Life in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and surrounding areas

Video Home tour...Bank Owned Home in Concord, CA.  

Located in the popular Dana Estates neighborhood and minutes from downtown Concord and Schools.  The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1568 Sq. Ft. of Living Space, nicely updated throughout, newer windows and doors, plus much more!  The home is currently listed for $346,900 on the Contra Costa Assoc. of Realtors MLS.  If you would like more information about this home, please give me a call.  Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

 

Congratulations...you've tested positive!  Your offer has been accepted, you're expecting a new home and you're now in escrow!  So what exactly is an escrow?  This is a question many First-time Homebuyers ask as they're new to the home buying process.

Well, it's kind of like the three trimesters of pregnancy.  It's a process you go through from inception of an accepted contract to the delivery of your new home. 

First Trimester (Days 1-17):  You just found out your contract was accepted and you're expecting the delivery of your New Home soon!  You've been planning for this special moment for a long time and now that it's becoming a reality you have all sorts of feelings and 'to do' lists hitting you at once.  You're happy, excited, scared and feeling a little overwhelmed because there's so much to do in such a little amount of time!  Well, contain yourself and take some deep breaths because these first seventeen days are crunch time!  You will be performing and reviewing all your investigative inspections, getting any remaining loan documentation needs to your lender, reviewing disclosures about the property, getting an appraisal...just to name a few!  Just like in pregnancy...this first trimester is dependent on whether or not this new bundle of joy is meant to be!  Don't worry...think of me as your birthing coach and I'll be there to guide and consult with you every step of the way.  Also, don't be alarmed should you feel a little morning sickness!  It's pretty natural and it will go away!

 Second Trimester (Days 18-28):  This is a lull time in which you will just be monitoring your progress.  Things have definitely calmed down and you will get some of your drained energy back.  This would be a good time to start packing up those items you don't use everyday.  Make arrangements with movers/friends for your big day.  Some things will come up that need your attention, but hopefully nothing too alarming.  Practice those Lamaze breathing techniques...to calm yourself and to prepare for that last trimester!  By the way, that morning sickness should have gone away...yippee!

Third Trimester:  (Days 29-40):  You're coming close to term and all last minute details need to be addressed.  Your lender is packaging your final loan documentation and communicating with the Title and Escrow Company.  Once all the conditions of the loan requirements have been met, your lender will have you come in for what we call 'the signing'.  This is usually the last 3-5 days before the 'birth' of your new home!  Exercise those fingers or you will cramp up from all the signatures you will provide!  Don't worry, an epidural won't be necessary in this labor...it's not an unbearable pain!  Once that's done, the loan documents go back to the lender and they do what's called 'funding' the loan.  Once the lender has 'funded', the following day (usually) is when the Title Company goes to the County to record the new deed into your name.  Once that is officially done...Congratulations...we have a successful "close of escrow"!  You did it and you are now the proud owners of your new bundle of joy!  As your birthing coach, I get the pleasure of delivering to you the keys to your new home!   

 (This is based on the scenario of a California, 40-day escrow...which is typical in today's market on a financed loan).

 

Many First-Time Home Buyers don't understand the costs involved when purchasing a home.  Many mistakenly believe that the money they have saved for the down payment is all that is required.  This video should help educate them on how much TOTAL money they will need to cover their down, closing and inspection costs.  The example is based on a purchase price of a $200,000 home in Contra Costa County of California.  The figures are estimated, but gives a good example of what money they'll need, what it goes for and why.

Smart buyers will often ask "What's the crime statistics for this neighborhood?"  This is a great question and one each buyer should ask if buying in a neighborhood they're not familiar with.

Sometimes buyers get so anxious to find a home that they often fail to inspect the neighborhood.  We have a general idea of the reputation a neighborhood has, but we're not authorities with the actual statistics and data.  It's always best if the client calls and gets the information themselves so it isn't misinterpreted by the agent. 

Many cities have on-line access or provide a number to call.  The following may provide a daily, monthly or yearly log.  Some don't provide the information, but you can call the Police Department to get the information you need.  (Click on the logo to go to their website) 

 

 

 

For other cities throughout the United States, you can go to CRIME REPORTS.  Enter the address you are searching for.

One other website you may want to check out for MEGAN'S LAW:  California Department of Justice's Internet web site, which lists designated registered sex offenders in California.  Those with children may want to visit this site before making a buying decision.

These reports should be part of the buyer's inspection process.  After all, you're also buying into a neighborhood when you purchase your new home!

For more information on schools, transportation, tax savings programs and other valuable information about cities in Central Contra Costa County, visit my website!

 

 

Located within the Northgate School District of Walnut Creek, this 2 Bedroom/2.5 Bath townhouse will attract those with an active lifestyle! It has been nicely updated and has an ideal location close to shopping, dining, schools, trails, freeways and BART. The complex offers greenbelts, tennis courts, clubhouse and pool. For more information, please give me a call!