Home $$s and Sense

 

Can Home be Sold if it’s on Ditch Water?

My father lives in Applegate. His house is on ditch water. He had to abandon the original well because it was contaminated with mercury..More

Don’t Buy a Car While in the Home Buying Process!

I inherited some money when my Grandmother passed away last year..More

Consult Real Estate Attorney in Short Sale

My home has been in escrow on a short sale for six long months..More

More Inspections Needed When Buying Country Property

I am in escrow on a country property. I can’t believe that I am going to be living out one of my fondest dreams!..More

Get Self-Directed!

I have been a contractor/investor for over ten years. I have used other people’s money to buy, rehab and resell homes..More

Cash Credit to Buyers in Lieu of Repairs is Win-Win!

I am in the process of buying a house. We just finished the home inspection..More

Homeowner Dies Without a Will

My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in January..More

e-Signatures Are Legal in Real Estate

I am in the middle of buying a new house. My Realtor e-mailed several documents for me to sign..More

Tax Relief for Distressed Property Owners

Good News!..More

HAFA Compliments HAMP

he real estate industry is abuzz about the Obama Administrations recent introduction of the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program (HAFA)..More

Moving Towards Economic Stabilization

I read a Certified Residential Specialists report that touched on today’s attitudes towards home ownership, housing needs and trends..More

Divorces Require Arms Length Market Evaluation

I am in the middle of a divorce. My wife and I have agreed on everything so far. We now have to decide how we are going to put a value on our last remaining asset, our home..More

Placer County Finances Green Improvements

When I bought the old place I spent thousands of dollars in an attempt to make it energy efficient..More

Tenant Can Make or Break a Sale

I own a rental that I really need to sell..More

Loan Mods Set to Get Easier

I applied for a loan modification with BofA. After several months of back and forth..More

What is 'Shadow Inventory'?

I heard that its expected to hit the market this year and we will see home values decline even further..More

Fewer Vacancies When Tenants Are Happy

I have several rentals that I manage myself. I have been rather successful at it but lately I have had a couple of vacancies that I just can’t seem to fill..More

Short Sale Questions!

I owe $300,000.00 on my house. Based on what my neighbor’s house just sold for, I think that my house is worth $225,000.00..More

It's a Wonderful Life!

The bank just accepted an offer that my son and daughter in law submitted..More

Miracle on Main Street

My son is a first time buyer. He has been looking for a home for over a year. He has made several offers only to be beat out by investors with cash..More

Homeseller Questions Marketing Home Over Holidays

After six months of painting, repairing, landscaping and clearing out over twenty years of clutter we are finally ready to sell our house..More

Be Thankful for the Most Important Things in Life

I asked a long time friend and local builder how his business was doing..More

Let Your Agent Do Their Job!

My agent asked that I make myself scarce when my home is being shown.

No New 21- Day Turnaround Requirement for Short Sales Approvals

I was in escrow on a beautiful home that was located right in the middle of the North Auburn fire..More

Homeowners Horror Story

Little did I know that stated income loans would be discontinued!..More

Retirees Have Options in Today’s Market

My husband and I are in our seventies. We know that we will be in our eighties at the blink of an eye...More

Selling Strategies for Today’s Market Conditions

Because I plan on selling and buying within the next couple of months, I found the offer strategy that you wrote about last week to be very interesting..More

Strategies for a Winning Offer

 I am a first time (trying to be) buyer..More

US Treasury to Introduce Streamlined Short Sale Process

I have been in escrow on a short sale property for over a month..More

Short Sale Myths

Our Realtor said that we owe more than it’s worth so we need to do a short sale..More

Home Modification Program a Success?

My sister Sandra Bridges, a short sale negotiator was on the phone with a representative of a large bank..More

100% Financing is Live and Well

Many people think that today’s buying opportunities are just for investors with cash. Not true..More

How Will Short Sales Affect Appraisals?

How would I know if I am “upside down” on my house? Several of my neighbors have sold their homes for half of what I paid..More

Home Modification Program a Success?

My sister Sandra Bridges, a short sale negotiator was on the phone with a representative of a large bank..More

Tevis Cup Brings Horse Property to Mind

Auburn, known as “The Endurance Capitol of the World,” is hosting the world’s best known and most difficult endurance ride, The Tevis Cup ..More

CMA Lost in Translation

I didn’t want to appear clueless but what in the heck is a CMA? ..More

Toxic Assets Become "Legacy Assets"

Since the health care debate has become front and center in the local and national news I haven’t heard much about the so-called “toxic assets”..More

The Offer Giveth the Appraisal Taketh Away!

I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that my house appraised $30,000 below the offer price!..More

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure

I have been renting a beautiful house in south Auburn for the last three years..More

4 Reasons to do a Short Sale

I have an adjustable rate mortgage. The interest rate is due to adjust in 60 days..More

Slow Loan

Earlier this year, when interest rates were at an all-time low, we decided to refinance our existing 30-year loan on our primary residence..More

If You Live in the Country, You Know about Wells

I am preparing to buy a house in the country..More

What's a Miner's Inch

I have heard that I can buy irrigation water by the miners inch. I have no idea what this means..More

Country Property

We are finally making our move to the country!...More

Does a Short Sale Mean Debt Free?

I have a family member that is losing their home...More

A Tentative Spring has come to Local Real Estate Market

My Realtor told me that the sales in her office are on the rise...More

Anticipate Longer Escrow Periods

I bought a home through VA and have been in escrow for almost forty days...More

Questions from Landlords

I have been a landlord for several years...More

Patience is a Virtue in REO negotiations

I made an offer on an REO property two weeks ago...More

Help for Homeowners

My husband and I have been retired for the last five years...More

Everyone Wins When You Help a Veteran

As a veteran of the armed forces I have certain benefits available to me...More

Perfect Storm for First-time Homebuyers!

I graduated with a master’s degree in business administration a couple of years ago...More

Loan Mod Scams

I worked through an on-line loan modification company and was turned down...More

Economic Stimulus Plan

I found your recent discussion (last Friday’s Home $$s and Sense column) about a possible plan for renewed prosperity in 2009 quite interesting...More

Remodel, Permits & Insurance

I read your article on buying a house that was remodeled without going through the building permit process...More

Wishes for the New Year

First and foremost I wish for good health...More

Santa’s Gift, FHA Streamlined Re-finance Loans

I would like to refinance my FHA loan. It is 6.75%...More

Lower Home Mortgage Rates on the Horizon

The biggest question I have is whether or not I should split the property before I sell it and sell the parcels separately or let the buyer split it...More

Readers Ask Real Estate questions

I heard that interest rates for a 30 year fixed rate loan were below 6%...More

Market Conditions

It is the end of the year and I wanted to give you a market update...More

Buyer Concerned about Permits

I am in the process of buying the home of my dreams...More

Are Buyers Losing Advantage?

My uncle suggested that I put my property search on hold...More

Losses are a Part of Doing Business

We had been in escrow for 42 days. The close date was just 3 days away...More

Many Affordable Loan Options Still Available

I read your article last week with great interest and amusement...More

Don’t be Spooked by Investment Properties!

Your recent articles about today’s great buying opportunities have inspired me...More

How Will Stock Market Plunge Affect Local Real Estate Market?

How do you think the falling stock market is going to affect our local real estate market?...More

Buyer Questions Whether or not to Close Escrow

I don’t know what to make of the crazy financial markets!..More

Old Pro Keep’s Market in Perspective

I don’t know what the big hoo-ha is all about...More

Buy "As Is" Without Regret

I heard that the homes being offered for sale “as is” are the best deals...More

Price Home Right The First Time

My real estate agent keeps suggesting that I lower the price of my home...More

Ask Miss Manners

We are getting ready to put our home on the market. We have been hesitating because we are not looking forward to the inconvenience and disruption in our lives...More

Think Outside The Lock Box

Because of declining home values we now owe more than our home is worth. In other words we are upside down...More

Waiting To Buy

I want to buy a house. I have been waiting until the anticipated wave of foreclosures in July and August bring the real estate prices down even more...More

How Does Borrower go about Applying for a Short Sale?

I read your article last week about the poor lady’s “bad upside down loan.” I am in a similar situation...More

Bad Loan

I bought a little fixer over three years ago. I didn’t have much of a job but I had a great down payment from an inheritance...More

Don't Let Your Home Go Up In Smoke!

he seasons make the Foothills a wonderful place to live. Unfortunately fire season is one of them...More

The Price Must Be Right!

Warren Buffet attributes much of his wealth to buying when people are fearful and selling when they are feeling greedy...More

Working too hard for Passive Income

My plan was to fix the house up and rent it out ...More

Who Makes Up Prices?

What causes a $230,000 hike in price of home? ...More

Benefits of Short Sale Outweigh the Risks

I have been finding more short sale properties than foreclosures...More

Pre-Retirement

My husband and I are in our fifties. We are looking forward to a nice retirement...More

Good News!

I heard that Congress passed a debt forgiveness act. Would this apply to me?...More

Becoming a Landlord is Serious Business

It looks like the market is starting to rebound. I have read recent stories about multiple offers on bank owned homes...More

Should I Pay off my House?

With all the financial uncertainty right now, my husband and I have been thinking about paying off our existing mortgage in preparation for our retirement...More

Kids Can be Influenced by Feng Shui

I asked Sandra Bridges, professional Feng Shui consultant, about kids’ rooms...More

Don’t Flush Your Money Down the Toilet!

The last three Home Dollars and Sense articles have been about how ancient Feng Shui principles can be applied to one’s home in order to create a harmonious environment and promote health and wealth...More

Feng Shui in the Kitchen

It is one of the most important rooms in the house. The kitchen is the place that provides sustenance and nourishment to the family...More

Feng Shui in the Bedroom

The master bedroom must have the most balanced and harmonious energy of any room in your home since it is the source of rest, renewal and romance for the head of the house...More

Make Feng Shui Part of Your Staging Plan

It needed work then and it still needs work now...More

Why Won’t Bank Consider Offer?

I sold my home last week. I have an all cash offer with a thirty day escrow. The only contingencies are inspections...More

2008, The Year of Buying Opportunities

I am amazed by the number of buying opportunities available today...More

Today’s New Home Trends

As a builder I am interested in what buyers are expecting to find in a new home...More

Is a Reverse Mortgage Good for You?

Lately I have been bombarded with offers for a reverse mortgage...More

It’s a Smart time to Buy!

My girlfriend and I have been renting an apartment together for the last three years...More

Resolve to be Financially Fit

After the financial excesses of gift buying and overspending, thoughts of a balanced budget and financial fitness become New Year’s resolutions...More

Showing Property During the Holidays

When I originally listed my home my agent told me to remove the clutter and our personal items. Now that I have decorated my home for Christmas, I feel that I have undone everything she told me to do...More

Higher Offer is not Always Better Offer

Yesterday I received two offers on my home...More

Should Buyer Go Around Seller’s Agent?

We made an offer on a home that we loved. The offer was contingent on the sale of our home...More

Copies are good and Disclose Mr. Maniac

The offer was disappointingly low. Out of frustration, I accepted it...More

Many Reasons to be Thankful

Yesterday I was driving down Mt. Vernon Road beneath a shimmering canopy of brilliant fall color. I felt a deep sense of gratitude well up...More

Thinking Outside the Short Sale Box Really Works

I was a victim in my own mind until I read your column, Thinking Outside the Short Sale Box...More

Lesson Learned

Shortly after moving my realtor suggested that I winterize my new home. She even gave me a checklist. I laughed...More

Buy Real Estate With IRA Money

There are some screaming deals out there right now...More

Local Marketing

I think my real estate agent should advertise my house in the Bay Area...More

Are Home Sales Seasonal?

It is raining. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder...More

Is It Time To Buy A Lot?

I have always wanted to build my own home and I think it’s time...More

Have you seen any changes in the real estate market since the Feds lowered the rate?

Everyone seems to be asking that question...More

Drop Drop Fizz Fizz! Oh What a Relief it is!

Have you ever woke up in the morning with a jingle on your mind? ...More

I Am Perplexed

I have been through a couple of downturns in the market, but nothing like this one...More

Many Affordable Homes to Choose From

I read about how sellers have dropped their prices a couple of thousand dollars but aren't getting buyers...More

What Now?

I read your article last Friday regarding the “liquidity crisis.”...More

Don't Gamble on Rates

I am very confused about what is going on in the real estate and lending market. I need some advice...More

If Median Home Prices Are Up, Why Is My Price Down?

Why is it that my agent keeps telling me to lower my price if home prices are going up and home sales are down?
...More

Comment on "Business as Usual"

I found your recent response to "Frustrated Frank" very interesting in regard to the unusual real estate market we are dealing with at this time...More

It Can’t be Business as Usual

We thought our Realtor could sell our home in no time in spite of the current market conditions...More

Is Home Inspection Required by Law?

My agent scheduled a home inspection. I told her to cancel it ...More

Well- intentioned agent narrowly escapes the big house

I didn’t realize that attempting to get my client out of the poor house could get me into the big house! ...More

Sellers Can Compete with New Homebuilder

I am trying to sell my home located across the street from a new home subdivision...More

The Big View

I have been investing in real estate for over fifty years. I bought my first house for $11,000.00 in 1957. I think this same house would sell now for around $400,000! ...More

This Borrower is not a Victim of Sub-prime Fallout

My boyfriend and I were pre-qualified through a lender with 100% financing...More

Trade is different than 1031 tax deferred exchange

I bought an old home on 13 acres. The home wasn’t much but the land was awesome...More

Negotiate a Win-Win

I accepted an offer on my home. I was afraid to counter it because I didn’t want to lose the buyer...More

HomeTowners Get History Lesson and Awards

Living up to their corporate theme, “we know your HomeTown,” the entire team of HomeTown Realtors descended on Auburn’s historic Old Town last Friday to explore the colorful area as a precursor to the firm’s annual “Homers” award ceremonies...More

Is Disclosure Required In Probate Sale?

I wrote an offer on behalf of one of my clients on a property that is in probate ...More

Special laws apply when purchasing foreclosures

As an investor I am always on the lookout for opportunities ...More

FAQ's Frequently asked questions

In a buyer’s market, what’s wrong with low-balling the seller? ...More

Be The Bank

Newspaper headlines are all about the fall of the multi billion dollar sub prime lending market...More

Surprise Assessments!

I am in the process of making a long distance purchase of a brand new home in your area, the Foothills....More

Offers more than bank loan can still be “short”

The past couple of weeks in the Gold Country Homes section of the Auburn Journal you have answered questions concerning short sales...More

Objectively and Optimistically Evaluate Investments

You are always encouraging people to buy real estate as an investment...More

Upside Down

Over the last five years I have refinanced my home in order to pay off credit cards and other debt...More

CMA Versus Appraisal

My home has been on and off the market for the last year. I am ready to get it back on...More

Rent or Buy?

I have been saving money for the last five years to buy a home. Prices seem fantastic and interest rates are still low
...More

Beat Uncle Sam!

My wife and I are at the point of retirement and would like to move to the Foothills...More

January Brings Surge of Home Sales

I recently interviewed a couple of reputable realtors in preparation to put my home on the market this spring. One of the agents strongly encouraged me to get my home on the market now instead of waiting for spring...More

Is Offer With Loan Contingency Real?

I am furious! ...More

Real Estate Predictions for 2007

The New Year is all about resolutions and predictions. I have asked our local real estate pundits to give their best predictions for real estate in 2007...More

What's Missing is Urgency

I am experiencing a very high level of frustration right now. My home has been on the market for six months and I have done everything I have been told to do by my agent...More

Strategizing is a Gamble

Why would an informed buyer buy now and pay more than they have to? ...More

Some Boomers Stay Home

A projected 8-9 million Boomers will retire in the next ten years, according to the National Association of Realtors...More

Somebody Has to Pay for it!

Lawsuits between developers and environmentalists are nothing new…More

Boomers’ Retirement Home Search Goes Global

I never dreamed that when one thought about a second home, a vacation home or retirement home they would think so globally…More

It’s a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home

I saw this headline in a recent issue of USA today…More

Walk-through to Verify Property Condition

My escrow is due to close in about three weeks. I am very anxious and don’t want to miss anything that may hold it up or cause problems for me later…More

Ice is Breaking and Low Appraisals

 I feel as though the market might be as low as it is going to get and that I should buy as quickly as possible. …More

Lower Prices Attract Buyers

I had 4 showings last week. I haven’t seen this much action since putting my home on the market 6 months ago! My agent thinks that I will be getting an offer soon…More

Some Real Estate Questions Answered

I have been reading articles about the median price of homes going up in some areas and down in others…More

Rent or Sell

I just turned 82. I have been living in the same house for the last 20 years…More

Price for Current Market

I was working off some steam (and hopefully my dessert from last night) at the gym when I overheard a group of women talking about how their Realtors® keep beating them up about price…More

Should Home Seller Change Agents?

Our property has been on the market for four months…More

Land

My dream has always been to build my own home…More

What's a RESPA?

When I finally got up the nerve to ask her why she wasn’t paying me any referral fees, she said she couldn’t because it was “illegal.”

Ready To Retire

I am ready to retire. I am tired of the rat race and I am ready to get out…More

Open House

I think that it sounds like a lot of work and inconvenience for me and I don’t want a bunch of looky-lou’s wandering through my home…More

The Offer Giveth. The Addendum Taketh Away

Ouch! I feel like I am being blackmailed…More

Behind Every Good Agent is a Good Assistant

It has been a month since we put our home on the market and we have talked with our agent 6 or 7 times…More

Get Creative

My husband passed away last year and I am in the process of assessing our estate…More

It's Hard Out There For A Home Seller

The price disparity between similar homes is unbelievable…More

Today’s Market Presents Opportunities

I have heard that it is a bad time to sell…More

More Than One Way To Finance College Education

A quote by Dave Barry brought home her message of the week: “I believe that we parents must encourage our children to become educated… so they can get into a good college that we cannot afford.”…More

What Should I Build?

I have been reading your articles and respect your opinion about local market conditions. What would you tell a new builder coming into town?…More

Inspect in Advance for Best Price

Our contractor noticed that one of our deck beams had some water damage. He suggested that we get a pest inspection before putting our house on the market. We want to do what is best, but isn’t that something that the buyer pays for?…More

The Best Advice

I don’t want my home to sit on the market forever! I want to be out of it by September. Please, just give me your best advice. Make it short and sweet! …More

Now is Best time to Buy New Home!

I am a little nervous about all of the changes, but I think that the time is right for my wife and I to move…More

Buyer Caught Trespassing

I am in escrow on a home that is due to close in two weeks and the owners of my soon to be new home have already moved out…More

You Can't Download a Realtor®'s Knowledge

I have been surfing the net, looking for my next home. I am really surprised at how much is on the market. It gives me a lot to choose from…More

Staged Homes

They want me on the East Coast immediately, but they want my family to stay here until the house sells.…More

Pick an Agent and Stick with ‘em!

I wanted to look at a house last weekend. When I called the listing office, the person answering the phone asked me if I was working with an agent. …More

Ask the Right Questions

I have been preparing to put my home on the market this spring. . . More

Hold Back and Close Now

I am a widow with a large home and a couple of rentals on the same property. . .More

You Can Have a Divided Interest in Undividable Property

I recently moved to Auburn from the Bay Area to help care for my parents. . .More

The Market Outlook

I have been buying and selling real estate for years. All of my real estate investments are in Placer County. . .More

Inspections Are Up To You

What is the protocol when it comes to excluding structures from the termite report? . . . More

Red Flags

I recently received a small inheritance from my Aunt. It is enough for a down payment on a modest home. My father said that it is a perfect time to buy. He said that prices are good right now. There is a lot on the market and interest rates are still low. . . More

Raging River

We were very happy with our recent home purchase until the winter rains flooded our entire garage. . . More

A Program Called 20/20

You would think that a program called 20/20 would present a clear and accurate picture of the topic it chooses to focus upon. . .More

Arbitration?

Since I invest in several different areas, I experience the inconvenience of using different real estate agents. . . More

Bettys Finds a Surprise

On November 19, I was washing my car along side the garage. I had a load of laundry in my washer, inside the garage. When the washer began to spin the water out, I noticed water was gushing out of a vent on the roof of the garage.  . .More

Caveat Emptor

My wife and I bought our home several years ago “as-is” and we want to sell it “as-is.” We bought it as a fixer upper and have spent a lot of time and money making it comfortable for us. . .More

Experts Comment on our Changing Market

Everyone is saying that the market is changing, maybe crashing and I need to know if that’s true and if it is what do I need to do to get my home sold? . . . More

Clarify Terms in Writing

My cousin and I inherited the family ranch. I have lived here over half of my life running things. In the will, I was named the trustee. According to our attorney, my job is to get the property sold so that the proceeds of the sale can be split between us. . . More

Condo Living is a Great First Step

I am a 27 year old guy with a great paying job. I love my work and the growth potential at my company is unlimited. I recently married my childhood sweetheart and want to start a family. . .More

Converting a Rental to a Residence

One of the most confusing topics that you have ever written about is converting a rental property to one’s own personal residence. . . More

Dear Sue, I'm So Excited!

I am so excited! I took out an equity loan on my house and bought my first rental property. I plan to buy at least one property a year. . . More

Did I Miss the Market?

I put my home on the market in March. I have had a lot of showings, maybe three a week, but haven’t received a single offer. . .More

I Don't Wanna Be a Loser

Since my father passed away a couple of years ago and left me with a modest inheritance, my mother has been encouraging me to get into real estate investing. . .More

Realtor Flips over Early Move In

Due to some technicality with the buyer’s loan, which is not a big deal, the escrow is to be delayed by a few days.
More

Confessions of an X FSBO

I wished that I had read your article before attempting to sell my home myself. . .More

Don’t kill the Goose

My wife and I took an early retirement. Together, we receive a nice monthly income. . .More

Avoid Hatfield & McCoy Syndrome

 was wondering if you knew anything about easements. . .More

Have Your Exchange and Cash Too

I have a rental property that I have owned for about 15 years. . .More

Hold Back Can Be a Leg Up

The beautiful, plush light colored carpet was stained in the shape of the old bed. . .More

Our Affordable Housing Crisis

I am in a very difficult position. I have been trying to move my family up to the Foothills so we can all be together.
More

Installment Sales Benefit Both Buyer and Seller

I have been renting a fabulous little house in the country. I have a horse, two dogs and my own garden. As you probably know this kind of living situation is very hard for a renter to find. . .More

Know The 1031 Rules Before You Play The Game

I am about three years away from retirement. I have been working towards my retirement by buying real estate.
More

Is an agent allowed to negotiate directly with seller?

I am a relatively new Realtor®. I have never seen you answer a letter from a real estate agent before, but I am hoping that you will clarify an issue I recently encountered. . .More

Local Appraiser Comments on the Current Market

First time home buyers now have a window of good interest rates and affordable homes. . .More

Over Priced Home is Shop Worn

I listed my home for sale over 6 months ago. It is still on the market. . . More

Pre-Payment

I listed my home for sale with my cousin who recently got her real estate license. I thought that listing with her would not only help her out with her new career, but it would keep it in the family. . . More

Selling is Scary . . . Don't be Spooked

We are getting ready to sell the home that we have lived in for the last 20 years. I have enjoyed living here and raising my family. The children have all left and it’s time for us to down size. . . More

Show Me The Money!

Three days before our escrow was to close, we received an addendum from the buyer asking for an extension.
More

The Two Rules of Disclosure

My cousin said that I should paint over an old water stain on my dining room ceiling. My real estate agent said that if I do something like that I need to disclose it. . . More

When Sold is Old

I don’t understand why the agents put so much emphasis on the properties that have sold. . . More

Who is ROI?

I read your column last week. I was inspired by your optimism. After reading it, I felt as if I too could be successful investing in real estate. . . More

Who Keeps the Deposit?

We were about a week away from closing our escrow, when my agent called and said that due to personal issues and unforeseen circumstances, the buyer had to cancel the sale. . . More

 

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