Congratulations. You’re ready to join the tens of millions of other Americans who have bought their own homes and are enjoying the tremendous benefits of home ownership. You are on your way to a better life. Welcome to Marin County, California.
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Unlike national real estate information websites, iHomeFinder knows that real estate is a local business and gathers its “Homes for Sale” information directly from BAREIS, the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Through a special arrangement with BAREIS, this proprietary information is updated throughout the day. There is no better source anywhere for current listing data. Moreover, with a click, you can stay on top of the market via email notifications of all new listings fitting your search criteria. You may also save properties and be alerted to price and status changes. Kyle can access your saved properties and provide his insights on neighborhoods, schools, local events, and whatever else may interest you. So, Click here. Happy house-hunting!
Mortgage Information
Obtaining financing is a necessary step in the home buying process, unless you plan to pay cash. Although the process may seem daunting, the loan process has been streamlined and simplified over the past 10 years. In addition, lenders have developed programs to fit diverse needs. Click here for more information.
Buying a house can be an unsettling endeavor. You will experience periods of elation, fear, and uncertainty while trying to find the right home, get loans, navigate escrow, and eventually, moving into your investment. The following is intended to identify nine common areas of special interest for the majority of buyers.
- Inspect– Obtain an inspection report and review it carefully (after all, you paid for it). If you are buying a condo, go over the CC&R?s, the by-laws, and recent homeowner?s association minutes.
- Imagine the Property Vacant– Your stuff will fill your new home. So, don?t be swayed by beautiful furniture, stunning artwork, or plasma t.v.?s, they leave with the owner (of course, we can always ask for the plasma t.v.).
- Mortgage Payments– Sit down with your mortgage broker (Kyle has a stable of hardworking and reliable mortgage brokers with whom you can work) and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Don?t ignore future expenses?taxes, insurance, children, cars, and necessary improvements to the home.
- See What?s Available– View a few homes (no less than five). You?ll quickly get a sense of what?s available in your price range. Just don?t get too excited over the first property you see (until you see some others). Kyle can give you an overall perspective of the home market.
- Listen To The Professionals You Have Retained– You have Kyle?s entire team at your disposal. Ask questions. Indeed, Kyle, your mortgage broker, and title officer are there to help YOU.
- Determine Costs– Check out all costs and expenses. Closing costs, utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA dues (if applicable).
- Expect The Unexpected– Closing dates are not written in stone. If you or the sellers need a little more time to finalize arrangements, don?t let these delays unnerve you.
- If It?s Not In Writing, It Doesn?t Exist– All promises and discussions should be in writing. As they say, oral agreements aren?t worth the paper they were written on. Don?t make assumptions or rely on verbal assurances.
- Be Sincere and Honest– Be open and honest with your team. Otherwise, hard feelings, headaches, delays, or blown transactions can result.
Finally, stay calm and breathe deep. After all, you?re going to love where you live.
Handy Reference Guide For Moving
Box Sizes & Appropriate Use
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Small (1.5 cubic feet): Books, records & tapes (by the way, it might be time to let go of these…), CDs, videos, papers, files, bottles (e.g., the stuff in your liquor cabinet), heavy cookware, silverware, plates, foods, spices, tools, and other heavy items.
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Medium (3 cubic feet): Pots and pans, cooking utensils, linens, shoes, purses, games, plants, stereo and video equipment.
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Large (4.5 cubic feet): Large pots and pans, large trays, clothes, blankets, pillows, lamps and shades.
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Extra Large (6 cubic feet): Pillows, quilts, comforters, cushions, baskets, and other light and voluminous items.
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Dish Pack: Dishes and plates on the bottom; glasses, crystal, and other fragile items on top.
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Mirror Cartons: Large pictures, paintings, and mirrors. Be sure to provide ample padding.
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Wardrobe Boxes: Hanging clothes.
Packing Tips
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Tape all box seams along bottom and top.
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Pack boxes so they close properly for efficient stacking.
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Use linens to fill empty spaces in boxes and pad breakable items so that there is no room for shifting or movement.
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Do not pack delicate items with heavy items.
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Boxes containing breakable items should be marked “Fragile”.
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Be sure all items that contain liquids are securely tightened and mark these boxes “This Side Up”.
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Clothing is often best left in drawers.
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Put aside necessities in a box marked “Open First” so that you will have ready access to toiletries, a change of clothes, bed linens, a set of dishes and silverware, etc.
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Label boxes so you know the contents.
Preparing For Your Move
The following tips may help guide you towards a smoother transition.
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Disconnect all audio/visual equipment, washer & dryer, refrigerator (and water lines if it has an ice-maker) and gas appliances ahead of time.
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Turn off the telephone one day after you move–if you are changing your number.
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Order utilities to start service the day before your move–especially if the home is currently vacant (see below for some important numbers).
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Consider donating old clothes, books, and other forgotten items, rather than moving them to your new house (feel free to use Kyle’s truck for the donation run).
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Pack and separately transport any irreplaceable valuables such as coins, jewelry, etc.
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DO NOT WATER YOUR PLANTS for several days before your move (the plants you are taking with you, that is).
Some Important Telephone Numbers (call for a complete list)
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Pacific Gas & Electric (800) 743-5000
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North Marin Water District (415) 897-4133
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Marin Municipal Water District (415) 945-1400
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Comcast (800) 945-2288
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SBC (800) 310-2355
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Verizon (800) 483-4000
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Sprint (800) 877-4646
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AT&T Wireless (800) 462-4463
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Verizon Wireless (800) 922-0500
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Cingular Wireless (800) 331-0500
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Marin Co. Office of Waste Management (415) 485-6806 (except Novato), (415) 892-7344 (Novato)