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Tag Archives: “CNNMoney”

7 Easy Ways To Bring The Spring Indoors

21 Monday Apr 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, hot housing markets, investment properties, loan modification, mortgage rates, non-distressed properties, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros

Tulips in vase

It’s been a harsh winter and most of us are more than ready for spring and all the great things that get us outdoors. But wouldn’t it be nice to bring the spring season inside, too?

Here’s a checklist of small jobs that will make an instant difference in how your home looks and feels this spring.

  • Wash your windows – or call to have them professionally done. You’ll want a clear view of all the beautiful things happening outside.
  • Dust lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs, and wash the winter dust off your blinds. Your home will feel much more fresh and bright.
  • Deep clean your carpets, upholstery and curtains. Also change out your bedding with lighter fabrics that are more suitable for the warmer temperatures.
  • Reset your fans to move counter-clockwise to create a light, cooling breeze. (In the winter, your fans should run clockwise to distribute the rising warm air throughout the room.)
  • Start storing away your winter clothes and putting away your winter tools and toys. You probably won’t need those skis, snow shovels or ice scrapers for a while.
  • Sweep or power wash outside the front and back doors. Replace weathered doormats for a nice welcome into your home.

After you have these basics out of the way, relax and enjoy the blossoms, warmer breezes and all the best of spring.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, these jobs are a good start in preparing your home for sale. A good next step is to contact a member of our team​ who can guide you through the entire selling process.

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Do Your Finances Meet The 28/36 Rule?

18 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "ashley choumas", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", corona, first time buyers, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, Remax Real Pros

Do Your Finances Meet the 28/36 Rule?

 

If you’re considering buying a home, especially as a first-time buyer, it’s important to take a close look at your finances before you start shopping.


Start with the 28/36 rule. Many lenders use it to determine credit eligibility.

The “28” refers to the percentage of your gross monthly household income that should be allocated for housing costs each month, including principal, interest, taxes and insurance. The “36” represents the total debt that you carry. It shouldn’t exceed 36 percent of your total income.

As long as your monthly debt – like car, student loan and credit card payments – doesn’t exceed the 36 percent, you’re probably in good shape to qualify for the loan amount that meets your “28” calculation.

There’s a sample 28/36 calculation in the RE/MAX Home Buying Guide. Check it out. The guide is a great reference.

Looking for more personal attention? Let us guide you through the entire home-buying process.

A Good Market For First Time Home Buyers

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "riverside", corona, first time buyers, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, Remax Real Pros

What Makes a Market Good for First-time Homebuyers?

Maybe you can’t relocate to the markets in the new “Top 10 Markets for First-time Homebuyers” list from Realtor.com (although you might already be in one of them!), but the metrics used by Realtor.com to compile the list gives great hints of what to think about if you’re considering buying a home in your current area.

The report – which listed Pittsburgh, Tampa, Philadelphia and Fort Worth among the top markets – considered these five factors:

    1. Popularity of the location
    2. Affordability
    3. Available inventory of homes for sale
    4. The typical time it takes for homes to sell there
    5. What the employment climate is like

All of these factors (among others) help real estate professionals determine whether markets favor buyers or sellers, and whether the real estate climate is considered favorable or challenging. They’re also factors you can look into, too, as you start researching your options for buying a home.

But every market is unique. And when you’re ready to start the homebuying process, the best way to fully understand the market conditions in your area is to talk to a real estate agent who knows, that’s US! =) Contact us today and we would be more than happy to assist you as a first time home buyer!

Listing Photos: What To Look For When Shopping

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", corona, corona real estate, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, homes for sale in corona, investment properties, mortgage rates, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, realtor corona, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros

 

These days, very little is left to the imagination when it comes to browsing homes for sale online. With virtual tours, professional photos and mapped locations, it’s easy to see what you might be getting – before you ever set foot in a potential purchase. Technology certainly has its advantages, doesn’t it?

These listing features help you, the homebuyer, narrow down your home search and direct your real estate agent to specific properties. And although you shouldn’t risk ruling out an otherwise perfect property based solely on its online reputation – hey, even houses have bad days – photos and videos can help save time and energy when it comes to building your short list of homes to tour.

So what should you really be looking for based on these photos, videos and mapping tools? Start with:

  • Layout. Does it meet your space needs? Is it OK that your must-have second bathroom is in the basement?
  • Potential Repairs. Have the original hardwood floors seen better days? Are you up for the challenge of rehabbing?
  • Yard maintenance. Does the home feature a half-acre yard – on a hill – with 30 bushes that need regular pruning? Will you have time to maintain it all – and is the yard worth the effort?
  • Lot location. Are you concerned about being on a corner lot at one of the neighborhood’s main intersections?

Remember, photos and videos can’t always capture everything, so consider your top three priorities in a home. When you think you’ve found them in a property online, it might be worth taking a look in person – even if that shade of green in the kitchen isn’t your first choice.

The best thing you can do is see what’s really there. Contact our team today so we can help you find your picture-perfect place.

How To Improve Your Credit Score

04 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "ashley choumas", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, hot housing markets, investment properties, loan modification, mortgage rates, non-distressed properties, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros

Looking to buy a home soon? If so, you’ll want to start saving for a down payment – and thinking about getting pre-approved for a home loan. But before you do, it’s worth checking your credit score to see whether you need to bring it up to increase your chances of qualifying.

Your first step is to visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report. Some of the things lenders will look for include your debt-to-income ratio, the number of late payments, recent credit inquiries and how many credit accounts you have open.

For an additional fee, you can visit www.MyFico.com to learn your FICO score, which is a key factor in your ability to qualify for a loan and a reasonable interest rate. The higher your score is, the better your chances are of getting a reasonable interest rate.

If you find out that your score isn’t yet at an ideal place to qualify for an affordable home loan, consider taking a few months to get it within a range that improves your chances of qualifying.

Here are a few key tips from Bankrate.com, a leading online aggregator of financial rate information:

  • Pay your bills on time every month. Late payments lower your credit score.
  • Try to pay off your existing balances each month, or keep them within a reasonable range. Your debt-to-income ratio is a big factor in determining your credit worthiness and ability to repay a home loan​.
  • Don’t close any accounts for six months, especially your older credit accounts. They help establish your long-term credit history.
  • Need a score boost quickly? Speed the process up with rapid rescoring through a lender who is subscribed to this special service. If you have legitimate errors on your credit report, rapid rescoring can address and correct them in as little as 72 hours. The service can run about $50 per account but could save you thousands on your loan.

Your agent is a great resource for advice. Contact Candi or Ashley today to learn how you can improve your credit score and better your chances of getting pre-approved for a home loan.

For more information about home loans, visit the Mortgages Guide in the Get Advice section of remax.com.

Schools Matter! Even If You’re Not A Parent!

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, corona school districts, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, hot housing markets, investment properties, loan modification, mortgage rates, non-distressed properties, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros, school districts, schools matter

SchoolsMatter

 

There’s a lot to consider when buying a house: location, price, bedroom count, taxes, and a slew of other items everyone and your uncle will remind you about, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer.

Here’s yet another item you shouldn’t forget: Educating yourself about local schools. Whether you have a full house, you’re an empty nester looking to downsize, or you’re years from starting a family, the quality of schools should factor into your home search.

According to the National Association of Realtors, schools will affect:

The sale price: Homes in the best school districts sell for more, on average, than similar houses in areas with lower-rated schools.

The number of people looking at the same homes you are: In a 2012 National Association of Realtors report, 25 percent of buyers listed school quality as a deciding factor in their purchase.

The resale value of your home: Home values in sought-after school districts often fare better, even in a down market, than similar homes in areas with less reputable schools.

So how do you find out about schools if you’re new to the area? Search online for school district websites. Many of them post test scores of individual schools and comparisons to other schools statewide.

You can also explore greatschools.org, which features data, school “report cards” and comments from parents and students. Or check out U.S. News & World Report rankings that track the nation’s top high schools.

If you’re a parent, keep in mind that school boundaries change. Call the local district to verify that the home you’re looking at is still within the bounds of the schools you like.

Of course, nothing beats firsthand information, so ask residents in your targeted areas about local schools and other educational options.

Find a local RE/MAX agent who can tell you more, too. RE/MAX agents know their communities and are great bets for having up-to-date neighborhood information.

Fit to Sell: Why A Home Doesn’t Sell

05 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", candi choumas & associates, Choumas & associates, corona, investment properties, mortgage rates, Re/Max, Re/max International, real-estate, Remax Real Pros

Help close the gap between what home buyers are looking for – a home that’s updated and well-maintained – and what’s actually available on the market. By doing so, your home has a better chance of selling quickly and for more money.

Watch the most recent RE/MAX “Fit to Sell” video to learn what three steps are needed to sell your home – and which three major elements can affect its sale.

UPCOMING LISTINGS!

29 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, hot housing markets, mortgage rates, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, Remax Real Pros, vacation homes

via santiago

Corona Condo! Two bedrooms, all remodeled and ready to move in! This first time buyers dream is centrally located in the heart of Corona next to shopping centers and main freeways. New paint, carpet, appliances, granite counter tops and more! Just bring your things and move on it! Pricing will be $169,900. This has not hit the MLS yet, to get your foot in the door, contact one of our team members today!

old Adair listing photo

 

Upcoming Riverside home for sale! A wonderful 3 bedroom home for the first time buyer who needs more space! This charming home in a quiet neighborhood is ideal for any buyer. It as well has not hit the MLS yet either, so if you or anyone you know is interested, now is the time to beat the crowds and inquire about this property! Contact us ASAP so we can chat about it!

We hope you all have a great Wednesday and make it a prosperous week! Again, whatever your real estate needs may be, feel free to contact any member of our team, we would be more than happy to meet up with you and discuss your future plans!

Thanks again,

Candi Choumas- 909-821-7133

Ashley Choumas- 951-818-4168

Chris Choumas- 951-545-6110

 

Pets In The Mix: From Petrifying to Purrfect!

27 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Candi Facts, Uncategorized

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"agents", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, foreclosure, hot housing markets, investment properties, loan modification, non-distressed properties, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros, tid bits

A beautiful cat or friendly dog might be just the thing for you and your family. As members of the household, pets have a place in your home and your heart. But what about pets and all that go with them when you are buying or selling a home? In the case of a large investment such as buying or selling a property, addressing the topic of pets during this transaction is worthy of some sniffing out.

True animal lovers often have homes that are especially welcoming to animals and people alike. Homes that are set back from roads or traffic, or are close to dog parks or walking trails might have special appeal. Horse-properties are often fenced, have pasture land or barns, and storage for feed. Whether or not you have pets, if you are selling a property with these facets, you might have a winning angle for the right buyer. While real estate agents can promote these features, they want to do so without having to overcome pet odor and damage issues.

Unfortunately, there are also homes where pets “rule the roost” and the home is less appealing to people. When proper care is not taken, or the number of animals in the home outpaces the owner’s ability to adequately care for them, smells and other issues can become serious problems in the selling process.

Evaluating a home with regard to pets unlocks features and flaws in a home. The ability to open windows or gain access through a back door to a fenced yard or to a pet enclosure is not only useful for pets and people, but can be important in examining temperature, traffic, and utility of a potential home. Odors may indicate issues with airflow, potentially giving clues about heating and/or cooling. When allergens are present in the air, air conditioning can help take them out of circulation, making a home with central air conditioning very desirable.

In short, most homes will be primarily evaluated for people, so do the work beforehand to make your home people-friendly and as pet-neutral as possible. Most importantly, the homeowner should minimize the obvious signs of pets: food bowls and toys, scent, fur, feces, scratch-marks, carpet stains, and/or damage from digging or chewing. While it hardly seems fair, significant value may be lost if the home is perceived to be occupied or potentially damaged by animals – pets or wild ones. Not only is it important to rectify any issues that might be in the home presently, but during the duration of the showing and sale of a property; all pet matters must be kept in check. As a general rule, keep in mind that while people often love pets, they don’t always love yours.

Barking dogs, cats that shed excessively, and animals that could cause harm are deterrents to the welcoming feel most people desire when they come to see a property. Additionally, “pet furniture” can detract from a home, or make it memorable in ways that are not conducive to a sale. Instead, remove that well-worn chair or cat tree that presents an “in-your-face” distraction from more positive aspects of the home itself. Consider “doggy daycare” or boarding your pet elsewhere if there is concern that the presence of a pet could detract from the viewing experience.

Always alert the showing agent of the presence of a pet. Ensure that there are arrangements in place for animals that require special attention, and keep up on pet chores that enhance the home’s appeal. While it might be unrealistic to get every hair, work to minimize attention to it by vacuuming often and removing potentially offensive items like well-worn pet beds and blankets during showings. Have your pet bathed and groomed frequently during this time period to reduce pet odors and ensure that all shots, ID tags, and licenses are up-to-date in the event of an accidental release.

Similarly, if you are seeking a property that is especially free of allergens, or inversely, especially good for a certain pet – real estate agents know what to look for. Be sure to check out laundry rooms, basements and garages as these are common places where pets may spend lots of time, and could provide useful clues regarding the successes and failures of a pet’s presence in a home.

There are key chores that must be accomplished by the homeowner prior to selling it, if a pet has been present:

Check for outside damage to landscape, porches, decks and lawn. Ensure that holes are filled, scratched or chewed wood are fixed, fences are in good repair and painted when appropriate, and that plants don’t show evidence of pets. If a pet scratches to come in, repair any marks on the front and back door or screens. Nothing can fix a bad first impression.

Moving indoors, check for scratches, chewing, and paint damage that come from pets walking, rubbing, or otherwise using the home. Paint, clean or repairs items as needed. Removal of furniture that reveals the presence of animals should be considered. Stained carpets should be professionally cleaned or removed, as pet “accidents” can be absorbed into carpet pad and odors remain. Again, check doors, molding or areas where grime, hair, scratching or chewing appears. Consider this “detailing” your home as you would a car.

Clean air ducts and filters in the home’s HVAC system to ensure that odors are not being circulated throughout the home and that it is working properly, free of pet hair. Pet odors are the biggest offense, and must be removed; this might require the replacing of flooring or sheetrock in some cases. Professionally cleaning concrete floors in garages or basements that have housed pets is a great idea to remove odors. In cases where rodents have damaged insulation in crawl spaces, replacement may be necessary.

When pets are in the mix and a home is for sale, it is essential to consider a pet’s happiness, safety, and effect that they might have on people viewing the home. Creative solutions can be difficult to come by. Few people have the luxury of obtaining a new home prior to selling their residence and removing pets entirely from the home that is for sale. If a pet absolutely cannot be removed from the home, consider crate-training, which might also aid in the relocation process in the future, or limiting a pet to a confined space. No question about it – selling or buying a home with pets in mind adds a dimension to the process. Paying attention to these details can seem overwhelming, but the value of a home depends on it. Purrfectly so.

Upcoming Corona Condo Listing!

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by Candi Choumas & Associates in Latest Real Estate News

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"agents", "ashley choumas", "candi choumas", "CNNMoney", "corona agent", "Corona Homes", "corona real estate agent", "corona realtor", "economic recovery", "first time homes", "Freddie Mac", "happy thoughts", "housing market", "inland empire", "Lower Standard Modification Interest Rate", "Mortgage Bankers Association", "mortgage", "positivity", "real estate agent", "real pros real estate group", "Real Pros Real Estate", "realtor", "Real\Pros Real Estate Group", "Remax Real Pros Corona", "riverside", "short sales", business, corona, dream homes, economy, foreclosure, hot housing markets, investment properties, loan modification, mortgage rates, non-distressed properties, Re/Max, Re/max International, real estate agents, real-estate, refinance loans, Remax Real Pros

via santiago

 

Here it is! View our upcoming listing, a fully rehabbed Corona Condo! As our viewers you get to see it first before it is even listed in the MLS! This ground floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom is perfect for the first time home buyer who wants to stay local in Corona! Kitchen will have brand new granite, new stainless steel appliances and the rest of the property will have new paint and carpet! Not only is the location very desirable next to a shopping center, but this unit comes with a good sized patio and shed! Not to mention your own private garage. Please spread the word, this will not last once it hits the market! Contact Candi or Ashley for details as soon as possible!

Have a great Tuesday!

Candi Choumas 909-821-7133 or Ashley Choumas 951-818-4168

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Recent Posts

  • Governor Brown Signs Bill To Deter Squatters
  • 7 Easy Ways To Bring The Spring Indoors
  • Do Your Finances Meet The 28/36 Rule?
  • A Good Market For First Time Home Buyers
  • On a Roller Coaster: Buying in a Hot Market

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