04
Jun
2010

Should you get a pre-inspection before putting your house on the market?

Sometimes, sellers will have a pre-inspection performed on their home before hanging out the ‘For Sale’ sign. But is this a good idea? It depends. In general, a pre-sale inspection of your…
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Posted in: General Real Estate Advice & Tips, Practical Advice For Home Sellers
27
May
2010

Celebrity real estate blogs are fun to read – and you might even learn something

Did it start with Robin Leach and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? Or does it go back further, when tourists would drive around L.A. armed with maps to movie stars’ homes? Whatever…
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Posted in: Fun Real Estate
24
May
2010

Lenders’ mortgage rates today are super low – but not necessarily for everyone

“Mortgage Rates Decline” was the top story on the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal. It’s refreshing to read such positive financial news these days, of course. But homeowners in San Francisco…
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Posted in: Practical Advice For Homeowners, Real Estate Market Trends
how to price your home for sale
18
May
2010

Do I have to tell the HOA that I’m selling my condo

Here’s a question I’ve been asked from time to time: “I want to sell the condo I live in. Do I need to let the homeowners' association know I’m selling?” The answer:…
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Posted in: Uncategorized
how to price your home for sa
14
May
2010

Can I get my escrow deposit refunded?

What happens if you put a deposit in escrow, but then you're not sure you still want to buy the house? Can you get your deposit back? In most cases, yes. Entering…
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Posted in: Uncategorized
11
May
2010

Times Square bombing suspect seemed to be a regular family man, had a house in foreclosure

Some interesting details, from a real estate perspective, have emerged regarding Faisal Shahzad, the accused Times Square bomber. For one thing, Shahzad appeared to have been a fairly typical family man to…
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Posted in: Uncategorized
08
May
2010

San Francisco Board of Education makes radical change that could boost your home’s value

How’s this for good news?   Without you having to do anything, your San Francisco home’s value may have increased. And if so, you’ve got an unlikely organization to thank: the SF…
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Posted in: Uncategorized
05
May
2010

Whats the rule of thumb for when to refinance a home mortgage

Is there a general rule of thumb for when to refinance a mortgage? In a word, yes. The best time to refi is when rates on 30-year fixed loans are super low…
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Posted in: General Real Estate Advice & Tips, Practical Advice For Homeowners, Real Estate Market Trends
30
Apr
2010

The top mistakes sellers make

In my last post, I explained the top mistakes homebuyers often make. Sellers, this time it’s your turn. Here are the top four missteps I’ve seen lots of sellers make—much to their regret.…
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Posted in: General Real Estate Advice & Tips, Practical Advice For Home Sellers, Practical Advice For Homeowners, Real Estate Market Trends
27
Apr
2010

Top Mistakes Homebuyers Make

We all make mistakes. But when you’re buying a home, some false steps can cost you a lot of money, create unnecessary aggravation, or even cause you to lose out on the…
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Posted in: General Real Estate Advice & Tips, Practical Advice For Homebuyers, Real Estate Market Trends