Home Staging is Worth It

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Home Staging is Worth It

Home sellers hope to sell their property quickly and maximize value. Using the right furniture, lighting, and décor can make your home more appealing. Professional stagers transform for sale homes from uh-oh to o-yeah. Staging the home accordingly can decrease the amount of time the home is on the market. Tim has qualified home stagers to help assist in the preparation for the successful sale of your home.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.com

Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Get Your Home Ready to Sell

                                              

One of the questions that Tim, your SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is asked after a client decides to put their property on the market is, “What should I do to get ready?” The first thing to remember is that we all have different tastes. So don’t make a lot of major changes that may suit you and not the new buyers. A buyer will make changes according to their own decorating preferences.

The key is to keep it simple. The less clutter the better. If things seem crowded, think about storing items or use this opportunity to make a donation to your favorite charitable foundation.

Do make minor repairs such as leaky faucets.

The overall first impression is most important to a prospective buyer. Outside, landscaping can make a dramatic difference. Often something as simple as flowers lining a front walkway can make a more inviting entrance.

One of the aspects of my assistance is that I can provide you with a list of qualified people to assist you in readying your property for sale. The excellent team of painters, handymen, gardeners and cleaning services can assist you and often at senior prices.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.com

Your Homeowner Association

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

                                          

Your Homeowner Association

Homeowner associations were created to provide a governing body for residential developments to make decisions regarding upkeep, appearance and finances. Periodic meetings are held to ensure that members of the communities are informed of issues related to them.

Know the Homeowner Association Laws

Although homeowner associations have broad authority to organize communities, they are still subject to a larger body of laws that affect privacy and ownership of property. Familiarize yourself with the homeowner association laws in your state, so you can help to prevent frivolous rules that affect the experience of residents living in the community.

Financial Matters

Homeowners associations produce a budget for the members of the development on an annual basis. These budgets allow the residents to understand where their association dues are being spent and whether or not sufficient reserve funds are being held for large projects.

Homeowner associations exist to ensure that communities are well run and able to handle financial and other responsibilities. These associations function best when those that make the decisions have regular input from the residents of the community.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Here's What Tim's Clients Say!

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Here’s What Tim’s Clients Say!

“Now that the sale is final, please know how grateful I and the entire family are for the contribution to the sale of our family’s property.

“You are a consummate professional, warm, friendly and a source of reassurance during the stressful process of selling a home.

“I plan to tell all the special qualities that make you not only a personally connected ally, but a strong negotiator, protector of your client and an all around great gentleman and human being.

“It’s been an honor to work with you and I’m reassured that some people in this world sill excel in customer service.

                       

“With esteem and gratitude,

                                                           

David T.”

                       

If you would like this type of service, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Listing in North Escondido - 2427 Lake Forest Street

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

2427 Lake Forest Street – Listing in North Escondido

Lovely North Escondido four bedroom, three bathroom home. Floorplan includes one bedroom and bath on the first floor. Tile flooring, fireplace and vaulted ceilings in living room. Arched doorway opens to dining room with abundant lighting. Frosted sliding doors to back yard. Stainless kitchen appliances, granite counters. Two car garage with plenty of storage. Large master bedroom upstairs has sliding doors to balcony. Walk in closet and high ceilings. Amazing mountain view. Go see your next home.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

2427 Lake Forest Street - Extraordinary Home

Marvelous Escondido 4 br, 3 ba home.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Wonderful Home in Tierrasanta Norte

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

5497 Camino Playa Malaga

Wonderful Tierrasanta Norte Home.  Cul-de-sac location is extraordinary and this home with an extended driveway backs up to a scenic canyon.  Floorplan is ideal with a bedroom and full bath on the 1st floor.  As you enter the double doors to the home, you will notice the open feel with high ceilings and recently installed plank flooring. Family room with fireplace offers amazing views of the majestic canyon. The interior of the home was painted in August and is fresh and waiting for you to move in.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Fabulous Home - 5497 Camino Playa Malaga

  Extraordinary New Listing in Tierrasanta Norte

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Seniors Home Sale Notes

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Seniors Home Sale Notes

When you are ready to retire, your home is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re downsizing, buying in a new community or moving in with family, it takes careful planning to get the most out of your most valuable asset.

Seek an Agent with Specialized Knowledge

It is critical to find a real estate agent knowledgeable about the specialized needs of seniors, such as Tim Brodowski, your Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Through experience, specialized training and credentialing programs, Tim is familiar with the seniors’ unique issues of selling their home. He is a specialist that will guide you in making appropriate decisions and refer you to other experts as needed.

Know Your Home’s Value

Having lived in your home for many years, it is natural to be unsure of its current value. Lack of knowledge about current prices could cause you to accept much less for your home than it is worth. To find out the current price for your home, contact Tim to review a market analysis.

                                               

Needed Guidance

Tim will guide you thru the maze of disclosures, issues, and potential pitfalls, with selling your home and make it a smooth process for you.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Differences among Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Bankers

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Differences among Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Bankers

A mortgage banker is the lender, whereas a mortgage broker represents several lending institutions and serves as a liaison between the lender and borrower. Here are some of the benefits of working with each.

Mortgage Brokers …

The National Association of Mortgage Brokers defines a mortgage broker as an “independent real estate financing professional who specializes in the origination of residential and/or commercial mortgages.”

Brokers work individually with borrowers, collecting information, documentation, and verification to process the loan application. Once the loan package has been prepared and conditionally approved. The broker matches his client with a lender. He walks the paperwork through final approval, escrow deposits, and loan funding.

Broker’s fees are typically paid by the financial institution for the broker doing the loan generation, paperwork, and bringing the business to the financial institution.

Mortgage Bankers …

As defined by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, a mortgage banker is an “individual, firm, or corporation that originates, sells, and/or services loans secured by mortgages on real property.”

Mortgage bankers are direct lenders. Working with them eliminates the middleman. They may use automated underwriting systems, so working with a banker may prove more expeditious. Mortgage bankers maintain competitive rates.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Real Estate Disclosures

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Real Estate Disclosures

If you’re in the process of selling a home, be mindful of laws covering full disclosure. The best thing to do if you’re unsure what to disclose is to consult your real estate professional, Tim Bro, who has the knowledge and expertise to walk you through the disclosures.

The general rule of thumb is that anything that could affect the value of the property or the desirability of the property should be disclosed.

When it’s time to fill out the disclosure forms, answer all questions to the best of your ability. Disclose everything that you’d want disclosed to you if you were the buyer. If you don’t know the answer to a question answer “Do Not Know.” But not having precise facts about defects does not permit you to answer “Do Not Know” to the question.

If you desire an agent who will walk you thru the entire process, including the disclosures, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”. BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Lock in Your Loan

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Lock in Your Loan

A lock-in holds an interest rate and points for a specified period of time, usually 30-60 days. Depending on the lender, you can lock-in at the time of application, during loan processing, at the time of loan approval, or later.

A lock-in at application is useful when interest rates are on the rise, protecting against rate increases. If interest rates are falling, it may be best to wait until after application approval to lock in.

Lock-ins aren’t always free. Some lenders charge up-front fees, which may or may not be refunded upon application withdrawal or denial. Other lenders charge the fee at settlement. The fee may be a flat fee, a percentage of the mortgage amount, or a fraction of a point added to the lock-in rate.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Your New Neighborhood

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Your New Neighborhood

Congratulations! You are moving into your new neighborhood. Of course you want to know all that it offers. Here are eight ways to get to know your new neighborhood and it will feel like home in no time.

1. Walk the neighborhood and make a map, marking down street names, bike paths, parks, tennis courts, etc.

2. Drive around the area and find the post office, the closest grocery store, a favorite restaurant, mall, bank, hospital, etc.

3. Go to the library, community center, or parks.

4. Go to the local recreation center and see what’s available … clubs, classes, events … for every member of the household.

5. Subscribe to the community newspaper for lists of local events, discount coupons to local businesses, etc.

6. Participate in your new community. Join your homeowners association and attend the meetings. Join the PTA. Volunteer at the local food bank.

7. Research the community online. Read about what others have to say.

8. Don’t wait for the neighbors to come introduce themselves. On the weekend, whip up a batch of cookies and go door to door, introducing yourself and distributing goodies. Enjoy your new neighborhood!

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Protect Your Investment - Homeowners Insurance

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Protect Your Investment – Homeowners Insurance

For most people, your home is your greatest investment which needs a lot of protection. Homeowners insurance does just that, it protects your home and belongings. If something happens to your home or belongings, homeowners insurance pays you for the loss covered under your plan. Things to remember when choosing the best coverage for you include:

1. Set higher deductibles to lower your premiums; just make sure you have enough cash to cover the larger deductible.

2. Most companies offer discounts for smoke detectors, burglar alarms, third-party alarm monitoring systems, dead bolts, fire extinguishers, and Neighborhood Watch programs.

3. Earn “multiple coverage” discounts by using one carrier for all insurance needs.

4. Premiums will be higher if the fire stations and fire hydrants are too far away.

5. Going without a claim for three to five years may warrant a discount. Most companies also reward longevity of service.

6. Some companies offer discounts to people who have paid off their mortgage.

7. Discounts may also apply if your home was built or rebuilt within the past 10-15 years.

8. Check out non-smoker, early retirement, and live-in-housekeeper discounts.

How to Collect: You are partly responsible for loss recovery. To prevent forfeiture of coverage and increase your ability to get a settlement: Notify carrier immediately after a loss. Make repairs to prevent further damage. List personal items damaged. Show an insurance rep the damage. Complete a statement explaining circumstances for the insurance company.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

The decisions made for hiring a contractor are important. Everyone wants to enjoy their home and have good things in working condition. Here are eight tips to make your home repair choices smart ones.

1. Ensure proper permits are obtained and paid for.

2. Check with friends, neighbors, trade associations, and home improvement stores for referrals.

3. Get three bids, then bargain. Question extremely low bids.

4. Don’t hire someone who “just completed work in your area” and offers you a good deal.

5. Avoid contractors with no street address. Verify phone numbers.

6. Get written estimates and references.

7. Resist high-pressure tactics.

8. Never pay in full up front and make sure you are satisfied before paying the final fees.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Leasing with the Option to Buy a Home

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Leasing with the Option to Buy a Home

In today’s market the lease with the option to buy a home does not come along readily. There are many advantages to this choice. You live in the home and experience what its surroundings offer. If you lack the funding to purchase, the lease with option to buy may act as a forced savings. Best of all if you fall in love with home you get to purchase it!

Leasing with an option to buy a home: a renting tenant signs an agreement with a landlord stating that the tenant can buy the property at the end of a prearranged time period. The owner is obligated to sell at the option price, but the tenant is not obligated to buy. However, the tenant can buy the property only if the landlord exercises the option to sell.

The option to buy is terminated if the tenant in any way violates the lease before closing the agreement to purchase. An option to buy only gives the tenant legal title upon exercise of the option which becomes an absolute and binding contract of sale.

The tenant often pays above-market rent for the property, but a (nonrefundable) portion, called the rent credit, is credited toward the purchase price.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Two Kinds of Lender Points (fees)

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Two Kinds of Lender Points (fees)

1.    Discount points are prepaid interest on your mortgage loan—you’re basically paying finance charges in advance. Discount Points are used to "buy" your interest rate lower. This is known as a rate "buydown." A general rule of thumb is that one full Discount Point will lower your fixed interest rate .250 percent or your adjustable rate .375 percent.

Lenders regard this type of points as covering their cost for offering a lower interest rate over the length of the loan. The more points you pay, the lower the interest rate on the loan, and the fewer you pay, the higher the interest rate. Paying discount points is a good idea if you plan to live in the house for a long time.

2.    Origination points are charged by the lender to offset the costs of making the loan or to boost profits. Most loan officers’ compensation is based on origination points, but they still may be negotiable in whole or in part. Some lenders add origination points into their quoted points while other lenders add an origination point in addition to their quoted points. Origination points are gross profit for the lender. They are not tax-deductible.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

What are Property Deeds?

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

What are Property Deeds?

Property deeds are written documents used to transfer real estate from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee).

General warranty deed guarantees: the grantor is the owner of the property and has the right to sell it to the grantee; there are no debts on the property or defects in structures other than those recorded in the deed.

Special warranty deed: includes the warranty. It only guarantees that there are no debts on the property or defects in structures other than those stated in the deed during the period of the grantor’s ownership.

Grant deed: implies that the grantor has the right to sell the property, and that the property itself is unencumbered. However, it does not make explicit warranties.

Quitclaim deed: has no warranty at all. Its purpose is for one party to release any interest that they had in a property such as in divorce cases.

Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: a homeowner who misses several payments and defaults on a loan transfers the deed to the lender in order to avoid foreclosure. This can use any of the above deed types in the transfer. There is no transfer of money because the homeowner owes the lender; the lender sells off the house to recover at least part of what the homeowner owes.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Healthy Aging

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Healthy Aging

Healthy aging has several key components: Good physical health; possession of basic resources (housing, food); good social network; sense of purpose; and engaging in activities such as volunteering, working, and hobbies or interests.

Make a list called 100 Things I Want To Do. The list helps to uncover past dreams, wishes and activities or interests you haven't pursued.

Some questions to ask yourself: What if age weren’t a factor or you were 20 years old? What if you weren’t afraid of seeming foolish? What if you had the resources and energy to make your dreams come true? The point is to open up possibilities, even ones that seem “too young.” Movies need older extras. Skydiving can be done at any age with good health. Why not get a college degree now? Go play golf! Forget about what is “expected” just follow your heart’s desire.

Retirement need not be viewed as the end. It should be anticipated as the beginning…of the time of your life.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

1. Keep heat producers far from your thermostat in summer. Floor lamps and televisions can significantly raise the temperature in the area near a thermostat, turning on your air conditioner too often.

2. Operate large appliances during low-use periods in summer. Use your washer and dryer and other heat-producers early in the morning or late at night. Use the air-dry method on your dishwasher to save energy.

3. Lower the thermostat on your water heater. If your hot tap water is too hot to touch, lower the temperature a few degrees.

4. Close the air vents in rooms not in use. For example, close the vents and shut the door to an unused guest room.

5. Replace existing insulation. A proper barrier keeps heat and cold from penetrating your home’s exterior and provides for even temperatures between rooms. The EPA recently reported that proper ceiling insulation may reduce electric bills 20%.

6. Replace existing appliances. If money is no object, replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances, specifically created to optimize energy consumption.

7. Check for air leaking around doors. A lot of the air you pay to heat or cool escapes through unsealed doors. Install or replace worn weather stripping.

8. Clean your furnace and air conditioner filters. Replace existing dirty air conditioner or furnace filters. During heavy use periods, replacement is recommended every 30 days.

9. Buy new light bulbs. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent or LEDs.

10. Request an energy audit. Contact your local utility company to request a free energy audit.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Distinctions between a Condo, PUD, and Co-op

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Distinctions between a Condo, PUD, and Co-op

Condos: Walls, floors, and ceilings owned by all residents; HOA dues; covenants, conditions, and restrictions; value depends on the desirability of entire development.

Planned Unit Development (PUD): Individuals own structure and some land.

Co-op: Corporation made up of all tenants; larger units have more power in how building is run; fees for taxes, mortgage, repair, improvement; heavy scrutiny of financial, personal history.

Townhome: Not a form of ownership, but a term for an attached row house.

Advantages of each: Prices often lower than for single-family home; maintenance minimal or nonexistent; safety in “cluster” environment.

Condsiderations: HOA dues; CCRs may be complex.

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

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

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.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US