Banking woes have brought the mortgage industry back down to Earth, but the new rules and requirements don't mean that you can't get a loan. With a little work ahead of time, you can increase your own chance of qualifying for the best loan when...
As winter closes in, the chill that you feel in the air could very well turn into cold hard cash in your pocket! On December 31, 2011, federal tax credits for energy efficiency are set to expire. So, as you buy those last minute gifts...
Energy-efficiency ratings have started finding their way into listings for residential properties. A recent survey conducted by The Earth Advantage Institute, a non-profit group in Portland, OR, found that Energy Star or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications increase the sale price of...
Net Operating Income is one of the most important components of financial analysis for commercial real estate investors. A few months ago we discussed another important financial index, CAP Rates, which are determined directly from the NOI. What is the NOI? The NOI is calculated as follows: NOI...
We hope that you’ve found our past few posts regarding the new California real estate laws and regulations helpful! This article marks the final laws that will be going into affect in the near future. The following laws relate to notice of sale, condo rentals,...
Last week we posted the first five news laws that were announced by the California Association of Realtors. This week we wanted to share with you the next five on the list. These new laws pertain to a plethora of topics, including citations, escrows, tax...
As 2011 comes to a close, it is no surprise that there are over a dozen new laws that will affect both real estate agents and brokers. To assist you in understanding these new regulations and laws, we will be posting them over the next...
According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the biggest disagreement between landlords and tenants come after the tenant vacates the property, and it is often centered on the refund of the security deposit. Knowing what the law will and won’t allow will go a...
Mortgage rates remain at a historic low. If you haven’t refinanced in a while, now just may be the time! Before you jump into the pool with both feet, make sure you consider the following: Know your options. Comparing quotes from at least three different lenders...
On October 1, the limit on loans that government controlled mortgage agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, can guarantee will drop from $729,750 to a maximum of $625,500, unless Congress intervenes. In September, lawmakers called for a short-term extension of regulations, hoping to allow the...
