010
The economic crisis has affected Americans' spending and borrowing habits. According to a Harris Interactive poll.  Nearly 2/3 of Americans say they are spending less, while 64 percent say they are less likely to take out a loan.  Another 33 percent say they are using their credit cards less ofte...
03/05/2010
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Did you know that heating and cooling account for 44 percent of the average home's energy use? Insulating your home is your best protection against high heating and cooling bills.  It's also the best way to keep your home comfortable in very season. Start by adding insulation to any unfinished at...
02/22/2010
This month, 2010 Census forms will be mailed to every resident in the United States and Puerto Rico. Under the U.S. Constitution, a national census must be completed every 10 years in order to get a clear picture of changes in the nation's population and demographics. The goal is to count everyon...
02/12/2010
Pending home sales rose slightly in December, increasing 1.0 percent from the previous month, according to NAR. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) was 10.9 percent above December 2008. In November, the index had fallen 16.4 percent after several months of surging activity. The index in the North...
02/05/2010
Key points • The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially. • Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2010, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more. • Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income. It wouldn't be the new y...
02/01/2010
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Starting Jan. 1, 2010, the Federal Housing Administration will adhere to new credit standards and appraisal guidelines for FHA-insured mortgages.  The new guidelines, which essentially align with HVCC rules, will prohibit the undue influence of appraisers, or the choosing of an appraiser, by mort...
01/18/2010
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Buying a home is a big step and process can be complicated.  That's why it's so important to have a knowledgeable real estate professional working to protect your interests. One of the first things you should do when shopping for a home is to obtain prequalification for a home loan.  This will he...
01/07/2010
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will suspend foreclosure evictions from December 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010.  To help struggling families over the holidays, both owner-occupants and tenants living in properties foreclosed upon by Fannie Mae will not be evicted.  Freddie Mac's suspension of evict...
12/18/2009
The Federal Reserve today announced it will maintain its target for the federal funds rate in the 0 percent to 0.25 percent range, and expects economic conditions to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period of time. "Information suggests that economic acti...
12/17/2009
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Brian Ripp

Brian Ripp
local_phone(510) 794-9922
smartphone(510) 710-4905
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