Get an Inspection to Avoid Buying a Lemon

Olive Hill, KY, June 2, 2010 -- FEMA Mitigatio...

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You have found the home that you think is perfect. You know you are in love with it. You are so ready to close the deal.

But wait!

Before you close the deal you really need to make sure you aren’t picking a lemon. Now it’s time to get a home inspector involved. Back in the day it was not heard of in the home market to have a home inspection. If a person loved the house, like you do, he or she depended on that good feeling and what the real estate agent said. Now the process is different. Most real estate purchase contracts give you the right to order one or more professional inspections before you close.

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Foreclosure—What’s True and What’s Not

Half million dollar house in Salinas, Californ...

Foreclosure

With so many people going into foreclosure in these past few years, a lot of misinformation, fraud, rumors, speculation, conjecture and ignorance have latched onto people like grass burrs. What is true and what is not?

One of the nation’s largest home loan investors, Freddy Mac, initially charged with expanding opportunities for home ownership, is now focusing on the needs of people to become financial stable again. Freddy Mac is also working on myth busting, to help people know the truth. It offers “Top Foreclosure Myths” and the truth behind what is and isn’t true.

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Choosing Not to Get an Inspection

Real Estate = Big Money

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Back in the day people didn’t use home inspectors before they purchased their home. Then when they found out all the problems that hadn’t been obvious, they were stuck.

In an article by Marcie Geffner entitled “Goodbye Inspection, Hello Trouble,” dated Jan. 2, 2011 in the Official Site of the National Association of Realtors, Marcie talks about one of the strange things that happens in a hot real estate market, like in San Francisco, considered one of the nation’s hot real estate markets.

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Understanding Closing Costs

Sea Level

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Is this the first time you are buying a home of your own? Do you know that the price you agreed to on the house is not all you will have to pay to close? Here are some of the other costs that you need to factor in. Some of these you will be able to choose a vendor and lower the cost. Others are what they are.

The good news is that your lender and real estate agent will be able to give you a “good-faith estimate” of your expected settlement costs so you are not taken by surprise.

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How Do You Get the Home of Your Dreams?

Lot of houses for sale due to mortgage crisis,...

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Drive around in any subdivision and you will see homes on sale.

They may be fixer-uppers or look great on the outside. You are interested, but you aren’t exactly sure what you want. Before you take up a realtor’s time, you and who you will be sharing the space with need to sit down and think about what you would like.

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What Happens When Foreclosure Happens?

Sign of the times - Foreclosure

There is no winner in a foreclosure.

The downturn in the economy may be easing, but it might be too late for some homeowners. There have been thousands of foreclosures in the US in the last few years. Many people still own their homes, but are struggling to avoid foreclosure.

Do you know the complete impact of defaulting on your loan? Can you prevent this?

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Stunning Estate in Santa Rosa

This absolutely beautiful South West Santa Rosa estate features a 2300 sf 3 bedroom 2 bath main house WITH an 840 square foot 2 bedroom 1 bath second unit on 4.86 acres that are fenced for cattle or horses.

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Exciting Listings for Sonoma and Lake Counties

Sonoma County and Lake County are brimming with possibilities when it comes to homes available for purchase. I would like to take the opportunity to share with you but a few of the homes in our inventory.

The first I would like to highlight is the property located at 6680 Sonoma Mountain Road, South East Santa Rosa.  It is a charming one bedroom/one bath set in the woods near the Jack London State Historic Park.  The property offers lots of privacy at a great price for someone who knows how to show a home a little TLC.

Next on the list to show off is a 4 bedroom/2 batch corner lot property located at 501 Lincoln Lane on the East side of Petaluma.  This single level home showcases a beautiful koi bond and relaxing backyard patio.  This is one that won’t last long!

On to Lake County with a 2 bedroom/2 bath mobile home set down a country lane with 3+- acres containing beautiful fruit trees and a seasonal creek.  In addition to the updated kitchen and baths, the living room boasts a woodstove to keep you warm on those chilling evenings.  The property is located at 11933 Candy Lane in Lower Lake.

How does 5,000+- square feet of land with Russian River views grab you?  This property, located at 17783 Santa Rosa Avenue in Guernville is cleared and ready to build with pad in place and public water and sewer ready, not to mention utilities nearby.  River views for the summer or everyday just waiting for the right person to scoop it up.

Make an offer on the multi-unit property with a new price to help it move.  There is a 2 bedroom single family home along with a duplex (each unit with a nice 3 bedroom/2 bath).  This gem is close to town and the school.  The address is 21042 Barnes Road in Middletown.

Banks are not in the business of holding properties and this one is ready for its next owner and the family.  This 4 bedroom/3 ½ bath home is located in a well-maintained neighborhood close to everything.  There is a private backyard and an attached 2-car garage waiting for you at 4040 Louis Krohn Drive in South West Santa Rosa.

Last, we have a gem of a home located in the prestigious neighborhood of Bennett Valley in Santa Rosa.  This pristine property is within walking distance of the golf (Bennett Valley Golf Club) course and Daniel Galvin Community Park with views of Annadel State Park.  Expertly remodeled for maximum enjoyment, the home is ideal for entertaining friends and family.  2742 Canterbury Drive will not last long.

For complete listings and more information about the above described properties, please visit my website at www.martinlevy.com or feel free to give me a call at either 707-303-3333.

New Listing – Short Sale!

4072 Parker Hill Road, NE Santa Rosa    $525,000

4072 Parker Hill Road, NE Santa Rosa

NE Santa Rosa.  This traditional Fountaingrove home offers country living close in. Fireplaces in the living room and family room warm the 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that sits on nearly one acre of gated, wooded grounds.

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