Here is a selection of my recent posts:
Lee Ginsburg:
With the lowest interest rates ever, have you been thinking of refinancing?
There is a lot more to it than just the rate.
How much of your current payment is going towards principal?
Want money for remodeling, college, investing?
Should you pay down your loan?
Should you go with a 30 year loan or the 15 year Fixed rate or the very tempting 5 year rate?
I invite you to join us at a Complimentary Mortgage Planning Workshop.
NO SELLING!
Just a discussion on Finding the Right Mortgage For Each Stage of Your Life.
What is the right mortgage?
When should I refinance?
Should I consider a reverse mortgage?
Mortgage Planning Workshop
Thursday Feb. 23 at 6:30 PM
Millbrae Library, Meeting Room A, Civic Center Plaza Millbrae
Free Parking and Refreshments
For Reservations call 650-871-3200 or email speakerseries@prucal.com
“It Is Better To Own Real Estate and Wait, Than Wait to Own Real Estate”
Lee Ginsburg
www.LeeSellsMore.com
That is a big statement. Macy’s, Target, Wal-Mart and all most other stores put their products on “After Christmas Sales”. Home Sellers in San Bruno, South San Francisco, and all over the San Francisco Bay Area have put their products on the “After Christmas Sale”
I have randomly selected two recently sold homes to use as an example.
3691 Exeter Dr., a 3BR/2Ba. San Bruno home just sold on Jan 18, 2012 for $452,000 it also sold on May 9 2003 for $600,000. That results into a 36% savings in monthly payments. Look at the numbers.
3875 Carter Drive, #106 a 2Br/2Ba. Condo in South San Francisco sold on Jan 4, 2012 doe $277,000 and in April 25, 2006 it sold for $550,000. A 59% savings. Look at the numbers.
As you look at the numbers please note the lower down payment required, and the lower property tax. Both due to the lower home price. You save all around. Numbers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
|
3691 |
Exeter Dr. |
San Bruno |
3875, #106 |
Carter Dr |
SSF |
|
2012 |
2003 |
Difference |
2012 |
2006 |
Difference |
| Purchase Price |
$452,000 |
600,000 |
25% |
277,000 |
550,000 |
50% |
| Down Payment |
90,400 |
120,000 |
|
55,400 |
110,000 |
|
| Loan |
361,600 |
480,000 |
|
221,600 |
440,000 |
|
| Interest Rate |
4.25 |
5.75 |
|
4.25 |
6.5 |
|
| Principal and Int. |
1726. |
2801 |
|
1090 |
2781 |
|
| Property Tax @1.1% |
415 |
550 |
|
254 |
504 |
|
| Monthly Payment |
2140 |
3351 |
|
1344 |
3285 |
59% |
I selected these properties randomly. You might find savings greater or lesser. I want to point out to you by using real numbers the “Perfect Storm” has arrived; Low interest rates and low home prices. In the past if rates went down prices would go. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. If the I Pad was on sale like homes are on sale you would be on line at 4AM. For all of the potential buyers waiting for the right time, this is your wake up call. The time is right. Ken Rosen of the Fisher Center at UC Berkeley says “This is the best time to buy a home in 30 years”
Considering buying or want to learn more call your favorite Realtor or come to my Free Home Buying Seminar. Click here for more info and registration.
“It is Better To Own Real Estate and Wait, Than Wait To Own Real Estate”
www.LeeSellsMore.com
The Treetops apartments on Skyline and Sharp Park broke ground for renovation. (It’s about time)
I thought you would be interested.
7 years after being closed down, renovation will begin and is scheduled to be completed by summer of 2013.
for more information Click Here
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county-times/ci_19731829
The San Bruno Ave. Caltrain Grade Separation Project is moving along. Can’t wait for completion.
Completion is scheduled for the end of this year. We’ll see.
for more information Click Here
http://sanbruno.ca.gov/pw_proj_current.html#streets
I will be hosting a Home Buying Seminar. If you are in thinking about buying I think you will find it quite helpful.
for more information Click Here
http://leesellsmore.com/RealtorWebPage?custompage_id=1567686030
Lee Ginsburg
Prudential California Real Estate
www.LeeSellsMore.com
Lee Ginsburg, top real estate agent with Prudential California Realty, shares his experince on how to choose the right real estate lender.
Lee Ginsburg
Your satisfaction is my success!
www.LeeSellsMore.com
http://youtu.be/DLiDviKZgl0
I was at a recent home buying workshop and someone asked if she needs an agent.
In the Bay Area the buyer does not pay for the agent to help them find a home, help them negotiate; walk them through the process, etc. The buyer also does not pay the agent for helping them digest the comparable properties, or get inside information concerning the home or the comparables, educate them on the neighborhood, and more. The buyer never pays the agent anything. The seller’s agent pays the buyer’s agent for assisting them in selling the home, but the agent has a fiduciary duty and obligation to their client, the buyer.
So why wouldn’t you want someone to do all the dirty work, to bounce ideas off of, and to pick their brains with no cost to you.
Every transaction is different. The buyer’s agent does all of the above and more depending on each individual situation.
The most important task the buyer’s agent performs but hardly mentioned, is helping the buyer maintain their emotions. I have seen buyer’s get so excited about a home that they would pay anything for it. Well maybe not anything but more than necessary. A good agent will protect the buyer by making them see reality. On the other hand they might be offended by the seller’s response and might react by cancelling the transaction or respond negatively and blow the deal. An agent is the buffer.
An agent will help the buyer see through the seller’s messy home to see the bones and layout of the home. An agent will keep the buyer focused on the purpose of buying a home, facing reality and prevent them from getting sidetracked. I remember helping a newly married couple with a baby purchase their first home. They liked the well decorated home in a not so good area. They were not familiar with the area. They were prepared to write an offer and I did not want to discourage their enthusiasm. I suggested on the way home we drive by again. We did and they calmed their emotions and changed their thoughts on their own. Read more
Thursday Nov. 17 -6:30 – FREE Information Workshop on Energy Rebates -180 El Camino Real, San Bruno
Energy Upgrade California, a statewide program launched in March that provides rebates to homeowners for carrying out home energy efficiency retrofits with approved contractors.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and utility ratepayer funds, is offering a Rebate for Energy Upgrades, The program is a partnership between the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, Department of Energy, San Mateo County and PG&E. San Mateo County has recently announced that it will be doubling the program’s rebates. San Bruno is offering a Third Rebate. If you are considering replacing a Hot Water heater, Furnace, Windows, Roof, or adding insulation or solar this is the workshop you should not miss. You will learn how to reduce your energy costs by up to 40% and have someone else pay for the upgrades.
Thursday Nov. 17, -2-5PM – Free Home Buyer Workshop -
College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo, Bldg. 10 – Room 193
The San Mateo Association of Realtors will be hosting this workshop to help you understand the basics of how to buy a home – even if you’re not at that place in life yet – Home Ownership is still the key to reaching Financial Stability and in achieving the American dream. Now is the “Perfect Storm” with low interest rates, low housing prices and low down payments. Professionals in banking, title, credit, law and real estate will provide knowledge and interact with the public on the basics in planning for homeownership. No pre-registration required.
“It is Better To Own Real Estate and Wait Than Wait To Own Real Estate”
Closing is when all the funds are disbursed to the seller, lender, other lien holders, taxes etc. and the property transfer from seller to buyer is recorded in the County’s Recorder’s office. This is legally when the buyer becomes the property owner. This is generally the time when the buyer receives the keys to their new home. Many people get the closing and signing confused. “Signing” is only signing the loan documents and that generally occurs several days prior to closing.
Escrow is the period between both parties signing the purchase contract and closing. Opening Escrow is a simple process. It occurs when the buyer’s good faith deposit is placed in the hands of a neutral third party. In Northern Californian we do this with a Title and Escrow Company. The Escrow Company holds the deposit in a bonded account until both the buyer and seller have fulfilled their obligations under the purchase contract. The escrow company is a neutral third party and will not release the funds either to the buyer if the contract is cancelled or to the seller if the contract is fulfilled unless both parties have signed instructions stating so. Basically Escrow begins with the deposit check being given to the escrow company and ends at closing.
Escrow should not get confused with an escrow account. An escrow account is an impound account or reserve account generally for property tax and home owners insurance. It is requested by lenders based on the type loan the buyer is getting.
It is Better To Own Real Estate and Wait Than to Wait to Own Real Estate
Lee Ginsburg
www.leesellsmore.com
I just read this article on light bulbs.
I went to Orchard Supply recently to purchase a light bulb and left with a head ache.
I wish I had this article and hope you find it helpful.
I am not able to remember it all so I am going to print out a copy next time I need a light bulb.
follow the link http://tinyurl.com/3ekxzfy
Lee Ginsburg
“It is better to own real estate and wait,
than wait to own real estate”
