Popcorn, Space suit, and Scraping

About a week ago, I was in the pleasant position to be able to hand keys to Josh and Tracy. Their first home, WooHoo. It was a long time coming, and everyone was ready to get started to make this house their home!

One of the first things was to scrape the "popcorn" ceilings. This is a two day event that is very messy and not something many homeowners want to do themselves.

I am fortunate to have a long list of professionals, for all sorts of projects. The list has electricians, attorneys, gardners, plumbers, handy men - and women, roofers, garagedoor installers and it goes on, and on, and on.

This photo is the guy dressed up to be on his way to the International Space Station, yet he was nice enough to stay on Earth and scrape some "popcorn".

When you are in need of a trusted professional to help you around the house and more, contact me. I'll be glad to refer some people to you.

Referring is a big part of my own business too. I work by referral so that I can utilize my time to help my clients buy and sell their home.

Have a great day, and please remember, I am never too busy for your referrals!

Thank you,

Robin
REALTOR
Ca DRE: 01509977
562.233.3724
www.IWantRealEstate.Info
RobinAuwerda@kw.com

Your offer was accepted! Next step is...

Congrats! your offer was accepted ! What are the next steps?

Fountain

When I was little I always loved fountains. The ones in my hometown can be simple ones with just one spout or with a statue in the middle. I remember I mistakingly used to cal them 'dolphins'.

What is your favorite fountain?

New Listing in Fullerton

Why you need a Home Inspection when buying your home.

So, where does your initial deposit go, when you write an offer on a home.

YES!

You found the home you like, love, or fix up. Now it is time to write the offer. If this is your first time writing an offer, this may be a stressful time. You don't want to make a mistake, you may not understand everything in the purchase contract (yet) and you're wondering, ...perhaps... what will happen to my initial deposit or earnest money deposit as it is also called.

Well, there is only good news! Yay! No more sweaty palms!

The money will be cashed by the Escrow Company, generally within 3 business days after acceptance of your offer. This means the money, let's say $3,000.00, will not go directly to the seller. They will not spend it on icecream and toys before you even purchased the home. The $3,000.00 will become part of your total down payment! So, it is not extra money out of pocket for some obscure slush fund.

The next hurdle you may think of is, what happens with my $3,000.00 if I find out that the home is falling apart and we withdraw our offer. Great thought! After acceptance of your offer you have 17 days to do your due dilligence. Meaning, to find out everything there is to know about the home, do your home inspection, get the appraisal done and get your loan in place. If for whatever valid reason, let's say there are too many safety issues with the home that cannot be taken care of, you withdraw your offer before day 17 you will get your initial deposit of $3,000.00 back. (sometimes minus some administration fees)

However, if at day 17 you remove your contingencies and then after that time back out of the transaction; it will be very hard to get your initial deposit back.

Therefore, I will always help my clients to know well before day 17 what the shape the home is. Have the appraisal done, the loan in place etc. etc.

So, good news all around. You can be rest assured that when you buy your home with me, I will guide you every step of the way so you know what decision to make and when, and; feel good about it because you understand what you are doing!

Enjoy your home buying!

Robin Auwerda
562HomeGuy.com
Find me on YouTube!

Your Home Value

Whereever you live, whatever you live in. Condominium, windmill, townhome or single family residence, to know the value of your Abode is, well... Priceless. Now that the market has been somewhat stable after the roaring first decade of this millenium. We all need to be aware of the value of our home. Just to name a few possible reasons... You may be thinking of MOVING UP to a larger home or better neighborhood, you may be wondering if you can lower your property tax-bill. How about possibly re-financing into a better interest rate?

Tons more reasons, would make this a very boring piece o' Blog.

Bottom line is that the market evaluations that I prepare for my clients are to accurately and agressively place a value on your Real Estate. Not just a comparison to what is available for sale, currently pending and sold properties this year. NO! First of, it is of paramount importance to know what appraisers look at when appraising a home. Second I make sure I will compare "Apples to Apples", by making adjustments to key features to the properties that wiLl be part of the evaluation.

Rumor has it that sooner rather than later the Banks will release many foreclosures and short sales on to the market. Good chance that this will impact the value of your home. Therefore, if you're thinking to sell.... Consider SELLING NOW. If you are looking to re-finance, step up your game plan and talk to a lender.

Great resources are available to you. CONTACT ME Today.

To your home!

Robin