Thursday, July 30, 2015

Waiting to Buy Could Cost Thousands


New Report Finds Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost Thousands
With interest rates and home prices expected to climb in the next year, the financial penalties of delaying or forgoing a home purchase in today’s market have become very steep, according to the inaugural Opportunity Cost Report released recently by realtor.com®, a leading provider of online real estate services operated by News Corp subsidiary Move, Inc.
The proprietary report examines a wide range of factors, including the long-term financial impact of owning versus renting a home, the likely monetary gain renters forego in waiting to buy and the financial benefits of homeownership by market.
“Current market conditions give buyers the opportunity to build substantial wealth in the long-term, compared with renters and later buyers, in advance of the projected increase in mortgage rates and continuing price appreciation,” says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com®. “The problem is inventory is low, which has many would-be home buyers –especially first timers – standing on the sidelines and missing out on potentially material financial gains.”
Nationally, the estimated wealth an average buyer would accumulate over a 30-year period based on today’s dollars totals $217,726. Although some markets are more buyer-friendly than others, national data shows homeowners see significant financial benefits as compared to lifetime renters. In 88 percent of MSAs, buying a home produces a financial benefit of at least $100,000 over 30 years.
Ten markets offer an especially considerable upside to owning, with estimated 30-year financial gains above $500,000, and opportunity costs of waiting three years as high as $200,000. These MSAs, in California and other Western states, are relatively expensive markets with strong housing demand and limited supply. The potential long-term wealth in these areas is the greatest nationwide, and likewise, the long-term financial penalty for delaying ownership is substantial, due to price appreciation, escalating rents, and higher mortgage rates on the horizon.
“This analysis looks solely at the financial reasons to buy a home, based on assumptions about rising mortgage rates and changes in home values,” Smoke says. “It’s important to remember that a home purchase decision is deeply personal. Potential buyers need to consider factors such as upcoming life events, job security and potential relocation, in addition to financial benefits, because they too can have a significant impact on ownership.”
By  on July 8, 2015

Get Your Home Ready for Your Vacation

Tips for keeping your home safe while away
Going away on vacation should be a tranquil experience, but worrying about the safety of your home while you’re away can defeat the reason you left in the first place. It only takes a little pre-planning to ensure your home is safe and sound when you return. If a house sitter is in your budget and you know someone responsible and trustworthy, it can be the best solution for taking care of your home while away. For many of us, this isn’t the case, so here are some measures that can help protect your home while away on vacation.

Newspapers and Mail

If you’ve got a helpful neighbor, ask if they will pick up your mail/newspaper daily. If not, contact the newspaper to stop delivery and tell the USPS to put a hold on your mail during the time you will be away. It’s a good idea to have a friend or neighbor come by and check periodically to be sure the newspapers and mail have stopped, just in case. Also, they can pick up any packages that have been delivered or materials that solicitors may have left behind.

Yard

If you have a gardener, keep them on schedule while you are away to water (or check sprinklers), mow, and keep your yard clean. Weather effects such as a broken limb in the driveway or knocked over pots, left for weeks, is a sure sign no one is home. If you live in a windy area, be sure all furniture and plants are secure.

Electronics

Unplug computers and other expensive electronics that could be affected by power surges. Unplug all small appliances such as coffee makers, toasters etc. Many appliances use power even when turned off.

Lights

Install a timer switch for a few lights inside and outside your house. One or two lights on a timer will give the appearance of someone being home. Outdoor motion detector lights also work well for security. Leaving lights switched on the entire time you are gone is a waste of electricity, and having lights on all night may draw even more attention. Check out your local home improvement store or online resources for a variety of timer options.

Social Media

Be aware of your chatter on social media. Letting everyone in your social network know you are gone for the month in the tropics could get the word out beyond your circle and potentially make your home a target.

Water

Consider turning off the water lines to the inside of the house (unless you have appliances requiring water such as an icemaker.) A burst washing machine hose, leaky faucet, or cracked toilet tank could be disastrous while away.  If you have a sprinkler system outside which you plan to keep on, have someone check on it periodically.

Water Heater

If your water heater has “vacation mode”, set it. It will run less and save energy.

Alarm System

If you have an alarm system, be sure you have a sign/sticker visible. This can act as a deterrent. Be sure to leave the code/key with someone you trust. Let the alarm company know you are away and give them the contact number of that person.

By  on July 8, 2015  































Tuesday, July 28, 2015

What Stays in the Home and What Doesn't?

What Stays and What Goes
Image

Between buyers and sellers, a home's real property and even fixtures can sometimes be negotiable. Who gets the bird bath? What about the appliances and electronic accessories? What one party assumes is theirs, the other party may not—and that's where you come in.

To avoid any awkward misunderstandings at the closing table, step up and consult your clients on this single strategy. They'll be grateful you did.

While every state has its own rules, the mnemonic device M-A-R-I-A is a great guideline to help consumers understand what items should stay for the buyers or go with the sellers:

METHOD of attachment: Anything permanently attached by cement, plaster, nails, bolts or screws, or in some cases the force of gravity (say, boiler room equipment) stays.

ADAPTATION to the property: What is the item used for? If it's essential to the functional use of the property (like a water heater), and not moveable or adaptable to another location (like an oscillating fan), it stays.

RELATIONSHIP of the parties: If a property was previously used as a rental and a tenant added property—for example a window-mounted air conditioner—it may not be included in the sale to a buyer. Such items should be discussed before or at the time of contract, but things get missed, so double check!

INTENTION of the parties: Regardless of who installed the item, what was its original intention? Can it serve the same purpose for the new owners or wherever the sellers are going? There's no right or wrong here; if there's any confusion assist your clients in figuring out who needs or can benefit from the item the most.

AGREEMENT between the parties: Be crystal clear about any items in the "grey area" at the time of contract and well before closing. You can help your clients avoid a potentially bumpy closing or hard feelings. If ever in doubt, speak up!

Source: About.com

Friday, July 17, 2015

10 Superfoods To Keep On Hand

10 superfoods that pack a nutritional punch

Ice cream scoop full of blueberries with reflection of US flag
Healthy eating is a snap when you plan ahead and fill your fridge and pantry with these nutritional powerhouses.

1. Avocados
A great source of cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fat, avocados are also high in potassium — a half-cup of pureed avocado has 583 mg.

2. Blueberries
The phytochemicals in blueberries, which give them their intense color, may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, research suggests. Blueberries are also loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium.

3. Broccoli
Full of vitamins, fiber, and calcium, broccoli is also a great source of compounds that may offer extra protection against cancer and other chronic diseases.

4. Kale
All hail the mighty kale! Like other dark green, leafy vegetables, kale is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful health-promoting antioxidant.

5. Lentils
Not only are lentils a great source of protein, but also they supply fiber, folic acid, and iron. Adding lentils to a salad turns a healthy side dish into a filling meal.

6. Oatmeal
Old-fashioned oats are a good source of beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

7. Quinoa
This versatile gluten-free grain is an excellent source of protein. It’s also an easy-to-cook alternative to many typical grains and starches.

8. Nuts
Nuts get a bad rap for being high in calories, but they're also high in heart-healthy fats and protein. In fact, studies show that many people who eat nuts have a lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t.

9. Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein and is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with a healthy heart and brain function. Look for wild salmon to get the biggest health boost.

10. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are very high in beta-carotene and a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This makes them a better option than a white potato.

- See more at: http://partnersinhealth.kaiserpermanente.org/july-2015/roseville-sacramento-south-sacramento/10-superfoods-that-pack-a-nutritional-punch-nat-july2015#sthash.QyCwXkXN.dpuf

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

10 Tips For Finding the Perfect Home


10 Tips For Finding The Perfect Home

By Jamielyn Nye
Buying a home can be stressful and exciting all at the same time. It’s quite the adventure! We recently purchased our second home and I found a few tips very helpful while searching for the perfect home for my family.
Here are my top 10 tips for finding the perfect home:
  1. Figure out what your ‘perfect home’ looks like. Write down on a piece of paper all of the things you must have in your new home, things that would be nice to have and things that don’t really matter.
  2. Purchase a home that stays in budget. Make sure to get pre-approved for a loan before going out to look at houses. It will make the buying process much easier and you will know which houses to look at.
  3. Bigger isn’t always better. While we all dream of having a huge mansion, it’s good to think about what will be best for your family. Figure out how many rooms you need to fit your family comfortably and look in that range.
  4. Think about remodeling. Many homes you will look at may not be in the best condition, but think about the potential of the house. Would painting and new wood floors turn it into your dream house? How about a kitchen or bathroom remodel? There are many easy fix-ups such as adding new light fixtures and painting that can turn your house into the perfect home.
  5. Location is important. Check the surrounding area of the home. Drive around the 2 mile radius to see what is around your home. Make sure it is in an area you feel comfortable with. Find out what school district you’ll be in. Even if you don’t have kids, you may want to think about the school district you live in for resale. You may also want to take the commute to your work and see how long it will take you.
  6. Do your research. Research property values in the area. Stalk your neighborhood and find out what it’s like at all times of the day. Is it a family friendly neighborhood? You could even knock on the neighbors doors before buying. I have done that.
  7. Do a home inspection. The home inspector will look at everything in a home and give you a non-bias opinion. They will also tell you the true value of the home you are looking at. It’s better to spend a couple hundred dollars doing a home inspection then finding out the house had several problems.
  8. Picture your family living in the house. When you walk into the home, can you picture your family living there? Does it have a good feeling? Picture your family living in each room and see you how feel.
  9. Leave room to grow. Make sure your ‘perfect home’ has extra storage and gives you room to grow.
  10. Don’t put your expectations to high. Realize that most houses aren’t perfect to begin with. Even if you are building your dream home, there are always things that could have been different. Be flexible. Once you move in and add your own style it will soon become your dream home.
So let’s hear it… what tips do you have for finding the perfect home? Happy house hunting!
See the full article at: http://blog.homes.com/2013/06/10-tips-for-finding-the-perfect-home/

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Market Volatility Heats Up for Summer


Market Volatility Heats Up for Summer
 
 
image: real estate agent shaking hands with coupleDespite a home loan rate uptick in early June, refinance applications held steady, clocking in at only one percent lower in volume than the same time one year ago. Loan applications to purchase a home were still 14 percent higher than the same time a year ago.

A stronger-than-expected May Jobs Report released in the first week of June sent Mortgage Bond prices lower. Since home loan rates are inversely tied to Mortgage Bond market activity, rates reacted in tandem, moving slightly upward.

Uncertainty overseas due to the potential default in Greece also impacted the markets last month, with investors moving their money into "safer" assets like Mortgage Bonds. This helped Mortgage Bonds and home loan rates reverse course and improve mid-June.

The Federal Reserve also met in mid-June and stated that any changes it makes to the Fed Funds Rate (the rate banks charge each other to lend money overnight) will come after cautious observation of jobs progress, inflation and general economic health.

Even with an eventful June, home loan rates remain at historic lows when compared to prior years.

Supply Remains Limited in Many Areas
Homebuyers have experienced a highly competitive market this season, with very little supply and housing inventory from which to choose. Many of the nation's largest housing markets continue to experience too few homes available for sale, giving sellers an edge in picking the best purchase offers.

However, this advantage may be fleeting for home sellers. If home loan rates rise, prospective buyers will have less spending power. A June CNBC report suggested that if buyers can't compete, then sellers will lose leverage.

What's Next?
Home loan rates remain favorable, though more market volatility is likely ahead. Should you or anyone you know have questions regarding purchase or refinance opportunities, please get in touch today!


You Magazine June
 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Great 4th of July Events



There are some great things happening around Sacramento for the 4th of July.  Happy 4th to all our clients, family and friends, hope you all have a excellent 4th staying safe as you go.  See below for events list:

http://www.sacramento365.com/categories/index/8/283