I think the main reason gift letters are not used more often is that the buyer feels uncomfortable approaching family members for a “handout”, and possibly the obligation that goes with it. However, although the donor must state that they don’t require payback, there is nothing anywhere that says that the gift CANNOT be paid […]
Another study, this one by the Urban Institute, shows the benefits of investing in a home and in fact, the earlier in life that your buy your first home, the wealthier you will be later in life. Through the mechanics of saving incorporated into your personal residence (using rent money to pay down your own […]
As more and more baby boomers enter retirement age, the question of whether or not to sell their homes and move will become a hot topic. In today’s housing market climate, with low available inventory in the starter and trade-up home categories, it makes sense to evaluate your home’s ability to adapt to your needs […]
De-cluttering is not just something to do when you’re ready to move; it’s a process that will help you create more space and get organized. In short, you’ll simplify your life. This information will help you take control of your stuff, eliminate what you don’t need or use and appreciate the items you use and enjoy. While […]
According to HousingEconomics.com in a new study by Paul Emrath, Ph.D, the cost of government regulations in the price of a new home has gone up almost 30% in the last 5 years. Moreover, these costs are rising more than twice as fast as the average person’s ability to pay for it. Now, I’m sure […]
There’s a good chance that you have an error in your credit report – a 26% chance according to the Federal Trade Commission – and half of the time, those errors will impact your credit score. This is important because more and more areas of your life are credit driven: Whether you’re buying a car, […]
Why is this? Well, first off, the Fed doesn’t increase mortgage rates, they increase the short term cost of money. The Fed changes rates as part of it’s monitory policy to control the economy; they lower rates to stimulate the economy and raise rates to cool down the economy (and what they are really trying […]
I had three sales in a row this year that all used gift letters to solve three different problems. In the first instance, the buyer that had a house to sell first and used a gift letter as a bridge loan so they could put in a non-contingent offer. In the second instance, first time […]
City of San Diego – Zip Code 92103 Hillcrest is a central neighborhood situated just northwest of Balboa Park and south of Mission Valley and is known for being one of the most tolerant and liberal neighborhoods in San Diego. It’s an older neighborhood that was officially established in 1870 or 1871 depending on who you ask. In […]
City of San Diego – Zip code 92109 Pacific Beach, “P.B.,” as it is known as by local residents, is bounded by La Jolla to the north, Mission Beach and Mission Bay to the south, Interstate 5 to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. A 3.2 mile boardwalk stretches through the western border and is adjacent to Crystal Pier, a T-shaped public […]