I love mortgage calculators. They're a great way to start the preliminary pre-approval process. I generally recommend starting the financial process of home buying a year in advance. This allows ample time to fix errors on your credit report, contribute more towards your down payment and reserves and ensure all your bills are paid on time every month (of course you should never pay creditors late. In case you have, a year gives you time to clean things up). During the year process, you should have an idea of how much you can afford, based on your current finances. This is a great time to use mortgage calculators. They cannot take the place of an experienced loan officer, but can get you started on the right path. They're a handy tool and can calculate different financial scenarios. Here... 12/09/2010

There they sit, the UNSOLD, (like the last kid picked for the team) nice homes in good neighborhoods, great curb appeal, but ignored by buyers. As a home staging professional in Fresno, CA, I have been asked by people why some homes sell quickly and why others remain for sale for months, sometimes even a year or more. This sad drama is taking place all over the country, not just in Fresno. We know, it's the economy, right? Partially, but not completely. Many homes sell within a few months, some in as little as a week. So what is the problem with the houses that don't sell? Ask any home stager, or look through the MLS ( Multiple Listing Services) pictures, and you will find the answer. Assuming that the home is priced correctly and is in a good location, the reason it remains on the mark... 12/09/2010

When you decide to sell your home, keep in mind there is competition. Before you put your home on the market, use the following tips as a guideline to make your home stand out from the rest and sell! 1. Clean your house thoroughly. Pay special attention to crevices, baseboards, windows, windowsills, ceiling fans, grout and dust. You want your home to appear well cared for. 2. Stage your home. This doesn't have to cost any money. It's as simple as removing clutter and placing your furniture in each room correctly. Make sure there's a focal point, open walkways, easy access to the room and remember not to block a walkway or entry into a room with furniture. You may need to clear out a few pieces of furniture to make the room appear larger. Make the beds sparkle with fresh linens and fun p... 12/09/2010

So, you want to buy a home. Great! You're probably wondering if buying a home is the right thing for you. Buying a home is a monumental accomplishment and there are many benefits to homeownership. Here are some of the top reasons:   1. Appreciation: Yes, appreciation. Prices are up and down right now. But in the long run your house will appreciate. Historical data shows that over the long run, you'll benefit. 2. Mortgage interest deductions (MID): This has been one of the motivating factors of buying a home for years. The tax break you get is phenomenal. Talk to your accountant for more information. By the way, there's talk of modifying the current MID. You can read about it here: http://www.realtor.org/articlesandblogposts/homeownership 3. Pride of ownership: It feels really good to ow... 12/07/2010

The process of shopping for a home can be glorious---if you are armed with the right tools. Your number one priority should be to have a great Realtor. Even still, there are a few "ah ha" moments you will have if you're not prepared. When I purchased my first home, I was so excited I forgot to look at the finer points. Oh, I loved, LOVED my house, but there were a few details I forgot to check. In retrospect, I would have still purchased the house with the expectation of making changes and excepting the neighborhood for what it was. So here's what went wrong and what I wish I'd known: 1. I'm afraid of and allergic to cats. Had I been prepared to do a thorough examination of my neighborhood, I would have noticed that almost every house on the block had a cat. I went to great pains trying... 12/02/2010

Buying new construction can be fun! Seeing your home built from the ground up are moments to cherish. Your camera will get lots of use during this period. There's approximately 47 steps---each step occurs so quickly, you won't even notice. Keep in mind, this is not a precise list. Just an additional tool for your toolbox. So, here are the steps to building a new home: 1. Plot map: Shows where your home sits on the lot 2. Chalk: A white chalk foundation is drawn to show where your home fits on the lot 3. Trench: the ground is excavated on the chalk line for footings, interior and exterior 4. Rimmed: Wood boards are staked for pouring of the cement foundation 5. Rough plumbing: sewer and waste pipes installed in the perimeter of foundation forms 6. Pouring prep: are inside the perimeter f... 11/30/2010

My latest blog listed advantages to buying a new home. As mentioned earlier, not every homeowner will benefit from owning a new home and vice versa. There are some compelling reasons to purchase an existing home. Here are a few considerations: 1. Character: Many older homes have a character that cannot be recaptured in a new home. 2. Integrity: The integrity of a neighborhood is apparent the moment you consider the area. Pride of ownership shows--or doesn't show. With new construction, there's no way to know how the neighborhood will turn out. You can almost bet the history of a neighborhood's current integrity will be the same years down the line. 3. Mature landscape: Some neighborhoods boast and are known for their beautiful trees and landscaping. Mature landscaping provides shade and... 11/29/2010

So, you've decided to buy a home. Bravo for you! Now, you have the task of deciding if an existing home or new construction is the best fit for you. Here's where I can help. I have an extensive background in new construction and am excited to share my knowledge with you. There are many advantages to buying both existing and new construction. Here, I'm highlighting the advantages of a new home:   1. New construction allows you to purchase what you envision. The floorplan, the color scheme, stone, brick, stairs, no stairs and so on. When you purchase an existing home, you are in fact purchasing the vision of someone else. 2. When you purchase a new home, there are no surprises. No leaky faucets to fix no surprise roof or plumbing repairs. New homes often come with warranties that covers t... 11/29/2010

That last post I did was about appraisers and the 203k, they were going way beyond their scope of work.. today I received a call and it sounds like the appraiser missed basic things that are likely going to get him fined if he is lucky and possibly loose his license. This was a 203b and the appraiser failed to make typical observations. In addition a home inspector failed to note those same deficiencies. On top of that the seller, a bank owned property, used a simple and typical disclosure that they never lived in the home and don't know anything.... oops, that isn't quite true is it? No it isn't. They have an agent and that agent should disclose issues they see and now have knowledge. This now is blowing up into quite an issue as the extensive mold and leaking windows weren't disclosed... 11/28/2010

Yes, the market has started to stabilize and no. it's not likely we'll see prices take a nose dive again. It's true though, experts do suspect prices will decrease about another 5% before increasing. That's great news (about the increase I mean)! One of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make is trying to "time" the market. It's impossible. Instead, buy when the time is right for you. If you're in the market, then now is the best time for you. Here's why:   1. Rates are historically low. By taking advantage of the low rates, you'll save a load of money. Even if the value of you home decreases by 5% the benefit of having a low interest rate saves you more money over the long haul. Do the math yourself. You'll see I'm right.   2. You've heard the term before. Let me reiterate: This is a buy... 11/19/2010

Have you ever walked into a house and Bam! The smell of cigarette smoke takes over? First impressions count and smoke is an impression a buyer is not likely to forget. In my experience, I have found a home cannot be entirely rid of smoke--almost impossible to cover up. Smoke seeps into walls, furniture and carpets. There are a few things that can significantly minimize the smell of smoke. 1. If you smoke in the house---STOP! Light up outside instead 2. Have all of your drapes, carpets and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned. Don't forget the throw pillows. 3.Wash ALL of the bedding, including pillows. You may have to wash them a couple times 4. Open your windows as much as possible to let fresh air in 5. If you have a whole house fan, use it 6. Prime your walls and then repaint... 11/19/2010

 Buying a home can be an exhilarating experience! There are some steps you'll need to take to make your purchase process a success. Get your financial house in order (we'll talk more about a downpayment later). Unless you know you have stellar credit, I recommend you start preparing to purchase a home at least a year in advance. Review your credit report. If you find any errors, write letters to the credit bureaus and have the errors corrected. Make sure you pay your debts on time every month. Even a 30 day late can have a negative impact. If you're short on cash, make at least the minimum payment to avoid a 30 day late. While we're on the subject of credit, pay your credit card balances down. A high amount of available credit has a positive impact on your FICO score. While you're getti... 11/18/2010

Once upon a time, our home equity was a key component to our personal wealth. During the recession, well, you already know what happened to home values. There's good news: at this point, values have stopped plunging and are somewhat stable. Home values will increase--eventually. According to Moody and Fiserv, it's predicted that home values will decrease about another 5% in early 2011 but will stabilize in late 2011 or early 2012 . The decrease is due to high umemployment and the foreclosure crisis. In addition, the homebuyer tax incentives that propped up real estate for a short time are no more. In the meantime, let's talk about an action plan to "set the stage" for your home's value: 1. First, location, location, location was the old adage. Experts predict it will be again by the end... 11/16/2010

      The Bulllard High School Girls Basketball team opens up its 2010-2011 season under new Head Coach Bill Engle next Tuesday in a scrimmage against Redwood High of Visalia and a week later they play their first tournament at Redwood.  The Knights are working very hard and looking forward to a great season.  Go Knights!!! Bullard Girls Basketball Schedule   The Bullard Girls are busy selling ads for their poster, please contact me if you would like to buy an ad or make a donation to the program.             11/16/2010

The holidays in Fresno, California would not be complete without a trip down the famous Christmas Tree Lane. Over 100,000 people visit the 2 mile holiday wonderland each year.  Christmas Tree Lane started in 1920 with a single tree being lit in honor of a young boy who died.  This year, 2010, will mark the 88th anniversary of the lane.  In 1941 with wartime restrictions the lane was dark and again in 1973 with the energy crisis.     Christmas Tree Lane spans nearly 2 miles, 140 homes, and over a million lights!!!  It is absolutely spectacular every year.     This year Christmas Tree Lane will open on Friday, December 3 and run until December 26.  Hours Sun-Thurs are 6 pm to 10 pm and on Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 11 pm.  Lights go out at this time, so plan accordingly.     This year t... 10/31/2010

The Malloch Fall Carnival in Northwest Fresno is arriving just in time for all of those youngsters who are feeling the disappointment of Halloween being over and for the adults who need to start their Holiday shopping.  This year the carnival will be held on Friday Evening, November 5, 2010.  This fun event begins at 4 pm and you will have until 8 to play games, eat, shop, and mingle.   This annual event is Malloch's main fundraiser every year.  It helps support many of the great programs you can find at Malloch.  The silent auction is always full of amazing baskets as well as great items.  Each class at Malloch puts together a themed basket and the proceeds go back directly to the individual classroom.  This really helps the teachers purchase much needed supplies for their class.     T... 10/31/2010

Asuka Japanese Cuisine in Fresno, California is the place to go for Sushi.     Fresno has many great places for sushi, but my personal favorite is Asuka located in Northwest Fresno.  I have only begun to eat sushi in the last couple of years and have tried many different places.  I definitely would not call myself an expert, but my favorite spot is Asuka.     The service at Asuka cannot be beat, the entire staff is friendly and makes sure you always have everything you need.  I never have to ask or wait for a refill of my beverage, they are always on top of it.    As far as the food goes, well, that's what makes the best!!!  They have me hooked on a roll that I can't find anywhere else.  I even found out that the person who created the roll works somewhere else and I went there to try i... 10/26/2010

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Boo   Fresno Chaffee Zoo will be closing its doors early to host Zoo Boo on Friday, October 22, Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24.  Zoo Boo will be held from 5-8 each of those evenings.  You will want to buy your tickets in advance as this event sells out.       What is Zoo Boo?      Well, you can trick or treat around the zoo, join the costume parade, play carnival games          (not included with admission), meet costumed characters, and enjoy live entertainment.       Did I mention this event sells out???  Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo site today to find out more  details and about this fun family event.         Get your costumes out and head on down to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo!!!   For Ticket Information, Fresno Chaffee Zoo           10/22/2010

The Second Annual Costumes and Karaoke Party is about the begin!!!   Come on down to Shaw and Thorne and join the festivities- We have music, costumes, food, and best of all lots of fun!!! Stop by and say Hi!!! We have Raffle Tickets for a 42" Samsung Flat Screen-Benefits go to KW Cares       Hurry up!!!  Get on Down Here!!!  See you soon!!!!   10/22/2010

Fresno Office Building on West Shaw went up in smoke today, Wednedsay, October 20, 2010     This afternoon the building diagnolly across the parking lot from our Keller Williams Realty office went up in smoke.  Apparently a company was working on the two story building's roof when the something went wrong and the crane working on the building caused a fire to begin.   The rest of this story is just what I HEARD, and you know how that goes, so nothing has been verified!!!  Word or rumor has it that they didn't call the Fire department immediately, the workers tried to extinguish the fire themselves.It is being said that this delay caused much more damage to the inside of the building.  Had the firefighters been able to respond quicker, they could have saved more of the building from bein... 10/20/2010