Pat and Linda Duffy

Buyers: 6 Things to Know About the New "Know Before You Owe" Rule

If you’ve ever bought a home in the past, you’ve likely experienced some level of confusion over the cumbersome mortgage documents that came along with the transaction. Going through this paperwork can be like reading a foreign language. Many buyers have complained about confusing terminology, inconsistencies in information, and inadequate time to go through and understand the mortgage documents before signing on the dotted line.

INFOGRAPHIC: Exterior Upgrades That Can Boost Your Property Value

Many sellers tend to focus on the interior of their homes to impress buyers, which is great. But while this is an excellent idea to help boost property value – and thereby help sell your home faster and for more money – it’s important not to gloss over the exterior.

Fact or Fiction: Do Natural Food Stores Boost Nearby Property Values?

Many Americans are loving their organic food, but are they willing to pay a premium on their dwellings just for the convenience of living close to their favorite natural food stores?

According to recent data, the answer is yes.

6 Trends Fueling the Current Real Estate Market

Spring has notoriously been prime time for the real estate market, and in certain centers, it’s been a particularly heated one for a while now. With an improvement in the labor market over recent months already playing its part in driving the housing market, experts believe many other trends will add fuel to the fire.

INFOGRAPHIC: Median Home Prices Throughout California Counties

Median home prices throughout the state of California vary greatly. While there are definitely pockets that are extremely pricey, there are also plenty of counties that offer affordable housing options.

INFOGRAPHIC: C.A.R. Survey Reveals Investor Activity in California

INFOGRAPHIC: C.A.R. Survey Reveals Investor Activity in California. Reasons for investment property purchases include good location, rate of return, good price, future development potential, and size.

INFOGRAPHIC: How Proximity to Specific Neighborhood Traits Impacts Property

It’s no secret that living close to certain neighborhood features can either boost or drag down the value of your home. After all, real estate is all about location. But you might be surprised at just how much certain traits affect property values, whether positively or negatively.

Starbucks Boosts Neighborhood and Property Values

Certain neighborhood characteristics obviously have certain effects on property values, whether positive or negative. It’s a no-brainer that having loud railroad tracks in your backyard will drag your home’s value down, while nearby public transit will have the opposite effect.

INFOGRAPHIC: California Home Sales in February 2016

The real estate market in California continues to sizzle, with existing home sales picking up speed in February, according to the California Association of Realtors (CAR). An improvement in housing inventory and an easing off of prices due to a continued shift to more affordable spots have helped drive the Golden State’s real estate market in February.

9 Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid

The mortgage process is a potentially complicated one. During the underwriting process, a number of obstacles can get in the way of your approval. And considering the huge commitment, it’s crucial that you make sure the mortgage you get into is one you can live comfortably with.