Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2016

1. Providence, RI
2. St. Louis, MO
3. San Diego, CA
4. Sacramento, CA
5. Atlanta, GA
6. New Orleans, LA
7. Memphis, TN
8. Charlotte, NC
9. Virginia Beach, VA
10. Boston, MA

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – There’s a forecasted boom in the Sacramento housing market. The Sacramento region is being named as one the top 10 hottest real estate markets for 2016.

What can home buyers and sellers expect next year? Realtors say they had a very busy 2015 and now say it’s a great time to buy. And despite this being a holiday week, they say houses get sold every day of the year.”

Sacramento may be experiencing a renaissance with the construction of the new Kings arena. Its suburbs are filling up.

Places like Roseville offer attractive newer homes a short drive from Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

Realtors say the market had a boost from low interest rates. Homesales are up more than 10 percent from last year. It’s a dramatically different market from four years ago. Foreclosures have almost disappeared in some neighborhoods and realtors are dealing more with traditional sales.

“As interest rates start to inch up, buyers start thinking, ‘Oh man, I better get it now,’ because they don’t want to wait.

Get Your Credit Ready to Buy a House in 2016

Lenders don’t like surprises when it comes to mortgage applicants. And when it comes to applying for a mortgage or looking to refinance, you don’t want any, either.

Yet many people forget to pull their credit report before they go house hunting—or they do it at the last minute—and they don’t know how to handle a poor credit score or a pockmarked report.

If there are any problems on your report, you’ll want to fix them beforehand and be prepared to explain the ones that stick around. Here are five tips on how to handle your credit and your credit report when it’s time to buy a home.

1. Don’t lie or hide the truth

Most people instinctively try to hide or shy away from bad news. Don’t do this with your lender. It’s basically impossible to hide bad news from lenders forever, and when they find out, they might not lend you money. Honesty is important, and be sure to explain any questionable financial issues that may come up during the underwriting process.

2. Don’t mess with your credit

Please, Mr. Postman

Send me news, tips, and promos from realtor.com® and Move.

 

Continue making on-time payments for all your bills and do not take out any new loans. Keep your credit card utilization at a maximum of 30% of your limit. Don’t open any new lines of credit, either—you don’t want your lender to think you’re ready to take on more debt on top of the loan.

3. Dispute errors

Get a free copy of your credit report and review it. Make sure any negative items are accurate, and if not, dispute them. This can be done online, but you can also inquire by mail.

4. Wait, if necessary

Whatever negative items that still exist will affect your score less the more time passes. The more recent the problem, the more your score will drop. But as long as you don’t accrue new negatives, like continual late payments, your score will go up again. For example, a collection will stay on your report for seven years, but it will weigh much less after five years than after six months.

You have a better shot at getting a good loan the further away you are from the time of the credit reporting incident. If your score is riddled with negatives from several years ago, be prepared to explain what happened and how you corrected it. If you have too many issues from the not-so-distant past, you might be better off waiting. Go for a pre-approval to see if you need to hang back.

5. Show responsibility with a mix of credit

Your report also needs to show that you can handle paying debts. Lenders want to see that you are actively handling a mix of credit, like installment loans and revolving credit. These lines of credit should be at least a year old—the longer the better. Try to anticipate this—don’t open a different line of credit right before buying a house. But if you need to repair credit for a year, adding a different type of credit and handling it properly can slightly boost your score.

 Updated from an earlier version by Laura Sherman

Candadian's Still love the Sunny Area's to Purchase Homes

As we reported recently in our story Foreign Money Finds Home on the Range Leaving California Behind, Chinese nationals are the top group of foreign buyers of U.S. homes and are moving inland for lower prices.   The Canadians, on the other hand, still prefer sunny states like California, and despite the falling value of the Canadian dollar, the high end of the market hasn’t been affected as much, say agents in Florida, California and Arizona—the three states with the most Canadian buyers.

Down about 10% over the past year, the falling Canadian dollar (also known as a “loonie,” due to the image of a loon on the dollar coin) is shifting the landscape of foreign buyers in the U.S.

For the first time, Chinese have overtaken Canadians as the biggest foreign purchasers of U.S. property by total number of transactions, accounting for 16% of sales to international buyers in the 12 months ending March 2015, according to the National Association of Realtors. Canadians accounted for 14%—down from 23% in 2013.

Read the full story here.

How the higher rates will effect us

Even though the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, many experts have been saying that any changes shouldn't have an immediate impact on the typical family.

"Nobody's going to see sticker shock," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at consumer finance portal Bankrate.com. "An initial rate move has almost an inconsequential effect on the household budget."

What will matter, however, is the impact of steady interest rate increases over time.

McBride warns that while the Federal Reserve should be slow and methodical in its approach to interest rates, there's a good chance the "cumulative effect of a series of rate moves" over the next few years will collectively add up.

USA TODAY

What higher rates mean for investors

So who would get some help, and who would see increased costs under higher rates? Here are some winners and losers:

Winners

Home sellers: Though it's a bit counterintuitive, higher interest rates could actually be good for home sales at the beginning of any period of rate increases. "It may cause a flurry of activity as buyers look to get in a new home before future rate hikes hit," said Whitney Fite, President of Angel Oak Home Loans in Atlanta. In other words, if the cost of borrowing will be higher tomorrow, why not take out that mortgage today and get more bang for your buck?

Home buyers: It's also worth noting that even with a small rate increase, mortgage rates are still near "historically low levels," Fite added — so it's not like buyers will be priced out of homeownership overnight. The rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages topped 6.5% before the financial crisis and never dropped below 5.2% for all of the 2000s, for instance, so prospective home buyers shouldn't fret.

Shoppers with good credit: As long as you have a good credit history, you should still expect to see 0% APR promotional deals at your local car dealership or furniture store, said Greg McBride of Bankrate. The terms may vary slightly over time, for instance moving to 0.5% instead of 0% flat or with financing for 12 months instead of 18 months, he adds. But "those with good credit or who shop around, will always get attractive promotional offers," McBride said.

Losers

Savers: In the low interest-rate environment since the Great Recession, banks suffered low margins on loans. To prop up those interest margins, said McBride, banks will likely hike lending rates while leaving rates on CDs and other deposits pretty flat going forward. There may be a few opportunities for consumers willing to shop around, said McBride, but expecting a broad move toward better savings rates simply because of a move by the Fed is "a recipe for disappointment."

Borrowers with variable-rate debt: Naturally, the impact of any move by the Federal Reserve will be most apparent on loans that are pegged to benchmark interest rates. McBride says this is "particularly true for variable-rate debts that have large balances, such as adjustable-rate mortgages, student loans and home equity lines of credit." While you may not see the bills jump dramatically in short order, a steady rise in rates coupled with the long-term nature of these loans will "feel like death by a thousand paper cuts" over time, McBride said.

Mortgage holders who haven't refi'd: A few percentage points in interest can add up big over the long term, said Fite of Angel Oak Home Loans. Many Americans have found this out by refinancing their mortgages to cut down monthly payments. But unfortunately, if you didn't take advantage of super low rates in 2014 or early 2015, your window may have permanently closed to get those more favorable rates from several months ago.

Jeff Reeves is executive editor of InvestorPlace.com and the author of The Frugal Investor's Guide to Finding Great Stocks.

USA TODAYUSA

Best Holiday Lights Sacramento

http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/holidays/article48808305.htmlhttp://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/holidays/article48808305.html

Preventing Those Holiday /Winter Home Fires from Pillars to Post Home Inspectors

Residential fires take their toll every day, every year, in lost lives, injuries, and destroyed property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds in the U.S. in 2014. The fact is that many conditions that cause house fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time for some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and concrete planning can help prevent fire in the home - and can save property and lives should disaster strike.

• All electrical devices including lamps, appliances, and electronics should be checked for frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run electrical wires, including extension cords, under carpet or rugs as this creates a fire hazard.
  
• Fireplaces should be checked by a professional chimney sweep each year and cleaned if necessary to prevent a dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a flash fire in the chimney. Cracks in masonry chimneys should be repaired, and spark arresters inspected to ensure they are in good condition and free of debris.
  
• When using space heaters, keep them away from beds and bedding, curtains, papers - anything flammable. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Space heaters should not be left unattended or where a child or pet could knock them over.
  
• Use smoke detectors with fresh batteries unless they are hard-wired to your home's electrical system. Smoke detectors should be installed high on walls or on ceilings on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. Statistics show that nearly 60% of home fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Most municipalities now require the use of working smoke detectors in both single and multi-family residences.
  
• Children should not have access to or be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or candles. Flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane should always be stored outside of and away from the house.
  
• Kitchen fires know no season. Grease spills, items left unattended on the stove or in the oven, and food left in toasters or toaster ovens can catch fire quickly. Don't wear loose fitting clothing, especially with long sleeves, around the stove. Handles of pots and pans should be turned away from the front of the stove to prevent accidental contact. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach. Extinguishers specifically formulated for grease and cooking fuel fires are available and can supplement an all-purpose extinguisher.
  
• Have an escape plan. This is one of the most important measures to prevent death in a fire. Visit ready.gov for detailed information on how to make a plan. Local fire departments can also provide recommendations on escape planning and preparedness. In addition, all family members should know how to dial 911 in case of a fire or other emergency.
  
• Live Christmas trees should be kept in a water-filled stand and checked daily for dehydration. Needles should not easily break off a freshly-cut tree. Brown needles or lots of fallen needles indicate a dangerously dried-out tree which should be discarded immediately. Always use nonflammable decorations in the home, and never use lights on a dried-out tree.
  
• Candles add a festive feeling, and should be placed in stable holders and located away from curtains, drafts, pets, and children. Never leave candles unattended, even for a short time.
  
• Holiday lights should be checked for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when joining two or more strands together, as a fire hazard could result from overload. Enjoy indoor holiday lighting only while someone is home, and turn them off before going to bed at night.

7 Sneaky Tricks Credit Card Companies Play at Christmas  

From Dave Ramsey's web.site

Credit card companies are downright sneaky. They entice you with tens of thousands of rewards points, then they pull back the curtain to reveal 23% interest, a sky-high annual fee, and blackout dates galore.

And with the Christmas shopping season upon us, these companies are ready to reel you in and drown you in debt. Too bad for them—you’re about to know all their tricks.

Here’s our list of the seven dirtiest marketing tactics credit card companies use at Christmas (and all year long, for that matter). Don’t fall for them!

1. Reward points

During the holidays, credit card companies strategically change their rotating bonus point categories to things like Amazon and department stores so you’ll spend more. What they don’t advertise is that a third of those rewards go unredeemed each year, according to a survey by marketing firm Colloquy.

2. Zero-interest introductory rate

No interest for 18 months may sound like a great way to finance your flat screen, but it’s not the whole story. If you accidentally join the ranks of the 52% of Americans who don’t always pay their balance in full each month, get ready to fork over hundreds of dollars in built-up interest. Ouch.

3. No annual fee your first year

Guess what happens after a year? A fee! That’s what happens. Think you’ll just cancel before then? Credit card companies pay entire teams of people to keep you from canceling: But you’ll lose all your precious points! You’ll ding your credit score! We’ll give you more points! They’re good at it.

Related: The Number-One Way to Improve Your Credit Score

4. Rewarding donations

No time to use your rewards? No problem. You can donate them to charity. Isn’t that nice? We have a nicer idea. Save your money and give that charity a big, fat check. They’ll like that a lot more.

5. Discounted purchases

When you open store-branded cards, you may get $30 off, 15–20% off, or free shipping. That’s chump change to credit card companies. They’re waiting for you to slip up big time—long after that discounted sweater sinks to the back of your closet.

6. Cash back

We like cash around here. But this is one instance where we don’t recommend it. You have to spend thousands to get a measly $100 cash. Oh, and it’s probably just a credit applied to your account, which is about enough to cover your annual fee. How about you just keep your cash instead?

Related: 3 Signs You’re Giving Your Credit Too Much Credit

7. Sign-up incentives

Earn double miles in your first year! Get 25,000 points after $3,000 of spending in your first three months! Sound familiar? Credit card companies know if they can distract you with some attractive bait, they can hook you for life. Don’t be a guppy.

Cash is better!

Stay away from these marketing tricks this Christmas. Instead, make a budget for your money and use cash for everything you buy. When you do, you’ll get the gift of staying in control and sticking it to the sneaky credit card companies. Talk about rewarding.

During the Holiday Season, one man and only one is the centre of attention. Flying in the sky on his magic sleigh, distributing presents all over the world and bringing joy in each home, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus. Ever wonder what Santa is called in different countries?

Here’s your answer (with the literal translation in brackets afterwards if needed).

 Brazil – Papai Noel

 Chile – Viejo Pascuero (Old Man Christmas)

 China – Dun Che Lao Ren (Christmas Old Man)

 Denmark – Julemanden

 Finland – Joulupukki

France – Père Noël

 Germany – Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man)

Greek – Άγιος Βασίλης

 Hungary – Mikulas (St. Nicholas)

 Italy – Babbo Natale

 Japan – Hoteiosho (A god or priest bearing gifts)

 Norway – Julenissen (Christmas gnome)

Polish –  Święty Mikołaj

 Portugal – Pai Natal

 Spain – Papa Noel

 Romania – Mos Craciun

 Russia – Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)

 Turkey – Noel Baba

Tracking Santa Around the World

For the last couple of years you can track Santa around the world using Google, more accurately using the Google Santa Tracker. Its a handy little tool to help the kids (and big kids) watch were he’s been on the big night and the estimated time of arrival at your location (obviously you have to be asleep when he actually comes down your chimney or the magic won’t happen).

Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

Prepping Your Home for Winter Weather November 2015 As winter approaches, the weather changes across the country. Whether your winter season consists of frigid temperatures or the start of the wet season, we’ve got some ideas for getting your home ready for the change of seasons. Keep out the wet and cold. Weatherstripping is a fast and easy place to start. Check seals around outside doors and windows. Purchase foam insulation made specifically to fit behind the plates of light switches and outlets. Check with your local power company to see if they offer a free energy-efficiency checkup — most do, and you can learn exactly where your energy dollars are being wasted. Set the thermostat. Investing in a programmable thermostat is a smart move. You’ll never forget to turn down the temperature at night or while you’re away — and even nicer, you can have the house warmed up for your arrival back home. The Nest is the most well-known example of this technology. It’s pretty and it’s smart—it can learn your preferences, and your daily schedule, and adjust the temperature in your home accordingly. Switch out that smoke alarm. Instead of just changing the batteries twice a year, do one better: throw out that old alarm and get yourself one of the new smoke detectors with a 10-year lithium battery. While you're at it, check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers and review your fire escape plan with your family as well. Then you’ll just need to remember when 10 years have passed … Wetter is warmer. Heaters deplete the moisture in the air, which can actually make you feel colder. Add it back with a humidifier — like the new smart humidifiers, which can be controlled with an app and which will notify you when it’s low on water or needs a new filter. Yup, soon even the dog bowl will be talking to us through our phones. Maintain the equipment. Insulated blankets made especially for your water heater help it to keep the water warm while working a little less. Better still, invest in a new, self-insulated water heater that will also be more energy-efficient. Now is also the time to check the furnace, change the filters, and get it cleaned and inspected, ready for the drop in temperature. Pack up summer. It’s time to bring in the lawn chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys and switch them out for snow shovels, bird seed, and winter sports equipment. Put away lawn furniture so it’s ready for use next year. Take advantage of nature’s heater. Let in the sun as much as you can by leaving blinds and curtains open on the south side of your home. This will warm your home throughout the day. At night, close it back up to retain as much warmth as possible. Create your own heat. Your kids have probably already put Sno Stompers on the holiday wish lists; get started early with these hot snow shoes that leave animal paw prints behind, and get a workout at the same time! Not in a snowy climate? The Stomp Rocket is still tops in outdoor fun!

SACRAMENTO REAL ESTATE MARKET HOT BUT STABLE Closed listings have averaged no less than 97 percent of original list price since January November 12, 2015

Closed listings have averaged no less than 97 percent of original list price since January November 12, 2015

At the end of October, 4,894 homes remained active and available for sale throughout the 4-county Greater Sacramento region. This marked a 6 percent drop in inventory since September 30th and a 17 percent reduction compared to last year at this time. Based upon an unrelenting rate of sales, a meager 2.2 months of inventory remained at month end. This market information was provided by Trendgraphix Inc., a Sacramento-based reporting company, and reported by Lyon Real Estate. “Newly opened escrows or pending sales totaling 2,665 in October indicate our region is not yet ready for a seasonal slowdown,” says Pat Shea, president of Lyon Real Estate. “That number represented an 8 percent increase over a busy September and a 25 percent increase over October of 2014.” Sold and closed numbers fell off 9 percent compared to September but remained very similar to last year. According to Shea, “there are more cancellations occurring compared to last year as buyers believe they can nd alternative properties when transactions experience challenges.” Another factor extending escrow closing periods started in October as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) integrated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosures and regulations. This impacted buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, title companies, etc. on almost all transactions involving a mortgage. All price points however, remained on the pending sale bandwagon in October. The move-up market between $350,000 and $750,000 experienced an 11 percent increase in sales compared to September and a 50 percent improvement over October of 2014. The upper-end, speci cally $750,000 and above, enjoyed a 23 percent increase versus September and a 50 percent improvement compared to last year. Below the $350,000 price point the region has a sparse 1.5 months of available inventory which is 32 percent less than one year ago. Shea added that the market is hot but stable. “The median price remained in the $325,000 to $330,000 range for the past 6 months and nished October approximately 7 percent higher than one year ago. The average price per square foot uctuated between $193 and $195 for the past 7 months. Lastly, closed listings have averaged no less than 97 percent of original list price since January. Interest rates remain fabulous so now sure looks like a great time for a move.” About Lyon Real Estate Lyon Real Estate is ranked the number one brokerage in annual home sales in the greater Sacramento region and has served the area for more than 65 years. In 2014, the company closed 7,553 transactions worth a total of $2.61 billion in sales volume. Lyon Real Estate has 961 agents in 17 of ces located throughout the region. The company is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LRE), the largest network of premier locally-branded rms, as well as LRE’s Luxury Portfolio International program. In addition to its real estate services, Lyon Real Estate offers RELO Direct, a global relocation program. For more information about Lyon Real Estate, click to www.GoLyon.com and follow us on Facebook/Lyon. About TrendGraphix, Inc. TrendGraphix, Inc. is a real estate reporting company based in Sacramento that uses local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data to provide highly-visual market statistical graphs to real estate brokers, agents, and MLS/Realtor associations across the country. TrendGraphix’s programs are currently used by tens of thousands of agents in more than 100 brokerages in 18 states. For more information about TrendGraphix, visit www.trendgraphix.com

Stop Common Kitchen Aggravations

Stop These Common Kitchen Aggravations

Tired of bread, cookies or cake going stale? Have an avalanche of plastic grocery bags you can't seem to contain? Then you'll enjoy these fixes for common kitchen annoyances!

Keep cling wrap unstuck by storing your roll in the refrigerator. It will still stick to whatever you put it on, but not to itself.

Squeeze fresh citrus for weeks. Place lemons in a glass jar filled with water and sealed with a lid. Seal limes in a glass jar and store in the fridge.

Make corn shucking easy. First microwave the ear (leaves and all) for 3-4 minutes. It will be hot, so wear gloves or use a potholder as you cut about an inch above the stem end. Hold onto the silk and top leaves and simply shake out the corn.

Prevent stale cookies and cake with fresh slices of bread. For cake: place a slice against each cut-side of the cake and secure it with a toothpick. For cookies: place a slice or two in the container. The bread will get stale, but the desserts will stay fresh.

Tame messy supermarket bags by stuffing them into an empty tissue box. A cube-style box will hold about 15 plastic bags, a rectangular box about 25.

Rehydrate wilted vegetables by soaking them in a bowl of ice water for about 15 minutes.

Slice soft, fresh bread perfectly with a warm knife dipped in just-boiled water. Dry the knife before you cut.

Give stale rolls that freshly baked taste when you place them in a moistened paper bag. Twist the bag closed and place it in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes until the bag is dry.

Distribute pancake batter evenly by placing batter in a clean ketchup bottle and squeezing the desired amount out of the top. This cuts down on lumps, too.

Soften hard brown sugar in a microwavable dish with a moist paper towel on top. Cover with a microwavable plate and then microwave for 20-second increments until soft. Prevent brown sugar from hardening again by adding two or three marshmallows in the container.

Extend berry life with a bath of three parts water to one part distilled white vinegar. Simply soak the berries for 30 seconds, rinse in cold water, dry them thoroughly and refrigerate.

Ripen a pineapple more evenly by twisting the leaves off and standing it upside down on a plate. When the outside turns a toasty golden brown, the pineapple is ready to enjoy.

Source: Bottom Line Reports

Fraud (Protect Yourself During the Holidays

Travel:

Booking holiday accommodations:

• Booking Directly with Owners: Can leave you with no place to stay.  

• Book all reservations with a travel agent, Trivago:    http://www.trivago.com/?sem_keyword=trivago&sem_creativeid=81874670086&sem_matchtype=e&sem_network=g&sem_device=c&sem_placement=&sem_or Travelocity:  //www.travelocity.com

• Beware of Craigslist, rental websites, etc.:  You may pay a little less but the chances of it being fraud are much greater.

• How long has the property been listed on the web-site?  The longer the better
• Look at reviews ( Remember reviews can be fake)
• Use Maps Google.com   https://maps.google.com/  Confirm location (address) Look at street map view do the pictures match the web-site?  Fraudsters list properties that don't exist.
• Talk to the owner:  If this is a owner owned property (beach house/condo etc.) look up the property by address and see if there is a phone number for the owner.  Call the owner. (use a landline for best protection)
• Ask for details of the property:  Do they match the details of the property on the web site?
• Postal Address:  Make sure you get the postal address of the property.  No postal address, no contract.
• Trust your instincts:  If you feel uncomfortable with something back away.  (saving a few dollars is not worth the risk)
• Don't pay a dime until you check the contract:  Read the small print always
• Security Deposits:  Usually 10% of rental cost  (Higher deposits can be a cause for concern)
• Use Pay Pal:  (If connected to a credit card you are usually protected by the bank)
• Check Property for Damage:  Upon arrival check property for damage and report it to owner right away.
• Security Deposit:  If there are any deductions ask for proof of the problem.  Best to get it back when leaving. 

Foreign Homebuying Losing Momentum in Market Recovery

California has always been a hot spot for foreign investors and foreign homebuyers - demand has been high in coastal areas and an influx of foreign money has contributed to soaring real estate prices in the state. The median price of a California home is expected to climb 6.5% this year to $476,300 and the housing market is forecasted to improve with sales to increase 6.3% next year. Despite this predicted improvement, the global economic slowdown may have an effect on the California housing market.

International buyers are accounting for the smallest share of California home sales in eight years as prices continue to rise and foreign investors slow buying. The share of international buyers peaked at 8% in 2013, but is now down to less than 4%. Buyers from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan made up 43% of international purchases in California this year, followed by 8% each from Mexico and South Korea.  Read the rest of the story here:   http://re-insider.com/2015/11/05/foreign-homebuying-losing-momentum-in-market-recovery/

Preparing the Fire Place for Action

It won’t be long before we’re switching the thermostat from AC to heat and getting ready to stoke the fire. But before we break down the kindling and create that cozy setting, there are a few steps to take to ensure safety and efficiency.

Have all fireplaces and stoves (wood, gas, or pellet burning) professionally inspected and cleaned every year (no less than every other year).  The leading cause of residential fires from wood-burning appliances is the result of unburned fuel (creosote).

Cleanings should be sure to include chimneys, gaskets, and blowers. Stoves and fireplaces, unlike furnaces, are not equipped with filters. This is also a good time to replace batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors (if you don’t follow the age-old and reliable rule of changing them annually at daylight savings time).

Also check to make sure the damper or flue opens and closes smoothly and that there are no cracks in the chimney’s bricks and mortar. Be sure to remove all flammable or sensitive materials that may have accumulated near the fireplace over the summer (newspapers, magazine, craft projects, chargers, décor).

Protecting Buyers Even If You Pay Cash (Title Insurance)

Title Insurance: Protecting Homebuyer and Lender Interests  (This is important even if you pay cash)

The purchase of a home is one of the most expensive and important purchases a homebuyer will ever make. The buyer and mortgage lender will want to make sure that no one else has any lien, claim or encumbrance on your property. Title insurance protects the buyer’s interests and the interests of the lender, should a claim be made against your property.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance offers protection against claims resulting from various defects (as set out in the policy) that may exist in the title to a specific parcel of real property, effective on the issue date of the policy.

What is a “defect?”

A defect can include a prior claim of ownership from someone other than the person selling you the property, for instance an ex-spouse, a former partner or a co-inheritor. Another claim could result from a court judgment against the former owner that resulted in a lien placed on the property.

As an example, property and casualty insurance insures against possible losses in the future, such as automobile insurance that protects you against future accidents. Title insurance protects against things that happened in the past, and insurers seek to minimize that risk prior to the purchase of a home by disclosing these prior matters. In fact, according to the American Land Title Association, more than 1/3 of all title searches reveal a title problem that title professionals correct before buyers go to closing.

How can title insurers protect against the risk of a claim prior to my purchase?

Before the lender finalizes a mortgage on the property, a search of all public records is conducted by a title agent. County clerks or recorders maintain records on each property within the nearly 3,600 counties in the United States. These records include legal descriptions of the property; a list of all past owners; current mortgages held by lenders, including home equity lines of credit; liens or judgments placed against the property; and tax records associated with the property. After gathering all of the data on the property, a title agent prepares a preliminary report for the buyer and lender. Prior to lending against the property, the lender must be assured all claims of mortgages, taxes and liens against the former owner are cleared up so the lender has first claim against the property. 

How can the lender assure all existing claims are paid and the property is free and clear?

At the time of your closing, the lender provides the closing or escrow agent with a detailed list of instructions, authorizing the agent to pay off all claims at the time the property changes hands.

Who pays for the title search, title report and title insurance?

In California, regional traditions usually determine who pays for the title and escrow services involved in the sale of real property. Discuss with your real estate agent the practice in your area. In refinance transactions, the borrower typically pays for title and escrow services. 

What is the difference between the owner’s policy and the lender’s policy of title insurance?

Title companies routinely issue two types of policies: An “owner’s” policy that insures you, the homebuyer, for as long as you and your heirs own the home; and a “lender’s” policy that insures the priority of the lender’s security interest over the claims that others may have in the property.

How long is my title policy in effect?

The title insurance policy is in effect as long as you hold title to the property. If at any time the property changes hands from one owner to another, a new title policy must be purchased to continue protection.

How often will I have to pay a title premium?

ONCE! The fee is due when you purchase the home, and you never pay it again


Article from North American Title

Halloween Safty Tips

Halloween Safety Tips 1d ago
Crime Prevention Officer Andrew Bornhoeft from Elk Grove Police Department
Halloween is an exciting night of the year and a particularly special treat for young children. It is also an important time to be extra vigilant for potential safety hazards. The Elk Grove Police Department wants everyone to have a happy, fun, and safe Halloween by following these tips:

NO MASKS 
Wearing a mask can limits the field of vision, which can cause young ghouls and goblins to trip over steps, or worse not see traffic. Face paint is a safer and sometimes even scarier alternative.

FLAME RESISTANT COSTUMES
When picking out costumes for your kids, always check the label to see if the material is flame resistant. With common decorations being Jack o'Lanterns and candles, it’s important to keep fire safety and prevention in mind.

BRIGHTLY COLORED COSTUMES
Choose bright costumes instead of black or dark-colored outfits. Add reflective tape to costumes. Lighting is going to be dim at best, so you want your kid to be easily visible to everyone around. This makes it easier for cars to notice them and for you to keep track of them.

STAY ON SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS
Use the sidewalk, and cross the street at cross walks. Watch out for traffic. If you are driving, go slow and be extra cautious.

BLUNT AND FLEXIBLE PROPS
If your kids’ costumes call for props, make sure that they aren’t sharp or rigid. That way if they hit someone with it or fall onto it on accident, no one will be hurt.

BRING A LIGHT
It’s a good idea to have them carry their own light source as well, whether it’s a flashlight, a glow stick or even a lightsaber. This makes them visible and also helps them look where they’re walking.

DON’T RUN
Walk to your destination, and watch out for cars and other trick or treaters.

TRICK OR TREAT AT FRIENDLY HOUSES
Stick to trick or treating at well-lit homes in neighborhoods that are familiar to you. Skip over dark houses and homes of strangers. And never go inside the house of someone you don’t know.

DON’T GO ALONE
Parents should accompany children to the doorsteps of houses when trick-or-treating.

NO PETS
Pets can get spooked and stressed out around so many people on the streets as well as many unusual sights and sounds. It’s best to keep them safely at home.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
Trick-or-treating is the most fun with friends! Going in a group is safer because the kids will be easier to notice on the street, and pranksters will be less likely to pick on you.

For more tips, visit the Elk Grove PD website at http://bit.ly/1HebgMw. Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

http://bit.ly/1HebgMw