Archive for Paul
Percentage of listings that are Short Sales or REO in the East Bay
We have been informing you on the current housing market in the San Francisco Bay Area; again it shows that it is a great time for investors to buy their rental properties, or anybody who wants to get into house. In this last week we have done several transactions where some of the homes were [...]
3Sep2008 | Paul | 0 comments | ContinuedBay Area Home Prices Continue To Go Down
DataQuick Information reported recently that across the nine Bay Area counties the median price paid for resale homes and new homes in June 2008 went down by 27.1% compared to the same month one year ago.
Of all existing home sales almost 30% were bank-repossessed foreclosures. In June a total of 7178 homes were sold which [...]
Schools
Like in most countries parents like to see their children get the best possible education. Unlike most other countries, the United States does not have a centralized national educational system. So, children in most areas have a choice between free tax-funded public schools or privately-funded private schools.
Public school systems are supported by a combination of [...]
Internet Real Estate
Real Estate on the Internet
Recent surveys show that close to 90% of home buyers or sellers start their Real Estate searches on the internet. This is a growing number; just recently I mentioned that the figure was 80%.
When you break down the time of the day that people are searching you notice that it is [...]
French Chateau in San Francisco Bay Area
As a result of the low American Dollar we have seen an increasing number of foreigners buying Real Estate in California in the last year. We were recently contacted by several investors from Canada and China who have shown interest in one of our listings in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chateau d’Ellen in Pleasanton [...]
16Jul2008 | Paul | 0 comments | ContinuedEscrow Company
Escrow Company or Title Company
In Europe official documents, like contracts, are usually drawn up and handled by a notary or a lawyer. In America an Escrow Company or also called Title Company will take care of the official papertrail between buyer and seller. My recommendation is to work with an Escrow Company in the area [...]
Home Warranty
Home Warranty
In nearly all transactions the buyer requests that the seller will pay for a Home Warranty: this warranty is valid for one year and can be annually renewed by the buyer at their own expense.The buyer can request in the purchase contract to have certain items covered, like for instance pool and spa equipment.
Counter offer
Counter offer
After the offer is made there are three options;
The seller accepts the offer
The seller does not accept the offer.
The seller makes a counter offer: the seller accepts part of the offer but for instance counters the price. Buyer and seller can counter back and forth until they reach an agreement
Inspections and Disclosures
Inspections and disclosures
Inspections
In nearly every transaction we deal with inspections, disclosures and contingencies. As part of your purchase contract you describe which inspections you want to do. Depending on the property here are some examples:
Home inspection; these are done in almost every transaction. I always recommend the buyer to be present at the home inspection; [...]
13Jul2008 | Paul | 1 comment | ContinuedHow do I make an offer?
How do I make an offer?
After you have made your choice it is time to write the offer. In most American states it is common that the Residential Purchase Agreement is used to prepare the offer, a contract that has been produced by the National Association or Realtors. While writing the purchase contract the following [...]
