The engineering firm that had, for many years in Whatcom County, performed HUD manufactured home foundation certifications has closed its doors. As a result of that closure, lenders and Realtors are finding it difficult to proceed with FHA financing requirements. When federal money is involved, a factory assembled structure foundation will probably require a certification of HUD compliance. Photo: Underneath a manufactured home The paperwork involved in the certification, but not the field wo... Read Full Post

When getting ready to buy or sell a home, dealing with inspections and appraisals is part of the process. Many people think that the two are the same but they are actually quite different. While the appraisal provides important information for both the buyer and seller, the appraiser's primary purpose is to protect the lender. Lenders don't want to own an overpriced property, thus the appraisal proccess taking place before the loan has been approved. On the other hand, an inspector educates t... Read Full Post

With the construction of Sierra Reserve comes a great opportunity for buyers who have been waiting for brand new luxury homes in Scottsdale AZ. This new Scottsdale community breaks ground in a number of ways. First of all, new construction homes in Scottsdale are few and far between, and developer Lyle Anderson has scooped up one of the last remaining undeveloped parcels of land for this highly anticipated project. This alone makes Sierra Reserve homes some of the most desirable Scottsdale ho... Read Full Post

In Manhattan Beach, real estate activity continues to hold strong with 10 properties closing escrow this week. The highest priced sale occurred in the Beach Sand area at 116 25th Street, which sold for $6,900,000. Areas most active included Beach Sand, with 5 closed escrows, and Beach Tree, with 3 closed escrows. Based on aggregate sales volume for the week, owners are receiving approximately 92.6% of list prices. That’s encouraging news for sellers!! It may also explain why 19 new listings... Read Full Post

Watch spectacular sunrises and sun sets from this elegant condominium right on the sand and just steps to the beach and open waters of the Atlantic ocean. Regency Tower South, situated along the coast at Galt Ocean Mile is one of of the areas most elegant Fort Lauderdale condos offering residents the ultimate ocean front address. This 2 bedroom 2 bath condo on the fourth floor boasts almost 1,800 square feet of living space with spacious bedrooms and generous living areas.esidents the ideal b... Read Full Post

If you think that purchasing bank owned properties in Tampa is a walk in the park-think again. There are actually a lot of issues that may turn a purchase into an expensive proposition. One of these common problems is that the property is selling at a very low price but is in need of major repair that in the long run, may cost you more than you think. The thing is, if the price for the home is unbelievably cheap, there may be a good reason why the bank is anxious to get rid of it. For those w... Read Full Post

Mortgage rates are at a historically low point right now and you might be considering whether or not you want to refinance. While the answer isn't always black and white, here are some reasons why it might be a good idea to refinance before the summer. Home values typically decrease during the summer- The real estate market is at its peak during the summer, thus causing your home value to likely decrease. If the home value drops, then refinancing could hurt you instead of help. If you are goi... Read Full Post

Can you handle the truth about the Austin real estate market? It’s hard to hear, we know, but Austin homes are selling better and for more money than they were a year ago. Actually, that’s not really so hard to take, is it? If you’re planning on buying an Austin home, it isn’t exactly good news -- there are fewer choices and they’ll cost you more-- but if you’re on the selling end, it’s great news. Let’s take a look at some information that will help you understand what’s ha... Read Full Post

Hyperlocal websites have been around for a few years now, and these sites are great for real estate agents who focus on certain communities within a highly competitive market. It's been said that having a niche in real estate is no longer optional if you aren't already well established, and I somewhat agree with this sentiment. So, if your competition isn't currently using hyperlocal sites in your market – this is your chance to get ahead of the crowd. The truth is that sites like this are ... Read Full Post