Title and Deed – What to Know
July 4th, 2009
Categories:Home Buyer Education
Title and Deed are two words you’ll only hear when buying and selling a home. While every state has different laws surrounding title and deeds, the basics are consistent from state to state.
This article will walk you through:
- The 4 Types of Deeds
- Understanding Title vs Deed
- The 4 Ways to Take Title
- Resource Section
- Read the rest of this entry »
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Bill Introduced for 18-month HVCC Moratorium
July 3rd, 2009
Categories:Real Estate News
The H.R. 3044 bill was introduced this week to put an 18-month moratorium on the Home Valuation Code of Conduct!
This is very exciting news as the HVCC has been viewed by many as a poorly thought out program to a problem that needs a quality solution.
Since the HVCC took place, it has increased the costs to consumers and decreased the quality of appraisals. Neither of which are helping today’s housing market get back on its feet.
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3 Myths vs Realities in the Home Valuation Code of Conduct
July 2nd, 2009
Categories:Real Estate News
The Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) took affect on May 1st, 2009. Since its implementation lenders, Realtors and appraisers have been making a lot of noise over the new rules and are starting to petition its reversal.
The Appraisal Institute recently published an article attempting to clear up the misunderstandings surrounding the HVCC. They do this by listing the myth they are attempting to bust and then the “Reality” as they see it.
Lets look at some of their explanations in closer detail. Here is the link to download the Myths and Realities pdf.
Here are 3 of the myths they chose to “bust”:
- HVCC Requires Lenders to Use Appraisal Management Companies
- Loan Officers are Prohibited from Communicating with Appraisers
- Licensing of an Appraiser Ensures His or Her Competency
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Top 10 Ways for Renters to Reduce Energy Costs
July 1st, 2009
Categories:Green Real Estate
Rent an apartment, townhouse or home? These tips will help you reduce the amount of energy used every month and help you save money.
Here’s the quick and simple
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Room Air Conditioners
- Programmable Thermostat
- Vampire Devices
- Showers vs Baths
- Air Registers
- Drapes
- Scraping vs Washing Dishes
- Laundry with Cold Water
- Keep from Over Drying Clothes
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6 Tips to Cooling and Heating Your Home Efficiently
June 30th, 2009
Categories:Home Ownership
Summer’s here and I thought it would be fitting to write about heating and cooling your home efficiently… however, those of you in Arizona using the heater this time of year, should probably seek some help… that or close the freezer and fridge already!
The average home uses half of their energy to heat and cool the home. With such a big portion of the energy bill going towards heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), it pays to take sometime to make the home more efficient when it comes to heating and cooling.
6 Tips to Cooling and Heating Your Home Efficiently
- Change your air filter regularly
- Get an annual HVAC tune up
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Seal your heating and cooling ducts
- Consider installing Energy Star qualified equipment
- Ask about proper installation of your new equipment
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The Closing Table – What to Know
June 29th, 2009
Categories:Home Buyer Education
Once the contract has been accepted its time to focus on getting across the finish line. Often the anticipation of moving in creates a rush to wrap up the transaction as quickly as possible.
No matter how exciting the finish line may look, it is important to keep in mind the most critical part of the transaction occurs at the closing table. Once you sign the loan documents and record title, the home is yours along with all the responsibilities and any details hidden in the paperwork, which is all too often over looked.
Here is an outline of what is covered in this article:
- Preclosing Procedures -What the buyer and seller need consider and do before closing
- Closing Figures and Fees – What to numbers to look for and double check
- Prorations - And explanation and definitions
- Closing Time – What to expect when it comes time to sign your loan docs and who should be there
- Sample Closing Statement – Get a sneak peak at what you’ll be looking over
- RESPA and Closing - RESPA is on your side and here’s why
- Closing Table Resources – Links to the U.S. Department of Housing
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4th of July Fireworks Events in Gilbert
June 24th, 2009
Categories:East Valley News
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Where are the fireworks celebrations this year?
While some places such as MCC have decided to cancel their celebrations this year, we have found several other places that are continuing to invest in celebrating Independence day regardless of today’s economy.
Here’s a list of places to watch the fireworks celebrations in the East Valley along with maps and directions. Read the rest of this entry »
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