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This two-story luxury home in the Studio Estates area of Culver City has the largest floor plan on a huge lot. There are three bed rooms, three baths, with a sitting room in the master suite that could easily become a forth bed room.
Enjoy the family room, dining room, gourmet kitchen. With many well-appointed upgrades including HW floors, new carpet and paint, security system, central heat and air, brick fireplace and much more. Spa, large backyard, all in a great location on a cul de sac. |
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Bizzy, Bizzy Bizzy
 Bob Todd of RE/MAX Beach Cities /Westside Properties once again congratulates the Bizzy Blondes – Judy Sheller (left) and Rae Wayne – whose outstanding production not only made them top producers at the Marina del Rey office in November, but also qualified them for the exclusive Hall of Fame. No one at the company has earned entry into the Hall of Fame quicker than the Blondes, who joined the RE/MAX network two and a half years ago.
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Appropriate Renovations When Selling Your Home
There are many factors to consider when preparing your home for sale. Renovations may be necessary, but before you attempt any major products, let's talk about what kind of changes may be appropriate.
It is not a good idea to remodel your kitchen or bathroom just before selling your home. These renovations are usually expensive and time-consuming.
The most relevant interior renovations include replacing worn-out carpet, repainting with neutral tones, and repairing anything in your home that is not in good working condition. Exterior renovations could include replacing the roof, fixing gutters, painting, or repairing broken steps, windows and doors.
When you are getting ready to sell your home, look for renovations that will cost a small amount in relationship to the increase they will have on the value and stability of your home.
For professional advice on all aspects of buying or selling real estate, consult Bob Kramer at Coldwell Banker. He can be reached at (310) 642-7212.
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Helpful Hints for Homeown
ers To help consumers make well-informed decisions about taking out home equity loans, The Associates is publishing "Helpful Hints for Homeowners," a list of ten recommendations to consider before using your home to secure a loan, to consolidate bills, or for any reason:
1. Investigate carefully all the possibilities open to you before you decide to obtain a loan. Check with the Better Business Bureau in your area to asses the leader's reputation.
2. Beware of entering into a loan transaction with anyone who comes to your door or with anyone who you did not contact first.
3. Never sign any documents that you do not understand or which put your home on the line without first talking to someone. Ask questions, do not sign anything until you receive an answer, and ask about options.
4. Take a friend with you to review the documents and always understand the role of the broker. A broker usually receives a commission from the lender.
5. Never sign blank documents or documents with any blank spaces.
6. Do not give in to high-pressure tactics. If the lender does not give you all the time you need to read and understand your loan papers, look for one who will.
7. Be prepared to walk away, even if you need to return to the lender's office another day.
8. Always remember that you have at least three days to get out of the contract for any reason: if you are concerned, if you have questions, or if you are just plain bothered.
9. You are legally entitled to receive disclosures regarding the terms and cost of your loan. if the lender fails to provide you with all of these disclosures, you may have up to three years to get out of the contract.
10. If you feel that you have been victimized, don't be embarrassed. Take action: Contact an attorney or your local Legal Aid Office immediately; inform the appropriate law enforcement agencies, e.g. the Attorney General's Office within your state or your local police department; and advise the appropriate agencies, e.g. the Department of Corporations, Real Estate and/or Consumer Affairs. Contact the Associates consumer Service Center at (800) 458-0040 if you have any questions or concerns.
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Borrowing Tips for Seniors
In the first few months of each year, record numbers of homeowners use the equity in their homes to consolidate debts and prepare for spring projects. The National Home Equity Mortgage Association (NHEMA) anticipates this year to be one of the busiest in history. As we enter National Consumer Protection Week, NHEMA has prepared 10 tips to help seniors understand how best to take advantage of home equity borrowing and how to avoid improper sales practices.
1. Borrow within your income and budget -- Borrow only what you can comfortably repay. Remember, if you cannot pay, you could lose your home.
2. Borrow for necessities and lower rates -- The best reasons to borrow against your home include home improvements, family emergencies, high-interest debt consolidation and college education for loved ones. Do not risk losing your home for luxuries or impulse buys.
3. Don't refinance too frequently -- Points and fees from repeated refinancing can strip your home of the equity you've worked hard to build.
4. Beware of door-to-door sales -- Home improvement contractors and others may offer to fix your home and finance the costs for you. Avoid signing loan contracts with anyone you did not contact first.
5. Know what you're signing -- Loan agreements are legal documents. Read them carefully. If you don't understand them, don't sign them. Always ask someone else -- your accountant, attorney or trusted advisor -- to look over the loan documents before signing them.
6. Don't sign blank documents -- Blank documents or documents with blank spaces can be open invitations to steal from you.
7. Don't be pressured -- Don't let anyone rush you into signing up for a loan to get a "special" offer or "next day funding." If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
8. You can change your mind -- Even after signing loan documents, you can change your mind within three business days and get a refund of any monies you may have paid.
9. Shop around -- The home equity lending market is highly competitive. Use it to your advantage by asking more than one lender for a quote. Then investigate the lender you select with your state banking or real estate department, the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau.
10. Complain -- If you think that you've been cheated or treated improperly, report your concerns to your local or state consumer affairs office or the Federal Trade Commission.
"As an industry, we want to mark this year's National Consumer Protection Week by educating seniors about their choices when borrowing against one of their biggest assets, the equity in their homes, and how to protect themselves in the process," stated Laura Borrelli, president of NHEMA.
As part of a major new education program, in December NHEMA introduced a free consumer guide that explains the basics of home equity loans in simple terms. Home Equity Borrowing: Things You Should Know is available from NHEMA (800-342-1121), the Internet (http://www.nhema.org/consumer/front.htm) or through NHEMA members nationwide.
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