Real Estate Information Archive

Growing Trees and Shrubs in Container

You can make almost any space more interestting with a tree or shrub planted in a container.  Small patios, porches, balconies, even decks make perfect spots for containers of trees amd shrubs.  You can plant them early, and add a nice touch to color, texture, and privacy to otherwise bare areas.                                                                                                                                          

1.)  Select the Right Plant.

2.)  Choose a LArge Enough Container.

3.)  Plant your tree or shrub

4.)  Matenance...

Container plants will tend to dry out faster than plants in the ground. 

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME

Here are some tips to help determine which house is best for you.

Consider the following;

1) know what types of home you want to buy (single family, condo, multi-family,etc)
2) know the preferred area you want to buy (narrow down the area you like)
3) determine what age and condition of the house you want to buy (fixer upper,  move-in ready, are you capable of doing some of the work yourself)
4) consider resale potential (always think would someone else want to buy this home)
5) use a features wish list to keep you focused (prioritize wants and needs)
6) use a home search comparison chart to keep organized (make notes of likes and dislikes of homes you view)
7) act decisively when you find the right home (be prepared to buy when you find your dream home, find the lender of your choice and get pre-approved and pick an agent who will explain the buying process to you before you are emotionally involved with a house)

     When you prepare an offer to purchase a home, you already know the seller's asking price.  But what price are you going to offer and how do you come up with that figure? 

     First, you look at recent sales of similar properties to come up with a price range.  The first step in determining the price you are willing to offer is to look at the recent sales of similar homes.  These are called "comparable sales."  Comparable sales are recent sales of homes that compare closely to the one you are looking to purchase.  Specifically, you want to compare prices of homes that are similar in square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage space, lot size, and type of construction.

     Then, you analyze additional data, such as the conditions, and the circumstances of the seller.  This will help you settle on a price you think would be fair to pay for the home.  Finally, depending on your negotiating style you adjust your "fair" price and come up with what you want to put in your offer.

A real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about the home buying process.

Not all real estate licensees are the same: only those who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly.  REALTORS subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.  An independent survey reported that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR again.

Real estate transactions today usually exceed $250,000.  If you had a $250,000 legal problem would you deal without  the help of an attorney?  Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be wise to work with a professional REALTOR when you are buying a home.

Here are more reasons to use one:

1.  Your REALTOR can help you determine your buying power.

2.  Your REALTOR has many resources to assist you in your home search.

3.  Your REALTOR can assist you in the selection process by providing  objective information about each property.

4.  Your REALTOR can help you with negotiations and inspections.

5.  Your REALTOR provides due diligence during the property evaluation.

6.  You REALTOR can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders.

7.  Your REALTOR can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

If you're a first time home buyer, the process can be overwhelming.  The first thing you need to do is pick and agent.  Make sure you choose one that you feel comfortable speaking with.  Make sure they are a licensed Realtor.  Meeting with them before you begin viewing homes is very important.  Explaining the home buying process is a must so there won't be any surprises along the way.

Our homes have such a personal connection to us that we're often challenged to turn them back into just plain houses when it's time for us to sell. it is always best to remove personal effects such as pictures, knickknacks, mementos, trophies, greeting cards and the like before showing a house. (BTW, a good agent will emphasize this very important fact) There is a rule of thumb that you should count every item in every room of a for-sale home and eliminate or store 50% of them.

The buyers want to imagine themselves in the house for years to come and your excess decor and whatnots only distracts from this vision. and don't get defensive about colors or design patterns or flooring that you love. It's OK to grit your teeth as you grin. Let your agent be the buffer. Remember, the customers (your buyers) are always right, unless, of course, they're low balling you!

Once your offer has been presented to the seller the negotiating process begins. There are liable to be numerous counter-offers going back and forth between you and the seller. There are a few important things to remember;

• Your offer is just that – an offer – until it has been accepted and agreed to by both you and the seller. At any time during the negotiating process another offer could come in and cause you to be in a multiple offer – or worse – lose the house completely. A wise buyer will try to come to an agreement with the seller in a reasonable short period of time.
• Many contracts have stipulations on when the buyer must make his mortgage application. Please be sure to check your contract and abide by its requirements.
• If your contract calls for a home inspection and attorney review, please choose both of these as quickly as possible and let your agent know who they are. Your service providers have a limited amount of time to protect your interest.
• Be sure to comply with all requests of your lender after the mortgage application has been done. Not producing the documents or information they need can jeopardize your getting your mortgage on time.
• Generally, the buyer accompanies the home inspector at the inspection. Please allow at least 2 to 3 hours for an average inspection. More time may be necessary for a large home.
• Your agent will act as coordinator for all activities from this point and will keep everyone in the loop as far as what is going on. The lender, home inspector, both attorneys, the other REALTOR, the title company (or escrow agent) will all be performing necessary duties during this time.
• If necessary your agent and your attorney will work together to negotiate any repairs that were noted during the home inspection. Remember, routine maintenance items are not the type of thing that should be noted and negotiated.
• Your walk thru will be scheduled as per your sales contract. Your agent will schedule this with you, the seller and the listing agent. It should happen just prior to the closing.
• If all of this sounds a little overwhelming – don’t worry – you’re in good hands. Your agent has been through this many times and will be there for you during the entire process. Relax and enjoy the experience.

EXTENDED FAMILIES LIVING TOGETHER

Both immigration patterns and the recession have changed American life.   One of the big changes is in the way we live.  According to census data, from 2005 through 2009 3.8 million people moved in with relatives.  In 2005, 6.9% of households included extended family.  In 2009, 8.2% of households did.  If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about financing for homes with an eye toward extended families, please give us a call!

ITEMS NEEDED FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN APPLICATION

WHEN BUYING A HOME A SMART THING TO DO IS TO GET PREAPPROVED BY A LENDER.  THESE ARE THE ITEMS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING TO A MORTGAGE LOAN APPLICATION!

The items listed below are items that are required by the mortgage company in order to begin processing your application.

1.)  Copies of the last 2 years signed income tax returns.

2.)  Current paycheck stub, a copy of the most current Social Security check , or proof of other income source.

3.)  Employers name and address, badge or I.D. number, if any.

4.)  List of all open charge accounts, bank loans, etc.  Include the account number, balanced owed and monthly payment.

5.)  List of all savings / checking accounts.  Include the name of the bank or credit union, the account number, and balance.

Do you love shrimp? Here's a quick, and easy shrimp recipe that's sure to make your dinner special. Prepare it as written or to add a "little zip and spice" to your shrimp recipe add a little Tabasco or Red Pepper. It takes under 30 minutes to prepare this great shrimp recipe so it will soon become a favorite!

Shrimp in garlic Sauce - Camarones al Ajillo

½ Cup olive oil                                       4 to 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

2 ½ to 3 lbs shrimp (peeled and deveined)  ¼ Cup parsley (fresh/chopped)

Juice of 2 limes                                       1 Medium onion

1 Tbls. Flour                                           4 Tbls. Butter

½ tsp. salt                                             ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

6 ounces dry white wine

1. In a heavy pot, heat 2 Tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Once the butter begins to turn golden brown, add half of the shrimp, and quickly sear them (you may have to raise the heat). Transfer the shrimp to a plate, and repeat with the remaining butter and shrimp.
2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute’ for 5 to 7 minutes, until both are soft. Add the stock wine and lime juice, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You may need to add extra stock if the sauce evaporated too quickly, but not more than ¼ cup.
4. Measure out ½ cup of the hot liquid, and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Add the flour, and whisk until smooth. Add the flour mixture to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens to the consistency of light syrup. Add the shrimp and the parsley, and stir, incorporating all the ingredients completely.
5. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will be tough. Serve with white or saffron-seasoned yellow rice.