Archive for Buyers

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT INCREASES!

March 7, 2008 · Filed under Buyers, FINANCIALS, MARKET CONDITIONS

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) today announced it has temporarily increased limits on conforming loans offered by government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, from $417,000 to as high as $729,750 in fourteen counties in California for loans originated between July 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2008. Fannie and Freddie are reported to be working out new underwriting standards and expect to begin offering the new loans soon.

Also, on Wednesday, the government raised the conforming loan limit for mortgages guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, and has begun offering the maximum limit of $729,750 for 14 California counties, up from $362,790, for loans originated between now and Dec. 31, 2008.

The Fed’s economic stimulus package approved earlier this year called for temporary increases on conforming and FHA loan limits to allow troubled borrowers to refinance out of sub-prime loans and make it easier for many new buyers to qualify for mortgages in high-cost areas, particularly in California where home prices remain among the highest in the nation.

To view a list of the new FHA Mortgage Limits by county, go to:

FHA Loan Limits by County

For a list of the proposed loan limit changes for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, go to:

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Proposed Loan Limit Changes

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FANTASTIC LISTING!

September 29, 2007 · Filed under Buyers, Listings

Are you looking for pristine, under-market, remodeled unit that overlooks a Valencia golf course?
CLICK HERE for the virtual tour (including price, amenities, etc.)
Here’s a sneak peak below…
Trevino view

Trevino KItchen

Contact me if you, or anyone you know, is interested! 

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LOOKING FOR A MOVE-IN-READY TOWNHOME?

September 16, 2007 · Filed under Buyers, Listings

I just listed THIS ONE!
CLICK HERE for the virtual tour/pics/features etc.
Mirabelle

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IDAHO AGENT? KASEY BOLES!

November 23, 2006 · Filed under AFFILIATES, Agent Referral (Outside SCV), Buyers

A great agent is so hard to find…that’s why most great agent’s business is based on 90% referrals…someone else has used them and found them to be worthy of recommendation. 
If you’re looking in Santa Clarita, then you already know that I’m a great agent and I look forward to your email or phone call :) .  However, if you’re relocating to Idaho, it’s with great confidence that I introduce you to my friend and fellow real estate colleague, KASEY BOLES.  She, like myself, grew up in real estate, knows her business, is attentive to detail and will take GREAT care of you…especially if you tell her that I sent you! :)  

We’ve known each other for a decade now and I have recommended my very own family to her and now to you!

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LOWBALLING IN A COOLING HOUSING MARKET

October 4, 2006 · Filed under Buyers

Now that we’re in a fair market, many buyers think it’s a prime time to ‘lowball’ their offers.  I’m asked about it often and thought I’d post this article that I agree with.

It came from BrokerAgent and was written by Steve McLinden

As markets that were overheated as recently as early 2005 have cooled considerably, this subject has become a hot one. With a temporary overabundance of housing on the market in many parts of the country, low bidders are truly in their element for the first time in about a decade. Offers that were laughed off just 18 months ago by confident sellers are Read the rest of this entry »

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ARE YOU A POTENTIAL HOMEBUYER WITH QUESTIONS?

September 26, 2006 · Filed under Buyers, FINANCIALS, RESOURCES

I just stumbled upon this incredible resource offered by my local Association of Realtors, SRAR.  If you’re someone who may need financial assistance in order to purchase a home or you have questions about the process or are ‘just doing more research’ before you buy, CLICK HERE.  This document is so helpful.

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WHAT’S HOT IN HOUSES TODAY

September 24, 2006 · Filed under Buyers, HOME REPAIR, Sellers

by Roselind Hejl

Are you are preparing your home for sale, planning to remodel, or shopping for a new home? Find out what is important in today’s housing market, and make choices that contribute the most value and enjoyment for the money.

Home Styles
Old world styles are popular. French, English, Tuscan and Spanish homes with stone or stucco walls, tile roofs, iron fixtures, heavy beams and rustic floors are in demand. A sense of historic connection resonates with buyers today.

The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900′s, is back. Features of this style, such as cobblestones, deep eaves, tapered columns and wide trim, favor the handmade look over mass produced.

Farmhouses and country homes are perfect remodel candidates and prototypes for new homes. Native materials, wood windows, simple floor plans, and warm colors connect with nature and earlier times.

The retro look is fashionable. Ranch styles and split levels built in the 1950′s are perfect for sleek remodels, and fit with fashionable furniture styles.

Urban modern is everywhere. Modern open plans make use of color, tile, glass, and experimental materials such as plastic and metal.

Floor Plan
The preferred ceiling height is about 9′-11′. Two story ceilings are out. In small rooms these feel like towers. Read the rest of this entry »

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VALENCIA JEWEL!

July 14, 2006 · Filed under Buyers, PROPERTY SEARCHES, Sellers

27857 Skycrest Circle, ValenciaYour money will go so far with this Completely Remodeled Valencia townhome..I’ve seen it and it’s incredible how much quality work the seller’s have done!  For a complete on-line listing with lots of pictures, click here 27857 Skycrest Circle, Valencia, CA 91354  and then type in the address (27857).  There will also be an open house this Sunday July 16th, 12-4pm.    

Please feel free to call or write me with any questions.

For those of you who know the sellers, Mike and Kea Brooks (Doug Bookman’s daughter), they are excited to leave California to pursue ministry with Doug & Diane Bookman.  So, they are eager to sell and invite you to come look, bring a friend, bring family and write an offer!

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TLC IS CASTING…”MY FIRST HOME”

July 6, 2006 · Filed under Buyers, PROPERTY SEARCHES

TLC Logo

UPDATE: Please note that this post is from July 2006.  It is no longer valid.
If you’re interested in a casting call for TLC, please google TLC and locate their next casting call.  Good luck!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you watch HGTV, TLC, and any other shows that document home purchase, home repair, organization, etc?

Well, a unique and potentially very fun opportunity was sent to me today by Coldwell Banker’s marketing coordinator.    The TLC is casting for their show ‘MY FIRST HOME’ (see description below, provided by, Liz Massie, producer of the show MY FIRST HOME). 

“MY FIRST HOME is a half-hour series for TLC that will focus on the joys and terrors of first-time home buyers as they undertake the most important purchase of their lives. We will also meet the realtor who guides them through each step as they search and find their new home. We will cover the bidding, escrow and closing processes. The show will combine the basic facts of home buying with the emotional journey of the buyers.”Production will involve 2-3 shooting days. We are looking for home buyers who will be closing escrow on their new homes from July 24 to mid-October.  If you are interested in participating in this show, please contact us with story ideas, including a little background on the person or couple buying a home and when they will be closing escrow.”

If you or anyone you know fit this bill (first time buyer, ready to close escrow between July 24 and mid-October) and would possibly be interested in sharing their home purchase experience with me and a camera crew and eventually TLC viewers,  please give them my name and number (or you give me theirs).

Not only will they receive excellent service from me, this could be incredibly fun and memorable!

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