What is Escrow?

Once your offer on a homme has been accepted by the seller, your transaction is then placed into Escrow.

Escrow describes the third-party handling of funds, documents, and tasks that are specific to closing. The sole purpose of Escrow is to manage the disbursement of funds and documents.

The buyer and/or seller that is involved in a transaction selects the Escrow provider. You can defer to your Real Estate agent to make this decision if you aren't sure. The provider can be an escrow company, title officer, attorney, and can depend on the geographical location of the transaction.

The Escrow provider chosen arranges and tracks requirements and contingencies within the purchase contract, including home inspections, financial requirements, homeowners insurance, and any repairs that are negotiated during the sale.

Once all transaction documents are met, the Escrow company will disburse funds to the seller and all other parties in accordance with the purchase agreement. The cost of Escrow services are covered by the buy or seller. Once all tasks within the sales purchase agreement are completed, the transaction is complete and the Escrow closes.

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

A Quick Update on Economic Housing

It seems as though this cold San Diego weather is having a negative impact on housing sales for the month, as well as for the rest of the country. Sales of many existing "SFR", or Single-Family Residences, dropped 5.1 percent to an annual rate of 4.62 million in January of 2014. That's down from 4.87 million in December.

Much of the 5.1 percent drop is from the cooler weather the rest of the nation is trying to recover from. But is there a different reason for the huge drop? There's many factors to consider as to why home sales have dropped significantly. According to Economic Advisor Lawrence Yun, much housing activity is usually delayed until the spring, when weather begins to get warmer and people begin to venture out of their homes a bit more. Limited inventory is also playing a large factor of the drop in residences, as many people are not selling like they did in previous years. Tight credit, higher prices, and higher mortgage interest rates are also all factors in the drop of existing sales.

So there's an update on the economic housing for this week. If your still considering if you want to sell your home, or are just curous to see how much it's worth, head on over to www.NissouRealtyGroup.com/sell to find out just how much you could get for your home. 

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Spring Selling Season Is Upon Us

Ever heard the saying "The best time to sell your house is in the Spring?" It's true. And guess what- Spring is upon us and now is a better time to sell than ever! So if you've been considering selling your home, 2014 is the year to do it. 

Buyers typically look for homes that are for sale online during the months of December - February, not only to see what's available, but to find out just what home prices are going for. According to Forbes Magazine, 65% of all home buyers first search online when trying to find a home. If your ready to sell your home and don't have 1) a realtor and 2) have your home online to sell, then you're missing out on any potential offers that could come your way. 

Since Spring is upon us (and it seems to be coming a little bit earlier this year), mortgage rates have began to decline over the past month or so. This is a great incentive to buyers, seeing as how rates will drop to almost 4% this year. For buyers, the time to buy low is quickly ending, creating a sense of urgency to buy now before prices rise too high or interest rates return to more historically normal levels. And that's good news for you too. Since rates are dropping, you're more likely to sell your home for top dollar more quickly.

So buyers are ready to buy your home. Are you ready to sell? First things first, be sure to select me as your realtor. Not only am I the expert in the San Diego community, but I can tell you just how much your home is worth, and help you to sell it for top dollar. Since the Spring season is quickly approaching, make the right move and get your home listed with me today. 

For more information on how to sell your home with me, visit my website at www.NissouRealtyGroup.com/sell. 

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Brand New & Built For You!

Check out this brand new home, built just for you in El Cajon! The home itself was built in 2014 and features a spacious open floor plan along with other great amenities! The home is 4 bedroom, 3 bath and detached garage. The buyer can choose the flooring when purchased. 

For more information about this home, and to schedule a viewing, please contact me directly at 619-250-4541!

Your Local Real Estate Agent,

Looking For A Home? I've Got One For You!

This home was built in 2014, and built for you! Spacious 1600 sq ft custom home with 4 bed, 3 bath located in El Cajon! $369,000..Impressive stone entrance, paver driveway, open concept kitchen offering granite countertops, large island, maple cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Spacious master suite w/large master bath, double sink & walk-in closet. Other features include: tankless water heater, central hvac & a convenient upstairs laundry room, dual pane windows. Walking distance to shopping & restaurants. Buyer can select flooring.

Give me a call today for more information or to schedule a viewing! 619-250-4541

To view all information about this home, click here: http://www.nissourealtygroup.com/listing/mlsid/219/propertyid/140004539/

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Landscaping Tips to Sell Your Home

Being a potential home buyer, the first thing they look at is a home’s curb appeal. I’ve come up with the best landscaping tips to help sell your home in today’s market. An attractive and well-maintained landscape can add up to 10 % of your home.

Spruce up your outdoor containers by adding interest to patios and doorways.

Apply a fresh layer to all your garden beds to enhance color and contrast the plants around it. Seasonal color makes the landscape pop as well, so go for a splash of color.

It’s always a good idea to tidy up any herb plants that don’t look as good as they should.

Clean up any water fixtures to get rid of any visible algae, remove leaves, and clean filters so that the water is clear and clean.

Take care of any irrigation issues by making small repairs and provide information about your irrigation schedule. 

Repair faucet leaks.

Label as many plants as possible so that the buyer knows what each plant is and how to assist in their growing needs.

Your Local Agent,

Getting Ready To File Your Taxes?

Are you ready to file your taxes for the year? Before you do, give me a call! I can help you create a tax game plan for getting you into a new home this year before you do. 

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

How To Make Your House Sell For The Most Money

When selling your home, the most important thing I tell my sellers is to step out of your own shoes when looking at your home and step into the buyers shoes. Take a good look at your home and property and ask yourself if it’s appealing to a buyer.

Most buyers are interested in these three things when thinking about a property to buy:

1)      Safety: Is this home safe for their family and pets? Are there locks on the appropriate doors (front door, garage), are there fire and carbon monoxide alarms, and what is the neighborhood like? Check each window throughout the home to be sure that there are locks on each one, and that they open and close properly.

2)      Maintenance: Is everything working correctly in the home? Does the garage door(s) go up and down? Is there anything that needs repairing? Do any walls need to be repainted?

3)      Appearance: Is the home clean, and clear of clutter? Is there too much color, or not enough? Does the landscaping need to be done?

Here are a few tips to help you see your home and decide what to fix first:

-          Fix what you can see. Make the necessary cosmetic changes. Start from the outside (the front yard, then backyard) before moving into the house.

-          Remove the clutter from each room, beginning with the family room, living room, then moving into the bedrooms, bathrooms, and finally the kitchen. If you use a bedroom for storage only, consider making the room more functional by giving it an office feeling instead of boxes stacked against the wall.

-          Replace faucets and towel racks in the bathrooms, and be sure that they are spotless and fresh-smelling. In the kitchen, remove appliances from the counter tops and store them in the garage. Repair any cracked counters as well.

-          A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to the appearance of a home. Always use neutral, warm and soft colors. Try to avoid wallpaper if you can.

Seeing a new home is the first impression for a buyer. They’ve never seen your home before. Be sure that the impression you’re offering to them is a good, long-lasting one. Make sure that you give your home a good hard look from the outside in. If the buyer can’t form a good mental picture of living in your home, they won’t be eager to buy it.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask me for guidance. My team and I are here to help you anyway we can!

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Helping You Stay On TOP of Your Transactions!

Will any of these situations affect your transaction?

- Is this a short sale?
- Is this a REO?
- Are your principles exchanging (1031) this property?
- Will your principals be using a Power of Attorney?
- Are any of the parties on the title deceased?
- Has there been a change in marital status?
- Is there, or will there be a new entity formed? (i.e partnership, LLC, or any other type of corporation)
- Are the sellers of this property a non-resident of California?
- Is the property held in a trust?
- Has the statement of information been returned to Escrow?
- Will the property be sold in 2-4 years?
- Has a bankruptcy and/or discharge been filed?
- Are there loans showing on the prelim that should have been reconvened?
- Do all parties signing the documents have a valid photo ID or Drivers License?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please call me today to see how I can help you to stay on top of your transactions and help you answer any questions you might have regarding any situations that could possibly affect your transaction.

Your Local Real Estate Expert,