U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to County Properties Message

by countyproperties | Aug 27, 2011 | Finance, Latest News, Real Estate news, San Diego Real Estate

DearMr.Levine: Thank you for contacting me to express your concern regarding recently announced criteria for “qualified residential mortgages” (QRMs). I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue and apologize for the delay in my response. As you know,...

Is buying cheaper than renting?

by countyproperties | Aug 19, 2011 | Finance, Real Estate news, Riverside Real Estate, San Diego Investment Properties, San Diego Real Estate

Home prices have taken such a beating and demand for rental units has increased so much that it’s now cheaper to buy a two-bedroom home than to rent one in most major U.S. cities. According to real estate web site Trulia, buying was cheaper than renting in 74%...

Buy a Home for as Little as 1/2% Down Payment

by countyproperties | Aug 14, 2011 | Finance, San Diego Real Estate

Wells Fargo has announced a new program available for helping all buyers (no first time homebuyer requirement) with their down payment. Unlike most down payment assistance programs that charge interest or have a recapture tax associated with it, Wells Fargo’s...

Property Tax Assessment Appeals-When and How

by countyproperties | Jul 29, 2011 | Latest News, San Diego Real Estate

The property taxes you pay are primarily based on your property’s assessed value as determined by the County Assessor. If you disagree with value established by the Assessor, you can appeal that value to the Assessment Appeals Board.The Assessment Appeals Board...

Time to Buy That Vacation Home?

by countyproperties | Jul 28, 2011 | Latest News, Real Estate news, San Diego Real Estate

The clouds hanging over upscale vacation-home markets are starting to lift. While prices are still falling in most regions, the luxury segment is picking up, and brokers are reporting more inquiries than they have had in years. The upshot: If you have the money and...

Home evaluation can get caught in a web of mistakes?

by countyproperties | Jul 28, 2011 | Latest News, Real Estate news, San Diego Real Estate

In the old days, if you were looking for a new place to live, you picked up the local newspaper, looked at the real estate classifieds, put on comfortable shoes or gassed up the car, and began a house-to-house search. The Internet has made the job easier, at least on...