New Kid On The Block? Meet The Neighbors

Great advice on being the new addition in your new neighborhood, courtesy of New American Funding's Blog. Enjoy!

New Kid On The Block? Meet The Neighbors

Source: NAF Blog by Brian 1/16/13 11:45

If you followed our advice, then you made an effort to talk to your potential future neighbors before purchasing your new home. Now that you’re moved in it’s time to branch out and meet the rest of the neighborhood. Even the most outgoing extrovert might find this unappealing, but it’s not as overwhelming as it may seem. Check out these tips for getting to know your neighbors:

Say Hello
Seems obvious, I know, but a simple hello could open the door to conversation. Introduce yourself then maybe ask for advice or recommendations on nearby needs like grocery stores or dry cleaners. It may seem like obnoxious small talk, but making the effort will show your neighbors you’re approachable and eager to become part of the community.

Find Common Ground
You’re bound to have something in common with any neighbor, it’s just a matter of figuring out what that might be. Maybe they drive the same type of car as you, or maybe you spot them putting away a surfboard as you’re hanging your own wetsuit up to dry, or maybe they’re out gardening as you’re coming home with a trunk full of mulch and manure. Look for a chance to open up a dialogue over shared interests.

Walk Your Dog
Dog lovers are an easy and willing audience. Walking your dog around the block will, sooner or later, lure them out of the woodwork – it’s inevitable. They can’t resist the opportunity to find out what breed you have/ how old they are/ if it’s a boy or girl. Not only is this an effortless way to meet a neighbor or two, but play your cards right and you may have found a potential dog-sitter for the next time you go on vacation.

Use Your Kids
Kids are more than just little germ factories – they’re also, much like pets, great catalysts for socializing. Take ‘em to the local park or playground and bond with fellow neighbors/parents. Or, when they ask if they can go play at Bobby or Sally So-and-so’s, walk them down and introduce yourself to the parents. Two birds: a simple way to meet a new neighbor and a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with people your kid may be spending a lot of time with. For bonus points, try to pick their brain about surroundings that could affect your children – schools, sports organizations, shady neighbors, high-traffic streets, whatever concerns you.

BBQ or Par-tay!
Everyone loves food - it’s just science - and hosting a BBQ offers a casual and comfortable atmosphere with the promise of delicious grub. If weather or space make a BBQ impractical, then throw a small party instead. Either one gives you the opportunity to meet several of your neighbors at once while also putting you in central position as host. Better still, inviting all the neighbors means you probably won’t get any noise complaints.
Be smart about your approach. Obviously filling your new home with a bunch of strangers poses a number of concerns, as does getting caught leering into your neighbors’ garages to see if they enjoy the same hobbies as you. Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with and, in turn, don’t do anything that might make the neighbors uncomfortable with you.

Ultimately, you’re all striving for the same thing – an enjoyable living situation – so chances are any efforts you make to demonstrate sharing that goal will be met with open arms.

93% of Young Adults Plan to Buy a Home

It is believed, that young adults between the ages of 18-34 will be a major percentage of all buyers purchasing a home in 2013. Some believe we are overestimating the millennials’ believe in homeownership. However, a new study by Trulia reveals we may be dead on. Regarding young adults, the study reports:

43% are already homeowners
93% that currently rent plan to purchase a home
72% say homeownership is part of their personal American Dream

Jed Kolko, Trulia’s Chief Economist, explained:

“Millennials have been shaken, not scarred by the housing bust. Nearly all of them want to own a home someday, if they’re not homeowners already. But many of them think today’s low prices and low mortgage rates will last. They may be in for sticker shock if the cost of homeownership has returned to normal levels by the time they’re ready to buy.”

If you are a young adult waiting to buy, you must realize that the price of a home and the cost of a mortgage are both projected to increase in the next 12 months.

Source: The KCM Blog:
Posted: 18 Dec 2012 04:00 AM PST

Find out How Much Mortgage Can You Afford

You can save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning if you take a minute to figure out how much mortgage you can afford. Generally, a lender will want your monthly mortgage payment to total no more than 29% of your monthly gross income (that's your monthly income before taxes and other paycheck deductions are taken out.) You also need to consider current loan interest rates. The lower the interest rate, the more expensive the home you'll be able to afford.

I can help focus your attention on homes that are realistically within your budget. Better yet, I can help you find the hottest values as they come to market, so that you get more for your money.

Why Should I Buy, Instead of Rent?

You'll love the feeling of having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen...when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes, too. And interest will compose nearly all of your monthly payment , for over half the number of years you'll be paying your mortgage. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year. And you're also allowed to deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. If you rent, you write your monthly check and it's gone forever. Another financial plus in owning a home is the proven possibility its value will go up through the years.

I can help you make a wise business investment by finding the perfect first home for you. Just tell me what you are looking for and I'll make sure you'll be aware of every possible new listing in the area that matches your needs.

Home buying tip: Moving Funds in and out of bank accounts during and right before your home buying transaction

There is so much to remember when purchasing a home. One very important tip when it comes to buying your home is to be sure NOT to make any deposits into your bank accounts that can not be explained or sourced with documentation.

My advice to my clients is to always check with me before moving any funds in or out of a bank account. Unfortunately a move like this can compromise your home loan if it is not done correctly or talked over first with your mortgage lender. A simple task to discuss, which will create a much smoother closing on your home buying journey.

Home Buying Tip

Determine your price boundaries before going out to purchase a house. It makes it easier to narrow down your choices.