Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  What is a probate sale in real estate? Whether you’re looking for the perfect home or an investment opportunity, finding the ideal property in the right place at the right time is a challenge.  You may come across homes in foreclosure or probate with lower pricing than comparable property—either noted as such or with an “as is” designation. With probate sales, there are drawbacks that weigh against the savings: time, uncertainty, and higher risk to the buyer. However, with the right  probate REALTOR®  on your team, you can end up with a property surpassing your expectations. In this guide, we’ll explain the ins and outs of the probate process. What is a probate sale?  When someone who has individually owned assets dies, their estate generally goes through probate. This is a legal process that requires oversight by a probate court to ensure that the deceased’s debts are paid and the remaining assets are distributed properly to heirs.  What does probate mea...

People purchasing a used car have most likely heard of CARFAX vehicle history reports to help them avoid buying a car with costly hidden problems.   Less likely are buyers to know that there is a way to discover some of the repair history of homes they are interested in. Lexis Nexis C.L.U.E. (Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a claims history database that enables insurance companies to access consumer claims for the previous seven years when they are underwriting a risk or rating an insurance policy. An insurance underwriter could identify a previous claim for substantial damage to a property and try to find out whether the repairs were completed properly before assuming the risk as a new insurer.   Similarly, a buyer could benefit from knowledge of former claims that may affect the value of the property or possible, future repairs. A CLUE report can discover insurance claims on a home to investigate whether the repairs were done properly.   These report...

The Housing Market is dipping slightly... a little longer on the market, a few more houses up for sale. But, it's still quite strong. 

  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 10 Easy Upgrades for a Healthier Home ’Tis the season for pollen and pesticides, not to mention pet dander and disease-carrying creepy-crawlies. The editors at ThisOldHouse.com checked in with health and environment experts across the country for easy, inexpensive tips to help keep your home healthy. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind: Add mats on both sides of the door.  Up to 80 percent of the dirt that gets tracked inside—along with countless allergens, bacteria and lawn chemicals—can be caught before it makes itself at home with washable mats on both sides of the door. Establish a no-shoes-indoors policy.  Keep a basket of slippers or socks near the entryway for family members and guests alike. Create a pet checkpoint.  Treat cats and dogs with a monthly tick-and-flea medication, and use a fine-tooth comb to catch fleas before they come inside. Know that flea shamp...

Usually, it is easier to buy a home than to sell a home but that isn't necessarily the case currently. In today's market, it can be scary to sell your home before buying another because you could find yourself without a home. Most sellers will not accept a contingency on the sale of a buyer's home in today's market.  So, let's look at some of the alternatives that homeowners are using to facilitate the transactions.  If you have the income, credit, and cash available, the replacement home can be purchased with a new 80-90% loan-to-value mortgage and sell the existing home after you have moved into the new home.  This would require making two payments for a while but probably gives the seller the least amount of pressure to find the replacement property before the existing one is put on the market. If the mortgage on the new home has the option to recast the payment, additional down from the equity in the previous home after it sells would lower the paym...

Do you own a home? Are you looking to buy or sell?  This eNewsletter strives to give you information that will help you make an informed decision around your real estate goals.    I am here to support you whatever your real estate needs might be.  When you are ready to make the decision to buy or sell, give me a call.   PONDER THIS - The air is fresh and bright - Spring is the season of renewal - You might be contemplating your next move. Should you stay or should you go?  Call me and let’s develop a strategy to meet your real estate goals.   As always, I am here for you, your family, and friends. FINANCE, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS   About Earnest Money Deposits   When a buyer and seller agree on a purchase price and terms, the buyer shows the seller a sign of good faith in the form of earnest money. This money, typically 1% to 3% of the sales price or whatever is customary for the local market, is deposited with an escrow agent or title company...

You may not have heard of anyone assuming an existing mortgage for over thirty years and didn't know they were even possible any longer.   The reason is simple, it didn't make financial sense but now that interest rates are increasing, it may be an opportunity for some homebuyers. Conventional loans added clauses to mortgages back in the early 80's that gave the noteholder the right to raise the interest rate if a loan was assumed, as well as require the new buyer to qualify for the loan.   This essentially ended the practice of assuming conventional mortgages. Then, in the late 80's, FHA and VA mortgages did impose the right to qualify the new buyers, but the big difference was that the mortgage rate would remain the same as the original borrower.   Even so, it still effectively ended the assumptions of FHA and VA mortgages because rates on mortgages trended down for the next thirty years. There was really no benefit to assume a mortgage that still require...

  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties The Best Smart Home Technology for Pet Owners Smart home technology is improving life for everyone, even your furry little friends. These days, there are tons of products available for pets who live in the lap of luxury, from smart feeders that automatically dispense food to treadmills designed for felines. For those who like to spoil their dogs and cats, here’s the latest and greatest pet technology to bring into your home! iFetch Too For some dogs, a quick game of fetch is never enough. If this sounds familiar, then the iFetch might just be for you. This automatic ball launcher will have your pooch running around all day long with up to 300 throws per battery charge. Various distance settings that range from 10 to 40 feet allow you to set it up inside or out, so your dog can chase tennis balls to its heart’s content even when you’re not home. And for the ones who love digging hol...

It's only April, but it's feeling a lot like Summer these days. The outdoors are calling for us. Easter is just around the corner. The Spring Home & Garden Show is here to provide inspiration for all your home improvement projects! And, Santee Lakes will be fully stocked with fish - just in time for long lazy Saturdays with a fishing rod.    If you know anyone who might be interested in receiving this event calendar every month, please have them sign up at this  link.   PONDER THIS - The air is fresh and bright - Spring is the season of renewal - You might be contemplating your next move. Should you stay or should you go? The world is wide open for possibilities again. Call me and let’s develop a strategy to meet your real estate goals.   Remember, I am always here for my clients and their friends and family.