BofA to Reduce Principals by up to $100K
March 14, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
Photo: 401K Calculator If you’re a homeowner struggling with an underwater home, Bank of America’s settlement with government regulators may be very welcome news. As part of the settlement, Bank of America will be giving approximately 200,000 homeowners principal reductions of up to $100,000. If you’re one of the homeowners affected, this could very well [...]
Warren Buffet’s 2012 Advice: Buy, Baby, Buy!
March 1, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
A very interesting article in the International Business Times today highlights legendary investor Warren Buffet’s advice for real estate investors: Buy, Baby, Buy (especially single-family homes)!
Giant Antique Sale Next Weekend – Santa Ana
February 24, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
Just a reminder to all your antique loving folks out there! The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society is having a gigantic antique and collectibles sale next Saturday, March 3rd. There will be antique furniture, salvaged architectural elements, antiques, and more, all priced to sell! We posted the info on this sale about a month ago, [...]
Tudor Style Homes in California
February 17, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
Ever wanted to live in a Medieval castle? Tudor-style homes, which were popular in the US in the 1920s and 30s, mimicked the timbered frames and romantic interiors of 15th-century English manors. Steep roofs, timbered or half-timbered exterior walls, arched doorways, and beautiful leaded glass windows are hallmarks of this luxurious style of home.
Six Must-Haves for Mortgage Approval
February 9, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
If you’re thinking of buying a home, getting approved for a loan is one of the first steps. It’s getting more complicated to get approved for a loan these days, so make sure you have your paperwork in order. It’s also important to find a loan agent who is competent and effective at navigating possible [...]
Brass Fixtures Send CHEAP Message
February 6, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
An article encouraging sellers to get rid of cheap brass fixtures appeared on Inman News today, and I couldn’t agree more. In the article, Chicago real estate agent Steve Somogyi emphatically states that he thinks dated, cheap, yellow brass fixtures send the wrong messages to buyers: C-H-E-A-P! Changing out dated brass fixtures can dramatically improve [...]
Tricked Out Man Caves: The Perfect Superbowl Venue
February 4, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
Just in time for the Superbowl, gentlemen, I give you…THE MAN CAVE! Apparently, according to an article on Zillow.com, homes with man caves are surging in popularity these days. You know what I’m talking about when I say “man cave”, right? I’m talking cushy sofas, big-screen TVs, plenty of beer (or maybe even a wet bar), [...]
Mello-Roos NOT Tax-Deductible – Enforced 2012
February 1, 2012 by Markus & Heidi Brown · Leave a Comment
California tax-payers will have to be extra-careful when filing their 2012 state income taxes in 2013, as the State Franchise Tax Board cracks down on homeowners who have been illegally writing off their Mello-Roos fees or taxes paid via the 1915 Bond Act. Although Mello-Roos and 1915 Bond Act taxes have not been legal deductions [...]
