Buying your first home is full of excitement. You can probably already envision enjoying sunny days in your Southern California backyard and the changes you’ll make to turn the house into your home. But before you can start packing, you’ll need to figure out a way to pay for that home. As a first-time buyer, […]
If you served or are serving in the military, or are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for a home loan from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). These loans are designed to offer easy terms from the start of the mortgage process to homeownership, in order to get those who […]
When you’re applying for a mortgage, you need to provide your income information – including W-2s and paystubs. But what if you’re self-employed? Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed is entirely possible, although you may be on the hook for more paperwork to prove your income. However, there are also factors in self-employment that may […]
One of the most critical steps in the home buying process is securing financing. Rare are those who can pay in cash for real estate in Orange County, so for most people, this early step is finding a mortgage. You’ll need to submit an application to a lender, so you know what amount, rates, and […]
Part of due diligence when buying a home is verifying a clear title. When there are issues with a property’s title, buyers can run into trouble down the road because of other claims to ownership, money owed, and even minor lot line issues. While you will likely purchase title insurance when buying a home, it’s […]
Buying a home, whether your first or your fifth, is always an exciting process. There are new areas to be explored, new chances to design spaces the way you want them, and of course, the comfort that comes with knowing you are in your home. Unfortunately, this excitement can often lead to errors in judgment […]
When you’re selling your home, it’s crucial to make it as presentable to buyers as possible. Your goal is to allow buyers to see themselves in your home, so you don’t want to overdo your staging, and instead, keep it minimal and neutral. If you hope to sell your home faster and at your asking […]
With all of the moving parts involved in a real estate transaction – and their related costs – home buyers are sometimes tempted to forego their right to certain steps meant to protect them. Unfortunately, because a home inspection adds additional cost and a longer wait, buyers sometimes think that the inspection can be […]
When you’re searching for a home, you have a lot of information to keep track of. You’ll need documentation for your mortgage, information about each house you are considering, and the accumulated paperwork that you’ll eventually need for closing. Losing track of just one necessary item can delay any progress you’ve made towards taking possession […]
Do you plan to sell your current home someday in order to upgrade? Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or you have some experience, building equity on your current home is what can move you into your forever dream home. Equity is the value of the property that you own, so think of it as […]