How to Choose a Home Loan

Yorba Linda, CA, Jul 7, 2015—After the trials of choosing your house—attending open houses, calling your agent at all hours, scouring the internet for new listings—you may think the hard part of becoming a homeowner is over. However, choosing the right home loan can easily be as arduous, if you don't know what to look for.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

“Your real estate agent has information on lender loan requirements and will be able to calculate a rough monthly figure you can afford based on the maximum monthly payment for the loan, taxes, insurance, and any type of maintenance fees,” says Scott Daniel, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award . This pre-purchase evaluation can save you a lot of time spent looking at properties you cannot afford.

“Lenders also routinely calculate what you can afford and can pre-qualify you for a loan even before you begin your home search,” says Scott. This way, you know exactly how much you can afford to buy.

Lenders generally stipulate that you spend no more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income on a mortgage payment or 36 percent on total debts.

“A lot will depend on the length of time you plan to live in the home, other financial obligations, and potential savings gained from comparing the monthly costs of a home against the up-front costs and closing costs involved with a particular loan,” comments Scott.

Also, you will need to be comfortable with whatever choice you decide to make. Trust your instincts and do not be pressured into signing for a loan that will not really work for you.

---

For more information on home improvement, please contact Scott Daniel at sdaniel@century21award.com, (714) 420-0292, or www.Century21Award.com/agents/ScottDaniel

For additional real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

5 Things to Do Now if You Plan to Sell This Spring

Anaheim, CA, Apr 14th, 2015—While spring is still at an arm's length, for those who plan to sell their home this spring season, it's never too early to start preparing. Below are five tips you can tackle now for a smoother sale later on.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Start packing. “While it may seem crazy to begin packing your home before you've sold it, take advantage of colder, damper climates outside by staying inside and organizing,” suggests Jim Harlan, REALTOR® CENTURY 21 Award. While you may not want to begin boxing items you plan on moving, you can definitely begin tossing old items. Go through your closets, medicine cabinets, storage spaces, basement and attic to make piles to donate and toss, so that by the time your selling season arrives, you will have purged all non-essentials.

Start staging. “A staged home is neat, clutter-free and void of personal mementos,” Jim explains. While there's no need to take down the family photos just yet, clearing out clutter can often be an overwhelming process, so allotting yourself a long amount of time is ideal.

Make a maintenance list. Walk through and around your house and try to view it with fresh eyes. Are your front steps rotting? Missing shingles in your roof? An old water stain on the ceiling? Make a list of these pre-sale to-do's and start to tackle them one by one.

Check your systems. Is your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) up to snuff? Take time to change necessary filters and ensure all is in good standing order. “While you're at it, check your plumbing, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to make sure everything is good to go when it comes time to sell,” says Jim.

Make a plan for curb appeal. Spring is a fantastic time for curb appeal. Take a tour of your front yard and devise a plan of attack. Neatened garden beds, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and even a small outdoor seating area can all make a huge difference to your would-be buyers.

---

For more information on selling your home, please contact Jim Harlan at jharlan@century21award.com, (714) 334-7134, or www.Jim-harlan.com

For more real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.