How to Rent Your Home in 5 Easy Steps
June 15, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
A homeowner who is able to sell a property at the asking price has the potential to reap a profit, but what happens when you are having trouble getting your home sold? In today’s difficult market, many homeowners are taking advantage of renting out their homes, or individual rooms, in order to cover the bills. [...]
Foreclosure Auction on the County Courthouse Steps
March 22, 2010 by Michael Koenig · 2 Comments
We made a little field-trip to the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland, California. Today was simply another day on the steps of the courthouse. There were about 110 properties scheduled for the sale. However, after all was said and done, I think only ONE property was actually sold to a high bidder What happened to [...]
Mortgage Rates Set to Rise in 2010
March 19, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
Is it time to rush out and buy a house before mortgage rates go up? Some analysts believe mortgage rates will jump to around 6% by year end from 5% in recent weeks, while others see only a slight increase. As the Federal Reserve winds down its intervention in the mortgage market, rates on home [...]
California Home Mortgage Protection Program
March 17, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
Did you buy a home after April 2009? Or do you plan on completing a purchase this year before July 2010? If so, then you may qualify for a little extra peace of mind. Due to popularity and demand, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has extended their Mortgage Protection program to June 30th. What [...]
Federal Tax Credit Expiring Soon!
March 10, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
Time to get your documents in order. It would be a total shame to meet all the requirements and be eligible for the $8,000.00 Federal Tax Credit for First-Time Home buyers, and then fail to file the required documents. Here are the requirements, as per the Internal Revenue Service website: IRS First-Time Homebuyer Credit Documentation [...]
So Where Are These REO Listings?
March 3, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
So Where Are These REO Listings? You are ONE click away from finding some REO listings in the East Bay area. Click here to see them. Buying bank owned properties There is a lot of interest in buying bank owned properties these days. A lot of information, some good and some bad, is floating around [...]
CONSUMER ALERT!! – FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS
March 3, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
If someone who is not your mortgage lender promises to save your home and asks for you to pay money up front, WATCH OUT. Fraudulent foreclosure consultants target homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments. Here’s what you can do to avoid becoming a victim: DON’T transfer title or sell your house to the [...]
Fixer Uppers – Buyer Beware
February 27, 2010 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
The oft heard phrase “Buyer Beware” is never more appropriate than when considering the purchase of a fixer-upper. You really need to know exactly what you’re getting into before buying. It’s commonly believed that fixer-upper properties represent easy money that is ripe for the taking – that you can buy it, do a little work [...]
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
November 13, 2009 by Michael Koenig · Leave a Comment
First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000. Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return [...]
