Buying A Home

Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly one if you’re not familiar with all aspects of the process, and don’t have all the best information and resources at hand. One of our specialties is representing the best interests of Orange County area buyers throughout the home buying process. Our comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

If you’re like most people, buying a home is the biggest investment you will ever make. So whether you’re buying a starter home, your dream home or an investment property, why not take advantage of my experience as a local market expert for Orange County to make the most informed decisions you can, every step of the way!

See below to learn more about buying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Orange County Real Estate

Feb 13, 2014

We all know that Orange County real estate is desirable, offering tons of luxury home markets, great year round weather and laid back suburban life just a short commute from big cities and fun. If you are thinking of buying a home in Orange County, these are some important tips and tricks to be aware of. 1. Mello-Roos Taxes What is Mello-Roos you ask? Back in 1978, California passed Proposition 13 which limited property taxation and so in 1982 the State Legislature got creative and passed Mello-Roos taxes to help raise money for developing communities.  These taxes are levied as part of the annual property tax bill and paid each month to pay back bonds taken out by a city or county. The bonds taken out by a city or county are for construction and improvements such as building roads, supporting schools or developing infrastructure. Some home buyers are terrified of Mello-Roos, but there’s no need to panic when you see this pop up in a home sale. Listen to the facts and realize there are more than a few advantages to buying a home with Mello-Roos. First of all, Mello-Roos bonds do not last forever; the payment can extend anywhere from 30- 7 years when the bond is first taken out and depending on how long ago the bonds were taken out, a particular home may only owe for another few months or so. Also, communities with Mello-Roos are great family friendly cities because they are supported and maintained by these taxes. They have greater housing inventory, low crime rates, top-notch amenities like clubhouses and parks and of... read more

4 Things Most Buyers Forget During The Final Home Walk Through

Jan 23, 2014

When do you do a final walk though? A final walk though is one of the last steps in the closing process and can be completed hours before you sign the final paper work or a few days prior. The final walk through is not a formal inspection and it’s not a basis for negotiating, it’s just the last step to make sure everything is as it should be. You’re just giving the house one final look before you officially become a brand new homeowner. Most home buyers get carried away by the excitement of their new house and forget to really take their time with the walk though. It can feel like a formality that you can just breeze through in 5 minutes while you celebrate, but it is a vital (if small) step in the closing process. So stay focused and don’t forget these crucial things on your final checklist. 1. Garbage disposal and exhaust fans. During the final walk though you will want to try every light switch, outlet, sink, toilet and appliance to be sure it’s working correctly. But what most people forget to pay special attention to is the kitchen. Make sure you run the garbage disposal and any exhaust fans to make sure they run smoothly. The kitchen is possibly the most used room in your house so you don’t want any surprises the first time you go to cook dinner in your new home. 2. Inspect the garage. Don’t limit your home check up to the house; take a walk though the garage. Check garage door openers and any circuit breakers located in there.... read more

7 Tips For Making A Seamless Move With Your Kids

Jan 9, 2014

Moving into a new home is a complicated and certainly emotional process. Not only do you have to find the right home for you and your family, you also have to pack up and relocate your entire life when it’s time to move in. Going through this process is difficult enough and when you add kids into the equation – things get even tougher. Leaving friends behind, organizing schedules and remembering every single toy are just a few of the challenges that come along with moving to a new home with your kids. Here are some practical tips for you so you can be sure nothing falls through the cracks and the whole process goes off without a hitch – or at least close to it. 1. Make a to-do list. Make a to-do list and stick to it in order to help you stay organized and on schedule when things start to get hectic during your move. Whether you kick it old school and write it out by hand in a special notebook or make a list on your iPhone, putting everything down in writing will help you remember. Be sure to make one for yourself and one for the kids as well. In fact, have the kids make their own so they feel like a part of the moving process and in control of the situation. Be specific on your to-do list by adding dates when you need to have things done. 2. Let your kids help you pack. Don’t be afraid to let you kids help in the packing process, you don’t have to tackle it alone. Depending on their... read more