Directory —
Real Estate —
Blog Details for "Relocation A to Z"
Relocation A to ZRelocation A to ZThis is an informational blog for anyone who is relocating, or thinking about it, and needs to sell or buy a new home. Lots of useful information from a REALTOR with extensive personal and professional relocation experience, including across the coun Articles
Carlsbad Homes - Short Sale Questions and Answers (Part 3)
2007-11-20 19:44:00 Here's another common question about buying a short sale (and again, it applies, to some extent, to the typical sale). WHO PAYS THE COMMISSIONS? In a short sale, as in the typical sale, the commission is paid out of the proceeds due the seller in accordance with the listing agreement the seller has with the brokerage. In a short sale, because there is a financial hardship and the amount of money that is being paid for the home is less than the amount owed, the lender, who must approve the short sale, will generally make a final determination of the amount of the commissions paid to the agents involved out of the final proceeds. These amount MAY vary from the original agreement. If you have a signed buyer agency agreement with your agent, be sure to check on the terms and conditions regarding commissions to see if you will be liable for any portion (e.g., if, for example, the amount being offered as commission to the buy side is less than your... More About: Questions , Sale , Answers , Homes , Part
Carlsbad Homes - Short Sale Questions and Answers (Part 2)
2007-11-20 14:37:00 Here is another common question - it's also relevant for a "normal" sale. WHO PAYS THE HOA FEES, IF ANY? The Home Owner Association (HOA) fee is paid by the seller. Generally this fee will be paid in advance for the month of the closing and therefore will be pro-rated (some HOA fees are paid quarterly). The buyer is responsible for the portion from the closing until the end of the month and will reimburse the seller. If the HOA fee has not been paid, the seller will pay the portion owed up to closing and the buyer pays the balance. Usually there will be a document to certify that the HOA fees are paid in full. As a buyer this is something you will want to verify as part of the transaction since you do not want to be liable for the fees prior to the time you take ownership. You will want to know if there are any special assessments or fees that are being levied by the HOA or will be in the future. This information should be obtained from the... More About: Questions , Sale , Answers , Homes , Part
Carlsbad Homes - Short Sale Questions and Answers (Part 1)
2007-11-20 02:31:00 As in many areas of the country, there are a good number of short sale properties in certain communities here in San Diego County, Carlsbad included. I've received a number of inquiries from buyers who are interested in Carlsbad homes, and elsewhere, that are short sales. Since I get some of the same questions over and over, I wanted to share some common issues and answers in a series of posts. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TAXES AND PENALTIES? As in a typical sale, these issues must be satisfied in order for the sale to proceed, and the seller will normally be required to make these tax payments and any penalties due. The taxes will be pro-rated as of the date of closing - if the seller has paid for the tax period beyond the closing date some pro-rated funds will go to the buyers; if the taxes are to be paid, the seller will be responsible for the pro-rated amount due up to the date of closing. Since a short sale involves a financial hardship, a... More About: Questions , Sale , Answers , Homes , Part
What Do You Want to Know About YOUR Agent?
2007-11-14 15:59:00 The majority of buyers and sellers (like you, since you are reading this) are seeking information on buying and selling homes on the Internet. And if you are not, you SHOULD. There is a wealth of information available to you on the process of selling your home, and acquiring a new one, or your first. That does not, however, replace the information that you can get from a knowledgeable agent. But how do you find out about agents? And what sorts of things do YOU want to know before making that critical decision to hire someone to help you, either to sell or to buy, or both.? Agent websites are a good way to get to know about agents. But blogs are even better. Here's why. You probably want to know about your prospective agent's experience in your area And their knowledge about the market, the and selling process, and matters that can impact YOU and YOUR transaction Do they know what they are doing, and do they... More About: Gent
Communication - What Do YOU Prefer
2007-11-14 15:34:00 In this age of technology there are a number of options for communication between sellers and their agents, OR between buyers and their buyer agents. Obviously face to face meetings are effective and more personal, especially when first starting out. But they are not always convenient and perhaps are more time consuming. Some things NEED to be done face to face. The telephone (or cell phone), of course, is widely used, and for people on the go the cell is often the best way to communicate with others. More and more folks, especially the younger generations, are doing more with text messages. They can be a challenge, and because they are usually pretty cryptic, may not be suitable for some messages that need to be relayed. A large number of buyers and sellers, and agent, use email as a primary means of sharing information, asking questions, and so on. So do YOU have a preferred method for havi... More About: Communication , Refer
Olivenhain Homes - Equestrian Properties in Coastal North San Diego
2007-11-08 17:11:00 If you are conducting a home search in the coastal area of North San Diego County, and in particular are interested in a more rural area (or if you want an equestrian property), consider OLIVENHAIN. (No, it does not look just like this picture, but there ARE plenty of horses AND palm trees). Olivenhain is a community in the town of Encinitas offering a bucolic (no pun intended on "colic" for you horse lovers - I was one, too!), rural atmosphere where many homes are on large lots and horsey folks are in abundance. Take a look at the community profile I wrote on Olivenhain homes and real estate - a rural residential community in Encinitas. More About: Homes , Properties
Sellers - Is YOUR Home A Moving Target?
2007-11-08 16:37:00 Despite what the media seems to implies, there ARE buyers out there looking to buy a new home. Yes, they are taking a look at lots of properties before making a decision. And as we head into the holidays we can expect that sales may slow as folks focus on other things, like shopping and getting ready for the season's festivities. BUT, there are plenty of people out there who NEED to buy. They are relocating, or really need more space, or there are other issues that are driving them to purchase. So, sellers, is YOUR HOME a moving target? Are these buyers who need to buy considering YOUR HOME as a place to move to? Or are they being driven away to another property that is a better deal? I hate to harp on this, but as the inventory continues to be fairly high, buyers remain fussy about what they will purchase, even if they need to. I have seen it happen many times, and Ihave buyers right now who are voicing their concerns about properties they... More About: Home , Moving , Target , Sellers
Insurance Claims from the San Diego Fires
2007-10-30 03:54:00 Many homes were damaged or destroyed in the fires in San Diego . If you are one of these homeowners and your home was on the market FOR SALE, you might be in a good situation with your insurance claim. Read more here on how your real estate agent can help. More About: Insurance , Fires , Claims
Carlsbad Things to Do - Visit the Carlsbad Village Faire on November 4
2007-10-29 02:18:00 The Carlsbad Village Faire is coming to town! Our country's largest one-day outdoor fair will be held next Sunday, November 4 (cool it's my birthday then too! Maybe I should treat myself). Read more about this event and plan to attend - what a great way to shop for the holidays, birthdays, or just to better enjoy your home. Carlsbad has a terrific assortment of outdoor events for visitors and residents. This may be one of the best. Don't miss it! More About: Things , Visit , To Do
San Diego Fires - Tax Relief for San Diego Count Homeowners
2007-10-29 01:25:00 Residents in San Diego Count y can obtain temporary property tax relief if their homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent/on-going fires. Read more about how to get this temporary tax relief from the Assessor's Office. More About: Taxes , Fires , Relief
Buyers and Sellers - Be Aware of Insurance Moratorium
2007-10-27 22:25:00 Buyer and sellers - you may already have heard, but do to the fires here in San Diego County there in a moratorium by the insurance comapnies on writing new policies on homes that are being sold. This will be temporary but I learned about this yesterday. This also happened after the fires 4 years ago, If your home is in escrow and closing is imminent, or you are buying a home that is due to close, please check with your insurance provider right away. Escrow cannot close if you cannot provide proof of homeowner's insurance, which I expect you already know. I understand that California Fair Plan will write policies but these are not comprehensive and you would want to get a better policy after closing occurs. I have also heard, though, that the moratorium MAY be lifted n Monday since they are making progress with the fires, so the impact may be minimized. We will see. One thing for sure, rates are going to change in many areas of San Diego, a... More About: Insurance , Sellers , Buyers , Mora , Moratorium
San Diego Fires Are Top of Mind
2007-10-24 16:09:00 As everyone knows around the country, and most importantly here in Southern California, the fires that are raging are top of mind for everyone. I'm sorry about not writing more but obviously there are more serious things to worry about. Things continue to change hour by hour, with some improvements in some area and others where conditions are worsening rapidly. Wherever you are, please be safe and alert. Jeff More About: San Diego , Mind , Fires , Diego
Don't Forget The Keys for Your Carlsbad Home
2007-10-19 01:18:00 One of the things that buyers often forget about when they buy a new Carlsbad home (not new construction) are the keys. It is pretty common, as I'm sure you know as a homeowner, to share house keys with other people: a neighbor to check on your house when you travel, a housecleaner, and perhaps other vendors, friends or family. Do you get all those keys back when you move? Probably not. As a new homeowner, keep this likelihood in mind when you move into you new home. It would be wise to quickly arrange for new locks to be installed, or you can install new door knobs and lock systems yourself. You just don't know who might have keys to your new home and shouldn't. ********************************* Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods not just in Carlsbad More About: Home , Keys
Carlsbad Homes - New Work-Live Lofts Near the Beach
2007-10-19 01:05:00 A new development, BluWater Crossing, near the beach in mid-Carlsbad is currently under construction. This development will feature work-live lofts within walking distance to the beach and a two minute walk to the train station and bus stop.There will be a 21,700 SF commercial/retail complex adjacent to the condos providing services and some shopping to residents. No pricing avaiable yet but these homes are in the 2243 - 2743 SF range. Read more on this new development here. ********************************* Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods not just in Carlsbad More About: Beach , Work , Live , Homes
Carlsbad Sellers, Cell Your Home
2007-10-11 08:11:00 While I am addressing this specifically to sellers of Carlsbad homes, because I live here, it really is applicable anywhere. So, sellers, listen up. [photo courtesy of compujeramey on Flickr] The title, "Carlsbad Sellers , Cell Your Home ," is NOT a typo. There is new technology out there, well, new to real estate, that you should be aware or (as should your listing agent - I am adding it to MY arsenal of services for sellers). That is, using cellular technology to transmit listing information (including photos and other information you will find on the MLS) to potential buyers who see your sign and call the telephone number that is provided along with an ID #. It's a virtual brochure box, so to speak. (Note that phones MUST be capable of photo messaging, which is a majority of brands). Of course you can combine this with the standrard brochure box so you can appeal to buyers who love texting as well as those who want to hold something in t...
Get Involved: Blog Action Day, for OUR Environment
2007-10-10 05:54:00 Blog Action Day Get Involved October 15, 2007 More About: Environment , Blog , Envi
Mold Information Series (Guest Blogger - Part 4)
2007-10-04 03:55:00 With the Fall Season upon us and rainfall imminent, it's a good time to check up on preventative maintenance items around your home. Gutters and Downspouts The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to collect running water from the roof and move it away from the structure. When working properly, this function keeps walls, windows and sub terrain areas dry. And to keep a system working properly, it is imperative to keep both the gutters and downspouts free of debris. A visual check of your system should include observations for rust, dents or cracking. And downspouts should always terminate several feet away from the foundation. Plants and Trees Plants/Trees and other types of vegetation, that come into contact within a structure, can trap moisture against the... More About: Information , Blogger , Research , Series , Part
Sellers - It's Time to be Quiet
2007-10-03 16:21:00 Selling your home involves a lot of challenges, especially in this market, and sellers tend to get pretty anxious about it, particularly when they are relocating and really NEED to sell. But in many markets conditions favor buyers, so you need to pay attention to a couple of things. Sometime sellers are, or want to be, present when buyers come through the house. I don't recommend this. It makes buyers nervous, and they tend to not spend much time there looking and dreaming about being in YOUR house. But there is also the chance that you may get asked questions, and you may reveal information that is best left to your agent, especially as it has to do with your anxiety about moving. Some information that might be shared, even inadvertently, might jeopardize your ability to negotiate the best price for your home. If you appear desperate, the buyers will know this and likely will offer less because they know you NEED to sell. Since you have hired ... More About: Time , Sellers , Quiet
Buying a Home With a View
2007-09-24 21:44:00 Buyers often want to purchase a home with a view. This is especially true in areas where you have great views, such as of the mountains, the valleys or the ocean. I recently wrote an article about buying a home with a view in Carlsbad, but the information in this article, I think, is generally applicable to anywhere. So if you have an interest in buying a view home, you might want to head over to the article to learn more about some issues to be aware of in your search. Most notably, you can expect to pay more for a comparable home with a desirable view. But there's more. And please let me know if I can assist you in any way. Jeff ***************************************** Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods More About: Buying , Home , View
Sex and Real Estate
2007-09-21 02:31:00 Provocative title for an article isn't it? I got your attention, though. Have you ever considered that buying and selling a home is very much like dating? We've all done it, successfully and not so successfully. But there are many parallels between dating and home buying. This is not my original thought, but, rather, the thesis of a fascinating book I am reading. The book is really for anyone who has an interest in real estate, and especially those engaged in the search and/or who are currently owners of a home. We are in a time when there seems to be more interest in home buying - what we buy, how we buy, where we buy, why we buy - than at any other time. Everyone is talking about real estate and the market. But why is it of such great interest? SEX AND REAL ESTATE, WHY WE LOVE HOUSES, by Marjorie Garber, is worth a read. It will give you a different perspective on the process of buying and selling, and in particular the emotional side of that process. Perhaps it will ... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real
Sex and Real Estate
2007-09-21 02:31:00 Provocative title for an article isn't it? I got your attention, though. Have you ever considered that buying and selling a home is very much like dating? We've all done it, successfully and not so successfully. But there are many parallels between dating and home buying. This is not my original thought, but, rather, the thesis of a fascinating book I am reading. The book is really for anyone who has an interest in real estate, and especially those engaged in the search and/or who are currently owners of a home. We are in a time when there seems to be more interest in home buying - what we buy, how we buy, where we buy, why we buy - than at any other time. Everyone is talking about real estate and the market. But why is it of such great interest? SEX AND REAL ESTATE, WHY WE LOVE HOUSES, by Marjorie Garber, is worth a read. It will give you a different perspective on the process of buying and selling, and in particular the emotional side... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real
Relocating to San Diego and Need a Job?
2007-09-21 02:11:00 Some of you may be relocating here to San Diego and in need of a job. That being the case, here are the largest employers with headquarters in the San Diego area that might be of interest to you (in order based on fiscal 2006 revenues): Sempra Energy SAIC Qualcomm Inc. Jack in the Box Inc. Invitrogen Corporation Leap Wireless AMN Healthcare Services Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. Calloway Golf Co. Cubic Corporation More About: Job Hunting , Loca
Relocating to San Diego and Need a Job?
2007-09-21 02:11:00 Some of you may be relocating here to San Diego and in need of a job. That being the case, here are the largest employers with headquarters in the San Diego area that might be of interest to you (in order based on fiscal 2006 revenues): Sempra Energy SAIC Qualcomm Inc. Jack in the Box Inc. Invitrogen Corporation Leap Wireless AMN Healthcare Services Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. Calloway Golf Co. Cubic Corporation More About: Job Hunting , Loca
From the Outside In - Searching out Neighborhoods
2007-09-17 17:13:00 For those of you looking for a new Carlsbad home, or elsewhere, finding the right neighborhood is probably high on your list. I had a meeting with some new buyers the other day and they commented that neighborhood was THE MOST important criteria for them. I've mentioned using Localism in the past as a good way to research communities of interest. There are community profiles, market reports and more on many towns and neighborhoods throughout the US. Another site I would suggest you check out is Outside In. There is a wealth of information about different communities that may help you in your research. For example, here is what is found there when you search Carlsbad. Good luck, and if I can provide more information or answer any questions, please let me know. ***************************************** ** Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here More About: Neighborhoods , Searching , The O
From the Outside In - Searching out Neighborhoods
2007-09-17 17:13:00 For those of you looking for a new Carlsbad home, or elsewhere, finding the right neighborhood is probably high on your list. I had a meeting with some new buyers the other day and they commented that neighborhood was THE MOST important criteria for them. I've mentioned using Localism in the past as a good way to research communities of interest. There are community profiles, market reports and more on many towns and neighborhoods throughout the US. Another site I would suggest you check out is Outside In. There is a wealth of information about different communities that may help you in your research. For example, here is what is found there when you search Carlsbad. Good luck, and if I can provide more information or answer any questions, please let me know. ***************************************** ** Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here More About: Neighborhoods , Searching , The O
What is Your Lifestyle?
2007-09-12 16:07:00 One of the questions I generally ask clients who are relocating to Carlsbad is...What is your lifestyle? So why is this important? And it is something you should consider? As a buyer you likely have lots of issues you are considering in your home search, especially since you are moving to a new part of the country with possible differing styles of homes, prices, amenities, weather, things to do, and much more. But don't discount your current lifestyle or fail to give it important consideration in your new home search. Do you entertain? How do you like to entertain? What things to you like to do at home and nearby? What community activities do you enjoy now? You get the idea. Think carefully about your lifestyle and how you would like it to be in your new home. Perhaps you want it to change in some way, say if you are retiring. But if you don't think about this as you tour homes, you might find yourself buying a property in an area that does not fit with the style of living yo... More About: Lifestyle
What is Your Lifestyle?
2007-09-12 16:07:00 One of the questions I generally ask clients who are relocating to Carlsbad is...What is your lifestyle? So why is this important? And it is something you should consider? As a buyer you likely have lots of issues you are considering in your home search, especially since you are moving to a new part of the country with possible differing styles of homes, prices, amenities, weather, things to do, and much more. But don't discount your current lifestyle or fail to give it important consideration in your new home search. Do you entertain? How do you like to entertain? What things to you like to do at home and nearby? What community activities do you enjoy now? You get the idea. Think carefully about your lifestyle and how you would like it to be in your new home. Perhaps you want it to change in some way, say if you are retiring. But if you don't think about this as you tour homes, you might find yourself buying a property in an area that... More About: Lifestyle
Renting Before Buying
2007-09-10 15:26:00 Often in a relocation folks decide that they want to buy a home in their new location, while at the same time selling their former home. Timing can get tricky but many choose to do this. With diligent efforts on the Internet doing your research, working with a competent REALTOR in your new city, and having a househunting trip or two, this can generally be accomplished fairly readily. Lots of people don't want to move more than once, so they prefer to go from the old home to a new one right away. I have found that in many cases taking time to look at housing, decide on the desired community, find the right home, and move can be tough. For those of you who are choosing to move here to Carlsbad, or elsewhere in Southern California, for personal reasons rather than due to work, the lack of time pressures may be such that renting a place while you look for a home to buy may be tghe best solution. I am working with several relocation clients tha... More About: Buying , Renting
Renting Before Buying
2007-09-10 15:26:00 Often in a relocation folks decide that they want to buy a home in their new location, while at the same time selling their former home. Timing can get tricky but many choose to do this. With diligent efforts on the Internet doing your research, working with a competent REALTOR in your new city, and having a househunting trip or two, this can generally be accomplished fairly readily. Lots of people don't want to move more than once, so they prefer to go from the old home to a new one right away. I have found that in many cases taking time to look at housing, decide on the desired community, find the right home, and move can be tough. For those of you who are choosing to move here to Carlsbad, or elsewhere in Southern California, for personal reasons rather than due to work, the lack of time pressures may be such that renting a place while you look for a home to buy may be tghe best solution. I am working with several relocation clients that are, in fact, doing just this. ... More About: Buying , Renting
Buyers - You Need to Verify the Information
More articles from this author:2007-09-04 15:55:00 I have talked a lot about the home buying process, and in particular about due diligence. The reason is that "buyers beware" is really something to keep in mind when making your most important and most expensive purchase. Just as with buying a car, a computer, or other products, you want to make sure that you are buying what is being represented, and not something else. The problem is that a home is a much more complicated acquisition, and consumers vary so much in terms of what they want and are willing to accept. Doing your due diligence - checking on all the issues that matter to you, verifying information and reviewing disclosures - is critical and something you MUST NOT take lightly. Certainly this can also involve having your BUYER AGENT check on things for you with the listing agent/seller. But don't skimp on this. You might find that what you thought you are getting is not that at all. And after you have completed the transaction it is too late. Here's an example. I am wor... More About: Information , Buyers , Due Diligence 1, 2, 3 |
|
