Mike’s Real Estate Show

If you are perhaps considering selling your proprty “Short” or for less than what you currently OWE on the home, this is called a “Short-Sale”. Before you do this check out a web site I’ve developed to answer your questions. It’s called: www.SonomaCountyShortSales.com and you can get familiar with the process and how this workout evolves. It’s not an end all but is an option. It is something you would do after speaking with your LENDER, Attorney and/or CPA!!

For Sale by Owner 10 Inside Tips for Selling Your Home Yourself

“…selling a home on one’s own can be challenging as many home sellers will attest to.”

If you ask anyone who has ever tried to sell their home themselves they’ll tell you that from the moment the “For Sale by Owner” sign goes up, the phone begins to ring. Unfortunately, many of those calls will not be from prospective buyers, but rather from real estate agents looking to obtain your listing. Obviously the idea of not having to pay a commission to a real estate agent is attractive to any home seller. But because of all the issues involved in the process, selling a home on one’s own can be challenging as many home sellers will attest to. Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t Pay Another Cent in Rent To Your Landlord . . .

 ”If you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours.”

It’s a dream we all have - to own our own home and stop paying rent. But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours. How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle. You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home. Don’t Feel Trapped Anymore !!
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem. The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner. With this information, you will begin to see how you really can: 

save for a down payment
stop lining your landlord’s pockets, and
stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.
6 Little Known Facts That Can Help You Buy Your First Home
The problem that most renters face isn’t your ability to meet a monthly payment. Goodness knows that you must meet this monthly obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulating enough capital to make a down payment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Consider the following 6 important points: Read the rest of this entry »

10 Questions You Must Ask When Interviewing an Agent

Warning! Do Not Hire Any Real Estate Agent Before You Read This FREE Special Report
Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves.

Picking the right agent is one of those critical issues that can cost or save you thousands of dollars. There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Many agents would prefer that you don’t ask these questions, because the knowledge you’ll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from using this agent. And let’s face it - in real estate, as in life - not all things are created equal. Read the rest of this entry »

“The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home.”

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you’re not informed and prepared. Read the rest of this entry »

Your home is an investment in living as well as in savings. If neglected, it will pay no dividends. If properly maintained and improved, it will pay a high yield in comfort and usefulness for your family and in avoidance of costly repair bills. Home improvements also tend to raise neighborhood standards and, as a result, property values. From an economic standpoint, home improvements mean higher employment, increased markets for materials and home products–and therefore a more flourishing Sonoma County community. Read the rest of this entry »

The following article is printed with permission of Brad Bolinger, Editor, NorthBay Business Journal

Equity share can help close gap for homebuyers
PROCESS BRINGS TOGETHER INVESTORS, HOMEOWNERS TO OVERCOME LENDING LIMITS
Monday, February 18, 2008
BY HARRY COFFEY

People still want to buy homes, but the subprime mortgage meltdown, tighter credit rules and rising ARM rates are keeping many buyers out of the market. Stringent borrowing criteria are preventing many would-be homeowners from qualifying for fixed-rate loans.Previously, a buyer would get a first mortgage for 80 percent of the purchase price and a second mortgage for the remaining 20 percent to put down on the house. However, the days of 100 percent financing are gone. Now the ability of a prospective buyer to raise one-fifth of the purchase price as a down payment is the key obstacle. Read the rest of this entry »