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Outstanding East Bay Waterfront Beauty in Canyon Lake

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Covered Boat Dock right out your back door

105' On The Water More than 100' of water frontage on this amazing East Bay single story beauty right on the main channel! Completely remodeled inside and out only a few years ago with features like high end granite & cabinetry, designer paint, beautiful tile work, exterior stacked stone and new roof. Features a wide open great room style floorplan, lots of built-in cabinetry, huge outdoor covered patio and separate breakfast patio, enlarged master with walk in closet, covered boat dock with lift, 105' of waterfront patio and seawall, and so much more. This is an amazing house that you have to see!   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, For Buyers, Properties for Sale

Unbelievable Waterfront Paradise in Canyon Lake – 30570 Longhorn Drive

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
30570 Longhorn Front

Virtual Tour I must be Living in Paradise! Imagine sitting in your infinity edge pool or hot tub only 300 feet from Skipper’s island while enjoying an unbelievable 4th of July fireworks show go off over head. Picture yourself enjoying the quiet peacefulness of Lucky cove and the convenience of being able to drop the boat in the water and quickly be out wakeboarding or skiing within seconds every day. It’s easy to do in this stunning 4600 s.f. Augustine built home on Longhorn Dr. What an amazingly functional floor plan with 4 standard bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a large master suite with stunning views; plus there is a guest suite with bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette better than most fine hotels! This house has too many features to list, but here are some of the highlights: solar power, solar water heater, solar pool heater, 3 car tandem garage with 10’ door for boat towers, multi room/multi source audio and smart wiring, alarm system, Thermadoor … [Read more...]

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Buyers – Closing Documents you Should Keep

February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Stack of Documents

On closing day, expect to sign a lot of documents and walk away with a big stack of papers. Here’s a list of the most important documents you should file away for future reference. HUD-1 settlement statement. Itemizes all the costs — commissions, loan fees, points, and hazard insurance —associated with the closing. You’ll need it for income tax purposes if you paid points. Truth in Lending statement. Summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan, including the annual percentage rate and recision period. Mortgage and note. Spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms. Deed. Transfers ownership to you. Affidavits. Binding statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they haven’t incurred any liens. Riders. Amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. Example: The sellers won’t move out until two weeks after closing but will pay rent to the buyers during that … [Read more...]

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Lender Checklist – What You Typically Need for a Mortgage

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Checklist

W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you're self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan. Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances. Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts. Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans. Addresses where you’ve lived for the last five to seven years, with names of landlords if appropriate. Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account. Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement. Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension. Copies of personal tax forms for … [Read more...]

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12 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
boots

1. Get at least three written estimates. 2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed. 3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. 4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. 5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job. 6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance. 7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it. 8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too. 9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations. 10. Be sure that the contract specifies the … [Read more...]

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Common Closing Costs for Buyers

February 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
closing-costs

You’ll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for: Down payment Loan origination Points, or loan discount fees, which you pay to receive a lower interest rate Home inspection Appraisal Credit report Private mortgage insurance premium Insurance escrow for homeowner’s insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you. Deed recording Title insurance policy premiums Land survey Notary fees Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills and property taxesA Note About Prorations: Because such costs are usually … [Read more...]

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Short Sale Tips for Sellers

February 22, 2011 By
Help Button

If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it. 1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modification such as: Refinancing your loan at a lower interest rate; providing a different payment plan to help you get caught up; or providing a forbearance period if your situation is temporary. When a loan … [Read more...]

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Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

February 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
stressed-out

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible. 1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. 2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long. 3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and … [Read more...]

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Get a Home Inspection

February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
homeinspection

Home inspections are extremely important in order to protect yourself as a buyer. Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase. For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Structure: A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected. Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection. Doors and windows Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, … [Read more...]

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