Make Sure Title is Clean Before you Buy Your Home

Ensure you have Clear Title to your Home

As part of due diligence when purchasing a home a buyer will be provided a copy of the Preliminary Title Report (PTR). What is a PTR?  A PTR is a report prepared by a title company prior to issuing title insurance.  It shows who owns the property and any liens or encumbrances that a new policy will not cover. If there is any doubt make sure that any documents referred to in the PTR are available.  An example would be a city sewer easement across your backyard.  You might be able to … [Read more...]

Need to Find Doggie Day-Care?

Dog at Play

If you need to find a great day-care or boarding facility for your dog, The Loved Dog is a wonderful environment. On Pontius Avenue in West Los Angeles, Tammy Geller, trainer to Oprah Winfrey's golden retriever puppies, has turned a warehouse into a day-camp for dogs.  The dogs and the employees look like they are having a whale of a time. Dogs are separated between large and small, small dogs with large personalities joining the former group.  There is behavioral and health … [Read more...]

CalSTRS and CalPERS Loans Available for Public Employees and Employees of the California School System

CalPERS and CalSTRS home loans

If you are a a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System, Legislators Retirement System, Judges Retirement System, or employee of a California school district, school or community College or a public employee the CalPERS and CalSTRS loans allow you to purchase a home with little money down and affordable rates and fees. CalPERS Special features of the CalPERS home loan are: 3.5% down Co-signers allowed Fixed interest rates with maximum fixed costs $350 lender fees … [Read more...]

Malibu to Ban Septic Tanks

Malibu Beach

Malibu, an area of Los Angeles that contains some of the most expensive real estate in Los Angeles County and is home to countless movie stars, is about to lose the bulk of its septic tank systems after years of fierce debate. No new systems will be allowed and existing systems in central and eastern Malibu will have to be converted over within ten years. The septic tank system has been popular in the area because it hindered growth in an area coveted for its wide open spaces and beautiful … [Read more...]

Congress Approves the Expansion of the Home Buyers Tax Credit

Home Buyers Tax Credit Approved

The House of Representatives voted today to extend the home buyers tax credit, expanding it to include existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five a minimum of five years. The tax credit is extended until April 30, 2010 with an extension of 60 days if a binding contract is in place prior to that date. The $8000 remains in effect for first-time buyers, with existing homeowners receiving $6,500.  Income limits are also raised from $7,500 to $125,000 for single tax … [Read more...]