Real Estate Articles Written by Marlene Bertrand
The following articles share tips that help home buyers purchase a home and homeowners enjoy the advantages of owning a home.
Insurance Briefing
On July 26, 2023, I attended an insurance briefing presented by the California Department of Insurance (DOI). Read about how homeowners can receive help navigating through the obstacle course of maintaining or keeping homeowner's insurance.
No Bubble Here!
In spite of what people hear. The housing bubble is a myth. What we are seeing now (2022) is the housing market adjusting to the current state of conditions.
Skip or Reduce Payments With a Mortgage Forbearance
If you are an out-of-work homeowner, you face the burden of not having enough income to pay your mortgage bill. When homeowners do not pay their mortgage bill, they run the risk of losing their home and having adverse remarks placed on their credit report. Forbearance may be a solution to help homeowners manage their financial stability during the current crisis.
Update on the Down Payment Assistance Loan
When you want to buy a house, but need a little help with the down payment, a down payment assistance program may be able to help you with some or all of your down payment. In this article, I share information about the program and the minimum qualifications you need to get started.
California Home Sellers Need to Provide These Disclosure Statements and Reports to Buyers
People like to sue. Sellers, protect yourself. Read to discover which documents are required by California state, county, and local areas. They may be the documents that save you in a case where the buyer decides to sue for one reason or another.
Credit Reporting Firms Initiating Fair Credit Reporting Strategies
Incorrect credit reports are becoming passé. Consumers can feel more confident with the credit reporting strategies coming into place to provide accurate reporting of your credit.
Eminent Domain – What to Do if the Government Wants to Take Your Property From You
There is very little you can do when the government wants to take your home using eminent domain. Read what you can and can’t do to protect yourself and your home ownership.
Getting a Home Loan After Bankruptcy Difficult But Possible – Here is How You Do It
Life happen! Sometimes bankruptcy is the only solution you have to resolve your credit situation at the time you are in that situation. Getting a home loan is more difficult, but not impossible. Read what you can do to have a better chance at obtaining a home loan after filing a bankruptcy.
Home Warranty Policies Provide Additional Home Appliance and Home System Service
You never know when an appliance or system in your house is going to break down. Having a home warranty service contract provides additional service to homeowners. Read to find out what a home warranty contract is and how it can provide peace of mind.
How Do I Improve My Credit Score to Buy a House?
Read to find out what you can do to help improve your credit score before buying a house.
How to Determine the Estimated Payment for Principal Interest Tax and Insurance Before You Buy a House
Your monthly payment consists of four things, the monthly principal for the loan amount, the monthly interest on that loan, the monthly tax amount, and the monthly homeowner’s insurance. Find out how to calculate your principal, interest, tax, and insurance (PITI).
Principal Interest Tax and Insurance | The Most Important Number a Buyer Needs to Know
What is Principal, Interest, Tax, and Insurance (PITI)? Read about PITI and why these are the most important terms to know when getting a home loan.
Protect Your Earnest Money Deposit When Buying a House
When you make an offer to buy a home, you normally give what is commonly known as the earnest money deposit. But, what if you change your mind and decide not to buy the house? What happens to your earnest money deposit? Will your money be returned? These are questions many buyers want to have answered before entering into a contract. Read about the earnest money deposit and how you can protect your money.
Seller Financing in Real Estate
With seller financing, the buyer and the seller sign an agreement where the seller, instead of a financial institution, is the one to finance the home's purchase. The buyer then makes mortgage payments to the seller.
Should Home Buyers Work Directly With Listing Agents?
When a buyer works directly with the listing agent representing the seller, the question must be answered, “Who is representing me?” This article explores what could happen when a home buyer opts out of hiring a real estate agent to help them purchase a home.