With nearly 800 HomePath properties available here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties and more than 50 more coming up soon, I get numerous calls/emails asking me about these properties. And now, Fannie Mae has special incentives for owner occupied buyers to provide 3.5% towards their non-recurring closing costs. Just this week, I’ve already received […]
What is a HomePath Property and How Can I Buy One? Read More »
I saw an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune a few weeks back (March 19, 2011) that got me to thinkin’. (I couldn’t find the article online, otherwise I’d link to it in this post.) The article appeared in the New Homes section of the paper and was entitled “Operation VA/FHA Homeowner.” This article was predominantly
The Skinny on Los Angeles HOA Documents Read More »
If you are a first-time home buyer in Los Angeles and think that you have to settle for one of those starter homes, think again! Los Angeles home prices are somewhat stable, and mortgage interests are still historically low. First time home buyers can afford more than in previous times. Also, they don’t have to
Buying your First Los Angeles Home – It Doesn’t Have to be a Starter Home Read More »
Gene Mundt is a mortgage banker with Chicago Bancorp in Chicago. He writes extremely insightful articles on the mortgage industry. Much of what Gene writes is universal and relates to the Los Angeles home buyer. Today, Gene talks about the language of real estate financing. If you are buying a home in Los Angeles you
Understanding the Language of Real Estate Financing Read More »
Seller Concessions, also referred to as a Seller Contribution, is when a buyer asks the seller for a financial contribution towards their closing costs, escrows and/or pre-paids. Not all sellers will give a contribution and some lenders/loan programs may have restrictions on seller concessions, which may include not allowing them. Now there are a few
What are Seller Concessions? Read More »
Are you leaning towards stepping into the investment market? You may get the idea that buying a foreclosure is your best bet for a great deal on a home. Well, it’s possible, but remember that the foreclosure market is full of perilous pathways and competitive investment pros who know what they’re doing. Whether you’re considering purchasing
Foreclosures – A Dream or a Debacle? Read More »
An article in today’s Los Angeles Times discusses the reasons deterring people from buying a Los Angeles home these days, and quotes me, a Los Angeles realtor®, as an example: “There’s a zillion reasons [sic] why people aren’t buying, but honestly, they would if they could,” said Jane Peters, a real estate agent in Beverly
Home Ownership Loses its Luster, Per L.A. Times Article Read More »
If you are on the fence about buying a Los Angeles home, consider that the tax benefits of Los Angeles home ownership can be attractive. What are the tax benefits of buying a Los Angeles home? Mortgage interest reduction. A Los Angeles homeowner can deduct the interest on a mortgage up to $1 million on
What Tax Benefits Can I Expect When Buying a Los Angeles Home? Read More »
If you are looking for the ultimate in green roofing for your Los Angeles home, KB Home and Irvine-based Boral roofing are introducing smog-eating tiles. For those Los Angeles homeowners who are concerned about the environment, installing these concrete tiles will help neutralize the smog-forming nitrogen oxides emitted by automobiles and other burning processes. It
Los Angeles Homes Going Green With Smog-Eating Roof Tiles Read More »
Where should you live in Santa Monica? You know you want to live in Santa Monica, but in a city of 8.3 square miles, and several diverse neighborhoods, you are not sure where to look. There are several distinct areas of Santa Monica each with its own advantage and price ranges. From upscale condos on
Where Should I Live in Santa Monica – Santa Monica Housing Market Report by Zip Code Read More »
