BUY A HOME
Before Buying a Home, Get Your Finances In Order:
Line up your financing, set aside a down payment and study the loan programs available. By doing your homework, you will know exactly how much you can pay and what it will cost you.
"I work with 2 great mortgage brokers and am happy to introduce them to you. Call me or e-mail me for an introduction!"
Pick a Real Estate Agent to Help With Buying a Home:
With so much information available online, you might wonder why you need an agent at all. But all local markets vary from one another, and a good agent can guide you by giving you information based on experience and market knowledge.
"Tracy, Jeffrey and Laura can help! "
Learn How to Avoid Home Buying Mistakes:
The best way to avoid making a mistake is to learn from the mistakes others have made. Buying a home in a desirable location is your best defense. Remember: location, location, location.
"Tracy, Jeffrey and Laura can give you a street-by-street breakdown of the market!"
Make an Offer and Negotiate Like a Pro:
Although buying a home is not like buying a car, for example, you can still negotiate to get a good price.
"Tracy, Jeffrey and Laura are expert negotiators and always get the best price."
Get a Home Inspection and Read Disclosures:
Never buy a home without getting a home inspection. Most states have laws about the types of disclosures you are entitled to receive.
"I work with 2 great home inspectors. Call or e-mail me for an introduction."
Closing on Your Home:
Transactions generally close within 30 to 60 days after your offer has been accepted. Remember to reserve movers or a moving truck early because many people move at the end of the month.
"I work with a reasonable, professional mover. Let me know if you want an introduction."
CONDO -VS- HOUSE
Ask yourself the following five questions to get a better feel for whether a condo or single-family residence is right for you.
How much freedom do you need?
If you travel frequently and don't like to handle yard work or routine repairs, a condo may be your best bet, analysts say. Your association dues in a condo cover most of the upkeep, and the close proximity with your neighbors allows them to keep an eye on your place when you're gone.
However, buying into a condo also means less freedom to paint or decorate things the way you want. And lobbying the board for improvements can be a lengthy political process. Are you prepared to fight for those new pool chairs?
Do you foresee moving in the next five years?
While home prices are cooling in many markets, they are bound to bounce back in the long term, experts say. If you can afford to stay in a property for five years, it will almost certainly appreciate in value. On the other hand, if you are looking to flip a property or you might need more room in a year or two, a condo might not be the best choice, said Michael Carliner, economist with the National Association of Home Builders.
Is your local market strong?
How have prices for homes fared in your area? Are condo prices going up or down in the same way as single-family housing? Where is your city, and even your ZIP code, in the real estate cycle? Is there plenty of land for development? While properties in some land-scarce markets continue to appreciate, other markets have trended downward and it could take years for supply and demand to come back in balance.
Is this an investment or a lifestyle choice?
Over the long haul, condos do not appreciate as much as single-family homes, Carliner said. On the other hand, condos in many urban areas are much more convenient to shops, entertainment and other amenities. Are you willing to give up some appreciation to save money on gas and eliminate that long commute or are you looking for an investment with the potential for greater appreciation and more freedom to customize your home?
"Call me to chat about the pros and cons of condos -VS- houses".
310-754-8144
Meet Tracy, Laura and Jeffrey in the Home Buying Division of The Flexner Group...
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Jeffrey Fritz & Laura Buffone of Green City
Directors of Buyers Division
Through a strategic partnership Green City is the exclusive
buyer’s representation of the Flexner Group. Jeffrey Fritz
and Laura Buffone are happy to use their volumes of transaction
history, community connections and strong broker relationships
to help their clients whom are purchasing a home. With proven
negotiation skills, expert market knowledge and experience in
short sales, reo and standard purchases Jeffrey and Laura are
able to save thousands of dollars for their clients while helping
them win out on hotly contested properties. |
Green City is Los Angeles'
and Coldwell Bankers' first and only certified green real estate
organization. Green City was founded on a commitment to provide
a sustainable and socially responsible real estate business,
while providing expert representation, green building knowledge,
and superior customer service to all of our clients. Green City's
Eco-Brokers®, LEED AP's (LEED Accredited Professional), CSBA's
(Certified Sustainable Business Advisor), Realtors & Brokers
are uniquely qualified to be your trusted advisors when you are
buying or selling residential or commercial property. We at Green
City believe that as we work, we can empower, enrich and educate
our clients or peers, our neighborhoods and the industry to make
informed decisions that positively affect our lives, as
well as protect the environment we all share. |
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Tracy Lopez
Listing Administration and Escrows
Leases
Distinctions:
Cum Laude with Bachelors in Business Administration, emphasis in Finance and Real Estate, California State University, Northridge. Tracy is in charge of escrow closings, administration, leases, and new construction projects. Her skills include finance, sales management, marketing, listings and escrows. She can be counted on for information and access to all listings and escrows. |
Tracy is also a gifted sales person with nearly eight years in wholesale and retail lending. Before joining The Flexner Group, Tracy was a Senior Loan Officer at Metrocities Mortgage and an Account Manager for Washington Mutual.
You can contact Tracy via email tracy@theflexnergroup.com
or by calling her direct line at: 310-754-8107 |
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