Happy Wednesday!
Wow, I think we got some of our summer back this week. Don't melt in the heat!
Here are a few reminders to help your a/c run more efficiently this summer:
1) Change out that old filter. They may not seem like much but the blower has to work extra hard to pull in air through that filter. Harder work = higher bills.
2) Have some minor maintenance done on your a/c coolant and blower. Don't forget- the big fan outside sitting up on the small stand is not the full a/c unit. That is where the heat is pulled out of the air. Be sure the area is clean of debris that may be blocking the air from easily flowing out of the unit. Trim those bushes and keep the area clean.
3) Consider changing up to a more efficient unit for your house. Costco has a great program right now and the company they use is great and you can qualify for a $1000 cash card to Costco plus the $1500 tax credit plus other discounts as well from your local gas company and electricity provider. There are also tax rebates for furnaces and a/c units as well. Be sure to take advantage of these before the funds for the rebates run out. If you want more info - ask me and I can send you the contact name and phone number for the contact for a/c & heating with Costco for Orange County. The team and supervisor and sales staff where excellent and did a wonderful job on my house. My house had the entire heating and a/c system taken out plus all the duct work and a full system replaced in one day. PLUS they installed new bathroom fans and did additional work for us.
On to Real Estate issues.
1) Get pre-qualified for a loan
2) Save up money for your down payment. FHA loans require a much smaller down payment than other loans.
3) I have 2 lenders who I know who you can speak to to find out the tax brakes and other special items you may qualify for. Do NOT settle for a run of the mill person for your loan. Get someone who knows the in's and out's of the industry. The will know all FHA, VA, and other loans you may qualify for. Remember - get your loan advise from a licensed trained experienced loan officer - not a Real Estate Agent/Realtor. As a Realtor I can offer some educated suggestions - but you really need to speak to the person who does the loans to get 100% of the details and real information.
4)If you are considering a home purchase this year keep in mind these time frames to get to home ownership:
a. Escrow can take anywhere from 30-60 days for a typical equity purchase or sale
b. Short Sales can take up to 120 days to close escrow
c. If you have not started looking for your home yet keep these time tables in mind:
1. It takes about 30 days -60 days to settle on the cities you want to live
11. It takes 30-60 days to narrow down the truth about what home you actually want to buy after you finally choose your cities to live in.
111. It takes about 30-60 days to narrow down the search to the neighborhood you want to live in
5) Time frame for home ownership is:
a. loan pre-qual 3-14 days
b. Escrow = 30-60 for equity sale Escrow = 30 - 120 days (or longer) for short sale home
c. Narrow down your favorite cities = 30-60 days
d. Narrow down your favorite neighborhoods = 30-60 days
e. Total days to account for - Equity Sale = 120+ days (about 4 months)
f. Total days to account for for Short Sale = 207 + days (about 6.9 months)
g. Don't forget - Weekends and Holidays are no business days for banks
Hopefully this gives you some idea on what to expect. This means that if you wanted to get into a home before the end of this year - WE need to be active right now. I have a easy to follow game plan for home ownership for everyone that if followed - it will make your home buying experience much easier and simpler. If you would like we can meet and I can hand you your own Home Buyer Folder and help you get ready for home ownership.
Another thing to remember- if you want to have the tax benefits on the taxes for 2010 - we need to get you into your home with full ownership completed BEFORE the end of the year.
Remember--this email is not meant to be investment advice. This email is only meant for educational purposes and not as Investment Advice. You should always consult your financial advisor and your tax advisor to get information on the financial pro's and con's on your own personal financial health and if you are able to afford a home purchase at this time.
For all of you out there considering selling your home,...If you are considering a change of location or you know that you need to sell your home soon - talk to me. In the case of getting a short sale - it is NOT better to wait until later. Once you get the N.O.D letter it makes things much harder for everyone involved.
Have a wonderful, happy and healthy week & STAY COOL!
Ken Webb - Realtor/Agent
OCAR, NAR, CAR
F1RST TEAM
Real Estate
Email: kenwebb@me.com
Phone/Text: (949) 243-6649
DRE Lic # 01844181
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