Tips and tricks for finding the exact property that you are looking for. Learn how to get the best possible price in the current declining market.
What is a short sale and do I want one?
There are some amazing deals being advertised as short sales. What are they and do you want one? 
Short sales were exceedingly rare until home prices started dropping. Now they are seeming everywhere. And there are bargains to be had if you know what you are getting into...
Real Estate Tax Savings Can Pay Off Big
One of the big advantages of owning a home is the tax savings. Uncle Sam wants you to own a home and is willing to help pay for it.
Check with your CPA (or send us an email if you need a good accountant), as each person's situation is unique. In general your tax write-offs include:
- Property taxes
- Mortgage Interest
- Interest on money used to remodel or improve your home
- Interest on up to $100,000 on a HELOC or other mortgage used for any purpose
* New for 2009 -- First time homebuyers may qualify for a $8,000 tax credit that never has to be repaid!! Imagine, uncle Sam sending you a check for $8,000 just for buying a home. What a great uncle.
* See IRS website for more details..
This may be the best time in years to trade up!
Home sales are up 66% over last year, making it easier to sell your current home.
Some homeowners will be able to keep their current property and rent it while they wait for the market to rebound. However, most people will need to sell their existing home and the news is getting better. According to a report in the San Diego Union Tribune, Southern California home sales were up 66% from October 2007 to October 2008. Prices are down, but that is good news for you.
Home prices are down.
Rent or Buy? The news is getting better!
One of the most common questions of renters is "rent or buy?". The answer changes over time. For a long time in San Diego, home prices went up so fast that it was an easy decision. Buy anything that you could afford and gain huge sums in equity. More recently, prices stabilized and it came down to comparing rent to the cost of home ownership and renting generally won out.
Now that we are in the middle of a market meltdown...
The home buying process
New to home buying? It is a huge purchase and you should have as much knowledge on your side as possible. There are some fantastic deals available today and this is the place to start. Learn about lenders and Realtors and the roles that they play. Know what to watch out for - pitfalls that have cost others many thousands of dollars.
Are you better off renting or buying? Find out here using the Freddie Mac rent vs. buy calculator.