Weather you are buying or selling real estate I am sure you have a dream you are trying to achieve. I believe in the power of having that inner vision. I hope this blog helps you achieve all you are dreaming of.
Our CA Elected Officers are not thinking clearly again!
Do you think of real estate agents as a member of the financial service sector? Our we the same as mortgage lenders, pawnbrokers, banks, or credit unions? The California legislators think we are! AB33 (Nava), was approved by the Assembly Banking Committee. The bill would abolish the Department of Real Estate along with the Department of Corporations, the Department of Financial Institutions and the Office of Real Estate Appraisers. The new Department of Financial Services would now have jurisdiction and responsibilities for these departments. Since real estate agents do not provide financial services this seems strange to many of us. We are the only group from the group listed above that are individually licensed agents (independent contractors) who have fiduciary agency relationship with our clients.
When my children were little we watched TV and played the game "One of these things don't belong with the others" . Perhaps we should sit our legislators down and play this game again!
California REALTORS are helping first time homeowners
Apr. 11, 2009
www.Koziel.com
California REALTORS® are helping First Time Homeowners
Are you a first time homebuyer? Do you plan to purchase a home in California? Are you a W-2 employee? These are a few questions if answered "yes" could make you
eligible for The California Association of REALTORS®
Housing Affordability Fund. This new program is designed to provide peace of mind to first-time buyers who are hesitant to enter the housing market due to concerns about potential job loss, and subsequently being unable to meet their monthly mortgage obligations. C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund is now offering a Mortgage Protection Program. To qualify for this new program you must be a first time home buyer (not owned a home in the last three years). You must use a California REALTOR® in the transaction and open escrow between April 2, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009.
Are you interested in such a program? Call me today for details or explore these links:
It appears that some buyers are finally starting to ask the right questions before they purchase a home. With today's economy being what it is this is a good sign. The last thing you need after purchasing a home are surprise expenses.
Many of the homes that have been built in the past decade have homeowners association but many homebuyers ask few questions about the association finances and protections. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ask for a detail report on the budget of the association and how healthy it is. How many homeowners are not current on their association dues and what action is the board taking to collect this money? Is the board currently saving in a reserve account for repairs that will be needed? If the reserve account is underfunded how is the board addressing this concern?
All associations have rules and regulations. Read them carefully before you purchase. It is unfair to purchase and then use the excuse that I didn't know that or I was never told about that rule. RULES ARE MADE FOR ALL TO FOLLOW!
One rule that is being reconsidered by many people in 55+ communities is the rule on having anyone living in the home that is not 55 for an extended time. Many adults are finding it necessary to have children move back in after they have lost a home. Although this is a very sad situation it doesn't change the rules that control the tax benefits of these developments. Why should the association lose its reduced tax benefits because a few households can't follow the rules.
There are many benefits for living in an area with homeowners associations but be sure you understand both the good and the bad aspects of association living.
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