Property Taxes in Escrow

property tax with currency

Something we often get questions about during a home purchase is how property taxes dealt with through escrow. The buyer and seller are usually each responsible for paying part of the property taxes because of the way the property tax year is set up in California. The buyer is responsible for paying all property taxes… Read More

Six Questions to Ask When Shopping for Homeowners Insurance

Insurance policy

Being an informed consumer means not only reading your homeowners insurance policy closely but also asking experts what constitutes the right type, and amount, of coverage you need for your home. In addition to knowing the basics of what a standard homeowners insurance policy covers, you should ask a series of questions, and receive satisfactory… Read More

What kind of home insurance should I get?

Insurance Policy

A standard policy will do in most instances. It protects against several natural disasters and catastrophic events. However, it will not guard against earthquakes, floods, war, and nuclear accidents. The policy can be expanded to include these disasters as well as coverage for such things as workers' compensation. In fact, the lender may require that… Read More

The Contract to Close Process

Offer to Closing

The following are the main steps in the basic contract-to-close process: Offer: Contract proposal from the buyer received by the seller through their agent, extending terms, which, if agreed, form the basis for a sales contract. Acceptance: Seller accepts all proposed terms and conditions and is ready to sign the contract and move toward closing…. Read More

Offer Acceptance to Closing: What You Want To Know

Congratulations on having your offer accepted! The information in this article will help you become a little more knowledgeable with the escrow process. We hope to answer some of your questions in advance and provide you with step-by-step information that will help clarify your part in this process. Opening Escrow How does the escrow process… Read More

8 Common Ways to Hold Title

title

How You Take Title Advantages and Limitations Title to real property in California may be held by individuals, either in Sole Ownership on in Co-Ownership. Co-Ownership of real property occurs when the title is held by two or more persons. There are several variations as to how title may be held in each type of… Read More

Tasks To Do Before You Vacate

Completing these items prior to vacating your home ensures you will NOT receive phone calls with complaints AFTER CLOSE! Carpets vacuumed/cleaned, if needed Floors swept and mopped Counters and sinks cleaned Oven and stove tops cleaned Toilets cleaned Drawers and cabinets cleaned out. Paper/vinyl liners thrown out Wipe down cabinets Clean medicine cabinets Clean showers/tubs… Read More

Moving Tips for Sellers

Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually 2 weeks ahead of the move. Notify your charge cards, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and… Read More

Maintenance Advice

After taking ownership of your new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues items that should be reviewed. The following checklist should help you undertake any needed improvements and ongoing maintenance items as the new home owner. UPON TAKING OWNERSHIP Consider changing the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security. Check that all… Read More

Movers

In need of a Mover? If so, here are some move organizations that may meet your needs. Magic Moving Co & Storage (925) 943-2123  www.MagicMoving.com Chipman Relocation    (800) 447-9771 Tri-Valley Bekins Moving    (925) 373-0511 EMC Movers    (925) 682-9122 U-HAUL    (925) 829-9610 Self moving www.uhaul.com Public Storage    (866) 492-3205 Self storage only PODS  Moving & Storage… Read More