www.suncoastrealestate.com
Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is a full service brokerage providing real estate services to the Buyer, Seller, and Investor.   We specialize in fine homes and estates serving the entire Ventura County and Santa Barbara Counties and surrounding areas.  We provide relocation services for those moving outside the area and assist with both home financing and title insurance.

"Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate working out of Ventura County, we assist with Home Loans and Title Insurance too!"

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Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate

Our goal is to simplify the buying and selling of residential real estate by providing complete support, knowledge and expertise to our clients. We strive to achieve exceptional customer satisfaction and create a lifelong relationship with our clients. 

Our REALTORS are trained experts in the real estate business and work as professional advocates on your behalf.   They continually pursue certifications and expanded market knowledge through specialized programs designed to maintain a complete understanding of market conditions, economic impacts, neighborhood statistics, lending programs and home buying incentives.

Our agents are REALTORS and members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, - a professional membership association.   REALTOR is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional

who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.  A REALTOR is a professional expert in the real estate market and can represent either the Seller or the Buyer or both in any transaction.

As a buyer, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate will explain their duties to you upfront – who is represented, duties, agency representation and how compensation for representation works.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate who represents you as a Buyer exclusively by execution of a written agreement is a Buyer's Agent.  This means Sun Coast Real Estate is your exclusive advocate on any transaction and has a duty to you as the Buyer exclusively.   It also means that you agree to work exclusively with Sun Coast Real Estate as a Buyer's Agent in all real estate dealings, including "For Sale By Owners."

Since real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime, it is recommended that you have professional representation to guide you through the process and represent your interests exclusively.  Most transactions in southern California exceed $200,000. You wouldn't go to court for a $200,000 lawsuit without the appropriate legal representation.   Nor should you go into the real estate market without an advocate for your interests. 

As your professional representative, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is your advocate to guide you through the maze of options, valuations, financing, contract negotiations and many details that become overwhelming in the process.   In many cases, the benefits far outweigh the professional fee involved and may be realized in an overall cost savings to you.

1.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you determine your buying power.  Your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate agent can work with you and the lender to configure purchase programs that best fit your financial profile and affordability factors.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is constantly on top of new financing programs that could help you get into the home you love.  Sun Coast Real Estate can also help you determine how you will accrue the earnest money or initial down payment.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your ability to purchase.

2.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can save you time and money by doing the search legwork for you.   Not all properties for sale have "FOR SALE" signs in the yard.  So, driving around on a Sunday afternoon may not be the best use of your time Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is an expert in their neighborhood market.  That means your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate agent stays on top of the market, housing sales, market conditions, neighborhood turnover.   In many cases, Sun Coast Real Estate is aware of potential sales before they hit the open market, Sellers who do not advertise their homes for sale, or other circumstances that you may not have access to in your search.  

4.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you even with "For Sale By Owners" (FSBO).  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you approach, prepare an offer and evaluate a property offered without Seller REALTOR representation.  

5.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has access to a variety of informational resources. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can provide local community information on market conditions, neighborhood turnover, utilities, zoning. schools, etc.  There are two things you'll want to know.  First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? Sun Coast Real Estate can work with you to determine the impact of your purchase and your expectations.

6.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you negotiate.  There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment.  The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.  Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.   And, they can help you evaluate the proposed property based on the information available.

7.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate will also be your advocate to keep you on track during the process – from keeping timelines to inspections – while helping you determine the cost feasibility of such outcomes.

8.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.  While many lenders propose to do the same for you, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has a lot of experience with purchase transactions.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate knows which lenders do what they say they'll do and those who don't.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you evaluate the lender you've selected, recommend backup financing programs or alternate lenders and review any proposed financing program prior to submitting an offer.  Doing so in advance can avoid some of the disappointments of financing

problems and strengthen your offer to the Seller by providing more firm financing arrangements.

9.  Your REALTOR can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.  The process can sometimes become daunting.  Timelines, Report, Inspections, Paperwork.  Your REALTOR knows what must be done and by when and can keep you on track through it all.

10.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties.  These are key factors in knowing if the Selling property is a good buy for you.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has the tools, experience and know-how to evaluate the property based on your financial condition, expectations, property use and other factors that impact your offer and purchase.

11.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you relocate to a different market and make the transition smooth, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is in the service business.   Their goal is to make your purchase go smoothly.  So, if you are selling your home in one area and moving to another area, odds are yourSun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you locate a qualified REALTOR in your new neighborhood.   Sun Coast Real Estate works with professionals in other markets as part of their professional network.  They have contacts to benefit you regardless of where you are moving.   The personal referral to another area REALTOR by Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is also taken more seriously than a cold call to a REALTOR.  Plus, you can be sure that both REALTORS® are going to make sure the process goes smoothly for you each way.

We provide a long list of value services to make your home buying process as comfortable as possible.

•Discuss Agency Representation with you to be sure that you understand who represents whom and what duties are expected from both Buyer and REALTOR.

•Discuss your expectations of Buying a Home: time line, financial conditions, neighborhood, features, price, amenities, style of home, size, number of bedrooms, baths, and desired priorities such as garage, fireplace.  
 
•Discuss the natural features outside the home most significant to you –– woods, hills, streams, lakes, others?

•Discuss your purchasing power and payment expectations. 

Put you in contact with Brenda Niazi at Crescent Mortgage, or one of our other fine mortgage lenders, to get you pre-approved in a mortgage finance program.

•Conduct and present you with preliminary market search results based upon your search criteria.

•Provide you with a complete Property and Pricing Analysis to include sold, expired and active listings; tax records, and seller estimated equity, if available.

•Disclose any Seller urgency if known.

•Provide you with community information.

•Discuss properties of interest and set up appointments to visit those properties with your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate REALTOR.

•If you find a home on which you want to make an offer, your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate  agent will prepare a purchase agreement with your earnest money for Seller consideration.  

•Notify your Home Mortgage loan officer of the proposed offer and obtain a financing letter for inclusion in the purchase offer.  If the Seller accepts your offer, prepare a task order timeline for inspections, financing and other contract details for all parties.

•Notify your loan officer of Seller acceptance to proceed to appraisal and title services.  Your loan officer will lock in your interest rate and send you a good faith estimate reflecting your monthly mortgage payment as well as your estimated cash needed for closing. The title company will notify you of the time and date you close on your home and the items you'll need to bring to closing.

•Explain to you the necessary inspections, timelines and responsible parties.

•Work with the Seller's agent to cooperate on timelines, inspections, entrance access and other necessities to make the process smooth for all parties.

•Communicate with you on all progress and requirements throughout the process.  Arrange and accompany you to property inspections and follow up on all paperwork.

•Help you determine those to notify regarding the acquisition of your new home: insurance company, phone company, electric, water and sewer, home owner's association, moving company, post office, newspaper and magazines, friends and family.

•Accompany you to the pre-settlement walk through to be sure that the property is ready for you based upon the agreement.

•Accompany you to settlement.

•Be available after the sale to answer questions or assist with final details.

First Time Home Buyers
Are You Ready to Become a Homeowner?  Owning your home own is the American Dream.  Not only does it provide a place to live but it offers a stake in your future.   How? 

1.      It is an investment that appreciates with time.  

2.      It provides you with tax breaks.

3.      It can be borrowed against for purchases, college education, automobile.
                                                                                                                                                             
4.      You make yourself rich instead of lining the pockets of your landlord.

It is also the single largest purchase that you'll ever make in your lifetime.  But, it is not something to enter into lightly. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering this purchase:

•Does your career require you to move a lot?  Depending on the frequency of moves and the areas to which you move, it may or may not be wise to purchase a home.

•Can you afford routine maintenance and upkeep? Owning your own home comes with additional responsibilities that are sometimes taken for granted.  Mowing the grass, home repairs, up keep broken appliances or heating system attending to a leaky roof and so on.  These are items that you will have to handle on your own instead of calling your landlord or property management company.   Plus you will have to pay for these repairs out of your pocket so you'll have to budget for them accordingly.

•Will you miss the amenities of your rental community? Things such as gyms, party rooms, security guards, common park areas may make you want to remain a renter in the rental community unless you can locate an ownership community similar.

•Are you looking for security in your future? Owning your own home is a hedge against inflation to some degree since most properties appreciate over time.

•Are you ready for tax benefits not offered to renters? Owning your own home gives you special tax incentives which increase your take home income.

•Does your rent increase yearly? Usually the landlord raises the rent fee yearly to keep up with market demands, inflation and the cost of upkeep.   However, if you own your own home and you finance it over a 30 year period with a traditional, fixed mortgage, your monthly mortgage payment will stay the same year after year.   Plus you'll be paying down the principle note and increasing your equity in the home (your net wealth).  Over time, your income may increase but your mortgage remains fixed.

•Do you value financial independence? Home ownership gives you power over your finances.   You can utilize the growing equity in your home for purchases, college education, automobiles, vacation or move up to a larger home

  • How much home can you afford?

It is a good idea to determine how much you can afford before you go out looking. One way to get a quick idea is to use our online Mortgage Calculator.  This will help you determine your monthly payments.  Monthly payments consist of the principal and interest on the mortgage loan, as well as property taxes and homeowner's insurance. These four costs are often abbreviated as PITI.   However, you'll need to consider the actual cash you need on hand before the purchase. 

Liquid Cash Needed
Earnest Money, you'll need to have enough cash on hand to put with your offer to purchase.  Typically, it is recommended to offer 1% of the offer price. For example, on a $300,000 home, your earnest money would be $3,000. This money is placed into escrow by either your or the Seller's REALTOR®.  If the Seller accepts your offer, the earnest money is put towards the overall purchase price.   If the Seller rejects your offer, the earnest money is returned to you.

Down Payment
Usually you will need to have on hand or available between 10-20% of the selling price.  That means a $300,000 house would require you to have between $30,000 to $60,000 cash available to contribute.   More lenient government guidelines and new mortgage products allow home buyers to get into a house for as little as 3% down –– or less. There are even some special programs for first-time buyers that help with closing costs.    The amount that you initially put down

will affect the loan amount.  Obviously, the more you put down, the less you'll need to borrow.   The less borrowed, the smaller the repayment amount and monthly payment. 

Closing Costs
Typically closing costs range from 3% to 6% of the home sale price and are paid by you in secured funds at the time you go to settlement. These costs cover your title insurance, escrow, taxes, and other items associated with the paperwork and purchase.   On a $300,000 house, this could be from $9,000 to $18,000.  Our $300,000 example would mean that you need available cash from $42,000 to $81,000 if doing an 80% or 90% loan for the balance of the purchase price.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
In some situations where you will borrow more money than 80% of the home value, the lender may consider you a higher risk because you put up less and have less to lose. The lender will then add in a special premium known as Private Mortgage Insurance.   This protects the lender against your default on the loan. The monthly PMI fee depends on how much coverage the lender requires and what the PMI issuer charges. If you get a conventional loan, you can eventually get rid of PMI if you meet criteria such as equity increase, pay off and etc.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Pre-qualification is just a rough estimate of how much you could afford without any guarantees of you getting a loan. A pre-qualification does not guarantee a loan nor does it mean that you will be approved to get one.   Pre-approval means that your mortgage has been approved prior to going out and looking for a new home. The lender has gone through the verification process to determine if you can even obtain a loan and the offer to loan you money has been extended.   A pre-approval still requires final underwriting to be sure that your financial situation has not changed prior to purchase closing. The better of the two is the pre-approval. An offer to purchase presented by a pre-approved buyer stands a better chance of being accepted if there are multiple offers on a property.

Your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate agent can work with you to prepare a Buyer's Anticipated Cash Needed Worksheet on any property.  This will assist you in determining cash needed and anticipated closing costs.   Your Home Mortgage loan officer can work with you to determine the appropriate financing program to fit your financial needs.

  • Movers Guide and How We Can Help!

Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate offers the following tips to make the move and transition easier, for both the kids and their parents. Buying a new home should be one of

the most exciting times for children and their families. Moving can be a fun experience by fostering communication, being a good listener, and by creating excitement about the adventure that lies ahead.

Our client services don't stop in the Ventura County Santa Barbara County areas.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estatecan provide you quality referrals to REALTORS in other markets.  This is a free service to you and can give you a "friendly face" in your new neighborhood.   We will gather information from you based on what you need in your new location: price range, house features, neighbor community, amenities and etc.  Then we will contact you with our qualified referral and make the connection for you. It's simple. It's easy.  It's free.  So, let us make the introductions for a more pleasant move!

1-2-3! Get Ready to Move!
The Average American moves 13 times in a lifetime.  Whether you're moving across country or just a few blocks, moving can be stressful. Planning and preparing in advance can make all the difference in the world in getting ready for the big day. Here's a helpful checklist to keep on hand during the weeks prior to MOVING DAY!

Use Up Things That Can't Be Moved. Items in your freezer and refrigerator, generally don't pack well –– even across town. Moving may be just the opportunity you need to use these foods up and start fresh at your new home. Flammable cleaning supplies are also items that should be used or properly disposed of prior to the move.

Plan Ahead for your change of address.  The post office has a change of address kit that you can use to notify your local post office, magazines and even family & friends that you've moved. And the great thing is that the cards are free! If staying in town, don't forget to also notify your employer that you're moving to a new location so you'll be sure to get your W-2 and other important employment information that may be mailed to you.

Hold A Garage Sale. Garage or moving sales are great ways to get rid of stuff you don't want while making a little extra cash. Many times what you can't sell can be donated to charitable organizations with tax deductible receipts.

8 Weeks To the Big Move!
•Reserve a moving vehicle, either professional or do-it-yourself.
•Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture
  you'll take with you and what you need to sell or give away.

•Contact the Chamber of Commerce of your new location and get information
  about your new hometown.

6-7 Weeks To the Big Move!
•Inventory all of your possessions and determine what can be sold and what can
  be given away.
•Get copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your lawyer,
  personal banker and stockbroker.
•Arrange to transfer your children's school records.
•Contact your accountant about tax deductible moving expenses-and keep good
  records!

4-5 Weeks to the Big Move!
•If needed, arrange for storage.

•As your credit card statements come in, complete the 'change of address'
  section on your bills.
•Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls, etc. that need    •If moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don't forget to
  It figure in those non-box able items you'll be moving and how much space
  they'll take up.
•You may need to contact the rental company and adjust the size of moving van
  you'll be renting and they may have tips on calculating space.

3 Weeks to the Big Move
•Get moving supplies: Boxes (plan on more than you think you'll need), furniture
  pads, dolly, packing tape, bubble wrap (for breakables such as mirrors and
  vases), labels, crumpled newspaper, scissors, utility knife, markers.
•Begin packing items you won't need right away. Be sure to not "over pack" a box so that it's too heavy to lift or may not stay together.
•Cancel services and utilities at your current location, and a start date at your new
  location. Services could include newspapers, home security, garbage collection,
  cable TV, lawn or snow removal, cleaning services. Utilities you'll need to
  contact include local and long distance telephone, electrical, gas / fuel oil, and
  water / sewer.

2 Weeks Before the Move
•Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch location.
  This includes canceling any direct deposits or automatic withdrawals. Don't
  forget to empty and cancel your safe deposit box. Also close local charge
  accounts if moving to a new city. 

•Make special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian.

Moving Week
•Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town.
•If needed, arrange for a babysitter.
•Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and videotapes.
•Clean your current home and don't forget the oven and defrosting your freezer.
•If using a professional mover, they'll pack your items for you. If moving yourself,
  finish packing. 
•Set aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you can
  find them quickly. Don't put them in a box, especially those you may need for
  your closing. 
•Pack a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing.

Moving Day
Hopefully you have pre-signed your closing papers so you don't have to attend one-if not two-closings. If you're interested in finding out how you can eliminate attending closings on your moving day, contact your realtor.  If moving yourself, pick up the truck early.
•Number and make a list of every box and its contents so you can find things easily.
•Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and no leave-behind appliances are running. 
•Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock windows and doors.
•Pack a "handy items box" for your first night and day in your new home. It should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels, toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries, sponge and shelf liner.

Get the Kids Involved
Moving can be stressful on all family members but may affect the kids more than you realize.   Be sure that they aren't overlooked in the process by involving them in the adventure!

Sun Coast Real Estate offers the following tips to make the move and transition easier, for both the kids and their parents. Buying a new home should be one of the most exciting times for children and their families. Moving can be a fun experience by fostering communication, being a good listener, and by creating excitement about the adventure that lies ahead.

HAPPY MOVING! Resources
•Helping Children Cope with Moving (Gladden, 1992)
•Moving with Children (Gylantic, 1993), both by Dr. Tom Olkowski, Ph.D.

Before and During the Move

Children typically follow the example of their parents when adjusting to a move, so a positive attitude on your part can go a long way. Describe the move as a new adventure and treat it as such. Remember, much of a child's tensions with a move involve fear of the unknown, so your communication about what is going on can do a lot to ease anxiety.

Take the kids along on house-hunting trips, or at least bring back pictures of houses you looked at. This can build excitement about the prospect of a new house and involves them in the process, instead of keeping it a mystery.
Sit the family down to talk about the move on a regular basis. Let the kids communicate their feelings, questions and concerns without interruption, then address them. Tell them what is going on and make decisions as a family.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the move. Create a calendar of moving preparations and significant dates. Post it in the kitchen where the kids can check off each milestone as it happens.

Help kids feel involved with the moving preparations by giving them their own tasks, such as boxing up their toys, sorting through their clothes and labeling boxes with their new address.

Make a point to visit your children's friends to say good-bye. Consider having a going away party where your children can exchange addresses and phone numbers. Make a scrapbook of their favorite people and places in the neighborhood they will be leaving.

After the Move
Realize that there is a grieving period for children; it may last for weeks or even months. Generally the younger the child the easier your move.  Older children and teenagers are extremely attached to their friends, school activities and jobs. Younger children may miss their old room, a favorite teacher or frequented park. Infants and toddlers can simply be confused by their new surroundings.

Explore your new neighborhood and/or city together. Take family outings to discover fun parks, restaurants, the school and other areas where they will be spending time. Make a map with all the kids favorite spots marked on it.
Encourage communication with old friends in writing letters, e-mails or making phone calls. This is healthy and eases the pain of transition.
Quickly enroll the kids in sports and activities that are similar to those they were involved with in their old neighborhood or city.

Signals that a Child is Having Difficulty with a Move

Some children will deal with a move better than others –– some will talk about it, some will withdraw. Watch for the following signs that your child may be having a

particularly difficult time with a move, then consult a physician or mental health professional.

Not asking questions about the move and avoiding the topic
Sleep problems, including nightmares
Excessive crying or frustration
Outbursts of anger
Reluctance to leave the house or be away from his/her parents
Reluctance to make new friends in the new neighborhood or school.

Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is a full service brokerage providing real estate services to the Buyer, Seller and Investor.   We serve the Ventura and Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.  We will provide relocation services for those moving outside the area.

Our goal is to simplify the buying and selling of residential real estate by providing complete support, knowledge and expertise to our clients. We strive to achieve exceptional customer satisfaction and create a lifelong relationship with our clients.

Our REALTORS are trained experts in the real estate business and work as professional advocates on your behalf.   They continually pursue certifications and expanded market knowledge through specialized programs designed to maintain a complete understanding of market conditions, economic impacts, neighborhood statistics, lending programs and home buying incentives.

Our REALTORS are as diverse as you.  We have multilingual REALTORS who speak your language and understand your culture.

  • Why you, the Home Buyer, should hire Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate
    Our agents are REALTORS and members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, - a professional membership association.   REALTOR is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional

who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.  A REALTOR® is a professional expert in the real estate market and can represent either the Seller or the Buyer or both in any transaction.

As a buyer, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate will explain their duties to you upfront – who is represented, duties, agency representation and how compensation for representation works.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate who represents you as a Buyer exclusively by execution of a written agreement is a Buyer's Agent.  This means Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is your exclusive advocate on any transaction and has a duty to you as the Buyer exclusively.   It also means that you agree to work exclusively with Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate as a Buyer's Agent in all real estate dealings, including "For Sale By Owners."

Since real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime, it is recommended that you have professional representation to guide you through the process and represent your interests exclusively. Most transactions in Southern California exceed $200,000. You wouldn't go to court for a $200,000 lawsuit without the appropriate legal representation.   Nor should you go into the real estate market without an advocate for your interests.  As your professional representative, Sun Coast Real Estate is your advocate to guide you through the maze of options, valuations, financing, contract negotiations and many details that become overwhelming in the process.   In many cases, the benefits far outweigh the professional fee involved and may be realized in an overall cost savings to you.

1. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you determine your buying power.  Your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can work with you and the lender to configure purchase programs that best fit your financial profile and affordability factors.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is constantly on top of new financing programs that could help you get into the home you love. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can also help you determine how you will accrue the earnest money or initial down payment.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your ability to purchase.

2. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can save you time and money by doing the search legwork for you.   Not all properties for sale have "FOR SALE" signs in the yard.  So, driving around on a Sunday afternoon may not be the best use of your time Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is an expert in their neighborhood market.  That means yourSun Coast Ventura Real Estate stays on top of the market, housing sales, market conditions, neighborhood turnover.   In many cases, Sun Coast Real Estate is aware of potential sales before they hit the open market, Sellers who do not

advertise their homes for sale, or other circumstances that you may not have access to in your search.  

4.Sun Coast Ventura Real Estatecan help you even with "For Sale By Owners" (FSBO).  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you approach, prepare an offer and evaluate a property offered without Seller REALTOR representation.  

5. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Sun Coast Real Estate has access to a variety of informational resources. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can provide local community information on market conditions, neighborhood turnover, utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell Sun Coast Real Estate can work with you to determine the impact of your purchase and your expectations.

6. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.   And, they can help you evaluate the proposed property based on the information available.

7. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate will also be your advocate to keep you on track during the process – from keeping timelines to inspections – while helping you determine the cost feasibility of such outcomes.

8. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.  While many lenders propose to do the same for you, Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has a lot of experience with purchase transactions. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate knows which lenders do what they say they'll do and those who don't.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you evaluate the lender you've selected, recommend backup financing programs or alternate lenders and review any proposed financing program prior to submitting an offer. Doing so in advance can avoid some of the disappointments of financin problems and strengthen your offer to the Seller by providing more firm financing arrangements.

9. Your REALTOR can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.   The process can sometimes become daunting. Timelines, Report, Inspections, Paperwork.  Your REALTOR knows what must be done and by when and can keep you on track through it all.

10. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in knowing if the Selling property is a good buy for you.  Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate has the tools, experience and know-how to evaluate the property based on your financial condition, expectations, property use and other factors that impact your offer and purchase.

11. Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate can help you relocate to a different market and make the transition smooth -- Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is in the service business.   Their goal is to make your purchase go smoothly.  So, if you are selling your home in one area and moving to another area, odds are yourSun Coast Ventura Real Estate agent can help you locate a qualified REALTOR in your new neighborhood.   Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate works with professionals in other markets as part of their professional network.  They have contacts to benefit you regardless of where you are moving.   The personal referral to another area REALTOR by Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is also taken more seriously than a cold call to a REALTOR. Plus, you can be sure that both REALTORS® are going to make sure the process goes smoothly for you each way.

  • The Home Selling Process and What We Provide

Discuss Agency Representation with you to be sure that you understand who represents whom and what duties are expected from both Seller and REALTOR.
 
Discuss your expectations in Selling your home: time line, financial conditions, neighborhood, home features and amenities, price, net proceeds.

Provide you with a complete Property and Pricing Analysis to include sold, expired and active listings; tax records, and seller estimated equity, if available.

Discuss and explain Property & Pricing Analysis to help you determine the anticipated sales price of your home.

Discuss the advertising and marketing strategy designed to promote your home to the market, Seller responsibilities and REALTOR® responsibilities.

Discuss your intentions to purchase elsewhere and assist with the details needed. Arrange appropriate REALTOR® referral if relocating outside the area.

Put you in contact with one our fine Home Mortgage lenders to get you pre-approved in a mortgage finance program for a new purchase.

Place your property in the Multiple List Services for REALTORS® to see.

Place your property online at www.suncoastrealestate.com and the Multiple Lisiting Service for the general public to search.
 
Notify your Mortgage lender of the home sale for preparation of a Buyer's Financing Information Sheet as part of the property marketing brochure.

Order Sales Signs for display in your yard.

Prepare advertising property brochures in accordance with the agreed marketing strategy.

Arrange Broker and/or Public Open Houses as determined in the agreed marketing strategy.

Field telephone inquiries and REALTOR® inquiries on the property.

Arrange showing appointments for Buyer visits to your property.

Communicate regularly with you and provide updates on all inquiries and showing appointments.

Accept, review and discuss all Buyer offers on your property and help you evaluate each offer properly.

Negotiate on your behalf for a win-win agreement.

Notify all Buyers of your response, acceptance or rejection of the offers.

Prepare all the necessary paperwork in compliance with jurisdictions, state, local and applicable laws.

Prepare and oversee task order timeline for inspections, financing and other contract details for all parties.

Explain to you the necessary inspections, timelines and responsible parties.

Work with the Buyer's agent to cooperate on timelines, inspections, entrance access and other necessities to make the process smooth for all parties.

Communicate regularly with you on all progress and requirements throughout the process.

Arrange and accompany you to property inspections and follow up on all paperwork.

Help you determine those to notify regarding the sale of your new home: insurance company, Mortgage Company, Phone Company, electric, water and sewer, home owner's association, moving company, post office, newspaper and magazines, friends and family.
Remind you to gather all warranties and other information on the home to give to the Buyer at settlement.

Remind you to bring all the keys to your home for settlement.
Accompany you to settlement.

Be available after the sale to answer questions or assist with final details.

  • Selling Your Home without our Representation

If You Are Considering Selling On Your Own – "For Sale By Owner"
"You can get rid of the broker, but you cannot get rid of the broker's work" is an old caution for those who intend to offer their homes "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO). Selling on your own is not an easy undertaking. It requires a significant amount of time to study the process, understand your obligations, and do some of the complicated work that a real estate agent does. In addition, selling on your own requires extra help from outside professionals, such as a REALTORS®, accountants or attorneys for some of the jobs that require specific expertise.

The following are some major pitfalls to avoid:
As a personal safety measure, only show your house to those individuals with whom you've made a prior appointment that's been confirmed by phone.

Be accessible and flexible to show your home during the weekdays, evenings and weekends.   If you make showing your property difficult, you will lose potential buyers.
Learn your community, local and state laws regarding advertising and sign displays to avoid fines and/or lawsuits.

Know that you cannot discriminate under the Fair Housing Laws. 
 
Return every phone call and ask each potential buyer the identical questions.   You could be sued if the perception is that you discriminated against any individual of protected status.

Don't price the house so low that it sells too quickly - pay for a market value appraisal by an experienced appraiser.   Prices for a licensed appraiser can vary from $300 to $750 depending on the property and the location.

Hold out for a buyer with written pre-qualification from a lending institution.

Do your due diligence in verifying all potential financing arrangements to avoid financing fall-through leaving you to put the home back on the market and incurring additional expenses.

Find out your legal obligations and required disclosures.   Otherwise, you may end up in a costly lawsuit.

  • Preparing Your Home For Buyers and the Market

The marketplace tends to be more active in the summer because parents want to enroll children in classes at the beginning of the school year (usually August). The summer is also typically when most homes are likely to be available.

Generally speaking, markets tend to have some balance between buyers and sellers year-round. In a given community, for example, there may be fewer buyers in late December, but there are also likely to be fewer homes available for purchase. So, home prices tend to rise or fall because of general demand patterns rather than the time of the year.

In some highly transient markets, such as the Southern California market, there is constant demand as people are being transferred to and from the area, moving up due to position or job changes.

REALTORS® know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

*Your Budget
*Exterior and curb appeal

*Interior Freshening

How much should you spend?  In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible without sacrificing quality. Buyers may be impressed by a new roof, but aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. Making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room may go a long way towards better presentation than the costly expense of replacing your entire kitchen. Your REALTOR® is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximize exterior and curb appeal
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home's exterior and curb appeal include:

Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
In icy weather, be sure that snow and ice are removed from the drive and walkways

Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
 
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint, dust and clean glass.

Clean and align gutters.

Make sure your downspouts are functioning properly and directing water away from the house foundation.

Inspect and clean the chimney.

Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.

During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.

Re-seal an asphalt driveway.

Keep your garage door closed.

Put a fresh coat of paint on your front door.   Consider color carefully.

Be sure that the screen or storm door opens and closes properly and is clean.

Check to make sure that your home's number address is clearly present on your property.

Make sure your mailbox is in working order, secured and clean.

Store garden equipment, toys & sports items out-of-sight.

Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.

Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

Replace exterior light bulbs and be sure they are in working order. At night, have the front porch light on for a welcoming appeal.

Sweep the front porch, drive and walkways to keep leaves and other debris from accumulating.

Make sure all locks are in smooth, working order.

Maximize the interior appeal by seeing your home through the buyer's eye.  Your home doesn't have to go through an over haul to present it in the best light.  However, these are some inexpensive and quick fixes to make your home more appealing:

Thoroughly clean and remove all clutter. This will make your house appear bigger and brighter.

For crowded rooms, consider moving and storing furniture elsewhere to create a more open and airy feeling. 

For soiled or well-worn furniture, consider removing or adding pillows or colorful covering accents.

Shampoo carpets and clean drapes to freshen appearance and eliminate potential odors.

Clean out the refrigerator and freezer of spoiled foods, clutter and grime. Place an open box of baking soda inside to neutralize odors.

Clean both the interior and exterior of the stove or oven to remove cooked on foods.

Keep the house, walls and ceilings spotlessly clean and eliminate cobwebs, dust, smudges and clutter. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market to help maintain a clean appearance and get to the spots that are frequently overlooked.

Clean all glass windows, sliders and doors frequently to eliminate environmental build-up, fingerprints and dirt.

Clean out and straighten up the closets, attic and basement.

Consider holding a garage sale to eliminate clutter and items no longer needed.

Repaint dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum replacement.

Check for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement. Have these repaired by licensed professionals and keep your receipts.

Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.

Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork.

Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling, and alarm systems.
Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
 
Spruce up a kitchen with new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.

Keep bathrooms clean and free of personal hygiene items.

Keep trash bins emptied, clean and fresh.

If you have pets, vacuum and dust frequently to keep hair and dander at a minimum and from being noticeable. Keep litter boxes changed and out of sight. Some buyers are highly-allergic and may not consider your home if the perception is that your’ pet's permeated the entire house.   For visits, keep your pets contained or take them to a neighbor.

If there is a smoker in your house, have them limit their smoking to the outdoors. Smoke coats light fixtures, windows, walls and surfaces and presents a less desirable image.

Neutral smoking odors and keep ash trays cleaned.

Keep personal mail tucked safely away and from prying eyes.

Safely store all jewelry and valuables.

Keep keys, wallets and purses out of sight.

Replace all burned out light bulbs.

Make sure all doors open and close securely and the hinges are oiled.

Remove fixed items that do not convey prior to showing appointments. For example, if you plan to take the dining room chandelier, remove it and replace it with an alternate light fixture. Discuss these items in advance with your REALTOR® to handle replacement and requirements appropriately.

Check and secure all handrails on steps and decks.

Keep steps open and cleared of clutter.

Keep counters and surfaces free from clutter and dust.

Open all drapes and window blinds to allow natural light.

Always keep the kitchen free from open food and dirty dishes.
Minimize or neutralize cooking odors by refraining from cooking fish or other strong-smelling foods.

Do not allow laundry to accumulate in the laundry room or in the washer/dryer.

Clean or replace dirty or worn carpets or flooring.

Burn wood in the fireplace on cold days, otherwise, the fireplace should be clean.

Check and eliminate pests such as rodents and roaches. Hire a professional firm to treat your home so there are no surprises when the buyers start visiting.

If you have children, have them help put toys up and keep their play areas.

For infants, be sure to dispose of diapers properly and neutralize odors in those areas.

For Visits to Your Home by Prospective Buyers,

Open draperies and curtains for natural lighting.

Turn on enough lights to brighten every corner, day and night.

Remove dirty dishes.

Make all beds and straighten up rooms.

Sweep front porch and walkways.

Pick up debris and trash in your front and rear yard.

Put trash and recycling bins away.

Pick up toys and clutter throughout house.

Keep steps clear and open.

Dust and vacuum all rooms.

Keep counters clutter-free.

Be sure that the kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling clean; no clutter on counter-tops and all personal hygiene items out-of-sight.

Turn off all TVs and radios, although soft neutral background music sets a nice, inviting mood.

Keep pets out of the house or safely contained. Even the friendliest pets may become anxious when strangers appear.

Put away valuables such as jewelry, cash, keys and mail.

Arrange to be away from your home during all buyer showings.  If unable to leave, be sure to stay out of the way and do not enter into a conversation with a prospective. Let the REALTOR® show your home answer and any questions of the prospective buyer.

If a prospective buyer drops by unexpectedly without a REALTOR® to see your home, give the visitor your REALTOR'S® business card or get their name and phone number so an appointment can be set. FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, DO NOT SHOW THE HOME YOURSELF.

If a prospective buyer drops by with a REALTOR® without an appointment, take note of the visit and make your REALTOR® aware. Be sure to obtain the visiting REALTOR® identity and office details.

If your REALTOR® provides property information, be sure to keep these accessible to visits and let your REALTOR® know when supplies are low.

  • Movers Guide and How We Can Help!

Sun Coast Real Estate offers the following tips to make the move and transition easier, for both the kids and their parents. Buying a new home should be one of the most exciting times for children and their families. Moving can be a fun experience by fostering communication, being a good listener, and by creating excitement about the adventure that lies ahead.

Our client services don't stop in theSouthern California area.   Sun Coast Real Estate can provide you quality referrals to REALTORS in other markets.  This is a free service to you and can give you a "friendly face" in your new neighborhood.   We will gather information from you based on what you need in your new location: price range, house features, neighbor community, amenities and etc.  Then we will contact you with our qualified referral and make the connection for you. It's simple. It's easy.  It's free.  So, let us make the introductions for a more pleasant move!

1-2-3! Get Ready to Move!
The Average American moves 13 times in a lifetime.  Whether you're moving across country or just a few blocks, moving can be stressful. Planning and preparing in advance can make all the difference in the world in getting ready for the big day. Here's a helpful checklist to keep on hand during the weeks prior to MOVING DAY!

Use Up Things That Can't Be Moved. Items in your freezer and refrigerator, generally don't pack well –– even across town. Moving may be just the opportunity you need to use these foods up and start fresh at your new home. Flammable cleaning supplies are also items that should be used or properly disposed of prior to the move.

 

Plan Ahead for your change of address.  The post office has a change of address kit that you can use to notify your local post office, magazines and even family & friends that you've moved. And the great thing is that the cards are free! If staying in town, don't forget to also notify your employer that you're moving to a new location so you'll be sure to get your W-2 and other important employment information that may be mailed to you.

Hold A Garage Sale. Garage or moving sales are great ways to get rid of stuff you don't want while making a little extra cash. Many times what you can't sell can be donated to charitable organizations.

8 Weeks To the Big Move!
•Reserve a moving vehicle, either professional or do-it-yourself.
•Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture you'll take with you and what you need to sell or give away.
•Contact the Chamber of Commerce of your new location and get information about your new hometown.

6-7 Weeks To the Big Move!
•Inventory all of your possessions and determine what can be sold and what can be given away.
•Get copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your lawyer, personal banker and stockbroker.
•Arrange to transfer your children's school records.
•Contact your accountant about tax deductible moving expenses-and keep good records!

4-5 Weeks to the Big Move!
•If needed, arrange for storage.

•As your credit card statements come in, complete the 'change of address' section on your bills.
•Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls, etc. that need it.
•If moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don't forget to figure in those non-box able items you'll be moving and how much space they'll take up.
•You may need to contact the rental company and adjust the size of moving van you'll be renting and they may have tips on calculating space.

3 Weeks to the Big Move
•Get moving supplies: Boxes (plan on more than you think you'll need), furniture pads, dolly, packing tape, bubble wrap (for breakables such as mirrors and vases), labels, crumpled newspaper, scissors, utility knife, markers.

•Begin packing items you won't need right away. Be sure to not "over pack" a box so that it's too heavy to lift or may not stay together.
•Cancel services and utilities at your current location, and a start date at your new location. Services could include newspapers, home security, garbage collection, cable TV, lawn or snow removal, cleaning services. Utilities you'll need to contact include local and long distance telephone, electrical, gas / fuel oil, and water / sewer.

 

2 Weeks Before the Move
•Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch location. This includes canceling any direct deposits or automatic withdrawals. Don't forget to empty and cancel your safe deposit box. Also close local charge accounts if moving to a new city. 
•Make special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian.

Moving Week
•Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town.
•If needed, arrange for a babysitter.
•Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and videotapes.
•Clean your current home and don't forget the oven and defrosting your freezer.
•If using a professional mover, they'll pack your items for you. If moving yourself, finish packing. 
•Set aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you can find them quickly. Don't put them in a box, especially those you may need for your closing. 
•Pack a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing.

Moving Day
Hopefully you have pre-signed your closing papers so you don't have to attend one-if not two-closings. If you're interested in finding out how you can eliminate attending closings on your moving day, contact your realtor.  If moving yourself, pick up the truck early.
•Number and make a list of every box and its contents so you can find things easily.
•Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and no leave-behind appliances are running. 
•Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock windows and doors.
•Pack a "handy items box" for your first night and day in your new home. It should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels, toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries, sponge and shelf liner.

Get the Kids Involved

Moving can be stressful on all family members but may affect the kids more than you realize.   Be sure that they aren't overlooked in the process by involving them in the adventure!

Before and During the Move
Children typically follow the example of their parents when adjusting to a move, so a positive attitude on your part can go a long way. Describe the move as a new adventure and treat it as such. Remember, much of a child's tensions with a move involve fear of the unknown, so your communication about what is going on can do a lot to ease anxiety.

Take the kids along on house-hunting trips, or at least bring back pictures of houses you looked at. This can build excitement about the prospect of a new house and involves them in the process, instead of keeping it a mystery.
Sit the family down to talk about the move on a regular basis. Let the kids communicate their feelings, questions and concerns without interruption, then address them. Tell them what is going on and make decisions as a family.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the move. Create a calendar of moving preparations and significant dates. Post it in the kitchen where the kids can check off each milestone as it happens.

Help kids feel involved with the moving preparations by giving them their own tasks, such as boxing up their toys, sorting through their clothes and labeling boxes with their new address.

Make a point to visit your children's friends to say good-bye. Consider having a going away party where your children can exchange addresses and phone numbers. Make a scrapbook of their favorite people and places in the neighborhood they will be leaving.

After the Move
Realize that there is a grieving period for children; it may last for weeks or even months. Generally the younger the child the easier your move.  Older children and teenagers are extremely attached to their friends, school activities and jobs. Younger children may miss their old room, a favorite teacher or frequented park. Infants and toddlers can simply be confused by their new surroundings.

Explore your new neighborhood and/or city together. Take family outings to discover fun parks, restaurants, the school and other areas where they will be spending time. Make a map with all the kids favorite spots marked on it.
Encourage communication with old friends in writing letters, e-mails or making phone calls. This is healthy and eases the pain of transition.
Quickly enroll the kids in sports and activities that are similar to those they were involved with in their old neighborhood or city.

Signals that a Child is Having Difficulty with a Move
Some children will deal with a move better than others –– some will talk about it, some will withdraw. Watch for the following signs that your child may be having a particularly difficult time with a move, then consult a physician or mental health professional.

Moving can be a fun experience by fostering communication, being a good listener, and by creating excitement about the adventure that lies ahead.

HAPPY MOVING! Resources
•Helping Children Cope with Moving (Gladden, 1992)
•Moving with Children (Gylantic, 1993), both by Dr. Tom Olkowski, Ph.D.

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We Provide Home Loans

  • We Assist with Home Financing

Your Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate Realtor can work with you to prepare a Buyer's Anticipated Cash Needed Worksheet on any property.  This will assist you in determining cash needed and anticipated closing costs.   We’ll work with your 1st Chesapeake Home Mortgage loan officer who can work with you to determine the appropriate financing program to fit your financial needs.

  • Much Home Can You Afford?

It is a good idea to determine how much you can afford before you go out looking.   One way to get a quick idea is to use our online Mortgage Calculator.  This will help you determine your monthly payments.  Monthly payments consist of the principal and interest on the mortgage loan, as well as property taxes and homeowner's insurance. These four costs are often abbreviated as PITI.   However, you'll need to consider the actual cash you need on hand before the purchase.  

Liquid Cash Needed, Earnest Money – you'll need to have enough cash on hand to put with your offer to purchase.  Typically, it is recommended to offer 1% of the offer price. For example, on a $300,000 home, your earnest money would be $3,000. This money is placed into escrow by either your or the Seller's REALTOR®.  If the Seller accepts your offer, the earnest money is put towards

the overall purchase price.   If the Seller rejects your offer, the earnest money is returned to you. 

Down Payment — usually you will need to have on hand or available between 10-20% of the selling price.  That means a $300,000 house would require you to have between $30,000 to $60,000 cash available to contribute.   More lenient government guidelines and new mortgage products allow home buyers to get into a house for as little as 3% down –– or less. There are even some special programs for first-time buyers that help with closing costs.    The amount that you initially put down will affect the loan amount.  Obviously, the more you put down, the less you'll need to borrow.   The less borrowed, the smaller the repayment amount and monthly payment.  

  • Closing Costs

Typically closing costs range from 3% to 6% of the home sale price and are paid by you in secured funds at the time you go to settlement. These costs cover your title insurance, escrow, taxes, and other items associated with the paperwork and purchase.   On a $300,000 house, that could be between $9,000 to $18,000.   Our $300,000 example would mean that you need cash from $42,000 to $81,000 if doing an 80% or 90% loan for the balance of the purchase price. 

  • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

In some situations where you will borrow more money than 80% of the home value, the lender may consider you a higher risk because you put up less and have less to lose. The lender will then add in a special premium known as Private Mortgage Insurance.   This protects the lender against your default on the loan. The monthly PMI fee depends on how much coverage the lender requires and what the PMI issuer charges. If you get a conventional loan, you can eventually get rid of PMI if you meet criteria such as equity increase, pay off and etc. 

  • Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

Pre-qualification - is just a rough estimate of how much you could afford without any guarantees of you getting a loan. A pre-qualification does not guarantee a loan nor does it mean that you will be approved to get one.  

Pre-approval - means that your mortgage has been approved prior to going out and looking for a new home. The lender has gone through the verification process to determine if you can even obtain a loan and the offer to loan you money has been extended.   A pre-approval still requires final underwriting to be

sure that your financial situation has not changed prior to purchase closing. The better of the two is the pre-approval. An offer to purchase presented by a pre-approved buyer stands a better chance of being accepted if there are multiple offers on a property.

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We Provide Title Insurance

  • We Assist with Titles and Title Insurance

Sun Coast Ventura Real Estate is your one resource for all your real estate needs.   We can help you locate your home and ensure title insurance is arranged for your new property.  

What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is protection against loss arising from problems connected to the title to your property.  You will need title insurance for as long as you or your heirs have any interest or obligation with regards to your property.  When you sell your property the new owner’s lender will require them to obtain a new title insurance policy.

Your new home may have gone through several ownership changes, and the land on which it stands went through many more.  There may be a weak link at any point in that chain that could emerge to cause trouble.  For example, someone along the way may have forged a signature in transferring title.  Or there may be unpaid real estate taxes or other liens.  Title insurance covers the insured party for any claims and legal fees that arise out of such problems.

It is very important to have your title company (we recommend Gateway Title) arrange your title insurance for your new property before you close on your home loan from the home loan company you are using.  Together they will both insure your transaction closes smoothly so can maintain peace.

  •  Why is Title Insurance so Important to Have?

Title insurance is important to have if you need a mortgage.  All mortgage lenders require such protection for an amount equal to the loan.  It lasts until the loan is repaid.  As with mortgage insurance, it protects the lender but you pay the premium, which is a single-payment made upfront.

Title insurance protects the lender up to the amount of the mortgage, but it doesn’t protect your equity in the property.  For that you need an owner’s title

policy for the full value of the home.  In many areas, sellers pay for owner policies as part of their obligation to deliver good title to the buyer.  In other areas, borrowers must buy it as an add-on to the lender policy.  It is advisable to do this because the additional cost above the cost of the lender policy is relatively small.

Lenders of home loans do not protect you or the title of the home you’re buying.  Title policies are indemnity policies, they protect against loss, and a lender policy would only cover the lender's loss. Of course, the fact that the insurer issued a policy to the lender indicates that the title has been searched and nothing amiss has been found, but no search is 100% dependable. That is why an insurance policy is issued.

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Our Agents

We Simplify the Buying and Selling of Residential
Real Estate by Providing Support, Knowledge, and Expertise to Our Clients.

 

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Contact Us

Our mission is to simplify the buying and selling of residential real estate by providing complete support, knowledge and expertise to our clients.

Our goal is achieve exceptional customer satisfaction and create a lifelong relationship with our clients. 

Sun Coast Real Estate
3439 Telegraph Road
Ventura, Ca. 93003

Office (805) 644-8880

 

 

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Real Estate Glossary

Adjustable Rate Mortgage – a loan that has a fluctuating interest rate that changes at pre -set intervals and is usually tied to a pre-determined index, such as the U.S. Treasury Bill auction rates.
 
Assumption of a Mortgage – an agreement by the buyer to assume the payments under an existing note secured by a mortgage. 

Conventional Loan – a loan made in which real estate serves as the security without any government agency either insuring (FHA) or guaranteeing (VA) the loan.

Credit Report – a report of the past ability of the loan applicant to make on-time installment payments.
 
Discount Point – pre-paid interest charged by the lender at settlement to increase the borrowers mortgage note rate. One discount point equals 1% of the loan amount. 

Earnest Money Deposit – money paid by the buyer at the time he or she enters into a contract to indicate the ability and intent of carrying out the contract.
 
Equity -- Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. When you sell your home this equity can be used as a down payment on a new home

FHA Loan – A loan made by an approved lender and insured by the Federal Housing Administration in accordance with FHA regulations.

Fixed Rate Mortgage – a loan carrying a constant interest rate over the full life of the mortgage. Regular payments of principal and interest are made so that the entire loan will be completely paid off at the end of term, typically 30 or 15 years.

Loan Origination Fee – a charge incurred by the buyer to cover the lender's administrative costs in making the loan. The loan origination fee is typically 1% of the loan amount. 

Marketable Title – a title that is free and clear of objectionable liens and encumbrances.

Personal Property – things which are movable and not annexed to or part of the land.

Private Mortgage Insurance – A lender premium added to reduce the lender's risk when financing more than 80% of a property or on riskier borrowers.

Real Property – land, man-made improvements and all interest, benefits and rights included in the ownership of that land.

Tax Advantage – Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.

Title Insurance – an insurance policy paid at settlement that protects the named insured against loss or damage due to defects in the property's title.

Title Search – a review of all recorded documents affecting a specific piece of real property to determine the marketability of title.

VA Loan – a mortgage loan made on approved property to a qualified veteran by an authorized lender and guaranteed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.