Fantastic Family Home For Rent in Gilroy

Here's a video from HAFA, the US Government supported housing recovery program. We learned about this by going to http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/.

The main page description is: The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable. It also includes the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for homeowners who are interested in a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

As is the case with many government programs, this one has not been completely successful - BUT - a few have benefitted. And, if you are in a situation that stresses you constantly, watching this video may help you take action to change things.



If this applies to you or someone you know, contact Team Patereau. We have helped people move on. We can help you too.

Unexpected Ways to Save Money and Energy

Special thanks to REALTOR® Karen Stephens in Memphis, TN, who shares this article she wrote  where she encourages homeowners to give their pocketbook and Mother Nature a break this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

• “Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.
• Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.
• Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.
• Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4 to 9 percent on the average water-heating bill.
• Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.
• Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.
• Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.
• Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14 to 20 percent. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.
• Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.”

Click here to read more blog posts by Karen Stephens.

Adjustments Ease FHA Home Loan Requirements

Here’s a piece of good news for a segment of the real estate market! Many potential buyers in this area, especially first-time buyers, will benefit from these relaxed requirements.

This is great news for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. We have had a number of buyers contact us over the last few months that were just on the cusp of qualifying for an FHA mortgage, but because of the tighter mortgage regulations, were unable to qualify.

According to this article from Inman, FHA lenders Wells Fargo and Quicken Loans have confirmed that they will now lend to applicants with 580 FICOs and 3.5% down payments.

FICOs and FHA: 2 big lenders loosen up

If you're looking to take advantage of the fantastic mortgage qualificatons, give Team Patereau a call at 408-981-2799 and we'll help you get started and get a great deal on a home.

Realty Times - About That Real Estate Sales Tax

Realty Times - About That Real Estate Sales Tax

At my regular Gilroy Rotary meeting yesterday, I sat next to Bill, an avid real estate investor. He reminded me about the "Real Estate Sales Tax." While this does affect Bill and his investment property sales, it is not an across-the-board sales tax on real estate. Realty Times did a good job of explaining this when the Health Care Bill first passed. And, contrary to Bill's information, this tax does not go into effect untio 2013. Bill thought it went into effect on January 1st of this year. It's worth another look to get all the details, especially if you, like Bill, think this is a "Real Estate Sales Tax."

Clearing Your Credit History - It's a Long Road

 

Should You Move or Remodel?

• 

  Should You Move or Remodel?

  When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Keep Your Home California introduces new program for unemployed

Picked up this announcement from my CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®  newsletter:

Unemployed California homeowners now can apply for up to $3,000 a month in mortgage assistance to tide them over for up to six months while looking for work.

The Unemployed Mortgage Assistance Program (UMA) is the first of four programs the state is scheduled to roll out as part of an initiative called “Keep Your Home California.” The programs are supported by $2 billion in federal dollars provided through the Hardest Hit Fund.

Eligible homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments after suffering a job loss may qualify for assistance.

HouseLogic is producing some video tips about buying and selling real estate. Here's a sample, this one about getting ready to buy a home. Let us know how you like it. If there's enough interest we'll post more.

APARTMENT FOR RENT IN GILROY