Think You're Ready To Buy?

Everyone is tring own their dream house, and everyone is trying to do it with their frist home. Using that method to buy a home is so wrong, especially in this market, you may be over your head before you know it. On this page there are various articles explaining the often missed costs in calculating home ownership. Read this before you decide to purchase your next home.

Article

Big Mortgage, Little Equity

When the housing market does settle down, and I do mean when, it may not be a big pop like some expect it to be. How much the market will fizzle has to do with your location. Economist predict that in metropolitan areas where jobs are available, the backlash may not be so bad. The same applies to desirable location, near beaches and sea-sides. This article makes some interesting points, and has viewpoint from the optimists and the pessimists.

Article

Real Estate Hot Spots

Looks like the market hasn't lost steam yet. Check out the chart in this article and see how you fared in this bullish real estate market.

Article

Lantana plans are out

This may interest some of you, the floorplans for Lantana at Columbus Grove are now available to view online. They plans range from 2400-2800 sqft, farily large for Irvine/Tustin. Also the models to these homes will be available for public viewing from the 27th of August.

Lantana Plans

More Investor Advice

This is a really good article, I don't have much to elaborate its very well written. Read it, its good food for thought.

Article

Second Home Syndrome.

A lot of people have made so much profit on their primary residences that they are looking into second homes as investment or vacation homes. The mortgage and interest rates on second homes are not as bad as people may think, however there are some caveats.
A major one being that some of lenders treat second homes or vacation homes like a primary home and offer the same primary rates as long as the mortgage amount is conforming. Another thing to really consider is all the costs involved in buying a second home. These include not just the mortgage but also the utility bill, association payment, trash, and landscaping. Sit down and do the math, if its feasible that you can put aside this amount on a monthly basis and still live comfortably it may be worth.
Just remember to see this as a long term investment, and not a quick way to get rich quick. Also remember that you may be able to use the equity in the home you have as a leverage. Read the article for more details.

Article