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First Time Home Buyers Do’s And Don’ts

March 22nd, 2012 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Buyers, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Real Estate News, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista
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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

5 Inexpensive Home Updates to Complete before Listing Your Home

February 7th, 2012 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Real Estate News, San Marcos, Sellers, Valley Center, Vista
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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. Read the rest of this entry »

Home Mortgage Rates Improve on Feds Announcement

February 1st, 2012 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Buyers, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Mortgage News, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Real Estate News, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista
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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

Shopping for a New Home in Winter

December 7th, 2011 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Buyers, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Real Estate News, San Diego, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista
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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:

Shopping for a Home in Winter 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

September 13th, 2011 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Buyers, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Real Estate News, San Diego, San Marcos, Sellers, Valley Center
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Why Real Estate is still AMERICA’S BEST INVESTMENT

HOME EQUITY 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.

Home Values are still Historically High – Economist Robert J.Shiller has researched and outlined American Housing prices for standard existing homes from 1890 to present, adjusting values to today’s dollars. Although home values have hovered close to the $100,000 mark for the better part of the century, they began to escalate in the late 1990s and into the new millenium,fueling the housing bubble.

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.

Fallbrook / Bonsall, CA Homes Sold July 2009

September 2nd, 2009 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Buyers, Fallbrook, Market Trends Statistics, San Diego, Sellers
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Current Market Trends for Fallbrook and Bonsall CA

Fallbrook / Bonsall Market Trends

Fallbrook and Bonsall are areas we havent watched much lately, but there has been some significant activity in these two areas that is worth a quick look.

This area consists of mostly rural type properties on larger lots. There arent really very many so-called Average homes in Fallbrook and Bonsall. They are usually pretty unique with character all their own.

But as we take a look at our chart here, the average list price shows it to be $905,776.

That figure might shy away many prospective buyers, but a closer look and a more true picture of the values in this area is shown in the Sold and Pending rows of the chart.

It is true that there are many spectacular properties that are priced well over a million dollars and well worth every penny of it, but you can also find some very good values in the Fallbrook / Bonsall area too.

The average Sold price is $422,690 with and average square footage of 2331. Now that is still quite affordable and reasonable for most buyers today.

If you are tired of battling against other buyers for smaller properties in other San Diego County cities, why not take a quick jont up to Fallbrook and Bonsall and see what they have to offer. You may be quite surprised at what you find and Im sure you will be pleased by the unique properties and scenery you will see.

If you would like more information on Fallbrook or Bonsall properties, give us a call or browse the MLS through our VIP home seach on our home page.

We are always here to help, and we answer our phones.

Pam and Joanna
760-580-1615 or 760-580-1630

Three Great Spas to Visit in Fallbrook,CA

January 14th, 2009 by Pam & Joanna
Categories: Community News and Events, Fallbrook
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Have you got the winter blues?- if so now is the time to pamper yourself and take a day out for a visit to the spa. Something everyone should do for themselves even if its just once in a while.

Fallbrook is the perfect location for your day retreat. For a small town there is an amazing array of Spas.

Enjoy the beautiful drive through the Avocado Capital and while your’re there take a walk down main street and check out the fantastic variety of stores.

You won’t be disappointed with these three Spa’s…. Read the rest of this entry »