Lodi / Stockton CA Homes For Sale & Real Estate Information

They are, according to some industry experts.  But isn’t EVERYONE an expert these days?  I’m not saying they’re not correct in their statements and information, but what would happen if each of us concentrated on our own individual economies?

There are many opportunities out there in the areas of real estate, business opportunities, job openings, investments of all kinds, etc.  If you start looking to see what you can do that will affect YOU and your family, and stay focused on those goals and efforts, then there is a LOT more you can do for yourself than sit idly by from a safe distance and just “see what happens”.

However you see what’s happening in our current state of affairs with the economy, there is good information and there is just information in general.  We all need to stay on top of our national as well as our local news for what will affect us individually and as a community.

Here is a link to an article that you can check out about real estate, unemployment, the economy, etc, and leave a comment about you’ve read and how you feel about it… Click Here.

Article source: www.RISmedia.com

I took the family out for the day on Saturday the 26th to the 13th Annual Day in the Zone concert in Sacramento, and what a day it was.  I think the ‘zone’ we were all in was the HEAT ZONE!  The high temperature forecast for the day was 103 degrees.  I think that’s what it was in the shade.

In spite of the heat the performers were all great and put on a really good performance.  I’m sure they were all hot as well.  Howie Day started off the concert, followed by Colbie Caillat, then Hoobastank, and the closing act belonged to Train.

This was the first concert I had been to in a long time.  Especially an outdoor concert.  I’ve attended some indoor performances to see Boyz to Men, David Lee Roth, Dido, and even some of my favorite comedians like Howie Mandel and Jerry Steinfeld.

The outing was to celebrate our friend Keith Burgad of Burgad Imaging in Lodi turning 40 years old.  Happy Birthday Keith!

One of our friends that also attended was Tamera of iSpiProperties, which is a real estate investor client of mine.  I have helped her find and purchase two properties in Stockton recently that she has completely remodeled inside and out.  You can view one of those properties here on my site.  It’s located at 8339 N. Pershing Ave.

We took four of our children and one of their friends to make it a real ‘family outing’, and they sure had fun!  There was a Kids Zone with giant inflatable slides, bounce houses, etc.  There was even a firetruck there that would occasionally turn on their main water cannon to cool down not only the kids, but anyone that was looking for a quick way to cool down.  Our kids really loved that part.

There was good food, plenty of drinking water, great friends and of course great entertainment.  In spite of the blistering heat it was a really great day.

I hope you all had a good weekend as well, and found ways to stay cool.  Be sure to stay hydrated on the hotter days by drinking extra water.  Remember to not drink any sugary beverages because they’ll only make you more thirsty.

I was recently asked about how difficult it was to get and close an FHA loan when purchasing a home, and why.

Here was my answer…

*********************************************************************************

FHA transactions are very simple to close actually.  You just need a good lender that knows what they’re doing and that you provide ALL documentation up front that is requested from the lender.  You have to show proof that you have the income, savings, credit, etc. instead of the way it ways a few short years ago where all you had to do was just ask for a loan, and some lenders said ok, without even verifying funds at times.  Those days are gone, thankfully.

There are specific conditions that will need to be met, but have patience and be up front with everything and you’re good to go.

So, a good lender to “fully” pre-approve you and a good Realtor to guide you through the offer process and staying on top of all the disclosures, inspections, and timelines once your offer is accepted, will see you through to a closing of escrow that’s as stressless as possible.

********************************************************************************

Right now is a great time to buy a home and get a gov’t backed FHA loan and be sure and take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires next month.

Make it a great day!

Randy

Do you pick up pennies you find on the street?  (Whether it’s Heads or Tails?)  Would you grab a $1 bill if you saw it in the trash?  How about if you found $8,000 in a trash can…would you snag that up, or just leave it there?

Well, a lot of people are going to be throwing away $8,000 each very soon now.  The first-time homebuyer tax credit is about to come to an end.  If you are thinking of buying a home right now, could you use $8,000 toward your closing costs to make the decision a little easier?

Here is a link to a good article that needs your attention… CLICK HERE

Read it now and pass the information along to your friends who have been waiting to buy.  Interest rates are still low for now, and lending guidelines are getting tougher.

Dont just make it a great day…make it a great year!

Randy

Moving day is stressful — you’re uprooting your family’s life and moving it to an entirely new house, and perhaps an entirely new city.

There are ways you can make the moving day itself less grueling with just a little planning. Here are a few:

1. If you’re using movers, they will go through your entire house and draw up an inventory of your things to be moved. Tag along with the driver who’s tallying this inventory and make sure everything gets on it, and then use the inventory at your new home to make sure that everything gets unloaded. The more familiar you are with the inventory, the more at ease you will be that your loading and unloading is proceeding smoothly and that you’re on track for your move.
2. Be the sole source of contact with moving companies. Having one person in charge of all the moving details will make it easier to keep track of your entire move. It will also make it easier for the moving company to know who to speak to if there are issues.
3. Before you even move, take care of things at your new home so you don’t have to worry about them on moving day. Get your utilities hooked up, and arrange to have cleaners get everything clean before you arrive. Also, when your new house is empty is the best time to do minor home improvement projects like painting, wood-floor refurbishing, and carpet cleaning.
4. If you have kids or pets, arrange to have someone take care of them during your loading and unloading. Kids, especially small kids, can get underfoot during a move and pose a danger to the folks who are moving your stuff. Also, the less you have to keep track of on moving day, the better.
5. Pack and set aside a bag that you will need during the trip to your new home. To be safe, keep this bag at a neighbor’s, or put it in the car, to ensure it doesn’t accidently get packed by your moving company.
6. After everything’s been loaded, go through the house (and possibly enlist someone to come along with you) to ensure everything was loaded onto the truck.

Source: Relocation.com