First time Home Buyers do's and don'ts

First Time Home Buyers Do’s And Don’ts

For first time home buyers, buying a home is one of the most significant investments they will ever make. In spite of the doubt and confusion clouding both the financial markets and news headlines this is still one of the best times in the last 40 years to buy a home and there are many great opportunities out there especially for first time home buyers. Home prices are more affordable than ever before and interest rates are the best we have seen in many, many years.

However first time home buyers are understandably anxious when it comes to making one of the largest investments of their lifetime.

Here is a simple list to help make the process a little easier for first time home buyers dreaming of home ownership.

First Time Home Buyers Do’s:

First time home buyers do need to take time to explore mortgage pre-approval. Getting a head start on this will help others involved with your purchase understand that you are serious about homeownership.

First time home buyers do need to make a decision on who you will be working with on your transaction, choosing a team of experienced professionals will be very important in making the home buying process simple and straight forward. Begin with a choice for your Real Estate Agent who will be able to connect first time home buyers with suitable mortgage lenders, home inspectors, lawyers and others who play a role in the home buying process.

First time home buyers do need to anticipate your future needs and buy for your personal lifestyle. What may make a perfect starter home might not work as well when children come along for first time home buyers. Remember, people move for lifestyle reasons and your first home will more than likely not be your last.

First Time Home Buyers Don’ts:

First time home buyers don’t buy more than you can afford. Make sure that your down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses and taxes are within your budget before you sign on the dotted line.

First time home buyers don’t try to time the market. Instead of waiting for an unreliable window of time and potentially missing out on the perfect home – first time home buyers should focus on their own lifestyles and buy when the time is truly right for them.

First time home buyers don’t jump into an unusual or confusing mortgage. When it comes to down payments and mortgages, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to read carefully through every aspect of the proposed agreements to fully understand your end of the bargain. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as first time home buyers.

Don’t underestimate the value of a trustworthy real estate agent’s expertise. While being savvy first time home buyers will help you on the road to ownership, a local expert with years of negotiating experience is invaluable when it comes to helping you find the perfect home – and closing the deal.

CALL PAM AND JOANNA FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOMES IN NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY:

PAM 760-580-1615 JOANNA 760-580-1630

Content by Courtesy of RisMedia

 There is no perfect formula for selling your home efficiently, but by following these five tips prior to listing you can increase your chances to close quickly at a higher price.

1.) Update your old garage door(s). Garage doors seem like a non-issue, but many times they make up a significant percentage of the front of a home. Because of this, they are one of the first things that buyers notice when they pull in the drive way. Replacing, or even just painting, these central fixtures will do wonders when it comes to instantly impressing perspective buyers and standing apart from your competition. The market has changed drastically since many of us purchased our homes here in town. I frequently hear buyers say that they have taken a house off their list because of the lack of curb appeal. This issue is especially important to people on busier streets, corner lots, or near a neighborhood eyesore.

2.) Replace old windows. Outdated windows age a home significantly, and you can often upgrade standard windows to vinyl for a reasonable $300 per window. The average home has 8 windows, so this upgrade doesn’t cost nearly as much as you might think and it will make a huge difference to the value perceived by prospective buyers. Key point to remember is that when buyers view a home they love, if they see it has older windows, they consider it a time consuming and costly headache. First time buyers have never replaced windows and often dramatically overestimate the cost to cure this issue. By replacing pre-listing you an actually save money. A well priced, move-in condition home will sell for far more than one with windows in need of repair.

3.) Assess your floors . If you have hardwood flooring, it’s worth the investment to have them refinished considering buyers put an extremely high value on them; you’ll get the most bang for your buck if they are refurbished. Carpets should be shampooed and replaced if they are stained or look worn. You don’t need to spend large amounts of money on the highest grade or most modern name but something inexpensive and neutral will certainly bring you a return on the investment. Even the smell of new carpet will make buyers set your home apart from the comparables.

4.) Paint the trim. If you can’t afford the daunting task of painting your entire house, painting just the trim will still make a big difference when it comes to curb appeal. Painting the whole house can be expensive, time consuming, and delayed by weather conditions; painting just the trim will give your home a fresher look. Interior trim is equally as important.

5.) Update fixtures. Keep an eye out for sales at home improvement stores and replace outdated lighting, plumbing and hardware fixtures. Simple replacing lighting fixtures and knobs in the bathroom or kitchen can update the entire look of the room. You can find many modern brand name fixtures online on contractor supply websites by just searching for terms like sale faucets, sale plumbing fixtures etc.

CALL US IF YOU ARE THINKING OF LISTING YOUR HOME, WE CAN HELP YOU!

PAM PARTON  760-580-1615            JOANNA WOOLLEY 760-580-1630

CONTENT BY COURTESY OF RISMEDIA

The end of January’s Fed announcement was very favorable for mortgage rates. This week’s mixed economic data, Treasury auctions, and news from Europe had little influence. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower.

The forecasts from Fed officials for the fed funds rate contained some major surprises for investors. Fed officials now expect that economic conditions will allow the fed funds rate to remain at exceptionally low levels until at least “late 2014″.Prior statements extended the expected time frame only to mid-2013. In addition, comments from Fed Chief Bernanke suggested that Fed officials would like to see stronger economic growth, and they are open to the possibility of additional Fed easing. Many investors think it is likely that the Fed will announce additional MBS purchases at a later meeting. The expectation for a low fed funds rate and the possibility of additional Fed purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) increased demand for MBS, which resulted in higher MBS prices and lower mortgage rates.

The most recent release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed an increase at a 2.8% annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2011, which was a little below the consensus forecast, but up from 1.8% during the third quarter. Early estimates for the first quarter of this year are for a slower growth rate. The long-run average growth rate for the economy is generally considered to be around 3.0%, and the economy usually grows at a faster than average rate following a recession. Given that the economy is growing below its potential and that inflation remains tame, the Fed’s expectation that monetary policy will remain very stimulative for a long time is understandable.

CALL PAM PARTON 760-580-1615     OR                     JOANNA WOOLLEY 760-580-1630

We would love  to help you with your home sale or purchase in North County San Diego, give us  a call at any time so we can help you get the process started!

Content Courtesy of John Yeager, Summit Mortagage

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home, winter is the time to start getting serious. Here are a few reasons to brave the cooler weather and go on a house hunt:

The winter season has fewer units on the market, and sellers tend to need to move from their property. You can use that to your advantage to get a favorable deal.

Winter has fewer buyers in the market. Looking for a home in the winter can be inconvenient, and people are less likely to move. Families also tend to be on a September to June cycle because they are unwilling to move their children to a new town in the middle of the school year. Fewer buyers means less competition.

Lenders usually have fewer loans to process and less paperwork to deal with. With lenders less hassled, you might be able to  expect a smoother process to get approved for a mortgage.

Finally, as all savvy shoppers know after the holiday season comes the season of bargain opportunities. This includes houses as well!!

So go out and brave the weather, rain or sun and find that home you’ve been looking for. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.

For a complete list of all the latest short sales, foreclosures and standard sales call: PAM or JOANNA .

PAM PARTON: 760-580-1615                       JOANNA WOOLLEY: 760-580-1630

Why Real Estate is still AMERICA’S BEST INVESTMENT

The latest headlines tell us the economy fluctuates from recovery to ruin on a weekly basis. In reality, real estate is cyclical, and the market is on its way to recovery in most areas. Although you may feel nervous about home ownership, property is still your best long – term investment.

In more than two thirds of the country, housing affordability has dipped to pre-housing bubble levels, creating opportunities for those looking for a bargain. Home prices are expected to rise in 2013 due to fewer distressed sales and the impending housing shortage.

Mortgage rates have decreased over the last fifty years to record lows. Due to the economic downturn,borrowers with stellar credit and a solid employment history are best able to secure financing right now. However, as conditions improve, the market will expand for borrowers who may not fit the mold of traditonal lending standards, such as the self employed.

A major advantage of homeownership is building equity. The average seller who purchased a home in 2002 gained 24% in equity, while those who purchased their homes 11 to 15 years ago had a median gain of 40%.

So in spite of all the negative news the press is brain washing us with IT IS STILL A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME!

For more information on great HOME  DEALS available in North County San Diego give us a call as  we would love to share this information with you.

PAM PARTON:  760-580-1630                             JOANNA WOOLLEY: 760-580-1615

Content courtesy of

Brian Buffini, Wall Street Jouranl and National Association of Realtors.

USDA Rural Housing Loan Program Available For Hidden Meadows

Peaceful Golf Course Views

Now it can be easier than ever to purchase this charming Golf Course home located in the coveted Hidden Meadows Community. 

There is a little known  government loan program called USDA Rural Housing loan program that helps eligible home buyers purchase homes in rural areas with

• NO MONEY DOWN
• NO PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE REQUIRED
• SELLER CAN PAY UP TO 6% IN CLOSING COSTS

We have recently discovered that this property at 10973 Meadow Glen Way in Hidden Meadows, qualifies for this USDA Rural Housing Loan program.

For more information and to see if you or someone you know might qualify for this very special loan program click here

 If you know of anyone that has thinking about buying a home, but thought that they were not quite ready yet, give us a call, lets talk to see if this would work for them.

Pam Parton & Joanna Woolley
760-580-1615 or 760-580-1630

Beautiful Granite Counters & Stainless Steel Appliances

It doesnt get any better than this folks!  Completely and beautifully remodeled with quality materials.  Just REDUCED AND PRICED TO SELL at $390,000!

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2148 SQ. FT.  All new Stainless Steel Appliances and Granite Counters in Kitchen and Baths, Gorgeous Distressed Hardwood Floors.

  Bathrooms have been restyled with New Traverntine Tiles, New Fixtures, and Lighting.  Enjoy the warmth of 2 Fireplaces, one in the cozy Family Room just off the Kitchen and one in the Master Suite.

Master Bath with Gorgeous Traverntine Tiles and Granite Counters

All this, and one of the most Excellent neighborhoods Escondido has to offer, Hidden Meadows with its unique natural landscape of mountains, hills and boulders, and of course the sporty Executive Golf Course.

This one wont last at this price, come see for yourself and fall in love!

Hidden Meadows Executive Golf Course

Come take a tour of this wonderful home,
 CALL
Pam Parton at 760-580-1615 or Joanna Woolley at 760-580-1630

REDUCED AND PRICED TO SELL!!!

Don’t miss this opportunity to view this charming peaceful country style home. Light & bright with beautiful views of the golf course yet very secluded. Large picture windows with white plantation shutters let in lots of natural light and showcase the unique woodland style backyard. Views are enjoyed on the deck & patio, behind the privacy of nature with the tranquil sounds of your very own babbling brook. The large bonus room has so many different uses – sewing room, game room, exercise room, storage or perhaps even your own man cave. Home Buyers don’t miss your chance to live in a classic hidden meadows beauty! It’s even a STANDARD SALE!
1800 sq ft 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
PRICED at $390,000 – $410,000
Call us anytime for more information on this home or other homes for sale in the community.
PAM PARTON 760-580-1615 JOANNA WOOLLEY 760-580-1630

Are you looking to buy a home sometime in the near future? If you are don’t miss out on this GRANT money available now – it does not have to be paid back. Keep in mind that there has not been a better time to buy a home in the last 40 years than there is now, interest rates are down, home prices are down and there is grant money available. Why would you not want to take advantage of this opportunity to buy a home? Valley Center and Escondido offer some of the lowest prices in North County San Diego.

• This grant is equal to 3% of the total loan amount of the home you are purchasing.
•  Can be used for down payment, closing costs,prepaid items or earnest money.
• Program is available for first time homebuyers and non first time buyers.
• Home Buyer may own properties but must occupy the subject property.
• The 1st mortgage must be an FHA,VA, USDA-Rural Housing loans,thirty year fixed.
• Qualifying property types must be SFR owner occupied units, Fannie Mae approved condos and PUDS.
• Theres is a maximum income limit for San Diego County of $90,500 gross annual income
• Minimum FICO is 620.

Valley Center and Escondido Home Buyers what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to take advantage of some free money to help you get into the home of your dreams!

Call Pam or Joanna today for more information on how you can qualify for this CHF Platinum Grant Program.

PAM: 760-580-1615        JOANNA: 760-580-1630

 28618 Meadow Glen Way just got even better!

  Now this beautiful remodeled home is more affordable than ever.   Imagine living in one of Escondidos finest and best kept secret communities. 

As you drive through this unique community, you will marvel at the  interesting landscapes and architecture of the homes as they were built to preserve the natural beauty of the enormous boulders and majestic mountains.

Currently offered at just $399,000-$429,000.   

Where can you find all of this at this price?

• 2148 Square Feet
• 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
• Single Level
• Granite Counters
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Beautiful and Pleniful Kitchen Cabinets
• Distressed Hardwood Floors
• Traverntine Tile in Bathrooms
• All New Sinks, Toilets, Faucets and Fixtures
• 2 Fireplaces (Including 1 in Master Suite)
• New Carpet
• Indoor Laundry Room with Utility Sink
• .25 Acre Lot
• Beautiful Low Maintenance Landscape
• Golf Course Community
• Community Pool and Club House
• Gorgeous Mountain Views
• Minutes To Freeway But Feels Miles Away
• 2 Different School Districts to Choose from

To schedule a private tour or get open house information, call or text us at 760-580-1615 or 760-580-1630

Beautifully Remodeled Master Suite

Gorgeous Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances