Buying and Selling

Five Ways to Come Up with a Down Payment

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coming up with a hefty down payment can be intimidating, but with a little work and ingenuity you can do it. Here are a few ideas for coming up with the needed cash:

1. Down-Payment Assistance Programs
Many states offer down-payment assistance programs. You must go through an application process and qualify based on income and credit, but if you do qualify, these programs are amazing. Typically you will receive a grant for the amount of your down payment; it’s basically free money from the government to encourage responsible citizens to buy their first home.

2. Try to Qualify for an FHA Loan
If you qualify, an FHA loan can make first-time home ownership much easier. FHA-backed loans typically offer more manageable down payments (as little as 3.5 percent compared to the 10-30 percent required for conventional home loans). These loans are subject to credit requirements but sometimes less stringent ones than other loans.

3. Help from Family
If your parents or other relatives are in a financial position to help you purchase your first home, they may be happy to do so. Approach the conversation with a gracious and humble mind frame and don’t expect a specific outcome. Emphasize that you are ready to become a homeowner and begin solidifying your financial future, but that you don’t have enough cash on hand for a down payment.

Perhaps you are planning to get married in the near future. Instead of asking your parents to help you pay for the wedding, ask for help with a down payment—a smaller, more modest wedding may be well worth becoming a homeowner. As long as the gift is less than $13,000 (or $26,000 for a couple), you shouldn’t have to pay income taxes on it, either.

4. Boost Your Income
Instead of looking at your current income and thinking that saving a chunk of money is impossible, ask yourself how you can earn more money. Options include freelancing on the side or getting a job on the weekends working retail or at a restaurant. No matter how you choose to boost your income, the main goal is to continue living on your old income while putting away any extra money.

5. Borrow from Your IRA
While taking out a loan from your retirement account is generally frowned upon and penalized with taxes and early-withdrawal fees, one exception is borrowing from your IRA specifically for a down payment on a house. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $10,000 penalty-free toward a real estate purchase.

Are you thinking about purchasing a home and looking for advice on where to start? Give me a call at (626) 252-0839,  we will sit down and draft out a plan for your specific situation, whether it be buying something this month or 6-12 months down the line, its important to have knowledge and tools available to you. Let me help! 

Are you wondering what your home would sell for in today’s market? Click HERE for a free estimate! 

For a more in depth consultation please contact us directly at (626) 252-0839

4 WAYS EMOTIONS CAN INTERFERE WITH HOUSE HUNTING

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Buying a home is an exciting, emotional, and stressful project. Whether you have purchased a home before or are preparing to buy your first one, you don’t want to let your emotions make the decision for you. The following are pitfalls that can be costly, and you’ll want to avoid them.

1. Love at First Sight
Don’t fall in love with the first house you see and determine to buy it no matter what. You could end up overpaying for the property. Or, after the sale, you may discover costly repairs that will negate any profit from a future resale. Many real estate agents insist their clients look at a few houses before entering into a contract because they have witnessed buyer remorse when clients insist on buying the first or second home they see.

2. Always Looking for a Better Deal
These buyers are just the opposite of the love-at-first-sight crowd. They think there is always a better deal than the one they just saw, or they hope the price will drop on some of the homes they have liked. While it is possible, it is highly unlikely. If you pass up a good deal just because you think the owner is going to drop the price later on, you are giving another buyer the chance to snatch it up. If a home has all you want, is in the right neighborhood, and is priced well, you better buy it before it’s gone.

3. Paying Too Much for the “Perfect” Home
It is highly unlikely there is any such thing as a perfect home, but sometimes buyers believe they have found one. When this happens the buyer acts on their emotions because they will do anything to get that house. When you buy a home, you always need to know you can resell it without losing any money. Unfortunately, when people find what they believe is the perfect home, they will often bid high to ensure their offer is accepted and in the process may overextend themselves financially.

4. Unrealistic Offers
The opposite of the overpayer is the low bidder. There is a big difference between negotiating a price with a seller and offering an unrealistically low price. Discuss this with your agent before you wind up alienating the seller and possibly the chance to buy the property. Making a realistic bid that is good for you and the seller is the answer to getting the property you want.

Shopping with your emotions rarely yields a good deal. Listen to your real estate agent’s suggestions, look at several homes, and then make your decision. Once you have your home, don’t look back. Enjoy this home and make improvements. You will be one step closer to your dream home.

Are you thinking about purchasing a home and looking for advise on where to start? Give me a call at (626) 252-0839,  we will sit down and draft out a plan for your specific situation, whether it be buying something this month or 6-12 months down the line, its important to have the tools available to you. Let me help! 

Are you wondering what your home would sell for in today’s market? Click HERE for a free estimate! 

For a more in depth consultation please contact us directly at (626) 252-0839

Bargain Hunters HUD REO List for 03/29/16

Aside Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Available Listings, Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, HUD, HUD Homes, HUD Programs, HUD's Aged Inventory List, HUD's Best Value List , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here is this week’s list of available Bargain Priced HUD Homes! Take a minute to browse this list of available What are you waiting for?bargain HUD Homes, Available HUD homes in California and other states. 

For Information on these and other available HUD homes please visit: www.HUDHomestore.com or Contact me:

Direct: (626) 252-0839 Email: Yesenia@NewCenturyBroker.com

Click to get the PDF Download:      HUD Homes Aged Inventory

 

Bargain Hunters HUD REO LIST

 

How’s the Market??? Snapshot for February 2016- Real Estate Market Trends

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, How's the Market Snapshot , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here is this month’s How’s the Market??? Snapshot. If you saw last month’s Snapshot you will notice that our local real estate trends show median prices are still creeping up, its just taking a little longer for homes to sell! If Hows the market imageyou would like more detailed information about how much your home is now worth after the Real Estate Crash, send me an email, text, or call me. I’ll be more than happy to provide you with a Free, no obligation report of what its worth and things you can do to improve the value of your home.

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.
Housing Inventory Snapshot February 26, 2016
Average List Price 30 Days Trend Median List Price 30 Days Trend Average DOM: active 30 Days Trend Number of Listings
Los Angeles County, CA
Single Family under $1M $551,903 0.65% $529,000 0.76% 72 -6 6931
Single Family over $1M $3,634,805 -1.06% $2,089,000 -0.29% 93 -12 4344
Condo/Townhome under $600K $386,924 1.03% $388,000 3.47% 63 -5 1895
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,283,823 -1.49% $898,888 -0.01% 64 -13 1159
Riverside County, CA
Single Family under $500K $330,082 0.47% $334,000 1.21% 85 -3 6022
Single Family over $500K $1,591,204 5.38% $920,000 3.95% 107 -6 5278
Condo/Townhome under $300K $206,576 -0.69% $214,500 -1.11% 108 4 1274
Condo/Townhome over $300K $537,464 2.61% $449,000 3.46% 90 -3 1398
San Bernardino County, CA
Single Family under $500K $286,502 0.48% $280,000 0.00% 98 -8 4520
Single Family over $500K $1,776,860 6.40% $965,000 7.46% 107 -15 2995
Condo/Townhome under $300K $199,155 1.72% $215,000 0.00% 82 -8 211
Condo/Townhome over $300K $648,741 4.65% $549,500 9.90% 47 -13 549
Orange County, CA
Single Family under $1M $731,269 2.53% $723,888 3.49% 68 -9 3806
Single Family over $1M $3,642,413 -3.40% $2,295,000 -2.34% 109 -20 2187
Condo/Townhome under $600K $404,906 0.18% $410,000 0.02% 60 -8 1203
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,067,181 0.24% $824,900 -2.84% 59 -14 697
If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.
Sincerely,
Yesenia E. Ruvalcaba-Garcia, Broker
Realtor®/HUD REO & Listing Specialist
Direct (626) 252-0839
Office (626) 917-6200 ext. 14
Cell Phone (626) 252-0839
Fax (626) 209-8318
CalBRE License Number: 01293970
yeseniaruvalcaba@aol.com
newcenturybroker.com
New Century Realtors

1165 Bradbourne Avenue #12, Duarte, CA is For Sale! Open House Saturday!

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Available Listings, Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers , , , , , , , ,

1165 Bradbourne Avenue #12, Duarte, CA

OPEN HOUSE
March 12, Saturday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS | 3 (3 full ) BATHROOMS | 1483 SQUARE FEET

Amazing opportunity to own a beautiful 3 bedroom condo in Duarte just blocks from the Duarte Bike Trail and neighboring Bradbury! The sellers remodeled most of the house just months ago and now its ready for you to call it home! Walk in and take it all in! New bamboo floors throughout, New interior paint, New Staircase, Completely Remodeled Kitchen complete with beautiful Granite Counters and pristine cabinets, Remodeled Downstairs Bath. Upstairs you’ll find a huge Master Suite complete with a romantic fireplace, walk-in closet, his and hers bathroom sinks, granite counters, remodeled m…



All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Not intended as a solicitation if you are currently working with a Broker.

National Home Sales Decline, but Still Remain Above Last Year’s Sales

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, Helpful Info, Home Sellers, How's the Market Snapshot, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values, Sellers , , , , , , , , , , ,

Existing-home sales in October were strong but not as strong as they were in September. Total existing-home sales fell 3.4 percent to 5.36 million, down from September’s 5.55 million. Yet sales were still 3.9 percent higher than at the same time last year. Economists with the National Association of Realtors expected the slowdown. Total housing inventory fell 2.3 percent in October, and according to NAR’s chief economist Lawrence Yun, the shortage put pressure on the housing market. The lack of inventory did nothing to ease the affordability issues plaguing some markets across the country. In addition, buyers had fewer options to choose from, leading to fewer contract signings. Yun also believes the recent volatility in financial markets impacted buyer demand—and home sales in turn.

The Silver Lining
If the job market continues to improve, sales should continue their year-over-year climb. With mortgage rates remaining below 4 percent for the third straight month, home buyers should feel incentivized to sign their contracts sooner rather than later. And even if mortgage rates moderately increase, a gradual easing of credit standards should temper any impact on demand and sales.

Lower and Higher
Every region saw sales slip or stall in October. In the Northeast, existing-home sales remained steady from September, while in the Midwest, sales were down 0.8 percent. The South and the West saw sales fall 3.2 percent and 8.7 percent from a month earlier, respectively. Sales might have been down from September, but every region posted year-over-year gains. Sales in the Northeast improved 8.6 percent from a year earlier. In the Midwest, existing-home sales were up 8.3 percent. And when compared with October 2014, sales in the South and the West rose 0.5 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively.

Home Price Tags
Prices also increased year-over-year. In the Northeast, the median price climbed 1.3 percent above October 2014. The Midwest and the South saw prices increase 5.7 percent and 6.2 percent above a year ago, respectively. The West posted the strongest gains, with the median price rising 8 percent above October 2014.

When you decide to sell your house, it is important to be well informed about the local market and current buyer expectations. Take the emotion out of the process. Be realistic about price and know what you need to do to get the best return on your home investment.

1-626-252-0839 Sell While the Market is HOTT!

What’s Your Home Worth? Find out Now!

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, chances are that you’re excited about the possibility of moving and starting a new chapter of your life. Simply deciding to sell your home isn’t enough, though. The process of putting your home on the market can be overwhelming and time-consuming, so before you try to sell your property, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Being honest with yourself and with the people around you will help you have a more positive selling experience when you’re ready to move.

National Home Sales Increase, Housing Inventory Dips

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info, Home Sellers, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values, Sellers , , , , , , , , ,

Now is a good time to buy a home or list your home for sale. The national housing market trends show an increase in home sales and a decrease in home inventory. National existing-home sales increased in September to the second-highest pace since February 2007. Interest rates are holding steady near 4 percent, and job growth—while modest in comparison with the first half of the year—is still strong. Rent prices have climbed to an eight-year high, making it less affordable to rent and more affordable to own a home.

National Home Sales Increase
Total existing-home sales reached 5.5 million in September, a 4.7 percent increase from August and an 8.8 percent rise above a year ago. What’s more, for the past 12 months, year over year existing-home sales have increased, according to NAR. Gains were recorded in every region of the country. In the Midwest, existing-home sales climbed 2.3 percent in September; sales are 12 percent higher than September 2014. Sales in the South rose 3.8 percent month over month and 5.7 percent year over year. The largest sales gains in September were seen in the Northeast, with an increase of 8.6 percent, and the West, with an increase of 6.7 percent. Year over year, sales rose in the Northeast and West 11.8 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.

National Inventory Dips
By the end of September, there was a total of 2.21 million existing homes on the market, a decrease of 2.6 percent. This is 3.1 percent lower than a year ago. At the current sales pace, this level of inventory represents a 4.8-month supply—a drop from August’s 5.1-month supply. Persistent inventory shortages have plagued the housing market all year, yet the market has still posted gains. This is thanks in large part to sellers taking advantage of rising home prices to release equity in their current home and either sell up or downsize. First-time buyers, however, are still struggling to find a way into the housing market. First-time buyers represented only 29 percent of the market in September; this is down from August’s yearly high of 32 percent and unchanged from September 2014’s.

1-626-252-0839 Sell While the Market is HOTT!

What’s Your Home Worth? Find out Now!

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, chances are that you’re excited about the possibility of moving and starting a new chapter of your life. Simply deciding to sell your home isn’t enough, though. The process of putting your home on the market can be overwhelming and time-consuming, so before you try to sell your property, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Being honest with yourself and with the people around you will help you have a more positive selling experience when you’re ready to move.