Lars Nordstrom

Have you spoken with the sellers or agent to see if they'll also give an allowence for paint and carpet? That will make it more appealling than the others for that price, giving them a sale and you a home with the upgrades you are seeking. They should concede! Great loan rates right now, as of today. Keep us posted Anurag :-) - Thu Jul 10 2008, 12:45

Barry,

I know your topic is on buying, but I wanted to know more about your wife's job search as a corporate trainer. Has she worked for a corporate wellness/health promotion/wellness center out there in NYC? I ask because I know a company in Carlsbad that is just opening and searching for wellness specialists and personal trainers. This may be of interest to both of you when it comes to income and living situation. Hit me up with more info on what your wife is looking for in a job. My wife and I will be happy to help you, from one young couple to the next :-) - Wed May 21 2008, 18:40

Hey Sean, I'd like to ask you, how young is your child? How long would you plan to live in that home? Are there certain specifics that don't appear in a basic search that you would like in close proximity, ie. churches, schools both public and private, work, and/or others? Brea and parts of Fullerton are great for young families. My wife and I live in Fullerton and have a slew of young family friends scattered through North Orange County. We are in our twenties and enjoy it here! If you would like to know more about areas in relation to your specific criterion, that would help with an agent's ability to focus on your specific needs and not just a basic search. If you have any more questions, ask myself or another agent that responds to your post! We will be delighted to assist you in the steps toward homeownership. - Fri Feb 29 2008, 12:50

Even though it's basic information, its not whether or not she knows but whether or not she'll find out the answer and get back to you asap. She should know, but if she doesn't, I hope she finds out quickly for you. It says it on the MLS, or you look up the tax records. If she's still stuck, title will get you/her a property profile so you know everything on that specific property. I hope that helps Daniel.

Lars Nordstrom
century21superstars@gmail.com - Fri Feb 1 2008, 14:09

Like the guys said before, the biggest difference is land ownership. With condos, you only own the what is inside the condo. The HOA will pay for everything exterior, you pay the HOA and do what you will inside. The detached condo is ideal for someone who does not want to worry about exterior maintenance. If you don't own it, you're not charge of the areas that are not yours.

Single Family is all yours (except in places like Huntington Beach where land is leased. Its weird). When looking at houses, ask about the HOAs. Some Homeowners Associations are more strict than others, like PUDs as mentioned earlier. You own the land, but they own the right to tell you how to maintain it. Some aren't that strict, so just make sure. Strict means annoying, but strict means beautiful too. It depends on what you're looking for. - Fri Feb 1 2008, 08:33

A great way is to ask yourself, "How much do I think the market will continue to drop?" If you feel it is another 10%, then submit an offer for 10% less than the asking price. There is no true % that you can go off of. Every home has a different situation, some with more equity and less time to sell, some with less equity and more time to sell, or other scenarios. The best way to gauge the market is to submit an offer and see if they will accept it or not. That is an instant answer to the market, what they will accept and to what you are willing to pay.

One thing to be mindful of is the lending rates. That is the most critical aspect to look at when you crunch numbers. a $500,000 home at 6% will cost less in 6+ years than a home for $450,000 at 7%. Rates are at an all time low from last week and slowly coming up. They can't last at this level, so be mindful of that when considering buying. If you plan to stay in your home more than 7+ years, I would really be thinking of that when you are considering a home in Orange County, a city with one of the best employment rates, desirability, and quality of life. Its never a bad decision in the long run! - Fri Feb 1 2008, 09:02