The appraisal is a vital part of the real estate purchase process and one of the least understood aspects of real estate. Within the context of the home purchase and sale, an appraisal is a risk analysis for the lender. The buyer’s lender uses an appraisal to determine whether there is sufficient
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04/30/2008
The San Mateo City Council approved the plans for Bay Meadows on Monday night. The 84-square acres of racetrack land will now be converted to shopping, commercial and residential areas. Opponents were concerned about traffic and the loss of the historic racetrack… supporters mentioned the positiv
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04/23/2008
If you have bought a home in San Mateo County in the last several years, you may be eligible for a reduction in your property taxes. Upon request, the tax assessor will reassess the tax value of your home. By following a few rules, you may save yourself some money. To learn if you are eligible
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04/19/2008
As real estate agents we are expected to help our clients make informed decisions. When the emotion charged print media headlines and sound bits cheer the declining housing market, critical thinking is often obscured if not completely ignored. Deciding when to buy a new home is as difficult as
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04/14/2008
In our market area, the buyer's loan contingency states it is satisfied when the lender receives a satisfactory appraisal and approves the borrower's loan request. This approval (loan commitment) is issued several days or weeks in advance of the actual funding of the loan. Where does that leave
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04/13/2008
Great chefs know the importance of presentation - the same is true in real estate. Smart agents and sellers know a home will sell faster and for more money when it is presented smartly. In the business, it’s known as staging. Studies show that homes that are staged sell in about half the time of
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04/12/2008
The days of "no documentation, no verification, no qualifying" financing are over. Lenders like BofA and WaMu have exited the wholesale mortgage business. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) are more costly and more difficult to obtain so borrowers who need to borrow more than 75% of the value
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04/10/2008
A client and I were brain storming this weekend about ways to make her home stand out from the crowd of homes listed for sale in San Mateo, California. I suggested that we offer more favorable terms for the buyer. With the mortgage scare and credit requirements tightening, buyers are looking for
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04/09/2008
Deciding when to buy a new home is often as difficult as deciding when to sell. Here are some telltale signs that it’s time (or not time) to buy a new home. Signs that it’s time to buy now: Your present housing situation is unsuitable You intend to own your next home for at least five years You c
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04/04/2008
Selling your home in a buyer's market is difficult, but there are things you can do to improve your experience. Consider these tips: Learn about YOUR marketplace. Analyze the competition. Seek advice from professionals. Consider commission incentives. Use strategic pricing. Evaluate whether
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04/03/2008
