An informational source for people who are relocating, with a particular focus on moving to the Carlsbad area of North County San Diego, with advice, guidance and true stories to help you on your way and make it a great journey, from a REALTOR� with plenty of personal (4 major moves, most recently from Boston to Carlsbad, California) and professional relocation experience. Are you running into problems selling your home? Need to find a new one quickly? Never moved before and haven't a clue? You'll find some great tips on how to solve your relocation issues here. Or ask me a question any time and I'll share some solutions or tell you where to get more information.
CA DRE License #01490977
Researching Schools, Communities, Crime Stats and the Housing Market
Check out my recent post on Carlsbad Real Estate News for information how to research schools, communities, crime statistics and the housing market reports.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
There is some good news for folks who are relocating to California and will be buying a new home afte March 1, 2009 and before March 1, 2010.
You MUST buy a new construction home (one that has never been lived in) in order to quality and must apply for the credit from the Franchise Tax Board here in California.
This must be a primary home and you must live there for two years.
So, if you are also a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER you might qualify for up to $18,000 in California - the new $8,000 First Time home Buyer credit AND the new home credit offered by CA.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
WOW - Condos in the San Diego Area for UNDER $100,000
It's hard to believe but you CAN buy a condo in North County Can Diego for less than $100,000. And some of them are 2 and 3 bedroom.
If you are seeking a new home in our area in this price range, check out my recent post on condos for less than $100,000.
BTW, if you would like a customized list of homes, under $100,000 or otherwise, in a San Diego community, please send me an email and I will send you the information you need.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
For many buyers who are relocating, checking out the schools is a critical part of the process in their move.
It can impact where they move to (i.e., the specific neighborhood) as well as the timing (in some school districts you must be a resident for a period of time before registering AND provide proof of occupancy), so doing the research in advance is smart.
Here are several sites that buyer clients have recommended from their own research. I have looked at all of them and find School Digger to be my favorite becuase of the amount of information and the functionality, but make you own decisions.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
I wrote a warning to buyers, and agents, recently. It had to do with ot opening the refrigerator door in homes they were touring that are distress sales - bank owned properties, and vacant short sales and foreclosures.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
The ActiveRain Real Estate Network - A Powerful Consumer Tool
I have mentioned, on more than one occasion, my writing on ActiveRain, the largest real estate social and informational network on-line with over 128,000 members of the RE biz.
I suspect many of you have been there as a result of links to articles posted here on Relocation A to Z. I have been a member of ActiveRain for over 2 years now, with almost 1000 articles written. The membership when I started was a little over 6,000 folks.
ActiveRain, or AR as it is fondly called, is a powerful consumer tool (see link below)
There are many thousands of articles on AR written by REALTORS like myself, mortgage brokers, staging professionals, home inspectors and others in our business. These articles have to do with communities all over the US, housing, things to do and places to visit, as well as a wealth of information useful to buyers and sellers.
A recent article by founder Jon Washburn indicated that while AR is a powerful peer-to-peer platform, it is even more powerful as a consumer tool, with about 9 times as many consumer hits as members, and a growth rate in 2008 of about 200%.
I have had a good number of buyers who are relocating here and want to be within walking distance of amenities such as shopping, restaurants, services, and the public library, among other things.
While this is not an easy thing to find, there are real estate opportunities in a number of North County San Diego communities where I work that will allow for this - Carlsbad, Cardiff, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar for example.
Walkability, of course, is in the eyes of the beholder, or should we say the feet of the walker?
Some people consider 15 - 20 minutes a very reasonable walk and others want to be closer, say 10 minutes or so. So as I am sharing information about these communities, bear in mind that if walking distance is important you will need to check it out for yourself to be sure.
There is a neat web tool that allows you to gain an idea of walkability. I talk about it in the first of my walkable neighborhood series articles - it's called a WALKSCORE. You simply enter an address and it will calculate a score based on proximity to a variety of amenities (plus you get the distances to those amenities so you can sort of judge for yourself). Being close to one store will not get you a high walkability score - what is more important is general walkability to a range of amenities and services.
I am continuing to add communities to my walkable neighborhood series, but here are the first few. And if I can provide more information, please let me know. Or stop by the search page on my website and search for homes in the MLS (the link is BELOW). Grab a few and enter the addresses into Walkscore to see how it works. Or use your own address. have fun, and happy searching.
If I can provide more information about Del Mar, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Market Conditions - I provide monthly market reports on communities like Carlsbad, Encinitas and Cardiff but can customize reports for you for any North County San Diego community.
MLS listings
Photos - My Carlsbad Video and Photobloggery which I update regularly has plenty of photos and videos about the area to give you a feel for the San Diego lifestyle.
We often talk about first time buyers, but somehow first time sellers get lost in the shuffle.
Just like new buyers, some sellers have never sold a home before and need help.There is lots to know, and while they are now seasoned buyers, they have to wear a different hat to sell their first home.
I have worked with a number of sellers recently who had no experience selling a home before. As a result, and to better help sellers who may be selling their first home, or thinking about it, I developed my First Time Seller's Handbook.
My first time sellers' handbook is something I share with seller clients once we start working together to give them all the information they need about showings, offers, due diligence and more.
If you are in the Carlsbad area (San Diego area) and would like to set up a time to meet and discuss selling your home, please let me know.
For folks in other areas of the country, I hope this handbook summary will help you get started. And if you need a qualified agent to help you in your area, please don't hesitate to let me know as I have a large referral network around the country and would be happy to help you find a qualified listing agent to assist you.
Folks want to know if now is the right time to buy.
Tough question. And the answer depends on your reasons for buying, your long term plans and your financial situation. But here are some compelling reasons to consider buying, especially if you are on the fence right now but are in a position to buy.
First, the FHA requirements are going to change beginning January 1, 2009. Right now buyers must put down 3% as a down payment. In January the limit jumps to 3.5%, perhaps not a large amount but on a $500K house that is $2500 more cash needed.
The other major reason you might consider buying before year end is that the limits on conforming mortgages will shift down. Earlier this year the limits were raised to as much as $729,750 in the more expensive areas, and $697,500 in others (e.g., San Diego), so folks who previously would have had jumbo loans (and higher rates) benefited from the lower interest rates. Beginning in January 2009 in the San Diego area the maximum for conforming loans will be $625,500 $546,250 so despite some price changes more loans will become jumbos, at higher rates.
Obviously there are other important issues to consider and a discussion with your mortgage person would be prudent to determine how these changes may affect you.
And learning more about the homes that are available to you in your price range now will help you make the right decision. The inventory is good, as are the rates, and buyers are able to negotiate with sellers, so this combination of factors may make this the right time to buy for some folks.
REOs (bank owned properties) are found in the majority of real estate markets these days, along with short sales and foreclousre. Lots of buyers are interested in acquiring these properties but the task of doing so is often not easy.
REOs tend to be easier to purchase because they are already bank owned, and they are generally pretty motivated to sell. Don't expect to get these at rock bottom prices, but some are pretty good deals.
If you are moving to, or are in, the Carlsbad California area I just posted an article are buying REOs
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The article provides some important information for any buyer interested in buying an REO.
FLASH - Interest Rates have Dropped: Is This YOUR Opportunity?
You may have heard but ...the interest rates dropped substantially recently on the heals of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac takeover by the government. This could mean substantial savings for you if you have been sitting on the fence. And it could be good news for sellers whose homes are not selling.
The other thing to know is that the mortgage requirements are getting more stringent, and it is expected that we will see even more and tougher, standards next year. Many folks who might qualify now may not do so next year. And if the rates go up too...
Finally, you probably know that the higher mortgage limits are going to end at the end of this year for certain mortgages (e.g., FHA). This means some loans for median priced homes, say in the Carlsbad area, will then, again, become jumbo loans.
Is this YOUR opportunity to buy?
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Buying a Home AS IS and Dealing with Termites in a Short sale, Foreclosure or REO
Many buyers find themselves in the situation of looking at distress properties – short sales, foreclosures, and bank-owned properties. It may be because you specifically want to purchase this type of property, or that may be all that is available in your price range.
Some things you need to know as a prospective buyer if you get through the offer process and the short sale, foreclosure or REO is approved by the bank:
BUYING THE HOME AS IS:
Generally these are homes you must purchase “as is.” Be aware that you will be the one taking the responsibility for making repairs, not the lender. So find out what defects there are upfront by having a thorough inspection. In some case some repairs may be negotiated but don’t expect it. If the costs are high for these, factor this into your thinking about whether this is the right property for you or not.
Depending on the issues, you may want to have one or more tradespeople in to evaluate the defects (say plumbing and electrical) so you have an idea of how much the repairs might be. This additional information MAY be helpful if you are attempting to negotiate repairs (a good idea even in the case of a typical sale where you are dealing directly with the homeowner).
TERMITE ISSUES:
Here in California it is common for properties to have termite issues (this may not apply to those of you in other parts of the country).
In the typical sale the seller will complete a termite inspection and take care of infestation and termite damage as part of the negotiations (There are exceptions). A termite clearance MUST be provided before your lender will allow closing to occur. In the case of these distress sales you will often find that the seller, because of financial hardship, will not be responsible for termite repairs, but may pay to have the inspection done (they are pretty inexpensive). In the case of REOs, however, banks often will not do the inspection either. The Catch 22 is that your lender might require a termite inspection as well as a termite clearance.
If the bank is not willing to pay for this then you will need to do so. It is a good idea to have your own termite inspection if the seller will not so you are aware of any issues and can take care of them accordingly.
Be aware that with short sales and REOs, you may have to take care of the termite problems yourself in order to obtain the clearance and meet your lender’s requirements.
It is smart to work with an agent who has some experience with short sales and similar transactions so you get the guidance you need to make the right decisions.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Sellers: Why YOU Should Work with a Agent with the CRS Designation
As a seller with a property to sell as part of your relocation, you have a huge task ahead of you. Selling your current home in order to buy a new one is a big piece of this.
If you are like many folks, you NEED to sell in order to buy another home. And in many markets this is a challenging undertaking given inventory levels, competition, pricing shifts and more. So how does one accomplish this successfully.
Working with a REALTOR who has the CRS designation (is a Certified Residential Specialist) is one of the best decisions you can make. Here are some reasons a CRS will benefit YOU, the homeowner.
An agent with the CRS designation must complete a number of intensive 2-day classes on a variety of real estate topics to benefit consumers (a favorite class is the one on listing strategies - all the things that we can do to help you market and sell you home effectively; another is technology - kearning all about the many ways technology shuld be used to effectively makret a home, commununicate, and run a successful real estate business).
There is significant time commitment on the part of an individual who decides to gain this designation, and the training classes are some of the best available in the real estate world.
We must pass an exam for each class we take, so you can't just sit there pretending to learn but must demonstrate this before being awarded credit for the class toward the overall CRS designation.
Classes involve significant interaction among attendees so there is a huge opportunity to further learning from others in the business
All candidates for the CRS designation must meet certain production requirements, either a minimum specific number of transactions (the minimum is 25 transactions, or $8 million in production with a minimum of 10 transactions within a 2 year period). This means you MUST have substantial experience as a real estate agent in order to become a CRS. Another great benefit since you will be able to work with someone who has demonstrate significant real estate experience.
Having a CRS is likened to having a Ph.D., and it's considered to be THE most rigorous designation (only about 4% of all REALTORS posses this certification). And many CRS agents continue to attend classes or to repeat classes as they are revised, and to participate in the CRS organization either nationally or at the local level (as I do on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of CRS).
Don't you want someone who has the best knowledge and training, and can provide the competitive edge YOU need to sell your home?
One last thng to consider. You will need someone in your new location to help you BUY a home. A CRS can make the right connections to other CRS agents around the country and find you the best person with THE SAME training and experience.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Watch out for That Appraisal in Today's Market, Buyers
Buyers in our area, and others, are now confronting a new issue in their real estate transacation - the APPRAISAL.
Having a home appraisal is NOT new, of course, and most buyers (and sellers) typically anxst over the appraisal until it is completed, since the bank will not issue a loan commitment until the underwriter has the complete file and reviews the appraisal.
Today's market, wtih declining prices in many areas, and the increasing number of short sales, foreclosures, and REOs (bank owned properties) is creating problems in many communities with appraisals which are, increasingly, coming in below the agreed-upon purchase price. Banks are tightening standards (only 3 months allowed for comparables, not 6) and appraisers themselves are being more closely scrutinized.
You may be relocating to a market very different from your current one and may find this to be more of an issue, or possibly less.
Is this a concern?
In many markets it should be. And as a prudent buyer there are things you should know, and do.
This is just one more GOOD reason to make sure you are working with an agent in your relocation who really knows the local market and can help avoid some of these issues.
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Folks who are buying Carlsbad real estate, or anywhere for that matter, owe it to themselves to do a thorough investigation of the property they wish to buy.
This is not new news, or shouldn’t be.
Most REALTORS strongly encourage buyers to hire a home inspector to investigate the home they are trying to buy and part of the due diligence process. To not do so is foolhardy, in my opinion. We even have a disclosure here that advises buyers that to not conduct such an investigation is going against the recommendations of the agent. But sometimes folks don’t listen.
With the market we are in, this becomes even more critical, given the number of short sales foreclosures, and bank-owned properties (REOs). Since these homes, and sometimes others, are sold AS IS, a prudent real estate buyer will want to know what they are getting themselves into before signing on the dotted line.
My experiences with home inspectors have been pretty good, although I know there are some who are not so competent. And let’s face it they are normally not trades people so their inspections may be less thorough than, say, a licensed plumber. Nor should they be expected to be as knowledgeable. Plus there are always those darned disclosures and disclaimers.If they recommend further evaluation, it is probably wise to listen.
The point of all this is to ask whether you, Mr. and/or Ms. Carlsbad Buyer, are really doing as thorough an inspection as you should. Or are there cases where more is needed?
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
I started a series recently on financial planning as it pertains to real estate purchases. We talked about financial planning in general, keeping in mind our overall financial goals as we consider our real estate purchase. My friend Paul Paroti, a financial planner, shared his wisdom with me regarding making these real estate purchase decisions with long term goals in mind.
Next we discussed the issue of down paymentsand the financial considerations associated with making decisions about where the money is coming from, long term goals, tax implications and so on. As a financial planner, Paul again shared some thoughts on this important decision so buyers can give appropriate consideration to their down payments and where to obtain the cash. Putting a large chunk of money down may not always be the right financial decision.
Another popular focus of buyers these days, especially the baby boomers, is on buying a vacation or second home. The current real estate market presents a phenomenal opportunity for second home buyers.Whether you’re a baby boomer looking for a home to move to permanently in a few years, or just someone who loves the idea of having your own vacation home, the housing market is ripe for buying in many areas, and thus the chance to get into a second home at a great price is there for the shrewd buyer.
While buying a second home offers countless benefits, and sounds rather idyllic for many of us, there are some financial implications of a second home purchaseMost people are aware of all the benefits- the prestige of owning an attractive property, the enjoyment of weekend and holiday getaways and the economic benefits of long-term appreciation and a tax sheltered investment.
However, buyers should realize that the expenses of owning a second home can be significant, and my feeling is that most people underestimate the true cost of owning a 2nd home.Like a primary residence, you likely expect to have a mortgage, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance (as well as HOA dues if it’s a condo or townhome).What you probably haven’t given as much thought to are other expenses you’re more likely to incur with a second home than with a primary residence.
When you buy a new primary home you’re likely to bring at least some of your furnishings from your prior home
With a second home you’ll likely need all new furnishings unless you buy the property completely furnished - everything from living room and bedroom sets to a washer and dryer to silverware and dinner plates
Since many second homes are located some distance from the primary home it is essential to consider the costs of traveling to and from your second home.With gas prices where they these days are things can add up quickly
Finally, don’t forget the costs of maintaining your second home.Even if you’re a do-it-yourself gardener at home, chances are you’ll need to hire someone to help with your second home, unless you’re up for driving who knows how far just to mow the lawn, or taking time from your “vacation” to mow the grass and deal with other maintenance issues
I recommend that second home buyers sit down and make a list of all these “additional” expenses so you have a reality check on your costs.Then, add 10%-15% to account for miscellaneous items and things you may have forgotten.The purpose isn’t to scare you, but rather to make sure you give serious thought to the full ramifications of your purchase.
Buying a second home is an opportune time to sit down with your financial planner (and if you aren’t using one this might be a good reason to start working with one).He or she will be able to “crunch the numbers” and show you how your second home purchase will affect your big picture situation.Taking the time to do this will give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re on the right track.Worst case scenario? If buying your dream second home would put a crimp in your retirement plans you’re better off finding this out beforehand.
By taking a little extra time to think everything through and understand the financial implication, you’re ensuring you’ll be able to enjoy your new second home without any unnecessary worries.Happy house-hunting!
I appreciate Paul’s thoughts on these issues and recommend you give him a call or send an email with any questions about your second home purchase and how to factor this into your long term financial planning goals. Paul can be reached at (714) 424-9440 (office), (949) 466-7519 (cell) or via email at Paul@ifsplanning.com.
Why not find out how he can help YOU with your financial planning objectives?
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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Most buyers, unless they qualify for 100% financing or obtain gift money, will allocate a large chunk of cash to the down payment (up to 20% or more of the purchase price; with detached homes starting around $500K in Carlsbad we are talking $100,000!). And the decision of how large a down payment to make on your home purchase is not just about making a competitive offer, but may have huge implications on your big-picture financial situation. This decision requires a careful analysis and depends on your unique set of circumstances.
So I got some information from a friend of mine, Paul Parotti, a financial planner, and wanted to share this. With the help of a qualified real estate agent, financial planner, mortgage professional and possibly a CPA, buyers should look at the following factors when making this decision:
$ $ $ $ $
How will the down payment expense affect your nest egg? Tying up too much of your net worth in your home would create major problems if you were to lose your job or encounter some other financial difficulty. For those who think they will always have the option of cashing out excess equity by refinancing, consider that mortgage standards on cash out refinances are much more stringent than on purchase transactions, with lower loan-to-value allowances and stricter borrower credit requirements. Even if you do qualify for a cash out refinance, closing costs may be several thousands of dollars. The bottom line: it’s best to keep enough cash available to float you for six months or more, just in case.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by
phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
Yesterday, Memorial Day, I got meme’d, against my wishes. Got one of those Internet chain letter types of things called a MEME where I am supposed to yap about me and share stuff I wouldn’t ordinarily. Since I was busy with business I didn’t get this done until today. Sorry, Irina.
Mary McKnight initiated this Memorial Day Super 8 MEME, based on the number 8, you know like 8-ball, figure 8? Her rationale? It’s her favorite number, the 8 is the infinity symbol if you turn it on its side, and it’s 2008. Whatever. Anyhow, she meme’d Laurie Manny, who meme’d Irinia Netchaev, who decided I ought to be part of the 8 bloggers she needed to meme. Lucky me. Since I tend to be a law abiding citizen, and meme law according to Mary McKnight requires that I answer these questions AND find 8 other lucky bloggers to do the same, I cooperated. Sort of a twist on “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Anyhow, here are the 8 questions (do you see the trend?).
1. Who is your favorite musical artist (post a YouTube Video)
This is impossible. I don’t have a real favorite. There are many artists that I really liked, or have liked over the years, and picking one out of all these doesn’t seem right. I enjoy classic rock and roll – The Rolling Stones are high up there, for example. Can’t leave out the Beatles. Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues were favorites of mine at some point. Love Annie Lennox from the old Eurythmics (my kids when they were young called them The Arithmetics). Oh, and Fleetwood Mac too. I’m a big jazz lover and the list of artists is endless. Chris Botti is a fave, as is (was) Chet Baker. And blues is right up there – Etta James may top that list. Since I have to pick one for a video, here’s Sweet Dreams sung by Annie Lennox.
2. Who is your favorite artist? (Post a Flickr photo)
I have been interested in art for many years, and credit my wife, Kay, with cultivating that love and appreciation. I love visiting galleries and museums (The Uffizi in Florence, Italy was certainly a highlight, but then there was the Tate in London, and theGetty in LA, and…). My wife and I also collect art, and had an art gallery in CambridgeMA for 3 years before heading to California. Not sure I would pick a favorite artist since there are so many good ones, especially contemporary which tends to be a love of mine. So here’s one from my own collection (and I don’t have to worry about who owns the Flickr photo, right?). “Martinis” by Rob Brooks.
3. Who is your favorite blogger?
Nope you won’t trap me there. Don’t have one – there are so many great bloggers I enjoy reading.
4. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them?
Again, this is a tough one…how does one choose? I guess the one person that immediately comes to mind is Mother Theresa. This short video of her message says it all.
5. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Hmmm, I don’t think I wanted to grow up. That’s sounds Peter Panish I suppose. I know at one point being a vet intrigued me. And as a teen I got interested in real estate (my Mom was with RE/MAX) but then pursued my love for psychology in undergrad and grad school. Did that for a bit and found it was not for me, at least not working in a medical environment.
6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know?
I can’t ever remember any of that stuff, and I am miserable at Trivial Pursuit. But I found a fun tidbit in honor of Irina since she writes about Pasadena:
“ In Pasadena, it is illegal for a secretary to be alone in a room with her boss”
7. If you could live in any point of history, what would it be and why?
I’m not a history buff, and I think I have lived in the times I liked best – grew up in the 60s, lived through the disco age, worked for a DotCom company and went through that meltdown, and have seen tremendous advancements in technology in the 1990s into the 21st century. What could be better?
8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held?
Hmmm, well there have been some that are not so much fun. And I suppose I would be wimping out on this question if I said my current career in real estate, which I enjoy the most because of the diversity of stuff I get to do and the people I meet. But thinking back, I would otherwise say my last Human Resource position at HookMedia as VP was the most interesting. I was the 6th employee and got to help grow the company to 103 folks in 3 cities, build the culture, design all the programs, etc. I had the most fun of any corporate job I have had and it was a great place to end my corporate life.
Soooo, NOW I get to pick 8 lucky bloggers as part of this MEME. Yes, it is no longer Memorial Day, so maybe that makes a difference. I don’t know but I don’t want anyone saying I didn’t do my part. Maybe one of them will respond. Remember the meme law?
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I have had a good number of buyers who are relocatin
g here and want to be within walking distance of amenities such as shopping, restaurants, services, and the public library, among other things.
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My experiences with home inspectors have been pretty good, although I know there are some who are not so competent. And let’s face it they are normally not trades people so their inspections may be less thorough than, say, a licensed plumber. Nor should they be expected to be as knowledgeable. Plus there are always those darned disclosures and disclaimers.If they recommend further evaluation, it is probably wise to listen.
I started a series recently on 
While buying a second home offers countless benefits, and sounds rather idyllic for many of us, there are some financial implications of a second home purchase.jpg)
I recently wrote about the importance of considering your overall 
