Month: October 2017

Do sellers prefer conventional mortgages over FHA?

FHA loans can be great deals for families with smaller down payments and for people in very high-cost housing areas. In fact, in areas where real estate is expensive, borrowers can take FHA mortgages for as much as $$636,150, but the limits vary from place-to-place. One of the differences between conventional and FHA loans is the required […]

Read More

Get your cozy on

With the weather dropping this week (hallelujah!), it’s time to get your cozy on. Yes, it’ll be in the seventies—even the sixties—but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw on a layer (or two), a pom-pom beanie, or even a chunky scarf. I’m even contemplating leaving the house every day to take full advantage of the […]

Read More

Pasadena’s Occupancy Inspection: Unconstitutional?

The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® (SBAOR) has filed a lawsuit against the city of Santa Barbara claiming its Occupancy Inspection program is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates a person’s right to search only with a warrant (Click for Details.) Our local association, the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors (PFAR) has repeatedly argued that such […]

Read More

Negotiation: Tips for buyers and sellers.

The key points for a seller, according to Zillow.com: A full price or higher offer A pre-approved buyer Smooth timing for a move Sellers may also want buyers to either waive an inspection or be responsible for any repairs. Before negotiations, the best idea for sellers is to carefully calculate what they need from a […]

Read More

A fall bucket list—and outfits to match!

It’s no secret that I adore autumn. There’s something about the change of season that instantly puts me in a cozy, creative, happy mood. Some might look at fall as a time of hibernation. But I seem to come alive during these months. True, fall in Southern California differs completely from fall everywhere else—we’re still […]

Read More

Time to Get Shopping for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month and retail stores have gone all in to bring this awareness to its customers. Huzzah! Founded in 1985, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote mammography as the best tool to use in the fight against breast cancer. Corporations and businesses alike are raising funds and increasing awareness […]

Read More

What can a real estate agent do for me when I want to sell my home?

The data tell the story: A real estate agent can sell your house faster and for a higher price than you would get by selling it on your own. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, properties sold by an agent sold for $41,000 more. Owner-sold properties sold for $174,900 in 2012 while agent-sold properties averaged $215,000. People are getting the message.  […]

Read More