Showing posts with label Carlsbad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlsbad. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Americans Are On The Move! Are You Ready?

americansonthemove

Barbara Whisenant  Barbara Whisenant Real Estate Group  BRE# 01357594

Solutions Real Estate

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Friday, July 12, 2013

Jun 2013 Statistics for North County San Diego County Homes

  • The median price for all North County home sales - attached and  detached - increased to $495,000 in June 2013 compared to $485,000 in May 2013.
  • Detached homes in North County rose 1.71 percent in June 2013 to $565,000 compared to $555,500 in May 2013.  June 2013 was the highest reported SFD median prices in North County since January 2008.
  • Year-over median SFD price in North San Diego County jumped 20.21 percent, compared to $470,000 reported in June 2012.                
  • The countywide median SFD price increased 2.32 percent to $429,750 in June 2013 compared to $420,000 in May 2013.
  • Year-over non-North County median price jumped 23.49 percent compared to $348,000 in June 2012, a 15-month trend of year-over median price increases.
  • The number of North San Diego SFD listings (active and contingent) rose 5.97 percent in June 2013 compared to May 2013.
  • The number of sold North San Diego County SFD units decreased 5.76 percent in June 2013 compared to May 2013. Year-over sold SFD units decreased 0.88 percent compared to June 2012.
  • Median days-on-market for single-family detached homes sold in North County increased to 19 days in June 2013 compared to 18 days in May 2013.
The HomeDex affordability percentage for all homes in North San Diego County remained at 34 percent in June 2013

homedex_northcounty07_2013_Page_01

Barbara Whisenant DRE# 01357594
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

May 2013 Statistics for North County San Diego County Homes

  • The median price for all North County home sales - attached and  detached - increased to $485,000 in May 2013 compared to $470,000 in April 2013.
  • Detached homes in North County rose 3.83 percent in May 2013 to $555,500 compared to $535,000 in April 2013.
  • Year-over median SFD price in North San Diego County jumped 23.72 percent, compared to $449,000 reported in May 2012.
  • Spring 2013 has reported the highest median prices in North County since mid-2008.
  • The countywide median SFD price increased five percent to $420,000 in May 2013 compared to $400,000 in April 2013.
  • Year-over non-North County median price jumped 21.74 percent compared to $345,000 in May 2012, a 14-month trend of year-over median price increases.
  • The number of North San Diego SFD listings (active and contingent) rose 5.35 percent in May 2013 compared to April 2013.
  • The number of sold North San Diego County SFD units increased 11.49 percent in May 2013 compared to April 2013. Year-over sold SFD units increased 12.54 percent compared to May 2012.
  • Median days-on-market for single-family detached homes sold in North County decreased to 18 days in May 2013 compared to 19 days in April 2013.
  • The HomeDex affordability percentage for all homes in North San Diego County decreased to 34 percent in May 2013, compared to 36 percent in April 2013.

HomeDex North County june 2013

Barbara Whisenant DRE# 01357594
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Navigating Short Sales: What to Do When the Sale Price Leaves You Short


If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.

1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modification such as:

· Refinancing your loan at a lower interest rate

· Providing a different payment plan to help you get caught up

· Providing a forbearance period if your situation is temporary

When a loan modification still isn’t enough to relieve your financial problems, a short sale could be your best option if

· Your property is worth less than the total mortgage you owe on it.

· You have a financial hardship, such as a job loss or major medical bills.

· You have contacted your lender and it is willing to entertain a short sale.

2. Hire a qualified team. The first step to a short sale is to hire a qualified real estate professional* and a real estate attorney who specialize in short sales. Interview at least three candidates for each and look for prior short-sale experience. Short sales have proliferated only in the last few years, so it may be hard to find practitioners who have closed a lot of short sales. You want to work with those who demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the short-sale process and who won't try to take advantage of your situation or pressure you to do something that isn't in your best interest.

A qualified real estate professional can:

· Provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) or broker price opinion (BPO).

· Help you set an appropriate listing price for your home, market the home, and get it sold.

· Put special language in the MLS that indicates your home is a short sale and that lender approval is needed (all MLSs permit, and some now require, that the short-sale status be disclosed to potential buyers).

· Ease the process of working with your lender or lenders.

· Negotiate the contract with the buyers.

· Help you put together the short-sale package to send to your lender (or lenders, if you have more than one mortgage) for approval. You can’t sell your home without your lender and any other lien holders agreeing to the sale and releasing the lien so that the buyers can get clear title.

3. Begin gathering documentation before any offers come in. Your lender will give you a list of documents it requires to consider a short sale. The short-sale “package” that accompanies any offer typically must include

· A hardship letter detailing your financial situation and why you need the short sale

· A copy of the purchase contract and listing agreement

· Proof of your income and assets

· Copies of your federal income tax returns for the past two years

4. Prepare buyers for a lengthy waiting period. Even if you're well organized and have all the documents in place, be prepared for a long process. Waiting for your lender’s review of the short-sale package can take several weeks to months. Some experts say:

· If you have only one mortgage, the review can take about two months.

· With a first and second mortgage with the same lender, the review can take about three months.

· With two or more mortgages with different lenders, it can take four months or longer.

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Sincerely,

Barbara Whisenant

Click Here for the Latest in San Diego County Real Estate Statistics     

Click Here for this Month’s Newsletter

Richard Realty Groups, Inc.    Barbara Whisenant    DRE# 01357594

Southern California Associate Top Producer

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Friday, June 25, 2010

Information for Better Living

 

Welcome to houselogic. Take a few minutes to look around. You will find lots of really good information.

Call me with any of you Real Estate needs.

Click on any of the images below to learn more:

AgentCert_platinum_reo_ss_medium Realtor emblem GRIlogo SRES_black_thumb SFR_logo_bw

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell:                    (760) 583-2107    eFax:               (760) 496-1649            DRE# 01357594

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Appealing Your Property Tax Bill

Appealing Your Property Tax Bill

If your San Diego County property tax is aligned with or assessed based on the value of your home, a swing in property values could warrant close scrutiny of your property tax bill.

Some more progressive tax jurisdictions will make the adjustment for you -- up or down -- but most only move your rate up or they'll wait for the property to change hands before adjusting the tax.

Even where adjustments are automatic, you still may not be satisfied and will need to appeal the deal.

Over valued or over assessed property is perhaps the most common and successful grounds for challenging your tax bill.

When the economy is faltering and spawning foreclosures, short sales and homeowners otherwise bailing out of homeownership, consider it a red flag -- it's time to scrutinize your property tax bill.

Many homeowners bailout, accept the foreclosure or take the short sale way out because their mortgage is more than the value of the home, which may have fallen for a variety of reasons.

The incidence of incorrectly calculated property tax bills may also warrant a close inspection of your property tax bill or an appeal.

Many errors in calculating your property tax bill also stem from clerical mistakes according to the American Homeowners Association (AHA) which, along with the National Taxpayers Union, offers a low-cost kit to help you check our property tax's accuracy and, if necessary, attempt to lower your levy.

Visit the San Diego County Tax Assessors office  (http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/default.aspx) and download the form “Application for Changed Assessment”.  Call me and I will send you the comparables you will need to complete the form.

Tell-tale signs your property tax could warrant an adjustment include:

  • Errors in the description of your property on the tax bill.
  • Compatible homes in the area that have sold for less than your appraised value.
  • Neighbors with lower assessments on similar houses. Keep in mind some homes retain the same assessed value for years and assessed values often don't rise or fall in step with market values or home sale prices.
  • Value reducers in your home or area, including drainage problems, easements, re-zoning, heavy traffic, nearby railroad tracks, freeways, industry or toxic waste.
  • Depreciation factors, including the quality of materials, inefficient heating, structural cracks, deterioration, or chronic defects.

When you examine your tax records in the local assessor's or property tax office to make sure the information is complete and accurate also ask yourself:

  • Did you buy your home in a bidding war? An overvalued property is an over assessed property.
  • Are there errors in your tax records? Look closely at your records and make sure there aren't reporting errors. A condo listed as a single-family home, square footage that's off, too many rooms and more can falsely boost assessed value.
  • Do the math. Many states put a cap on how much above the market value an assessment can be and how much it can rise each year.

If you need to appeal the assessed value and related property tax, prepare yourself for a time-consuming ordeal.

In most cases the process is free for taxpayers, but you may want to enlist the aid of a licensed professional to assist you.

Typically, you'll have to find three, five or more comparable homes in your neighborhood that have lower assessments. Obviously, the lower the better. Also, the more comparables, the stronger your case. Truly comparable homes are homes nearly identical to your home's floor plan, age, lot size, improvements and other factors.

The information is largely public and available, with some digging, from your tax assessor's or property tax office, but you can hire a real estate agent or other professional with access to your local multiple listing service. They can quickly generate a comparable market analysis of homes both recently sold and those in escrow to hone in on your home's true value.

An appraiser with multiple listing service access can do the same, as well as perform an appraisal of your home.

If you hire a professional you could be out a few hundred dollars. Don't make a case if you don't think it's worth the cost to appeal. Call me and I will send you the comparables you will need to complete the form.

Approach the appeal objectively, not with an adversarial chip on your shoulder. You only want your due, not to incite the property tax system.

If at first you don't succeed, be prepared to appeal to a higher authority.
Written by Broderick Perkins

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P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Curb Appeal for Home Owners

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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Things to do in June in San Diego county

swim2

June 2
SunBurnt Splash & Dash Duathlon
This event is a duathlon swim and run for athletes of all ages.
  Taking place  at Mission Beach, participants can choose to swim  
  (800-meters) or run (5K), or do a combination of both.  
                                      A dinner will be served for those who participate.

Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: Santa Clara Community Park, Sail Bay, Crown Point - Mission Beach
For more information visit www.sunburntathletics.com

Oceanside AmpJune 4
Movies in the Park - Oceanside
The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division presents Movies in
the Park with a free viewing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Time: At Dark
Location: Pier Amphitheater, 220 North the Strand, Oceanside
For more information call 760-435-5551.

Temecula Fest  June 4-6
Annual Temecula Valley Balloon
  and Wine Festival
  Food court, wine tasting in the wine gardens, musical entertainment,
  kids' fair, arts & crafts and commercial booths.
Time: Refer to website for schedule
Location: Lake Skinner, 37701 Warren Rd., Temecula Valley
For more information please call 951-676-6713 or visit

www.tvbwf.com

dogs

June 5
Annual Novelty Fun Dog Show
Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club's Annual Novelty Dog Show - all proceeds
go toward sponsoring assistance dogs for disabled San Diego individuals.  16 fun classes for canines and their humans.  Anyone can enter their dog.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Viejas Outlet Center, 5005 Willows Rd., Alpine
For more information visit

www.alpinelions.org

Cars Turf

June 5
Greatest Show on Turf
  Car buffs will love this showcase of classic, antique, and specialty 
  automobiles.  There will be about 300 vehicles on display which may
  include speedsters, roadsters, sports cars, hot rods, lowriders, woodies, convertibles, foreign cars and more.  Free event.
Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Balboa Park, Corner of Park Blvd. & President's Way
For more information visit
www.sdautomuseum.org

Art on Admas

June 5   
Annual Art Around Adams  
This art and music fest will raise funds and bring awareness for the
Adams Recreation Center that provides services for the community. 
Relax, shop, and be entertained by live music, outrageous street
performers, and an array of unique art.  Free, family event.
Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Normal Heights & Kensington
For more information  visit www.artaroundadams.org

music.jpg June 5
Classic Rock n' Blues Festival
The 2nd Classic Rock n' Blues Festival presented by the
  City of San Marcos..
Time: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Walnut Creek Park, 1950 Sycamore Dr., San Marcos
For more information call 760-744-9000

S HintonJune 5
Sam Hinton Folk Festival
A free event where you can listen to musical performances in the gazebo, enjoy storytelling, participate in music workshops, join the family country dance, showcase your talent on the open mike stage, and for a nominal
fee you can ride the steam locomotive train.  While you're there, visit the Nelson House and Museum.
Time: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. Poway
For more information visit
www.sdfolkheritage.org

Solana Beach

June 5-6
Annual Fiesta del Sol - Solana Beach
Celebrate the start of summer at this free two-day party featuring
  live music, an international food court, beer & wine garden,
  children's activities, arts & crafts, informational, retail and business
  booths each day.

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Fletcher Cover, Solana Beach
For more information visit www.solanabeachchamber.com

rock n' rollJune 6
Rock n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathons
Athletes from the world over will participate in one of the nation's
premier marathons.  Local bands on 26 stages and cheerleading groups
will entertain the athletes as they travel along a scenic course through
the city of San Diego.
Time: 6:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hillcrest, 6th Ave. & University
For more information visit www.runrocknroll.com

RB Alive June 6
  Annual Rancho Bernardo Alive! Expo
Free event that includes live music and performers, a business
  showcase, car show, food courts, merchandise, free health screenings,
  cultural exhibits, arts & crafts, games & rides, and a Kids Zone.
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Bernardo Center Dr, Rancho Bernardo
For more information call 858-487-1767 x 109 or visit

www.sdncc.com

DelMar FairJune 11-July 5
San Diego County Fair
Flower and garden shows, exhibits, art, gems & minerals, carnival rides, food booths, midway, and concerts.  This year's theme will be
"Taste the Fun".
Time: Refer to website for schedule
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
For more information visit www.sdfair.com

music_blugrs.jpg

June 12
  Summer Music Culture Festival
  Fun for the whole family!  The Rancho San Diego -
  Jamul Chamber of Commerce presents this festival in
  The Garden at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.  
  There will be performers, vendors and exhibitors.
Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Water Conservation Garden - Cuyamaca College
For more information please call 619-670-8244.

Filipino Dancers3June 12
Filipino Cultural Celebration
9th Annual Filipino Cultural Celebration is sponsored by the
Oceanside Public Library and the Filipino American Cultural Association
of North San Diego County.
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Civic Center Plaza, Oceanside
For more information call 760-435-5600 or visit

www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

pottery2

June 12-13
  Potters Guild Show & Sale
  Thousands of pieces of hand-made ceramics by many of San Diego's
  finest potters.  These works range from functional ware such as plates,
  bowls and coffee cups to more decorative and sculptural forms such as
  ceramic shoes, garden lanterns, and conch shells.
Time: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Location: Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park
For more information visit www.spanishvillageart.com

Del Mar Smr SolJune 17
Summer Solstice Celebration - Del Mar
Celebrate the arrival of summer with an offering of delectable culinary creations from Del Mar's highly regarded restaurants, selections from some of California's best wineries and breweries and a lively silent/live auction. 
As if that isn't enough, enjoy amazing front-row sunset views and balmy ocean breezes accompanied by the enchanting sounds of steel drums.

Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location:
Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
For more information visit
www.delmarmainstreet.com

Old House Fair logo

June 19
  Annual Old House Fair
  A festival for anyone who is thinking about restoring an older home. 
  Here you will meet local craftspeople and community businesses that
  specialize in restoring, repairing, and preserving the unique qualities
  of older homes.  You will find historic home tours, consultations, food,music and more. 

Free to attend.

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: 30th Street and Beech Street
For more information call 619-233-6679 or visit www.theoldhousefair.com

OB Fair LogoJune 26
Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
A beach festival with an amateur chili cook-off contest.  Highlights include live entertainment, and Artist Alley, Community Mural, antique shops,
vendor booths, beachside beer garden, pony rides, and more.  Free event.
Time: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Newport Ave between Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and Abbott St., Ocean Beach
For more information visit

www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

Green Jazz

June 26
  Green Jazz Fest
  This environmental music festival will fuse live music, recycled art
  and a recycling drive with sustainable information and vendors, in
  an outdoor setting.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit San Diego
Youth Services, stabilizing the lives of homeless, runaway, abused and at-risk youth in the

San Diego area.

Time: 11:00 am - 7:30 pm
Location: Embarcadero Park North
For more information visit www.greenjazzfest.com

LJ Festival ArtsJune 26-27
Annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts
This festival is among the top rated art shows in California, featuring
talented artists from the USA and Mexico.  Art, music, street chalk art,
fun stuff and food.
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: La Jolla / UCSD district, Genessee Ave and Regents Rd.
For more information visit

www.lajollaartfestival.org

Call me with any of you Real Estate needs.

Click on any of the images below to learn more:

AgentCert_platinum_reo_ss_medium Realtor emblem GRIlogo SRES_black_thumb SFR_logo_bw

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell:                    (760) 583-2107    eFax:               (760) 496-1649            DRE# 01357594

Thursday, May 27, 2010

May Real Estate Market information

California’s median home price up 21 percent in April from a year ago
California’s median home price—the point at which half of homes sold for more and half for less—rose 21 percent in April compared with a year earlier, but sales of existing, single-family homes declined 8.1 percent, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) April sales and price report

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

  • The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during April 2010 was $306,230, a 21 percent increase from the revised $253,110 median for April 2009, C.A.R. reported. The April 2010 median price increased 1.5 percent compared with March’s $301,790 median price.

  • Annualized home sales dipped below the 500,000-unit level for the first time in 19 months, which C.A.R. President Steve Goddard partially attributes to home buyers delaying the close of escrow to take advantage of both the federal and state home buyer tax credits.  “We should see the pace of closed sales edge up in May and June as these tax-incentivized transactions close,” he said.

  • The number of homes available for sale also impacted total sales in April.  “The demand for attractive foreclosed properties well exceeds the number of properties on the market,” Goddard said.  “At the same time, mortgage interest rates continue to hover near their historic lows, and many buyers are out in force to take advantage of the combination of low interest rates and affordably priced homes. It’s an ideal time for many families to purchase their first home even though they may face stiff competition.”

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Foreclosures plateau—finally.  Repossessions soar.
The foreclosure plague may have finally reached its peak in April 2010—but don’t expect delinquency statistics to plummet anytime soon.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Consumer confidence on the rise
A key measure of consumer confidence climbed for a third straight month in May, a research group said Tuesday, with the outlook for the next few months spiking to pre-recession levels.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The New York Times

For mortgage shoppers, less can be more
The Internet can help simplify many financial transactions, though not always when it comes to home mortgages.  Those who sign up for information at mortgage Web sites have found themselves receiving a flood of calls and e-mail messages from brokers and lenders soliciting business.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Nearly 75 percent of homes are affordable
It’s prime time for house hunters. Nearly anyone with a decent job and a good credit score can afford to buy in their home towns.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

What kind of homeowners choose to default?
People who walk away from their mortgages are not as calculating as you’d think, according to a University of Arizona law professor whose academic paper on strategic default last year drew sharp criticism from lenders and Wall Street.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Freddie and Fannie won’t pay down your mortgage
Pressure is mounting on loan servicers and investors to reduce troubled homeowners’ loan balances ? but the two largest owners of mortgages aren’t getting the message.

To read the full story, please click here.

Talking Points

  • When purchasing a home, buyers are strongly advised to request a home inspection prior to closing.  However, consumers should note that the primary job of a home inspector is to conduct a visual examination of the physical condition of the house and certain systems within it.  Since the examination is visual, home inspectors are not required to remove carpets to ensure the floors aren’t warped, for example, and may not walk on the roof to check for defects.  Home buyers should interview home inspectors ahead of time to find out what they will and will not cover as part of the inspection.

  • While a new home may seem to be free of any defects, many real estate professionals still advise home buyers to hire a home inspector.  According to one home inspector, nearly 15 percent of new homes have serious structural problems.  Additionally, newly constructed homes can be more difficult to inspect than existing homes.  A new home doesn’t have any history.  For example, because the plumbing has not consistently been used in a new home, small drip leaks may not be easily detectable.  A home inspection can alert buyers to defects, if any are present.

Source: SmartMoney Magazine
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-home-inspectors-wont-tell-you/

 

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