Real Estate Information Archive

Modern technology is a wonderful thing, creating easy “connectivity” between people all over the nation.  But it’s also causing problems in many areas, and buying Rancho Cucamonga real estate is one of them.

Here’s the problem: Many people selling Rancho Cucamonga real estate may live in another city or state. In this case, negotiations may be conducted over the phone, through email, via Yahoo conversations – some even use Twitter for real estate deals and information.

At the same time, this also means that legal documents may be passed through email, uploaded to a website for easy viewing or through any number of other online methods. PDF documents, for instance, have become a very popular way to pass on legal forms because they’re easy to fill out, don’t have to printed, etc.

As the buyer, you can’t afford to take the seller’s word that they’ve accepted your position – especially through email. For instance, a buyer recently had a home sale fall through. The seller accepted the terms through email, told the buyer that the seller had signed the contract and sent it on to the agent. Somehow, even though the buyer was positive the contract had been agreed upon, the house was sold to another buyer.

Although laws change from state to state, it’s always best to have the contract in printed form, with an actual signature – in ink. Without the actual contract, all you have is an email. Although emails can be legally binding, they don’t hold a candle to having the printed and signed contract in hand.

Here are a few tips to make sure your housing purchase goes off without a hitch:

• Meet in person – This may be a difficult prospect, especially if the seller lives out of state. However, if you can’t meet them in person, their agent should at least be local. Meeting with the home seller’s legal representative (i.e. Real estate agent) is the next best thing.

• Get it in writing, and get it in print – Who wants to wait for the post office to deliver a paper contract when you can get it from an email? Well… you do. Yes, it might slow the process of buying a house and closing the deal, but so will having the seller back out.

• Verify the important points – Make sure you and the seller really do agree on the terms of the contract before you put your signature on it. You, or preferably your buyer's agent, should go over the contract with the seller’s agent who should go over it with the seller.

It’s a great time to buy Rancho Cucamonga real estate, but don’t let technology lose you the contract. Cross your t’s and dot your i’s – on paper!

If you’re looking to buy a home, I'll make sure all those t's are crossed and i's are dotted for you. Call me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty.

When you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect Rancho Cucamonga real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Rancho Cucamonga real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes smoothly.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don't. Don't fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Rancho Cucamonga real estate agent isn't going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Rancho Cucamonga real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don't be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty.

When you first decide to look for a new home, whether you are a first time buyer, or you currently own your own Rancho Cucamonga home, it is an exciting experience. Visions of perfection begin to dance in your head. Grand expectations and all of your fondest dreams begin to spring into being. But how do you balance dreams with reality so that you get what you need and maybe some of what you dream of?

Condition Counts

You can get great deals on amazing homes when they need a little repair. However, that is a big trap if you don't take into consideration how adept you are with a hammer and nails. If home repair isn't up your alley, that's not a sin.  But, it is unwise to buy a fixer-upper if you're not into fixing or not financially prepared to hire professionals to do the fixing.

Wide Open Spaces

Rural living or huge parcels of property can be very appealing. The desire to own a big spread with rolling lawns can make you feel like a real land baron—until you have to maintain it. There are other aspects to looking at property removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Lack of convenience that might seem like a good thing will soon become just inconvenient. Consider the trade-offs if your idea of a perfect Rancho Cucamonga home isn't exactly in the city.

Don't Settle

While you need to be realistic if your budget isn't unlimited, you should not settle for less than what you truly need. Take the time to determine exactly which features are most important to your family. Consider:

• Which rooms will be most used
• How many people will be living in the house
• How many bedrooms you need
• How many bathrooms are necessary

Don't try to squeeze into something that won't fit those needs. If you have to wait a little while until you can afford a home that is the right size, it will be worth it to avoid the frustration of being dissatisfied with something as important as your Rancho Cucamonga home.

If you would like more information on what to consider before buying a home, I can help. Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty.

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go – Irish blessing

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and, as you know, it’s the perfect time for a whole bunch of tomfoolery. What you may not know is that it’s the perfect time for an open house to sell those Rancho Cucamonga homes. However, if you’re going to do it, it needs to be done right – and the best time to get started is now.

Themed Open Houses

Okay, we (as in real estate agents) often say, “Don’t get your personality all over the house you’re selling” and we mean it. That’s not to say that you can’t have a little bit o’ fun with a themed open house party, though. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right path for getting those Rancho Cucamonga homes sold:

1. Keep your St. Patrick’s Day decorations minimal, but the atmosphere fun. In other words, pick decorations that are bland, but still lighten the mood of the home.

2. Lights for the evening, windows for the day. If your open house happens during the day, use as much natural lighting as possible. If it’s in the evening, use lighting that isn’t harsh or overbearing.

3. Offer tasty, “smell good” snacks. You don’t have to make a meal to feed an army, but a few Irish snack dishes can go a long way. You don’t have to stick to Irish food, however. A backyard barbecue is a wonderful way to show off the home’s entertainment possibilities.

4. Keep the alcohol low, if available. You’re not trying to throw a rip-roaring party, but there are two things to consider with alcohol. One is that it’s St. Patrick’s Day and almost a national drinking day. Two, is that the more relaxed a potential buyer feels, the more positive they’ll feel about the house (this is not to say that you should get the visitors drunk, however).

The main purpose of holding an open house is to get potential buyers to come and see what Rancho Cucamonga homes have to offer. You want to show off the inside, but you also want to show off the outside and the home’s ability to entertain guests. If you have a real estate agent, discuss the open house with them. If you don’t have an agent, give me a call at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty.

Major news in the short sale and housing industry! On Friday, March 9, the Obama Administration announced updates to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) program. Created in 2009, HAFA is a government-sponsored initiative assisting all Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) eligible homeowners in avoiding Foreclosure through short sales and deed-in-lieus.

The HAFA updates will go into effect on June 1, 2012, and will allow more distressed homeowners to seek assistance. Most importantly, the deadline for submitting for HAFA eligibility will be extended a full year, from December 31, 2012, to December 31, 2013.

Other major changes from March’s updates to the HAFA program include:

• The removal of occupancy requirements. Previously, HAFA required homeowners to have lived in the property within the last 12 months.

• $3,000 relocation incentives will be limited to properties occupied by an owner or tenant at the time of the short sale.

• Mortgage payments will be allowed to exceed 31% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. This update will allow a homeowner to stay current on her mortgage and still qualify, minimizing the overall impact to her credit.

• Secondary lienholders may receive up to a maximum of $8,500, up from $6,000 previously.

• And one of the most dramatic changes: The Credit Bureau Reporting will be Account Status Code 13 (paid or closed account/zero balance) or 65 (account paid in full/a foreclosure was started), as applicable.

With these updates, a homeowner can be current on their mortgage, qualify for HAFA, continue to make their payments, and execute a short sale with minimum impact on their credit!

Reprinted with permission from the CDPE Blog.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

When you’re ready to sell your Rancho Cucamonga real estate, you want to make sure it's attractive to potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home, but with all the paint colors available to you, you may wonder which colors are best.

There are two primary things to consider:

1. Function. What is the room primarily used for? Some rooms are easy to label. After all, there are only one or two uses for the kitchen or bathroom. But what about great rooms or family rooms?  Rooms like that are most often used for relaxation and recovery from a busy day, and, therefore, should be painted in soothing shades of blue or green. Busier rooms, like the kitchen, can handle stronger colors like red, orange, or bright yellow.

2. Size. Generally, the smaller the room the lighter the wall color. Lighter colors make rooms look bigger, while darker colors make rooms look smaller. Your bathrooms and smaller bedrooms will mostly likely look better with a lighter shade than your living room or family room. Since colors are part of a spectrum, you can find a shade of any color that will work for you.

Buyers like to picture themselves living in Rancho Cucamonga real estate before they buy it. This is why you should stick to neutral colors throughout your home.  As your buyers walk through, they can imagine their own furniture and art and belongings up against a white or cream colored wall. It’s a little trickier to do this when the walls are bright orange.

Don’t overlook the power of a new paint job. Let me help you prepare your Rancho Cucamonga  real estate for a fast sale. Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought To You By Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

In today’s real estate market, it’s helpful when homeowners add incentives to sell their Rancho Cucamonga homes. Incentives may include paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, reducing the sale price or offering a home warranty.

Many sellers and buyers are unaware of the advantages of home warranties, so below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home warranties:

• What is a home warranty? A home warranty is a policy that covers the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances. They are typically annual policies that can be renewed and usually cost between $250 and $500.
• Who pays for a home warranty? Either the seller or the buyer can pay for the home warranty, but sellers usually cover the cost as an incentive for selling their Rancho Cucamonga home. Sometimes real estate agents offer home warranties as a closing gift.
• What is covered? This will depend on the terms of your warranty. Most warranties cover the air conditioner, dishwasher, furnace or heating system, water heater, ductwork, garbage disposal, inside plumbing, electrical systems, range and oven, and telephone wiring. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• What is not covered? Again, this will depend on the terms of your warranty. However, most warranties do not cover outdoor sprinklers, certain faucet repairs, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, spas, and pools. Check with your home warranty for your specific coverage.
• How do I file a claim? If you have to file a claim, contact your home warranty company. They will call a service provider who will set up an appointment. You will have to pay a small service fee that is usually less than $100.

Want to buy a home in Rancho Cucamonga or another area of the Inland Empire that comes with a home warranty? Would you like information on Home Warranty Companies?  I can help.  Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

If you’re thinking of building a new Rancho Cucamonga home, you should consider incorporating some green building practices or materials into your plans. Green building designs can include anything from using recycled materials to installing a rainwater collection system outside your home.

Here are just a few reasons why a green home is better for your health, your bank account and the environment:

• Better health. Surprisingly, indoor air pollution from toxic materials and cleaning products is usually far worse than outdoor air pollution. This aggravates conditions like asthma and allergies. Green homes tend to have better ventilation and fewer problems with mold and mildew. A simple switch to toxin-free building materials and cleaning products makes everyone breathe easier inside your Rancho Cucamonga home.
• Lower cost. It’s true that building a green home will cost more upfront. However, the difference is probably not as great as you think. Green building materials are more available and less expensive than they used to be because more people are using them. You have to look at more than just the cost of the home, though. A green home will consume up to 40% less energy and up to 50% less water than a standard home. This means you will save money on your utility bill each month.
• More environmentally friendly. Green homes use less energy which helps us reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources.  Plumbing, environmentally-friendly bathroom fixtures and water-conserving irrigation systems lower water consumption and help protect our water resources. Most green building materials are made with recycled products and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

You can build a green Rancho Cucamonga home that’s ideal for your family. To help you get the best price and terms for your new home, call me before you visit the new home building sites.   Even better, call me today to find out how I can help you save money when building a new home.  You can reach me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

You’ve repaired, de-cluttered, deep cleaned and polished your Rancho Cucamonga home for sale until it shines.  But how do you keep it that way when you and your family have to live in it every day?

Here are 5 tips to keep your Rancho Cucamonga home for sale ready to show (without driving yourself crazy):

1.  Decree some rooms off limits.  There are a few obvious rooms that can easily be declared off limits such as the formal dining room and living room.  But there are others you may not have considered.  If you have 3 bathrooms, proclaim 1 or 2 of those bathrooms off limits.  Have a guest room but no guest?  Shut the door and forget it.

2.  Hire a maid service.  You may not be able to afford a cleaning crew on a regular basis, but to reduce your stress while your Rancho Cucamonga home is for sale, consider hiring a house cleaner to come in once or twice a month.

3.  Leave your shoes at the door.  Sure, it’s inconvenient, but it really does keep your floors clean much longer which means less vacuuming, sweeping and mopping.

4.  Clean as you go. Anytime you get something out, put it away when you’re done with it.  Persuade every member of your household to do the same.

5.  Use potpourri.  You may have read some tips I’ve given about baking cookies to make your home smell great for showings.  That’s an excellent idea for people who have lots of time or just love to bake.  But for the rest of us, put out a bowl of cinnamon scented potpourri and avoid cooking smelly foods such as liver, fish or anything fried until your home is sold.  If you can’t do without your fish, go out to eat. 

Need to sell your home?  Let me help you get it sold so you can relax.  Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

​Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty.

If your Rancho Cucamonga home for sale has a big kitchen and you haven’t marketed this feature, you may be in luck, thanks to a recently noted trend.

With the staggering economy, the national unemployment rate is still sitting above 9%.  Many young adults just out of college are having trouble find jobs.  In fact, the age group hardest hit seems to be between 16 and 24.  As well, there are a number of people without homes due to Foreclosure.  How are Americans weathering the economic fallout?  Many are doing so by consolidating multiple generations into one home.

2 Things That May Change How You Market Your Rancho Cucamonga Home for Sale

A Pew Research Center study on living conditions and an Associated Press - iVillage poll on dinner habits may change how you market your home.

The Pew study, based on information gained from the Census, shows that over 16% of U.S. households had multiple generations living together by 2008. Although the results of 2010 and 2011 aren’t in yet, you can assume with reasonable surety that this trend continues to rise.

The iVillage poll shows that over 60% of families – no matter how big or small – still eat together. Granted, dinner may be full of texting, phone calls and TV, but it’s also full of home cooked meals most of the time.

What does this mean for you and your home?

A larger family in one household, eating home cooked meals together, equals the need for a bigger kitchen. According to several surveys through the years, dinnertime is one tradition that’s held on – despite both parents working. Also, keep in mind that the cost of eating out may have many more people eating at home.

Lastly, buying bulk food, which also needs bigger kitchens, is fast becoming another trend.  According to the Bulk is Green Council, bulk buying is one of the biggest money-saving trends for this year.

The next potential buyer may just be looking for a big kitchen.  If you have one, it may be the number one benefit of your home.  Don’t sell it short. Make sure the large kitchen and/or dining area is highlighted in the marketing material for your Rancho Cucamonga home for sale.  With the above-mentioned trends, big kitchens are – well, big!

If you’re looking for a home with enough room to make and sit down to a home-cooked meal, I can help. Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.