Tag Archives: Real Estate

Realty Check — Wide Variety of Mortgage Options Available to Homebuyers!

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Choosing a mortgage loan years ago used to be like buying a car in the days of the Model T. As the old joke goes, buyers could have any color they liked as long as it was black. The same was true with mortgage financing. Homebuyers could pick any loan, as long as it was a 30-year fixed-rate with 20 percent down. Today, consumers have a wide variety of loan options from which to choose. In fact, with so many different types of mortgages available, selecting the right one can seem overwhelming. But the good news is that an experienced mortgage loan expert from a company like Princeton Capital, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s mortgage affiliate, can clarify your options and help you select the mortgage that is right for your own personal situation.

Choosing the “best” mortgage product really depends on your financial circumstances, how much you intend to put down, how much home you’re looking to purchase, how long you intend to stay in the home, and many more issues. According to Princeton Capital, some of the choices that may be available to you include:

  • Fixed-rate mortgages. While buyers can still pick the traditional 30-year fixed, they also have the option of selecting fixed-rate loans over 10, 15, or 20 years. In fact, borrowers can even pick a 40-year period in some cases.

The advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that you always know what you will pay every month for the life of the loan. So if interest rates go up, your monthly payment won’t be affected. Conversely, you wouldn’t benefit if rates go down unless you refinanced.

Fixed-rate mortgages are typically recommended for those who intend to live in their home for quite a while, usually at least five years or longer. The 10-year and 15-year fixed product may be good for those looking to refinance their mortgage and pay off their home faster.

  • Fixed-period adjustable rate mortgages. These loans, often referred to as “hybrid ARMs,” feature an initial fixed interest rate period, after which the interest rate becomes adjustable for the rest of the loan term. These periods that these loans remain fixed are typically three, five, seven or 10 years.

Advantages of hybrid ARMs: They generally offer lower rates during the fixed period than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. But once the introductory period is over, the rate is subject to change based on the financial index to which the rate is pegged. If interest rates are rising, your monthly payment could rise as well.

If you believe interest rates are likely to go down in the future, this may be a good choice. But a word of caution that rates are already low by historic levels. A hybrid could also be the right option for someone who intends to stay in their home for only a limited period of time and plans to sell their property before the fixed period ever expires.

  • FHA and VA Loans. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are popular homebuyer choices because they require a lower down payment and credit score than conventional loans. But there are eligibility requirements and maximum loan limits, so they’re not for everyone.

FHA loans are private loans insured by the federal government. They’re popular with borrowers who don’t have enough funds to pay a traditional down payment because they require only 3.5 percent down to qualify. But borrowers are required to pay mortgage insurance, which slightly increases their monthly payments. Additionally, there are loan limits on FHA loans based on the cost of housing in a particular county, ranging from approximately $271,000 to $625,000.

Like an FHA loan, VA loans are private loans insured by the federal government and are popular with those qualified borrowers who don’t have enough money for a traditional down payment. VA loans can help reduce down payment requirement, sometimes to zero. But VA loans are only available to qualified military veterans and their families and are only available to these individuals for their own primary residences. Also, while there are technically no limits on how much a veteran can borrow using a VA loan, there is a $417,000 maximum amount the government will guarantee on these loans.

The good news in all of this for homebuyers is that there are many more mortgage loan options available today than there were years ago. But finding the right choice for you can be complicated. I would be happy to help answer some of your questions and put you in touch with a mortgage loan professional to get further information. Just give me a call. I’m here to help!

Start building your memories,
as you turn your house into a home. 

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our own efforts as REALTORS, as well as input from other REALTORS in our Coldwell Banker office.  I hope it has been of value to you.  Don’t hesitate to email us with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow homeowners!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElkGroveRealEstate.  For information about properties available for sale and for more information for buyers and sellers, please visit our website at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com and don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jack Edwards, your real estate advocate, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Elk Grove, CA,  and the greater Sacramento area.   Get information about available homes online at:  www.ElkGroveRealEstate.comOur mobile clients can find us at Mobile.ElkGroveRealEstate.com  BRE License # 01331087
©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. CalBRE License #01908304

One Cool Thing — How Did Home Sellers Handle Multiple Offers?

Did you get multiple offers on your home???

Depending upon when you put your home on the market, you may have had dozens of offers, or maybe only one or two.

If you did/do get multiple offers on your listing, how do you think you will handle the situation.

Check out the graphic below to learn a little about real estate activity over the past few years.

The bottom line is that you need a good Realtor to help you understand the differences in the offers you receive. The Realtors at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com can help you through the process.

How-Did-Home-Sellers-Handle-Multiple-Offers

Start building your memories,
as you turn your house into a home.

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our own efforts as REALTORS, as well as input from other REALTORS in our Coldwell Banker office.  I hope it has been of value to you.  Don’t hesitate to email us with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow homeowners!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElkGroveRealEstate.  For information about properties available for sale and for more information for buyers and sellers, please visit our website at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com and don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jack Edwards, your real estate advocate, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Elk Grove, CA,  and the greater Sacramento area.   Get information about available homes online at:  www.ElkGroveRealEstate.comOur mobile clients can find us at Mobile.ElkGroveRealEstate.com  BRE License # 01331087

 

©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. BRE License #01908304

April Newsletter

Jack Edwards’s…
Service For Life! ®
Inside This Issue…
  • Avoid The ‘One-Ring’ Cell Phone Scam…
  • Think Twice Before You Make These Home Renovations…
  • Fun Facts and Laughs: Legal Information Websites, Trendy Social Media, And More…
  • Real Estate Q&A: What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Selling My Home?…
If you’re not already a subscriber to my free e–newsletter email me to sign–up
Jack Edwards Jack Edwards California BRE#01331087
Phone: 916-240-9302
Email: jack.edwards@cbnorcal.com
Dear {FIRST_NAME|Friend}…There are lots of scams out there but there’s one in particular that’s been catching people off guard lately. If you miss a cell phone call and automatically call the number back to see who called, it may cost you a big fee on your next bill. You can learn more about the “one-ring” scam (and it may be more than one ring) and how to avoid it in this month’s Service For Life!® Free consumer newsletter.You’ll also learn some do’s and don’ts to think about if you’re planning a home renovation, what social media teens are now using instead of Facebook – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

Jack Edwards
Jack Edwards, REALTOR®
California BRE#01331087


P.S.  When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?

They may be people getting married soon and looking to buy their first home, and you can tell them about my Free Consumer Report: “Top 10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid.” You’ll be helping them start marriage off by avoiding costly mistakes when buying and financing their home. To request a copy for a friend, email me by clicking here.
Today’s Brain Teaser . . .

You may enter, but you can’t come in,
I have space, but no room,
I have keys, but open no lock.
What am I?

(see answer below)
Avoid The ‘One-Ring’ Scam

When you miss a cell phone call, do you automatically call the number back to see who called? If you don’t recognize the number or it’s “unknown,” it may be a big mistake. If the phone rings once (or sometimes more than once) and you return the call, you may be charged a $19.95 international fee plus $9 a minute for the duration of the call on your next cell phone bill. Here’s how to avoid being a victim:

    • Look at the area code. These calls are primarily coming from Antigua and Barbuda (268), the British Virgin Islands (284), the Dominican Republic (809), Grenada (473), Jamaica (876) and Turks & Caicos Islands (649). If you call back, you’ll be asked to “hold for the operator,” incurring more charges.
    • There is also a New Jersey number in use as well.   Area Code (201). You can click this link to learn more about this scam. Who-is-calling-from-201-279-5861
    • Search the number online to see if there are scam reports. But when in doubt, don’t call back.
    • If you do return the call, notify your cell phone carrier immediately. Tell them you’ve been a scam victim, give them the details, request a refund, and ask if you can restrict “third-party billing” on your account. Verizon, for example, offers a free service called “Bill Block,” but you need to ask for it. Get it for both your cell phone and landline.
    • Monitor your phone bills. These costs may show up as “premium services.” You should also check your mobile phone carrier’s policy on refunds for fraudulent charges. Some carriers may have a 60-day period for refund requests.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Go to www.ftc.gov/complaint and click on the FTC Complaint Assistant icon. While the FTC can’t resolve individual complaints, they use the information to crack down on scammers.
Save Thousands When Buying A Home!

Did you know there’s a free consumer report revealing ways to save time and money when buying a home? It’s called “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding and Buying Your Next Home,” and it’s great even if you’re not planning to buy soon. To request your copy, email me by clicking here.
Think Twice Before Renovating

If you’re planning a home renovation, do it for your own enjoyment. But if you might move in a few years, know that some projects won’t generate the return you hoped for. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do consider these upgrades:

    • Replace your kitchen countertops with stone or granite (check material cost calculators at www.homewyse.com). Paint your cabinets and add new handles.
    • Modernize the bathrooms. A total renovation can cost thousands, but just replacing the vanity in one bathroom with a granite top and dark-wood cabinets will make a huge difference. For example, you can find one at Costco for about $600.
  • Make your home more energy efficient. Buy energy-efficient appliances, insulate your attic, seal air leaks around the house, and install a programmable thermostat. While these upgrades may not be obvious, they will save you money and buyers will appreciate them.

Enjoy these, but you may not get a return on your investment:

    • Installing a pool. A pool is entertaining, but it can be a liability when you sell. Buyers worry about safety and maintenance.
    • Creating a dedicated home office. It’s appropriate if you work at home and use it everyday, but if you just use it to pay bills, make sure the room can also be used as a den or spare bedroom.
  • Over-renovating for your neighborhood. If you spend $25,000+ on a new kitchen, you may price yourself out of the local market when it comes time to sell.
Would You Like To Know How Much Your
Neighbor’s Home Listed Or Sold For?

Maybe you’re just curious. Or maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Either way, I can help…with no “sales pitches” or run-arounds. Call me at 916-240-9302, or email me by clicking here and I’ll give you all the facts.
Fun Facts and Laughs

Legal Information Websites . . .

• www.nolo.com – Get answers to your business and legal questions.

• www.allLaw.com – Access legal articles, estate planning apps, legal forms and legal calculators.

• www.findLaw.com – Find a lawyer or watch videos on legal topics.

What’s Popular With Teens Besides Facebook? . . .

Teens aren’t using Facebook as much as they used to (probably because so many adults use it). These free mobile apps (for iPhone and Android devices) are what’s popular now:

• SnapChat – Send “snaps” (photos, videos and captions) that self-destruct a few seconds after they’ve been viewed.

• Vine – Create 6-second videos to share with friends. (Owned by Twitter)

• Instagram – Take a picture or video, add a filter to make it look cool, and post it instantly for others to see. (Owned by Facebook)

Create A Family Health History Online . . .

Your family health history can help your doctor take better care of you. Use the tool at: familyhistory.hhs.gov and share the results with your family members.

Have A Laugh . . .

 
A Heartfelt Message To My
Special Clients and Friends…

I want to share a little secret with you. I don’t spend my time cold calling or pestering people for business. Instead, I focus 110% of my efforts on giving such outstanding service that people naturally think of me when a friend, neighbor or family member needs a caring and competent REALTOR®.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank a few of the special people in my life who’ve helped build my business with their enduring support and referrals. I couldn’t do it without you!

Rijan and Khydeeja
Trivia Challenge for the Month…

Did you answer last month’s Trivia Question?

Who holds the record for the most consecutive victories on the PGA Tour?

a) Jack Nicklaus   b) Tiger Woods
c) Byron Nelson   d) Arnold Palmer
The answer is c) Byron Nelson. He had 11 consecutive wins in 1945! Following him is Tiger Woods with 7 consecutive wins in 2006-2007. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

Which weekly television series on NBC was the first to air completely in color in 1959?

a) Dennis The Menace
b) The Twilight Zone
c) Hawaiian Eye
d) Bonanza

EMAIL ME BY: Clicking Here OR Call Me At 916-240-9302 if you have the correct answer.
Brain Teaser Answer:

A computer keyboard!

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals…and spreading the word about my services.
Real Estate Q & A . . .
Q.  What big mistakes should I avoid when selling my home?

A.  There are plenty of mistakes you can make when you sell your home but most can easily be avoided. Here are three important ones:

  • Pricing Your Home Incorrectly. You need to set the right price when you put it on the market. If you start high, you may keep buyers and other real estate agents away. If you lower your price in increments, it may be too late, as the home may already be viewed as “overpriced.”
  • Failing To Stage Your Property. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! Look at your home from a buyer’s point of view: clean it up, clear the clutter and get it in model-home shape.
  • Selecting The Wrong Agent. You need to hire a REALTOR® who understands your goals and will meet your needs.

Learn more about selling your home in my Free Consumer Report called “How To Avoid 7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home.” Call me and I’ll send a copy right over to you.

Do you have a question you want answered related to real estate or home ownership? Feel free to call me at 916-240-9302 or email me by clicking here. Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!
THANK YOU… for reading my Service For Life!® personal newsletter.  I wanted to produce a newsletter that has great content and is fun and valuable to you.  Help your friends get more out of life by forwarding this email to them…
Share this issue with family and friends --- Forward To A Friend
You received this email because you requested it, are on the mailing list as {EMAIL_ADDRESS}, or a friend forwarded it to you.Disclaimer:  The information contained in this email is intended for informational purposes.  It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical or other professional services advice.  Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This email is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.
Copyright (c) 2014 by Forte Communications, Inc.

Start building your memories,
as you turn your house into a home. 

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our own efforts as REALTORS, as well as input from other REALTORS in our Coldwell Banker office.  I hope it has been of value to you.  Don’t hesitate to email us with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow homeowners!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElkGroveRealEstate.  For information about properties available for sale and for more information for buyers and sellers, please visit our website at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com and don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jack Edwards, your real estate advocate, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Elk Grove, CA,  and the greater Sacramento area.   Get information about available homes online at:  www.ElkGroveRealEstate.comOur mobile clients can find us at Mobile.ElkGroveRealEstate.com  BRE License # 01331087

 

©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. BRE License #01908304

One Cool Thing — The Water Crisis

WaterCrisis
Start building your memories,
as you turn your house into a home. 

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our own efforts as REALTORS, as well as input from other REALTORS in our Coldwell Banker office.  I hope it has been of value to you.  Don’t hesitate to email us with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow homeowners!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElkGroveRealEstate.  For information about properties available for sale and for more information for buyers and sellers, please visit our website at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com and don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jack Edwards, your real estate advocate, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Elk Grove, CA,  and the greater Sacramento area.   Get information about available homes online at:  www.ElkGroveRealEstate.comOur mobile clients can find us at Mobile.ElkGroveRealEstate.com  BRE License # 01331087

 

©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. BRE License #01908304

One Cool Thing — What Do You Want In A Neighborhood

WhatDoYouWantInANeighborhood

Start building your memories,
as you turn your house into a home. 

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our own efforts as REALTORS, as well as input from other REALTORS in our Coldwell Banker office.  I hope it has been of value to you.  Don’t hesitate to email us with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow homeowners!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElkGroveRealEstate.  For information about properties available for sale and for more information for buyers and sellers, please visit our website at www.ElkGroveRealEstate.com and don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email with your questions.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jack Edwards, your real estate advocate, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Elk Grove, CA,  and the greater Sacramento area.   Get information about available homes online at:  www.ElkGroveRealEstate.comOur mobile clients can find us at Mobile.ElkGroveRealEstate.com  BRE License # 01331087

 

©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. BRE License #01908304