Receive an offer. When you receive a written offer from a potential buyer, your real estate agent will first find out whether or not the individual is prequalified or preapproved to buy your home. If so, then you and your agent will review the proposed contract, taking care to understand what is required of both parties to execute the transaction. The contract, though not limited to this list, should include the following: * Legal description of the property * Offer price * Down payment * Financing arrangements * List of fees and who will pay them * Deposit amount * Inspection rights and possible repair allowances * Method of conveying the title and who will handle the closing * Appliances and furnishings that will stay with the home * Settlement date * Contingencies At this point, you ... 10/08/2007

Sometimes, you get lucky and the seller accepts your offer as is. However, in most instances, the seller will make a counteroffer. This is where your real estate agent's experience in negotiations will be invaluable. Keep in mind almost everything is negotiable when you are buying a house. This can give you a great deal of leverage in the buying process - that is, if you have adequate information and you use it in an appropriate manner. Some items you may negotiate:* Price* Financing* Closing costs* Move-in date* Repairs* Appliances and fixtures* Landscaping* PaintingRemain in close contact with your real estate agent so you can quickly review any changes from the seller. Remember: Bargaining is not a winner-take-all deal. It is a business process that involves compromise and mutual res... 10/08/2007

Before the home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you desire. To help your agent better serve you, divide your preferences into "negotiable" and "non-negotiable." Here are some details to consider: ExteriorType of property (house, condominium, town home, loft):Age of property:Preferences in architectural style:Number of stories:Type of foundation:Roof construction:Lot size and/or location:Landscape preferences (fencing, built-in sprinkler system):Pool/spa:Garage or carport:David HoodKeller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are You Moving into the Area?   10/07/2007

Let the house hunting begin!Now you are ready to embark on your home search - an endeavor that can prove overwhelming if not approached with some forethought. The most efficient route is to allow your real estate agent do the initial scouting for you. Using your wish list as a guide, he or she will alert you of new and existing listings that have strong potential. If these listings pique your interest, your agent will arrange home tours at your convenience. Many agents send alerts via email - sometimes as often as daily, depending on the available inventory in your market. Let your agent know how you'd like to receive these alerts, whether by phone, email or fax.You also can do some research on your own. Read local real estate publications, contact your local neighborhood associations, ... 10/07/2007

Let's face it: When your house goes on the market, you're not only opening the door to prospective buyers, but also sometimes to unknown vendors and naïve or unqualified buyers. As with any business transaction, there is an expected protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, alert your agent so he or she can address and remedy the problem. The aggressive agentWhen your agent puts your house on the market, typically all promotional materials state clearly that your agent is the primary contact for buyers and buyers' agents. However, sometimes a buyer's agent will contact a seller directly to try to either win over their business or cut the seller's agent out of the deal. This is not reputable behavior and you shou... 10/07/2007

Do you have a Website that will list my home? Can I have your URL address? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What's your email address?Many buyers prefer to search online for homes because it's available 24 hours a day and can be done at home. So you want to make sure your home is listed online, either on the agent's Website or on their company's site. By searching your agent's Website you will get a clear picture of how much information is available online. How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often?Some agents may email, fax or call you daily to tell you that visitors have toured your home, while others will keep in touch weekly. Asking this question can help you to reconcile your needs with your agent's systems. David HoodKeller Williams Real... 10/07/2007

Prepare your home. Most of us don't keep our homes in "showroom" condition. We tend to overlook piles of boxes in the garage, broken porch lights, and doors or windows that stick. It's time to break out of that owner's mindset and get your house in tip-top shape. The condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer. First impressions are the most important. Your real estate agent can help you take a fresh look at your home and suggest ways to stage it and make it more appealing to buyers. * A home with too much "personality" is harder to sell. Removing family photos, mementos and personalized décor will help buyers visualize the home as theirs. * Make minor repairs and replacements. Small defects, such as a leaky faucet, a torn screen o... 10/07/2007

 Before you start house hunting, you need to determine how much house you can afford, which will entail getting either prequalified or preapproved for a home loan. A real estate agent can help you find a mortgage broker to begin the process. While getting preapproved is a more in-depth process, a preapproval letter lets both real estate agents and sellers know that you're a serious shopper who means business. What do I do to get prequalified?A prequalification can be done online or over the phone and does not require your submitting financial documents. You will be asked to provide basic information about your finances - for instance, your household income versus your debt load. With this information, the lender will estimate what your maximum loan amount could be if you were to apply. ... 10/05/2007

 Whether you're in the market for a primary residence, an investment property or a second home, purchasing real estate involves many important considerations and decisions. A real estate agent can provide the focus, due diligence and expertise needed to help you find the home of your dreams. A real estate professional will:· Assist in determining how much house you can afford and help you get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a loan.· Simplify your search by helping you define home and neighborhood criteria.· Screen new listings daily and alert you of homes that match your criteria.· Keep you abreast of local market conditions, so you can make informed decisions.· Gather in-depth detail on each home, schedule tours and point out the advantages and possible drawbacks of each property.· W... 10/05/2007

Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®? How long have you worked full-time in real estate? What geographic areas do you specialize in?Do you have a Website? What information can I find there?How will you keep me informed during my home search and throughout the transaction?Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?Will you show me properties from other companies' listings? (Some real estate companies do offer their buyers' agents a higher commission if they are able to sell "in-house" listings. In those instances, there can be added incentive to limit the range of homes you are shown. This may affect your home search and how much you your agent's fee will be.) Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller? May I have ... 10/05/2007

1) Define your needs.Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home! Before you go house hunting, it's a good idea to define what kind of home and neighborhood would best suit your desires and needs and make a wish list. Share this list with your real estate agent. The finer the details, the more effective your home search will be. To further define your needs, you may want to divide your lists into negotiable and non-negotiable items, so your agent can operate with some flexibility when scouting for homes on your behalf. 2) Get prequalified or preapproved.Now that you know what you want in a home and neighborhood, you need to find out what you can afford. There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or preapproval for a home loan. Your real estate agent can refer you ... 10/05/2007

Define your needs. Write down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?" For example, a growing family may prompt your need for a larger home, or a job opportunity in another city may necessitate a move. For your goals, write down if you'd like to sell your house within a certain time frame or make a particular profit margin. Work with your real estate agent to map out the best path to achieve your objectives and set a realistic time frame for the sale. Name your price. Your next objective should be to determine the best possible selling price for your house. Setting a fair asking price from the outset will generate the most activity from other real estate agents and buyers. You will need to take into ac... 10/05/2007

 10/1/2007FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPRESS RELEASE #10-01Subject :Chino Senior Center Celebrates 20 YearsContact :Michelle Van Der Linden, Public Information Officer, Administration    909-591-9803    mvanderlinden@cityofchino.orgThe City of Chino's Community Services Department invites you to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Chino Senior Center this Friday, October 5th.  The celebration kicks off at noon with cake and comments from Mayor Dennis Yates.  From 1:00 - 3:00 pm there will be BINGO, followed later in the evening by a dance starting at 7:00 pm.  The Chino Senior Center is located at 13170 Central Avenue.  Please contact 909-591-9836 for more information David Hood-Realtor Keller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site ... 10/04/2007

 Come and check out all of the after school programs the City offers to local youth on Thurdsay evening from 5 - 8pm on the lawn at City Hall.  This FREE informational fair will provide you with info on various programs and you can meet with the program professionals and ask questions.  There will also be fun for everyone - come and enjoy the live music, food, games, raffles and more. David Hood-Realtor Keller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings  10/04/2007

Flu season is almost here!  Be prepared and get your flu shot on Thursday, October 25th between 9 - 11 am at the Chino Community Center located at 5443 B Street.  Shots will be administered by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and the cost is $5.  You may also call 800-722-4794 for other clinics in the areaDavid Hood-Realtor Keller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings 10/04/2007

Come on out and bring your "A" game.The 6th Annual City of Chino Amateur Golf Championship will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 - 7 at the El Prado Golf Courses.  This is a great opportunity to play some golf and help raise funds for the Junior Golf program. David Hood-Realtor Keller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings  09/29/2007

Come out and join in on the fun.Attend an evening sponsored by the City of Chino in collaboration with the Chino Spectrum Marketplace and Towne Center on Wednesday, October 31, at 3:00 pm.  All the fun and excitement will include trick-or-treating at participating merchants, live music and much more!  David Hood-Realtor Keller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings  09/29/2007

   /6/2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPRESS RELEASE #9-01Subject :Healthy Chino Program Receives Two AwardsContact :Michelle Van Der Linden, Public Information Officer, Administration    909-591-9803    mvanderlinden@cityofchino.org  The City's Healthy Chino program was awarded both the prestigious Helen Putnam Award for Excellence and the Cities Counties Schools Partnership Award yesterday afternoon, during the open session of the League of California Cities annual conference.  "We have really started something here," said Mayor Dennis Yates.  "This is one of our fastest growing and most popular programs and as a City, we are excited to be at the forefront of a healthy movement that will improve the lives of our residents.  I am very happy Healthy Chino has received these awards and I hope t... 09/29/2007

   PRESS RELEASE #7-05 Homeowners in the downtown area will soon benefit from a $400,000 grant the City of Chino has received from the State of California's Housing and Community Development's CalHome grant program.  "This money will be well used in the downtown area," said Mayor Dennis Yates.  "Residents currently benefiting from the program have replaced roofs, flooring, windows, done kitchen remodels and more.  Qualified applicants will benefit from zero-interest fully deferred loans for either 30-years or the lifetime of the first mortgage, whichever is longer, which is a fabulous deal, said the Mayor. Earlier this year, in an effort to support and expand the City's Home Improvement Program, the City's Housing Division submitted a CalHome an application to the State requesting $400,... 08/28/2007

 Source: Anne Monaghan / Monaghan Communications  PRLog.Org) - IRVINE, CALIF. - Panattoni Development Company's retail division, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., announced today that Plano, Texas-based JCPenney has signed a lease to open a 103,525-square-foot store at Rancho del Chino, Panattoni's new $90 million retail development project, which is under construction in Chino, Calif. Currently, Home Depot is under contract to purchase 9.2 acres from Panattoni and is expected to open a 106,278-square-foot store plus a 34,760-square-foot garden center. Home Depot and 39,000 square feet of retail shop space are slated to open in January 2008. JCPenney is expected to open on October 5, 2008. Upon completion, the 42-acre project is expected to include an electronics retailer and office supp... 08/23/2007