Diamond Bar Named Among “Best Towns for Families”

This month, Family Circle magazine unveiled its “10 Best Towns for Families.” And it’s not a surprise that the City of Diamond Bar made the list – the first of its kind for the national magazine.

Featured in the August issue, the 10 Best Towns for Families article shares the results of the magazine’s quest to identify “the best communities across the country that combine big-city opportunities with suburban charm” and “an ideal blend of affordable houses, low crime rate, top-rated schools, wide-open spaces and a lot less stress.”

As many residents will agree, the results of Family Circle’s investigation describe Diamond Bar perfectly. If you were to ask your neighbors why they moved to Diamond Bar, most would probably cite the community’s high quality schools and family f r i e n d l i n e s s .

Congratulations to all Diamond Bar residents for their commitment and hard work to their families and community. To come up with its 10 Best Towns for Families, Family Circle partnered with On Board, a New York City research firm providing real estate and demographic data, to assemble a list of 1,850 places with populations between 15,000 and 150,000
and a high concentration of households with an average income of $65,000. That list was
pared to 800 based on criteria such as cost of living, jobs, schools, green space and crime rate. Family Circle assessed which towns best met those standards and ranked them according to state. The winners were selected from the highest-rated towns in the top 10 states nationwide. For more information visit www.familycircle.com.

Diamond Bar City ( Planning & Zoning )

City of Diamond Bar,
The Planning Division is responsible for the functions related to current and advanced planning, building & safety, code enforcement, and economic development.

The Planning Division provides the community with long and short term planning in order to coordinate and monitor growth and development. It is charged with the development and implementation responsibilities of the General Plan. (To view the General Plan Annual Report, click here). It prepares and administers the zoning and subdivision ordinances and reviews development projects for compliance with various development ordinances. The Planning Division insures that all projects receive the required environmental review in compliance with CEQA. Further, it provides technical support to the City Council and the Planning Commission.

The Planning Division is also responsible for the development and administration of economic development. It updates and maintains records for the general public and coordinates projects and programs with other governmental agencies.

To view Diamond Bar's Planning & Zoning Fees, click here.

Diamond Bar Condo Lease:$ 1,400

Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2

Features:	PQ,AB,AO,AR,AP,PT,CR,CW,GC,GU,TK
	Assoc Earthquake Insurance Paid,Association Barbecue,Association Club House,Association Pet Rules,Association Pool,Association Trash Paid,Cc And R's,Curbs/Walks,Gated Community,Guest Parking,Turnkey
LP Excl:
Description:	Lower Unit Condo With 2 Br/2Ba. Easy Access To Fwy 60, 57, 10 & 210. Very Convenient, Close To Target And Other Shops. Less Than 2 Years Old Carpet & Interior Paint. Less Than 2 Years Old Bath Tub And Enclosure For One Of The Bathroom. Very Clean And Neat. Community Laundry Room. No Pets Allowed.

How to Create Marketable Real Estate Notes 2

Real Estate Occupancy:

Statistically speaking, a payor who lives in his home as their primary
residence is going to keep up the condition of their property better
and pay more timely on a note than an investor/owner who may be
struggling to collect rents, keep up with repairs, or other bills,
etc.

This translates to more conservative exposure levels that are going to
have to be adhered to for a non-owner occupant/investor type payor. It
is wiser to sell to prospective buyers who are going to live in the
home, feel that they have some emotional attachment to the home, and
are more willing to pay a full �retail� sales price for the home than
an investor.

New sale or seasoned note

A note that has been newly created with no discernable payment history
established creates uncertainty and risk associated with this burning
question: How will the note be repaid?

Often even good credit payors overextend themselves when purchasing a
home, and all the extraneous expenses that go along with home
ownership (taxes, insurance, repairs, upgrades, furnishings,
utilities, etc.). A note that has even a few months of documentable
payments associated with it can often lessen many issues.

With lesser credit payors, the note may have no alternative but to be
seasoned in order to mitigate the risk and uncertainty and make it
marketable for sale.

If you have marginal payors that are going to be paying you, make sure
you have the ability to clearly document their payment history to you.
After a period of time the risk and concern over their credit
background becomes offset to a large degree by their performance on
the note.

How to Create Marketable Real Estate Notes (1)

The day has come when savvy entrepreneurs, investors, rehabbers, FSBOs, Realtors, and other real property owners have come to the realization that they can sell their properties faster by offering owner financing and still get to a cash position.

The advent and acceptance of what often is referred to as a "simultaneous closings" where a property is sold, and the private seller-financed note is sold to coincide with the sale of the property has become an integral way that many note deals get done these days.

I am often asked how can I structure these types of deals to provide for two things:

1. A saleable note that can be easily converted into cash
   
   

2. A minimal note discount from the balance owed

The following circumstances surrounding a potential note deal will come into play when a note investor, including ourselves, is looking to purchase these newly created notes. Let�s briefly explore each of these variables.

Type of property

As far as the collateral securing repayment of the note is concerned, clearly a vacant land parcel that has no improvements attributed to it would be considered far riskier than a mortgage lien on a single-family dwelling, which is generally considered to be the easiest type of real estate to finance, sell, or dispose of.

Different types of collateral warrant different levels of exposure from a funder. Residential properties are far more acceptable than commercial properties or land. Within the residential sector, there are varying degrees of acceptance over the actual type of residential property.

A mortgage lien on a single-family detached home is far more desirable than one on a condominium, town home, or mobile home, etc. We will focus on the most desirable type of collateral for an investor in paper and that is the �bread and butter� single-family home.

If you are creating paper and want to maximize the amount of cash you can receive, then a properly structured first lien mortgage on a single-family, owner occupied, detached dwelling is by far the type most note funders can price aggressively--meaning, maximizing the funding exposure and minimizing the discount on the note sale.

Please stay tuned for more details.

Real Estate 101 (2)

The danger with real estate investing is that leg-work is often
underestimated. Everyone wants to stand in line at the check-cashing
booth, but few commit to the working hours. When considering
investment properties, make note of the following:

> Consider a Partner
> Many people who purchase investment properties ignore the benefits of
> taking on a partner. Choosing a partner should indeed be a judicial
> process involving credit and reference checks, and goal and character
> analysis, to name a few. More than one salary at stake will increase
> the your purchasing power, opening up many opportunities. Also, some
> states, such as Pennsylvania, offer liability protection and tax
> benefits for registered partnerships.
>
> Take a Drive
> Even if you haven't yet applied for a mortgage or a line of credit to
> purchase a home, behave as though you are ready to buy. Drive around
> neighborhoods and areas within which you would like to purchase
> property, making note of the street names as you navigate. (This
> leg-work will save you a lot of time during your property-hunt later.)
> Take inventory of the upkeep of the homes, the people, and the general
> ambience of the neighborhood. It may seem silly, but it speaks volumes
> about the area's class structure and potential direction. Generally,
> if you would live there, most likely, others will too.
>
> Take a Trip
> Take a trip to the county tax assessment office. Look up the street
> names and find out about the real estate sales in those areas. (This
> information is accessible to the public and may even be available
> online.) Obtaining tax information is also helpful because it will
> help you avoid offering more money than the house (neighborhood) is
> worth should you decide to buy.
>
> Consider The Fringe
> Don't be afraid to hold on to your interest to fringe areas (slightly
> lower-class neighborhoods). Many businesses seek out fringe areas
> because of the lower taxes and access to customers in the nearby
> high-end areas. New businesses are a sign of revitalization, which
> means greater stability down the road.
>
> Multi-family Units are Tops
> A good deal on a single-family unit is by no means a candidate for
> dismissal; however, multi-family units generally have higher positive
> returns than do single-family units. Consider this: a converted
> single-family home now stations two units. Suppose the home could rent
> for $600 per month in a certain area and apartments could rent for
> $400 per month. In this case, the duplex provides a $200 return over
> the single unit—and it should cost about the same!
>
> Learn the Process
> So many people miss out on potentially profitable deals in real estate
> because of their lack of knowledge during the mortgage loan process.
> Before shopping for a loan, you should know what the average interest
> rates are. Know your rights! Don't get taken for a ride by lenders
> because you don't understand their jargon. Do your homework.
>
> Talk to People
> This is perhaps the least adhered to rule of all. Learn from other
> people's past mistakes. You may even wish to seek out individuals and
> companies that have real estate investments. Most homeowners and
> business owners who have experienced painful blows in the home-buying
> process can't get to the bullhorn fast enough. You'd be surprised at
> what information veterans can offer.
>
> Take your time
> Beware of get-rich-quick schemes and business relationships based upon
> other people's misfortunes. Ultimately, real estate is a business that
> generally has more long-term than short-term benefits. While
> short-term payoffs are replete in the business, be careful not to
> allow Mr. Greed to overshadow your humanity and better judgment.
> Listen to your skepticism, and don't be afraid to pass up deals that
> don't sit well with you. In many ways, your better judgment will keep
> you from making irrational business decisions. Guard your good
> name—your credit—with great integrity by making clear, well
> thought-out goals. Avoid making rash decisions in order to thwart
> other prospective buyers. Who cares if you miss what seems to be the
> deal of the century? After time, research and good judgment, you'll
> find that the deal of the millennium may be right around the corner!

Real Estate 101 (1)

In life, there are only two surefire guarantees: breath and death. Still, preparing for the future does have its rewards. In fact, most aspects of life involve some degree of planning—it’s the way we, as inhabitants of 21st Century America, have been taught to exist. Financial security holds true to this grain of living now for later.

Considering the uncertain stock market, investment trusts, and 401K options, it may seem as though the safest place to store money these days is under a mattress. Yet despite appearances, the current situation is a nesting place for get-rich-quick schemes, success-in-a-few-days books, and a plethora of pyramids and chain letters promising wealth with little investment. Grandma’s old adage that anything worth having is worth waiting for is whisked away by new sayings fed even by some Christian evangelists who proclaim supernatural debt-cancellation in 2003. Such spellbinding messages can leave the average middle-class investor perplexed, suspicious, and purse-clutched. The query of the day may be simple, but it is full of meat and potatoes: will the real financial savior please stand up?

Most are privy to the recent real estate boom. There are those who have even ventured to capitalize on its benefits. Late night infomercials, such as those showcasing real estate gurus offering no money down investment property acquisition tactics often hook viewers into an initial purchase as a marketing ploy for future sales. The viewer then realizes that he or she has spent hundreds of dollars and hasn’t gained any more real estate investment knowledge than was originally obvious.

The truth is that real estate is as close to guaranteed wealth as most middle class Americans are going to get. There are profits to be had in real estate; however, one does need to know how to play the game. The Executive Intelligence Review explains in a recent article that “the cumulative value of all homes in America is now an astounding $12.04 trillion,” which is only one-third less than all the stocks traded in America. While this statistic speaks to real estate’s firm footing in the American economy, it is important to understand that the “living now for later” strategy only works when the investor plays smartly.

Please stay tuned for more information, thank you!

Should You Pay Points on Mortgage Loans?

In real estate lingo, a point is one percentage point of the overall loan that is paid up front, typically at the time of closing. For example, if you are borrowing $150,000 on a mortgage loan and will be paying three points, you will pay $4,500 up front. Paying points generally lowers the interest rate on your loan.

When determining whether you want pay for points, think about how long you expect to live in the house. Over a short time frame — less than five years or so — paying points usually doesn't makes sense, as you will pay more in points than you will save in interest. However, if you plan to stay in the house for 10 or 20 years or longer, points will pay off over time. Although the prospect of paying a few thousand dollars more initially isn't very attractive, you may be able to save money over the duration of the mortgage.

Another advantage of paying for points on a residential mortgage is that you can deduct the money you pay on that year's income tax return. In some areas, it's customary for sellers to pay your points at closing. As the buyer, you can still deduct the points payment from your taxes, as long as they meet IRS guidelines.

This applies only to new mortgage loans, however. If you are buying points to refinance your home, the IRS considers this prepaid interest. That means you will have to deduct them over the life of the loan rather than all at once at closing. Check with your accountant or tax advisor for his or her professional opinion on deducting points.

Don't confuse the aforementioned kinds of points with origination points (also known as "origination fees"). Origination points won't lower your interest rate, and are called origination "fees" for a reason: you pay them for work your lender does on your behalf. Not all lenders charge origination fees; if your lender does, you may be able to negotiate them down or out of your load entirely.

When shopping for a mortgage, factor in your loan with points and see when you will break even. If you see that by paying $2,000 for two points you will break even in 7 years, and you plan to stay in the house for at least 15 to 20 years, you will come out ahead.

You can finance points, which allows you to pay them off as part of the loan. But this increases the cost of your points, and it will take longer to break even. If you can, pay for the points in full at closing.

Diamond Bar Franchise Fees

Companies are granted special privileges for the continued use of public property, such as city streets.Such companies usually involve elements of monopoly and may require regulation. The Franchise Fees are the amounts required for the continued granting of these privileges.Franchises currently granted within the City are Electric, Gas, Cable TV, Bus Benches, and Street Sweeping.

Thornburg Mortgage stops accepting interest-rate locks

Jumbo lender delays payment of dividend to investors

Jumbo lender Thornburg Mortgage Inc. says it won't make a 68-cents-per-share payment to shareholders today as scheduled because of a "sudden and unprecedented decline" in the market price of its mortgage securities.

The decline began on Aug. 9 and prompted an increase in margin calls by the Santa Fe-based lender's creditors, the company said in a press release explaining the decision.

Thornburg Mortgage said it has also experienced delays in its ability to fund loans, prompting the company to stop accepting new requests to lock in rates for four days.

"We regret having to take these steps, but present market conditions have placed unprecedented restrictions on our industry and on us that have forced this change in policy," the company said in a memo to lending partners that was posted on IndyMac Bank's company blog. "Due to the fact that very few lenders are currently accepting locks, Thornburg Mortgage is being inundated with lock requests."

Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), Thornburg Mortgage specializes in adjustable-rate jumbo mortgages. Loan originations totaled $1.7 billion in the second quarter -- a 21 percent increase from the same period last year, the company said in its most recent report to investors.

At the end of June, Thornburg Mortgage reported holding $48.7 billion of hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) assets, with the interest rates on $5.7 billion in loans set to reset in the next 18 months.

The ARM assets included "A quality" ARM loans that Thornburg Mortgage purchased or originated and securitized into ARM pass-through certificates or collateralized mortgage debt financings for the company's own portfolio. Thornburg Mortgage retains the risk of potential credit losses on all of the loans, and had set aside $15.7 million for loan losses as of June 30.

Thornburg Mortgage said it was also a counterparty to hybrid ARM hedging instruments consisting of $44.3 billion in swap agreements. The company also had $24.7 billion of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at the end of June.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve a simultaneous sale of pledged securities to a creditor, which Thornburg has agreed to repurchase at a future date at a higher price, with the difference representing the cost of borrowing.

Thornburg Mortgage warned investors that the company's borrowing ability under such agreements "could be limited, and lenders could initiate margin calls in the event of interest-rate changes or if the value of our ARM assets declines for other reasons."

Things to know before buying a vacation home

Market conditions, taxes, hazard insurance among top concerns

Nationally, home sales declined 4.1 percent in 2006 from 2005. But, vacation-home sales rose 4.7 percent in 2006 to a record 1.07 million sales, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The increased interest in buying vacation homes for personal use rather than rental is expected to continue throughout this decade.

The annual Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey from NAR found that vacation-home buyers intend to hold on to their property for a median of 10 years. Thirty-eight percent of respondents plan to keep their property for 11 years or more.

With a long-term horizon in mind, it's important to make sure that the home you buy lives up to your expectations. To complicate matters, residential real estate is an intensely localized business. Many vacation-home buyers buy outside of their local area.

The NAR survey revealed that the typical vacation-home buyer in 2006 bought a property that was a median of 215 miles from his or her primary residence. Forty-two percent bought a vacation-home within 100 miles of their home; 32 percent of the properties were 500 miles or more away.

Even vacation-home buyers who purchase within 100 miles of their primary residence are likely to find that real estate custom and practice might differ considerably from what they're used to. And market conditions are so variable today that you can find different forces at play even within one community.

Buying outside of your local area requires diligent pre-purchase investigations to make sure that you end up with a home that brings you pleasure. Here are the sorts of things you should look in to:

Check out the condition of the local market. Is it a buyer's or a seller's market? If the area is flooded with inventory, find out which homes are selling and why. You usually can't go wrong if you buy the type of home that is in high demand. It may be worthwhile to wait for such a property to come along.

Are there any natural hazards to be aware of such as forest fires, flooding or hurricanes? Can you get insurance for these hazards to protect your investment?

If you're buying in a rural community and you've experienced only urban living, you may need to familiarize yourself with such things as septic systems and percolation tests.

With this in mind, you'll probably have the best success if you choose a real estate agent from the local area to represent you in your vacation-home purchase. Ask acquaintances who own in the area for recommendations. Or, have your real estate agent at home find a competent agent to work with.

After you decide on an agent, ask for a list of all the fees that will be levied in connection with your out-of-area purchase. For example, some communities have transfer taxes and others don't. Find out how much your property tax will be and how much they are likely to increase over time.

Buyers who purchase a vacation home a long distance from home should investigate what local resources are available for property management. You may purchase in a planned-unit development that includes onsite management. If not, can you hire someone to look after your property when you're not there?

It's a good idea to take a few vacations in the area where you think you want to buy -- and at different times of year -- before you actually purchase. You may find after spending more time there that you really don't want to own a property that you may only visit infrequently.

THE CLOSING: It might make more sense to continue renting if you plan to spend only a week or so a year there.

Increasing Real Estate Property Value

Increasing Seller's Property Value

Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, sellers can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified buyers willing to pay the asking price.

Some tips to achieve a positive impact on value are:

• Perceived size impacts value, even more so than actual square footage. Open floor plans make a room feel bigger than larger spaces with smaller rooms. Showing property that is furniture free, or at reduced clutter, helps to make the space feel bigger.
• Vacancy increases sale-ability. Property is easier to show and easier to sell, and quicker to take possession of when it is vacant at the time it is offered for sale. Evidence of problems to take possession of the property -- such as encroachments, or tenants who wont allow buyer tours -- negatively impact value. Vacancy also helps the buyer walk through the property imagining ownership. Sellers should remove personal trinkets and family pictures as well as being conveniently absent during a buyer tour.
• Cosmetics are important.
  • Fresh paint will always add more value than it costs.
  • Clean or new carpet/flooring adds more value than it costs.
  • Landscaping adds more value than it costs. At the very minimum, make the entrance area neat.
  • If you can, add some colorful flowers and new sod.
• Take care of the obvious! The spot on the ceiling from the roof leak takes thousands of dollars from the perceived value and the offer price.
• Condition affects value. Do a seller's home inspection to identify and fix the problem BEFORE closing. No point holding up your check a few extra days; plus a failed buyer's inspection could cost you the sale. Buyers will often bargain down your asking price to accomodate for property condition and repairs.
• If you can, remodel/update the kitchen and master bathroom. These two areas have a big impact on home buying decisions.
• Strategic renovations impact value and your bottom line. Don't spend more money to renovate the place than you can recapture in value on the sales price.

HOW "AS IS" HOME BUYERS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES.

Knowing the key reasons many home sellers elect to sell "as is," home buyers can benefit from such sales if they know how to protect themselves.

The best way for a buyer to protect against an unscrupulous seller who "forgot" to disclose a serious but known home defect is for the buyer to include a professional inspection contingency clause in the purchase offer.

Buyers of every house and condominium should include such an inspection clause making the purchase offer contingent on the buyer's approval of their professional home inspector's report. That means, after the home seller accepts the buyer's purchase offer, the buyer hires a professional inspector and then approves or disapproves their written report.

Home buyers should be wary of inspectors recommended by the real estate agent. Such an inspector might be known as "easy" and not a "deal killer." Ask such inspectors recommended by a realty agent about their experience, background and professional memberships.

An excellent credential is an experienced independent inspector who belongs to one of the professional home inspections organizations.

Real Estate Buyers benefit most when staying in home long term

Buyers benefit most when staying in home long term

Given the recent negative press about the state of the residential real estate market, it's understandable that buyers would be reluctant to offer more than the asking price. Yet, some buyers are finding that a list-price offer is not enough. Multiple offers are making a comeback in some markets.

Some buyers in this situation would decide to wait to buy until there are more listings and fewer buyers. A downside of this approach is that waiting in a market that's short on inventory could mean paying a higher price later.

Although appreciation has been flat to negative in many areas of the country, there are pockets of the market -- like the starter-home markets in Oakland and Berkeley, Calif., and Brooklyn, N.Y. -- where there aren't enough homes for sale to satisfy the demand. This tends to put an upward pressure on prices.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Does it make sense to pay over the asking price in a market that could soften further? The answer depends on how much over asking you have to pay and how long you plan to own the property.

Some sellers are still pricing their homes low to stimulate buyer interest. In this case, paying over the asking price may not mean paying over market value. Check the sale price of the most recent comparable sales in the area to determine if paying over asking is too much. Your real estate agent can help you with this.

Even if a listing is fairly priced, paying more might make sense depending on your circumstances. If the house will serve your long-term needs and you're confident that you won't be moving for five or 10 years, paying an extra $10,000 is probably worth it. However, if your future is uncertain, it could be risky to pay more than the asking price.

A job transfer that forces you to sell in a soft market soon after buying, could leave you in a precarious position -- particularly if you financed the purchase with a mortgage for 100 percent of the price. Unless you have financial assistance from your employer, you might have to pull money out of savings to cover your selling costs. If the value of your home has declined you might not be able to sell for enough to pay back the mortgage.

Another factor to consider before offering more than the list price is whether the house will appraise for your offer price. Typically, a lender's mortgage commitment is conditioned on an appraisal of the property that substantiates that the buyer is not overpaying. Most lenders require that the appraisal report include three comparable listings from the neighborhood that sold within the past six months.

Due to the general slowdown in the housing market, some lenders are tightening up on their appraisal requirements. Recently, an appraiser who was appraising a property in Oakland's Upper Rockridge neighborhood was instructed by the lender to use comparable sales from the last three, not the last six, months.

THE CLOSING: To protect yourself, include an appraisal contingency in your purchase offer so that you won't risk losing your deposit should you back out of the contract because the property doesn't appraise for the purchase price.

Diamond Bar House LP: $ 789,000

Bedrooms:	4
Baths:	3.00/
Built:	1977
Square Feet:	2,077
Lot Size:	6,578

Property Description:
This Is A Very Well Maintained Home With Beautifully Landscaped Backyard. If Your Clients Are Looking For A Home With Relaxing Views Of The Surrounding Hills And City Lights, This Home Has It. Home Features 4Bd / 3Bath, 3 Car Garage, Covered Patio, Spa With Wood Deck, Professionally Installed Home Security System, 2Yr Home Warranty. Home Is Inspected For Termites Every Year. In Addition, Home Is Also Sprayed For Ants And Other Insects Every Month. As A Bonus, My Clients Will Be Leaving Most Of The Potted Plants For The New Owners. One Year Of Gardening Service Will Be Prepaid*. Also, Seller Will Consider Replacing Garage Doors With Newer Roll-Up Doors*. *Call Agent For Details On Gardening Service And Garage Doors.

Features:
Ceiling Fan, City Lights View, Direct Garage Access, Double Door Entry, Hills View, Home Warranty Plan, Lot 6500-9999, Mountain View, Panoramic View

Knowing When Your Ready To Buy

All across the United States, there are millions of people looking to a buy home - either now or in the future. Over the last few years, lower interest rates have come along, making it more affordable than ever to buy a home. When most people stop and give it some thought - buying a home makes a lot more sense than renting a home or an apartment.

In order to buy a house, you’ll need to start saving your money and have enough for the closing costs and a down payment. Your down payment will normally need to be around 15% of the price or the value of the property - whichever is lower. To be on the safe side, you should always try to have 20% to put down. If you aren’t able to put 20% down, you’ll need to buy some private mortgage insurance, which will cost you more in terms of your monthly payment.

In most cases, the closing costs will run you around 5% of the property price. Before you purchase the home, you should always get an estimate. An estimate won’t be the exact price, although it will be really close. You should always plan to save up a bit more money than you need, just to be on the safe side. It’s always best to have more than enough than not enough.

You’ll know your ready to buy a home when you know exactly how much you can afford, and you’re willing to stick with your plan. When you buy a home and get your monthly mortgage payment, it shouldn’t be any more than 25% of your total monthly income. Although there are lenders out there who will say that you can afford to pay more, you should never let them talk you into doing so - but stick to your budget instead.

Keep in mind that there is always more money involved with a home other than the mortgage payment. You also have to pay for utilities, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and maintenance. Owning and caring for a home requires a lot of responsibility. If you’ve never owned a home before, it can take a bit of time to get used to.

Before you fill out any applications, you should always look over your credit report and check for any errors. Although you may think you don’t, you can easily get an error on your credit report and not even realize it. If you have an error on your credit report, it can cost you a lot of money in interest rates. An error will decrease your credit score, which will put you in a higher interest bracket and ultimately cost you a lot more money in the end. Therefore, you should always know your credit before you approach a lender.

If you check your credit report early enough, you may leave yourself enough time to fix any problems and get your credit back on track. Rebuilding credit can take time though, sometimes even years. You should always plan ahead - and give yourself plenty of time to fix your credit.

Buying a home will require a bit of commitment on your behalf. You should always strive to get the best possible deals, which means knowing your credit and where you stand. This way, you can get the best interest rates. You don’t want to buy a home with bad credit, simply because you’ll pay a lot more money for the home. If you take the time to fix any credit problems and save up some money - you’ll be able to get a much better home for your money.

Diamond bar house. This is a Short Sale. LP: $539,000

Living Built: 1700
Lot Size: 9580
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2


Any offer is subject to interior inspection. Seller's reserves all the services. Buyer's to verify information to satisfy.

Finding A Real Estate Agent

Whenever you buy or sell real estate, you may be like millions of other people out there, in thinking that you don’t need a real estate agent. Most people who buy or sell homes, generally think that a real estate agent is a waste of money. Those who choose to buy a new home, think that real estate agents only add to the cost of purchasing the home.

What most people aren’t aware of, is the fact that real estate agents are normally paid by the seller, not by the buyer. As a buyer, you’ll get to work with a professional real estate agent without really having to pay for it yourself. The policies can vary greatly from state to state and company to company, which is why you should always check any paperwork or contracts that are provided to you to ensure this is the case. When you are interviewing agents, make certain to ask about any type of fees as well.

A lot of real estate agents out there may work with both buyers and sellers, although most specialize in working with either the buyer or the seller. If you are buying a home, make sure that the agent you choose has prior experience of working with buyers and transactions that involve no money down. This way, you can count on your agent to be there when you need him the most - especially if you don’t have a down payment.

If you are interviewing a real estate agent and he or she isn’t familiar with down payment assistance programs, you shouldn’t hire their services. Agents who aren’t familiar with these types of programs generally aren’t on the level, or they may lack the experience necessary to help you purchase the home of your dreams.

You can also make a list of real estate agents that you can interview based on referrals from friends, lenders, and even family. Lender referrals are normally a great choice as most lenders have worked with their recommendations in the past and both are already familiar with each other. Choosing a lenders referral can also prevent you from encountering any obstacles or surprises.

When you interview a real estate agent, make sure that you have the agent explain his fees. This way, you’ll know exactly how much he will be getting from the purchase. You should also find out how much experience he has in the field, and how long he has been working with real estate. You can also ask about sample contracts as well. If you are buying a home, you should make sure that the agent works with buyers. If you happen to be selling your home, then you’ll want to make sure that the agent works with sellers. Agents that are dedicated to one or the other are the best to choose, as they will have more experience than agents who work with both buyers and sellers.

Find a real estate agent is an easy task - providing you know what to look for. If you take things one step at a time and carefully make a decision, chances are that you’ll end up with an agent who has the experience you want. You should always be careful when you choose, and never rush the process. Real estate agents are easy to find, although finding one who fits your needs and has your budget in mind is a little tougher to locate. When you make that final decision, you should always choose an agent who has your best interest in mind - and isn’t just after the money.

Home Selling Tips: Maximize Your Home's Sales Potential

When preparing your house, try to see it from the buyer's point of view. Would you want to buy a house like your own?

Unless you're sure you're up to the challenge, hire a good agent and attorney to do the home selling for you. It may cost more, but it can save you a lot of aggravation in the long run.


Make sure you have full Multiple Listing Service coverage - this is a powerful tip to remember. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the strongest selling tool for your home. Some people would not even advise you to check for any offers before you see you home on MLS!

Home showings through an open house are a good idea.

Getting clutter out of the way will not only improve home showings, but also make it easier to pack once the home has been sold.

Finish any renovations you've started on the house. No buyer wants to finish a job the seller started!

When negotiating with the buyer, throw your bad mood away. It's hard to discuss price when you're still upset about the buyer's plans to cut down the tree you love. Maintain an interactive discussion and build up trust. Even if the offer doesn't work out, keep up a good impression.

Don't let buyers' offers away you - consult with your agent about the price offered. Usually there's a period of three days for you to accept or reject an offer. Also be prepared for home inspections, as usually this happens during this stage of the home selling process.

Home Selling tips are endles. Choose only the tips that would best suit your needs and situation.