June 1, 2018 By David Kerr
Solar Required for New Homes
California will become the first state to require all new homes to have solar power. The new requirement will take effect in two years. Read More…
March 1, 2018 By Rob Jones
5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell
To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.
1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” Read More…
February 1, 2018 By David Kerr
8 Tips to Guide Your Home Search
Following these 8 home search tips will increase your likelihood of making a purchase you will be happy with for years to come.
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
Read More…
January 2, 2018 By Rob Jones
Are You Ready to Buy?
Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to buy real estate. Whether it’s your first home, an additional investment property, buildable land, or your vacation dream home or retirement home, being ready to buy will make your home search more enjoyable, and you’ll have fewer surprises when you make an offer. Read More…
December 1, 2017 By David Kerr
Know Your Mortgage Terminology
Every part of the home purchase process has its own special terminology. The loan process can be even more daunting for those of us who are math impaired – you are expected to understand how to understand how loans are calculated in addition to understanding the vocabulary. To get you started on the language of lending, here are some of the top terms you will here: Read More…
November 1, 2017 By Rob Jones
Attracting Offers For Your Home
Here are some time-tested pointers on attracting buyers and getting offers for your home.
1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range. This will increase the buyer activity and mazimize your chances of offers. Read More…
September 16, 2017 By David Kerr
Get Your Finances in Order
Smart buyers plan ahead and make sure to put their best financial foot forward when it comes time to apply for a home loan. Here’s how they do it: Read More…
September 1, 2017 By Rob Jones
Short-term Rentals
Can I do vrbo (vacation rental) with this house? This is one of the most common questions investor home buyers ask their Realtor® in Sonoma county. Maybe you want some additional income from the home you purchase. Or maybe you want to buy a home and have confidence that your neighbors won’t be able to do short-term rentals. With a little background info, this is an easy question to answer. Read More…
July 15, 2017 By David Kerr
Making a Winning Offer
Now that you’ve found your perfect home, it’s time to get organized to make the best offer possible. Here are some things to consider:
Go local. Sellers and their Realtors® prefer to see preapprovals from local lenders. Local lenders have a known track record for being able to deliver on the loan promises, and local lenders understand the specific market and regulatory conditions that directly affect the property. Choosing a reputable local lender can give you an edge in competition. Ask your Realtor® for recommendations. Read More…
July 01, 2017 By Rob Jones
10 Questions For Your Lender
Most of us only deal with real estate loans a few times in our lives. It’s important to understand the details of the loan you are being offered – before you sign on the line. Here are the questions you should be asking your potential lender:
1. What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me? Why? Read More…
May 12, 2017 By David Kerr
Smart Selling
It takes some work to be a smart and prepared seller, but it will reward you by maximizing your profit and minimizing your stress.
Hire a great REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who belongs to their local Association of REALTORS®, and through that the California Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and must maintain a higher level of knowledge -of real estate practice and regulation. REALTORS® are committed to providing utmost care in representing their clients, and in treating all parties to a real estate transaction honestly. Read More…
May 10, 2017 By Rob Jones
Why You Should Work with a REALTOR®
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi‐page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Read More…
