California Real Estate Associates  

 916-718-6645

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Resources for Buyers

Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

  • Check Your Credit

    Your credit is crucial when applying for a loan; the better your score, the lower your interest rates will be. Be sure to check all three major credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion as the information in each report may vary slightly. Make sure you make copies of your credit report as well, and check your score well in advance of applying for loans.

  • Find a Lender

    Most people need to take out a loan when buying a home, and you'll want to be prepared to make an offer when you find that perfect home. It's important to be sure that you're approved for a loan before you start looking at homes so you don't miss out on any opportunities. If you need help finding a lender, I can recommend trusted lenders near you.

  • Price Range

    Calculate what's realistic for you before considering different areas to live in to be sure things stay within your budget. Once you know your range, I can help you make the most out of your money.

  • Research

    Finding the right home can be time consuming, but it's important to consider everything before you decide. What's the commute like to work? If you have kids, what are the schools like in the area? How many bed and bathrooms will you need? Do you prefer or newer or older styled home? All are important factors to take into account during the home finding process.

    I am dedicated to helping you through the entire home buying process. Once we find that perfect home, I will prepare a written offer. With my experience in the market, I can help you arrive at an offer that both fits your budget and has the best chance of being accepted.

  • Once Your Offer is Accepted

    After your offer is accepted, you'll have a grace period to have the house professionally inspected and request repairs or counter offer if the situation arises. Once this step is complete, we will verify the terms and conditions of your loan, and assist you in signing your papers. I'm here to assist you with any questions you may have during the process.

  • Moving Time!

    Now that you've found your perfect home it's time to make moving arrangements. If you plan on utilizing a professional moving company, I can recommend reputable, local movers. Don't forget to fill out your change of address forms and inform the utility company of your move!

 

 

Resources for Sellers

Get Started on the Right Foot!

  • Why Hire an Agent?

    Studies show that sellers who use a real estate agent generally get a better price than those who choose to sell the home themselves. As an agent it is my job to stay up to date on the latest market trends and fluctuations. Utilizing an agent means no surprises during the selling process, as you will have latest information at critical junctures in the process. Let me put my experience to work for you to ensure you get the best price for your home!

  • Before Your Home is Listed

    Prior to listing your home, you'll want to ensure everything is in good showing condition before buyers start to tour the home. Here are some important things to consider:

    • Start Packing

      Now is the time to put things in storage, clean out the basement and garage and start preparing to show your home. Remove any family photos or personal items. Remember, you want buyers to see themselves in your home!

    • Spot Paint

      Touch up both interior and exterior paint.

    • Update Carpet

      Clean or replace carpet in areas with heavy wear.

    • Extra Cleaning

      Keep the interior and exterior clean and odor free.

    • Curb Appeal

      Trim any overgrown bushes, mow the lawn and keep it free of leaves or snow. Make sure the front of the home is clean and appealing. You want to make a strong first impression!

    • Find Potential Problems Early

      Once you've completed these steps you may want to hire someone to perform a pre-listing inspection. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors too; this is your chance to find and address problems before it's time to sell.

  • Professional Staging

    Consider hiring a professional stager to help give buyers the appeal they're looking for.

  • During the Listing Period

    You'll need to plan to have something to do during the times potential buyers visit your home. If initial offers don't meet your expectations, don't dismiss them immediately. You may need to consider lowering your asking price if months go by with few or no offers. However, by working with your agent you will be able to arrive a price that works for all parties.

 

California Real Estate Associates: 916-718-6645

 

What’s A Short Sale?

 

A short sale occurs when the lender agrees to take less than the full amount required to pay off existing loans in full because the outstanding loan balance is greater than the proceeds realized from the sale of the property.

 

This sounds simple enough and is the definition most agents will give you. The problem is in the details. The terms of the approval are almost always dictated by the lender. Most sellers and many agents assume any approval is a “good approval”, which is often not the case.

 

If you’re considering a real estate short sale there are things you need to know before speaking to your lender. Consulting with a M.A.R.S. compliant, licensed professional versed in short sales and the foreclosure process is a must.

 

Why Would My Lender Accept Less Than Is Owed?

 

Knowing why and how much your lender does not want to foreclose on your home is crucial to the negotiating process. It’s oftentimes much more expensive for the lender to modify your loan than it is to simply foreclose on you and sell it, or accept a short offer and pay all the associated sales costs.

 

Of course your lender would prefer that you stay in your home and continue making payments but selling it and getting the “bad asset” off their books is frequently their next favorite choice. Many lenders will negotiate short sale terms quite favorable to you, oftentimes allowing you to walk away for free and with zero delinquency judgments.

 

A successful no cost short sale with zero deficiency judgments looming in your future can be possible if you work with an expert team to get it done.

 

Will I Qualify For A Short Sale?

 

Has Your Home’s Market Value Dropped?

 

Whether you’re doing a loan modification or short sale, hard comparable sales will be used to substantiate that your property is worth less than the unpaid balance owed the lender. I provide a comprehensive property value report designed to determine your properties 30, 60 and 90 day sales price value – the same info your lender will want.

 

Is Your Mortgage Currently In Default or Are You Concerned That It Soon Will Be?

 

It used to be that lenders would not even consider a loan modification or short sale if your payments were current, but not anymore. Realizing that other factors contribute to a potential default, many lenders are eager to head off future problems at the pass.

 

Many lenders no longer require that you be late on your payments however you must be able to convince them with your hardship letter and financial records that you’re concerned about your ability to continue making payments.

 

Have You Fallen on Hard Times?

 

Have you experienced a job loss, cut back in work hours, divorce, death or any other challenge that is hampering your ability to make your monthly payments? You must be able to prove financial hardship. If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you’re probably an ideal candidate for a real estate short sale.

 

Questions??  Please Call:  California Real Estate Associates  Realtor Broker Jeff Heller @ 916-718-6645

DRE#01234147

Questions please call Jeff @ 916-718-6645  or email me @ jeff@californiarea.com

Realtor Jeff Heller DRE# 01234147   916-718-6645

Email me At:

jeff@californiarea.com

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