Today, we'll discuss common websites that buyers go to when looking for homes that are available for sale. Many buyers begin their home search process on sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. While these sites may be a good starting point, they don't really give you all the information that you need to know. You need to know whether the home is a short sale or a standard sale, or other important information, such as whether the seller needs to buy a home before you can close on escrow.
While the Web is a great place to start, I highly recommend contacting a professional real estate agent. You will get all the information you need and save you time and energy. A real estate agent will make sure that your purchase transaction closes in a timely manner. If you have any questions, please give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!
Today we are very excited to introduce you to Tommy Barro, and our preferred lenders here at First Centennial Mortgage in Irvine, California. They have been our preferred lender for the last several years. We’ve worked with them because they provide excellent service, great interest rates, and constant communication to buyers, sellers, Realtors, and escrow companies to ensure on-time closings and efficient processes.
First Centennial Mortgage is a direct, regional mortgage banking company that has been given the “Lend Right Company” designation by both the CFPD and Forbes magazine. These designations are only given out to the top mortgage banking institutions in the country. Tommy and his associates take pride in this designation, and give credit to their talented loan officers, great operations staff, and their platform, which allows them to offer the lowest interest rates in the industry, and a team that ensures on-time closings and great communication. If you have any financing needs, whether it be a home loan or a refinance, give Tommy and his team a call. They are the best option for you, no matter what type of mortgage you need.
Today, we'll discuss the differences between a home warranty, home insurance, and a home inspection. The home warranty covers items such as the appliances, the water heater, and heating and air conditioning systems. This is different than most home insurance policies, which would cover you for a fire or, depending on your area, flooding. Home inspections come during your inspection period, usually within the first 17 days of the contract period. A home inspector looks over the home to determine the quality and condition of certain components of the home. It is not an insurance policy; this just gives you a clear idea of the condition of the home.
When getting a warranty, be aware that different home warranties cover different things. For example, if you get a warranty for the pool on the property, that would typically only cover items above the ground, such as the heater and the pump. It would not cover any cracks or leaks that develop in the pool. So when selecting a warranty, really read through it and see what is covered. When you get a home inspection, make sure you have a certified home inspector. There is no license for home inspectors in California, but you can at least get someone who is certified. I hope this clears up any confusion for you. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to help you!
Today, we'll discuss current market conditions. A lot of people have been asking, "Is today's market a buyer's or seller's market?" The answer really depends on what price range you're looking in. For homes below $417,000, the market is a seller's market with a strong demand for homes. For homes priced $700,000 and up, it is more of a buyer's market. That's due to the difficulties of obtaining financing in that particular price range. Mortgage rates are very good right now, ranging between 3.75% to 4% for a 30-year fixed loan. Overall, market values have increased by about 10% year-over-year for this particular month.
But where are they going from here? It is expected that the Fed will increase interest rates by about a quarter of a percent. That is a small amount, and should not have a significant impact on the overall values of homes. Overall, it's a good time to buy. If you have any more questions, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
