by Jeff Pittman | Sep 30, 2014 | Homes
The family room at 108 Via Havre is the perfect place for the kids to hang out while the adults are in the kitchen or entertaining in the living room. It opens to the courtyard which features a Viking BBQ and...
by Jeff Pittman | Sep 30, 2014 | Buyers, Sellers
The escrow process, also known as closing, is one of the most complicated pieces of real estate puzzle because there are several moving parts and quite a bit of paperwork to get in order. The process begins once seller signs the purchase agreement and ends when the buyer gets the keys to their new home. Escrow ensures that the entire process runs smoothly from start to finish. You’ve probably heard the word escrow used in phrases such as “the house fell out of escrow”, or “we’re waiting for escrow to close.” So the first question is, what is an escrow? What is escrow? Simply stated, escrow is the involvement of an impartial third party in a real estate transaction. This neutral third party acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller, and also collects and remits funds as instructed. Buyer’s funds are deposited with the escrow company, which then remits to the seller on the buyer’s behalf. The escrow is essentially an independent neutral account and the vehicle by which the mutual instructions of all parties are complied with. The basic concept is to ensure that both the buyer and the seller are protected during any real property transaction. How does the escrow process work? The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions, and documents necessary for the purchase of your home. These include your funds for down payment, your lender’s funds, and documents for the new loan. Generally, the Buyer deposits a down payment with the Escrow Holder, and the Seller deposits the deed and any other necessary papers with the Escrow Holder. Prior to close...
by Jeff Pittman | Sep 27, 2014 | Weekly Quote
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Colin Powell
by Jeff Pittman | Sep 25, 2014 | Buyers, Investors
Owning real estate can be a great way to diversify your portfolio, or make extra income in retirement. However, managing more than one property can be time consuming. How can you manage multiple properties in an organized manner that keeps tenants happy and your wallet full? Keep these tips in mind as you get deeper into the real estate game. 1. Hire a Property Management Firm A property management company will take care of maintenance requests, collect rent, and ensure that properties are up to code and complying with all other state or local laws. While a property manager will charge a fee, he or she can keep an eye on your properties wherever they happen to be. Check out First Team Property Management to learn more about services offered and the benefits of working with a third party management firm. 2. Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin If you don’t want to hire and pay a property manager, you can easily keep an eye on properties if you buy local. This allows you to personally stop by if tenants have an issue, or have maintenance requests handled by professionals whom you trust. By staying in your local area, you also have a better idea of where to buy, and who will rent your properties in those areas. 3. Ask Your Tenants to Help Keep Up Their Rental Space A tenant who is willing to do yard work, make repairs, or keep a swimming pool maintained can be valuable to a landlord who owns multiple properties. These tenants are the ones who are most likely to live in a property long-term, and...
by Jeff Pittman | Sep 24, 2014 | Buyers
There are so many benefits of hiring a Realtor. What else can a Realtor do for...
