Category Archives: Investment Strategy

The Rise of a Rentership Society

While looking  over the travel section of a local newspaper I was drawn to a headline “A stranger is sleeping on my nephews lawn”. Curious and eager to learn more I read the entire article. Renting out a room in your home or renting out your lawn as a camp site to a weary traveler …

May 11, 2012 – 1:54 pm | By SueT | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy, Rental Income, Trends | Comments (0)

Equity Requirement to Refinance?

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) wants to expedite the stabilization of the real estate market. The hope is that if they let upside down home owners take advantage of today’s low interest rates, fewer homeowners will walk away. The goal is to lower the interest rate and monthly payment. The Home Affordable Refinance Program …

April 20, 2012 – 7:10 am | By SueT | Posted in Investment Strategy, Lending, Myths | Comments (0)

Debt Relief Tax Break Due To Expire

Tax Break For Underwater Home Owners Ends Soon Time is ticking to get a fresh start. According to recent data by CoreLogic©, a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, almost 1 in 4 homes with a mortgage is  underwater.  This number has continued to grow quarter over quarter as real estate values remain …

April 15, 2012 – 6:06 am | By SueT | Posted in Investment Strategy, Selling, Short Sale, Top Questions | Comments (0)

Using a Lease Option for Purchase

Basically with a lease purchase the buyer pays the seller option money for the right to purchase the property at a later date. The option money may be substantial and  the amount is negotiable. The buyer and seller agree to a pre determined purchase price and monthly rental amount. A portion of the rent is …

April 12, 2012 – 9:00 am | By SueT | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy, Top Questions | Comments (0)

Is Solar a Good Investment?

I have tried to make my little ranch as environmentally healthy and energy efficient as possible. I have done everything I can to keep my electric bills manageable. I have lawns and pastures that are irrigated during the hot summer months. The irrigation pump was put on a timer. It keeps the electric meter from …

April 7, 2012 – 12:55 am | By SueT | Posted in Building, Investment Strategy, Top Questions, Trends | Comments (0)

FHA Financing Issues

FHA just announced  a new premium structure, and will be increasing its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by 0.10 percent for loans under $625,500 and by 0.35 percent for loans above that amount.  Upfront premiums (UFMIP) will also increase by 0.75 percent. These premium changes will impact new loans insured by FHA beginning in April …

March 2, 2012 – 7:54 am | By vern | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy, Lending, Top Questions | Comments (0)

Real Estate Quiz

Do you think  you have  been keeping up with what’s  been going on in real estate? How  well do you know the Auburn area real estate market? The statistics that I used for the Auburn area real estate quiz are from November 2010 and November 2011. Here goes! Test your knowledge: 1. There were fewer …

December 29, 2011 – 7:39 am | By SueT | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy, Selling, Trends | Comments (1)

Bernanke Says No Change Now?

Bernanke’s saying that the Fed has no immediate plans to take action may give a window when investors will feel more confident.  It may be a small window considering the volatility of the market and the continuing uncertainties. With so many real estate bargains available, it seems like a time for investors to step up …

August 27, 2011 – 5:51 am | By vern | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy | Comments (0)

How can I get information to analyze the sale trends in the Auburn and Sacramento area?

One great spot is right on my company website, www.seehometown.com.  Click on “Market Trends” and choose your area from the dropdown menu.

July 6, 2011 – 1:10 pm | By SueT | Posted in Buying, Investment Strategy, Trends | Comments (0)

What Are The Obligations of a Foreclosure Auction Buyer?

The absolute best home buys are on the courthouse steps. If you go to the auction and successfully  purchase the home that you have your eye on you will not be required to assume the second.  All loans subordinate to the first are considered to be “junior” liens and are wiped out during the foreclosure …

July 6, 2011 – 10:05 am | By SueT | Posted in Auction, Buying, Investment Strategy, Myths | Comments (0)