Friday, June 30, 2017

Home Equity: How to Use It


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Home Equity: How to Use It

A refinance pays off your current mortgage and gives you cash based on your equity. These are good for:

·         Lowering or locking in your mortgage interest rate
·         Getting large sums of money ($30,000 or more)

Home equity loans (second mortgage) are installment loans that are paid out in one lump sum. They’re good for:

·         repaying credit card debt
·         remodeling projects
·         buying a new vehicle

A home equity line of credit works like a credit card – you agree to a pre-set limit and then borrow as you need to, or in the event of an emergency, usually for up to 10 years, repay/reuse. Good for:

·         debt consolidation
·         major home improvements

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.  BRE #01224576




www.TimBroHomes.US

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Home Inspections


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Home Inspections

A home inspection is meant to detail problems with a house and if they’re serious enough to prevent a sale. The three main points of an inspection are physical condition, items in need of repair or replacement, and remaining useful life of major systems.

It’s a good idea to attend the inspection: you can ask questions and the inspector can point out areas of potential trouble and offer maintenance tips. Expect an inspection to take 2-5 hours.

To hire an inspector, be sure to ask about references, memberships in professional associations, training, and experience.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.   BRE #01224576






Friday, June 23, 2017

Why Do I Need Owner's and Lender's Title Policies?


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Why Do I Need Owner’s and Lender’s Title Policies?


A common question that buyers ask their real estate agents is, “Why do I need an owner’s title policy and a lender’s title policy?
                                                                                        
Insuring title begins with a search of public records to determine that title to the property is insurable – that, among other things includes:

·         Deeds contain no incorrect names or wording
·         Any outstanding mortgages, judgments, or liens against the property that will need to be paid at the close of escrow
·         Any pending legal actions against the property that could affect buyers
·         Any defects on the title that need to be addressed

Simply put, title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in title to real property – for mortgage lenders as well as buyers.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576






Thursday, June 22, 2017

Important Appraisal Guidelines to Remember


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Important Appraisal Guidelines to Remember

Appraisals can be very intimidating. The worth of your home is being determined by a third party. Here are some important guidelines that will help you get the appraisal you deserve.

Exterior
·         No Chipping Paint or Dry Rot (Eaves and Trim)

Interior
·         Smoke Alarms in ALL Bedrooms
·         Smoke Alarm in Hallway
·         CO Detector – 1 per floor

Utilities
·         Water, Gas & Electricity to be On

Mechanical
·         Heater/AC – Able to be turned On at Thermostat
·         Water Heater – Double Strapped

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576





Tuesday, June 20, 2017

5 Tips for Buyers in a Tight Housing Market


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

5 Tips for Buyers in a Tight Housing Market

When inventory is low, multiple offers tend to increase home prices. Attempting to purchase a home in this market can be overwhelming. With the right choice in proactive agents, it will happen to your satisfaction!!!  Get through this home buying process by following this process:

1.    Determine and stick to your budget. Obtain an approval letter from your lender to verify your loan amount. Take into account additional costs of ownership. Costs such as taxes, utilities and insurance should be taken into consideration when determining your payment budget.

2.    Identify desired neighborhoods and home “wants” versus “needs”. When housing inventory is tight, buyers may need to compromise on what they believe they want from a home. Certain “wants”, such as stainless appliances or hardwood floors, can be added later. However, if a buyer “needs” to be in a specific neighborhood for work or school purposes, or have a certain sized backyard, those cannot be addressed later and must be taken into account during the house hunting process.

3.    Be ready to make a decision. Desirable homes rarely stay on the market long in a seller’s market. Do not hesitate to make the offer. Do your homework, then act quickly and decisively to secure the property that is your next home.

4.    Your offer. Share with your agent your questions and concerns and get those things answered upfront. Your agent will contact the seller or seller’s agent and determine the seller’s hot buttons and get answers for you. Review those things together, while keeping in mind your wants and needs. Be flexible with things like move-in dates, contingencies, and services chosen.  Then have your agent review the best strategy for you and write the offer – NOW!   Don’t wait or you may lose the property.

5.    Work with Tim Bro. It’s important to work with the right realtor who is experienced and knowledgeable in this type of market. Tim has an excellent reputation and 20 years of experience in the real estate business.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576





Monday, June 19, 2017

Here's What Tim's Family Says ...


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Here’s What Tim’s Family Says …

Tim Brodowski is a wonderful person to work with, exceptional family man and very experienced in the field of real estate in San Diego, California. For 20 years I have watched his business and friendships grow tremendously. Tim is dedicated to selling and finding homes for his clients, friends and family. Tim listens to people share their aspirations, requirements and desires. Once he has a thorough comprehension, he plans and helps accomplish their wishes in the time frame preferred. He offers excellent advice, guidance and assistance throughout the entire process of selling and buying a home with perfect results. I would recommend Tim Brodowski to everyone who wants a genuine, experienced and successful realtor to work with. He is the absolute best!

                   - Adrienne Brodowski

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576




www.TimBroHomes.US

Friday, June 16, 2017

Here's What Tim's Client's are Saying ...


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Here’s what Tim’s Clients are saying …

Tim's exceptional marketing skills brought in multiple offers on our home and it sold for thousands more than any other home in the area. He is the best example of a real estate professional you will find, yet he treats you as family. He was always available to us. We placed our total trust in him and he never let us down. Tim handled everything throughout the process, allowing us total peace of mind. We will not hesitate to use Tim again and highly recommend him to represent you.
       
                      -     Ron & Joan

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576









Thursday, June 15, 2017

How to Prepare your Home for Photography


Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Tim’s Photographer Alberto Lau wrote this article in the NY Times …

How to Prepare your Home for Photography

Here is a checklist on how to prepare your home for photography. Yes, it’s a lot of work, and it’s worth hiring a housecleaner! The effort will pay off in the presentation of your home, very likely attracting more views to your listing and better offers. During the sales period there is nothing better than maintaining your home in “photo-ready” mode to welcome potential buyers.

·         The house must be clean and free of clutter – less is more.
·         Clean all glass – all windows and mirrors.
·         Get rid of pet dishes and trash cans. Do not allow you pets to be in the pictures.
·         If you have large portraits of family members, take them down. Small (less than 5x7 inches) photos are OK because they will be so small in the overall picture nobody will be able to tell who it is. Remember, the pictures of the house will likely be used on the Internet.
·         In the kitchen get rid of towels, refrigerator magnets, sponges, paper towels, dish detergents, and excessive number of small appliances. Get rid of kitchen mats and vacuum where the mats used to be.
·         In bathrooms get rid of trash cans, toothbrushes, rugs, shampoo, hair conditioners, etc.
·         If you use your fireplace and know that the flue is open and there are no bird’s nests in the chimney, light a fire when the picture is about to be taken. An anterior with a fire in the hearth is always attractive. But if you don’t regularly use your fireplace, don’t bother. No sense in smoking up the house or setting a bird’s nest on fire!
·         Check all lamps and lightbulbs. Replace burned and missing lightbulbs. Turn all lights on. I prefer not to use supplementary lighting because it creates an artificial look.
·         Turn on all TV’s (sounds off). Golf, nature shows, are better than a black rectangle.
·         Clear cars from the front of the house and driveway. If necessary, place cones or signs requesting others not to park in front of the house.
·         Remove any trash or recycling bins from the view. Preferably, do not schedule the photo shoot on trash pickup day because neighbors’ bins may be visible.
·         Rake leaves off the front and back yards.
·         Verify working condition of any fountains and turn them on.
·         If your pool and/or spa has a cover, take the cover off. Remove leaves and debris from pool. Turn jets on  in spa
·         Take cover off barbecue grill – unless it is hopelessly rusty, in which case it’s better to move it off the frame of the photo.

Doing the above will make the photography session go smoothly and faster. The resulting photographs will make you proud, and you will have a nice keepsake.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576