Lee Ginsburg

Phone:
650-358-3959


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Buy A Home

REPRESENTING YOU AS A BUYER:

I will take the time getting to know you and your needs. Of course you will have the same opportunity to get to know me. Assuming we want to work together, next I will search the data bases to find property that meets your criteria. After locating your selection I will put my twenty five years of business ownership and my negotiating techniques to work enabling you to purchase at a fair competitive price in a reasonable time frame. I will be available to represent you at meetings with lenders, inspectors, escrow and others. I pledge to keep you updated during the process and will make sure we are within our time frame. While going through this process I will explain the procedures and what to expect. I will present you with a calendar marking when specific obligations will be due. I believe good communications leads to no surprises.

Please use my website to see all of the homes currently on the market. Use the MLS search to the right. When you are ready to visit some homes, please click on the "Schedule a Visit" button next to the home details, or give me a call or email.

Home Buying

10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership

1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list. 3. Select three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Consider items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. 4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your down payment and closing costs. Closing costs, including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees average between 2 percent and 7 percent of the home price. 5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report. 6. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for. Also explore different loans options and decide what's best for you. 7. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. 8. Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage or downpayment-assistance programs. 9. Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable. 10. Find an experienced REALTOR^Ò who can help you through the process.

7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.

Gains. Between 1986 and 2006, Bay Area home prices increased at an average of 8.6 percent annually.

Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you'll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

Predictability. Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don't go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise.

Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

To calculate whether renting or buying is the best financial option for you, use the calculator courtesy of Ginnie Mae: http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?Section=YPTH

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