What Are VA Loans?
VA loans are basically mortgages or home loans geared towards ex-military servicemen and women. The VA loan programme was created in 1944, and was initially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, to help returning servicemen settle down and purchase their first home.There are, on average, ... more...

Top Tips from Real Estate Author Mark Nash for Negotiating a Home Purchase Contract
These tips are excerpted from my fourth real estate book: "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" by Mark Nash. ISBN: 0324232896 Thomson/South-Western 2004.464 unless you are in a "hot" market area, do not feel pressured to write a purchase agreement after a showing. -If you need some time, use ... more...

How to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit Calculator
Most home owners know that the lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly payments. But then the process may get a bit fuzzy. While your monthly payments may be the same every month, you are not applying the same amount to the principal of the loan. Your amortization will vary month to month. ... more...

Buying a Home with Zero Down Payment in Irvine, CA
Years ago, the only person that could buy a home in Irvine with zero down payment using a new purchase money loan were Veterans of War (called a VA loan). In the past several years, there has been an explosion of new loan programs designed to fit most any buyers circumstances. Today, most anyone ... more...

Home Buying: Things To Keep In Mind
So youve decided you want to own a home and now you want to begin your search for one. Before jumping into a home search, there are a few things you should keep in mind when going about buying a home.First things first, you cannot buy a home if you cant afford it! Dont assume how much you can ... more...

Termite and Moisture Damage Not Reported
I have done so many appraisals where I saw obvious damage that was not reported by the other inspectors. The first couple of times I thought it was just carelessness. I came to realize it was the same agents who had found what I call pocket contractors or repeat business. Most buyers are not aware ... more...

Pricing your House to Sell
Most Sellers set their initial asking price at an amount somewhat higher than they are actually willing to accept, fully expecting a buyer to open the bidding with a lesser amount.While price is the most frequently negotiated item in any home sale, you may be able to creatively provide financial ... more...

Bad Credit Debt Consolidation Loans - Getting a Debt Consolidation Loan, Even With Poor Credit
An online debt consolidation loan allows even people with a poor credit to reduce their overall monthly payments and regain their financial footing. While there are personal loans that allow you to do this, tapping into your homes equity is a better option.Choosing A LoanRefinancing your home to ... more...

Tax Assessment/Appraisal: How Do I Know What My Home is Worth?
If you are in the home buying or selling market, its important to understand the difference between tax assessment and appraisal value. Concentrate on the appraisal value because this determines your asking price.Understanding Tax AssessmentThe tax assessment is a tool local governments use to ... more...

What To Expect From Your House Appraisal
Having your house appraised can be a scary step in the moving process, especially if you dont know what to expect. Will your house pass muster or will they find some hidden defects and problems lurking in the basement and attic? Should you scrub the house clean?Dont worry this isnt a test of how ... more...

From Foreclosure to Forbearance - The Art of Negotiation
As an active real estate investor you probably already know that the most important phase of your investment is when you buy the property. Most of us are getting the bargains in the foreclosure market. You will agree with me that the best time to buy is before the actual foreclosure. This is ... more...

The Truth About Home Improvement Loans
Are you planning to stay in your home for a long time, but you aren't quite satisfied with the look of your home? Do you think your home could use new cabinets in the kitchen? Perhaps your house needs a new roof or new carpets? Or maybe you think your house needs a new bathroom? If you are ... more...

Talk to a Lender Before You Sell Your Home
If youre looking to sell your home quickly, and for top dollar, the best thing you can do is to be able to offer your buyers some sound financing options. Thats why developing a relationship with a lender can be the key to a quick sale, and to more money at closing.Some of your potential buyers ... more...

Check The Appraisal Carefully To Avoid Being A Fraud Victim
There is a type of investor fraud in which an unsuspecting Real Estate investor believes he is buying a property worth a certain amount, when in reality the property is worth much less. This places the investor in a hopelessly upside down situation, owing more money than the property will ever be ... more...

Why You Need a Lender to Sell Your Home
Home sellers who are prepared to help buyers find financing will sell their homes faster, and for a larger selling price. Think about your potential buyers: some of them will have already arranged for financing, but many don't know how to buy a house. By offering financing options and being able to ... more...