First Time Home Buyer

10 Step Home Buying Guide

10 Step Home Buying Guide 10 Step Home Buying Puzzle resolved Launching into the home buying process can be daunting and may feel like one of those crazy jigsaw puzzles you tackled as a kid. So many pieces - where do I start? This 10 Step Home Buying Guide, in the next 11 posts, will ease your mind. Following will be a step by step guide to propel you from start to finish and get you into your next home! Whether you are a first time home buyer, getting...

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Relocate to Marin County from Across the Bay or Across the Ocean

Relocate to Marin County from Across the Bay or Across the Ocean What makes Marin County so great? Why is it one of the most expensive housing markets in the world? Why should you move to Marin County? You can't grow up in Marin County and not feel a little spoiled, special and unique. It truly is one of the most stunningly beautiful places to live and work. The residents of Marin develop a bit of snobbery but can you blame us? Once you live in...

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This isn’t your Parents Loan – Borrowing Money Has a Whole New Look

This isn't your Parents Loan - Borrowing Money Has a Whole New Look Finance is a part of my job but not one I am completely comfortable with or always fully understand but thats why I work with very knowledgable mortgage brokers like Charlie Christensen with EM Mortgage and our in-house broker, Marney Solle with Terra Mortgage. Both incredibly passionate about their work and crazy informed, up to date and experienced in the world of lending and all the new twists and turns the banking industry and government have imposed. Anyone who...

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House For Sale, 2442 Chestnut Street, San Francisco CA 94123

House For Sale, 2442 Chestnut Street, San Francisco CA 94123. A unique Condo in the Marina District of San Francisco. 3 Bedroom, 2 full baths with garage parking, backyard and plenty of storage. All rare qualities in an SF home! Currently off the market this beautiful Condo combines family comforts with convenience and off-the-charts walkability. Tough to beat this Marina District location for convenience and access. Chestnut street boasts amazing shopping, restaurants, 2 movie theaters, drug store, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, and several wine bars. There is literally something for...

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How is the Real Estate Market in Marin County, CA?

How is the Real Estate Market in Marin County, CA? This is the number one question asked by friends, family and strangers. Are they just making polite conversation or is just about every person looking for answers in this crazy fluctuating and ever-changing market? Maybe both? My direct market, Marin County, CA with 20 distinct areas as designated by BAREIS, our local MLS (multiple listing service) produces an equal amount of "Markets". Meaning, you will get a different answer to the question, "How's the market" depending on what city, area and price...

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Buying a Home In Marin County – Home Buyer Success Story

Buying A Home in Marin County - Home Buyer Success Story Real Estate is a challenging business to be in, especially in today's market with the ever changing rules, regulations, laws and statutes surrounding Real Estate transactions. It has become a mine field of disclosures and compliance. However, for me the most important and most rewarding part of the Real Estate business hasn't really changed that much and that is Client Care. It's true, younger Gen X and Gen Y clients now entering the market are tech savvy and better...

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Homes for Sale in Marin County, CA – Average home price 2010 to 2011 up or down?

Homes for Sale in Marin County, CA - Average home price 2010 to 2011 up or down? Turns out in Marin County, like home prices, inventory levels, Days on Market and sale price vs. list price it all about location, location, location! In two cities the average home price is up from 2010 to 2011 Year to Date in all others it's down. Makes answering the questions, "have we hit the bottom", or "hows the market" or "are prices going back up" difficult to answer. Check...

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Marin County Real Estate – 1965 to 2010: Puts things in Perspective!

Marin County Real Estate - 1965 to 2010: Puts things in Perspective! Look at this graph and what do you see? The obvious, like 2007 prices were off the charts and homes were truly affordable in Marin in the 60's, 70's and into the mid 90's. My parents bought their second home in San Rafael, CA in Marin County is 1963, the year I was born for about $40,000 which according to the chart is right on. It was a decent size house, nothing fancy but...

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Foreclosures in Marin County, CA – Just Sold, Marinwood, CA Townhome

Foreclosures in Marin County, CA - Just Sold, Marinwood, CA Townhome There is a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding the purchase of REO (real estate owned) or bank owned properties. These are properties that have gone through the foreclosure process and are no longer owned by an individual but a bank or investor. The process of purchasing an REO property varies from a regular sale but in most cases can close in 30-45 days and doesn't have to be...

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Do you talk to Strangers? Can you afford not to?

Do you talk to Strangers? Can you afford not to? When I was a kid, I was painfully shy and not the terrified of public speaking or asking questions in class but the level of shyness where I couldn't call information and ask for a phone number (and that other stuff too).  I'm talking extreme debilitating shyness. The thought of talking to strangers made me want to throw up or hide or both. I eventually grew out of it with the help of team sports and a series of jobs that boosted...

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