Eva Bradley's Blog

Listing Commissions
Real estate brokers normally charge a commission for listing and selling your home. The rate varies, both by region and according to service level. In most areas the commission is calculated as a percentage of the sales price and rates of up to 7% are not uncommon.  Your listing contract will specify both the amount of the commission and the timing for when it will be paid.  Like everything else in real estate, commissions are negotiable. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s time again to move your clocks forward o ne hour.  You’ve heard that every six months when you “spring forward”, it’s a good time to change the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, flip your mattresses and replace screens with storms windows.  But did you also know that computer experts recommend changing your passwords to critical computer and online areas twice a year as well? Read the rest of this entry »

Image via Wikipedia

With the legislation passed that extends the homebuyer tax credit until April 30th, 2010, you have a great opportunity to get into a new home this year. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of you bought your home in 2008 and 2009 using the $8,000 tax credit.   

Here are some usefull links directly from the IRS to help you file the tax credit properly:

• Basic Information
• Claiming the credit on your tax return
• Homes purchased in 2008
• Homes purchased in 2009
• Scenarios

In case you do file your tax return your self  and need help you can visit the official IRS website by clicking here.

News you can use:  February Newsletter is here and it is, as always, full of useful tips and information that you can use. 

Topics included in this month’s Newsletter: 

• How to repair your home without damaging your wallet
• Exterior remodeling proves best bang for your buck
• Homebuyer tax credit boosts economy
• Understanding the buyers mindset
• View current mortgage rates 
• January round up: mortgage rate trends

If you have any ideas or tips on topics for next month please share it with me; I would be glad to research it and publish it.

On Ferbruary 1st,  the City Of  Tracy celebrated the grand opening of the Tracy Transit Station.  As part of the the Downtown Revitalization project, the Transit Station is a vital component in Tracy’s future.

Click here  to read the full story 

Watch the Opening Ceremony video here

Image by joiseyshowaa via Flickr

 

Do you live near intersection or high traffic areas?  Here are some useful tips on how to reduce the traffic noise, enjoy your outdoor activities and have a nicely landscaped backyard, all at the same time:  How to dampen traffic noise

The sales details for the first month of 2010 are showing a slow down in Tracy’s real estate market, which is typical for this time of the year.  Tracy’s inventory is still low; as of today we have 207 homes actively listed on the Multiple Listing Service for Tracy and surrounding country areas. The most important factor in purchasing a home is obtaining a loan. Government loans (FHA) are changing rules again; raising the amount of mortgage insurance premiums and raising the minimum down payment back up to 5% of the purchase price. On the other hand the tax credit is still available for qualified home buyers and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is about to pass another incentive for Californians; a $10,000 tax credit for new and resale home purchases. If it passes, it will become effective hopefully by the end of this month…. Read the rest of this entry »

Did you ever wonder for how much homes in your neighborhood have actually sold for?  You were probably asking your neighbors, but heard a different amount from each person you were talking to….

Here is your chance to check your knowledge about your neighborhood: I would like to know if you could guess how much this home has been sold for recently:

Address: 597 Whintey Court, Tracy Ca 95377

Listing price: $260,000, Short Sale

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 story house with a 3 car garage,

built in 1999, features an inground, fenced-in swimming pool.

Sold date: January 20, 2010

Give it your best shot and send me your guess for this home’s SOLD price!…