Courtesy Of:
Al Benaroya Century 21 (925) 938-7368 ...Don't be surprised when I answer my phone!!!
Al Benaroya
July 2000 Homes.com
Real
Copyright © 1999 Realty Times
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Sales are WAY UP at The Keys Condominiums of Walnut Creek condos provide lower cost alternative

The Main Pool and Clubhouse, over 5,000 square feet      As home prices continue to escalate, condominiums continue to provide a lower cost alternative.

The Keys offers amenities that no other complex in the area can provide. 21 Acre Tropical Garden Resort Facility offers , Tropical Gardens Full Country Club Facilities.

Buyer's who want to get the most value for their housing dollar soon find that no other Condominium complex in the area can really compete with The Keys


Mortgage Rates

Source: Bank Rate Monitor


National averages as of December 30, 1999:

30 yr. fixed:   7.93%           Averages Define
15 yr. fixed:   7.
54%          Compare the Cost
1 yr. adj:        6.
49%              State Averages


Get today's rates from E-LOAN


 



Loan rates, although on the rise, are still quite reasonable. If Alan Greenspan has his way, we may see rates exceed the milestone 10% mark.




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Can I Relax Now That My
Loan Is Pre-Approved?

     W hen homebuyers begin feeling rather smug and complacent after their loan is pre-approved, they somehow think they can go on "autopilot" until closing. The truth is, a solid loan pre-approval with no conditions is a fairly safe bet that everything will sail smoothly, but it certainly is no guarantee.
     During the time between loan origination and closing, varying factors can enter into the "picture" that may call into question the homebuyer's ability to re-pay a mortgage loan to the lender in question. Most of these factors and responsibilities sit squarely on the shoulders of the homebuyer. Safeguards for buyers (borrowers) to observe after the loan pre-approval and before the home's completion may include the following:
  • Changing jobs: Buyers represent themselves as being employed in a particular line of work at a particular rate of pay, and may offer the lender promises of salary bonuses or future commissions during the escrow process. This may all look great to the lender, with verifications received from the homebuyer's employer of all of the above. The danger here is in making a change after the fact. Many lenders agree that borrowers must have at least two years' stable employment history with their employer, and if they must change jobs, they should stay



The Truth About Condo Living

     P eople buy condo - miniums for a myriad of reasons. These attached dwelling units are more affordable than single-family homes and, consequently, are attractive alternatives for first-time or low-income buyers. Sharing maintenance and repair responsibilities appeals to people who have limited time or aren't interested in such chores. Many condo complexes have swimming pools, recreation rooms, tennis courts or other amenities, and many condominiums are located in highly desirable resorts, golf course communities or vacation hot spots.
      Of course, there are pluses and minuses to community living. If you're thinking about buying a condominium as a full-time residence, here are some questions to consider:
Are you a good neighbor?
      Like apartment tenants, condo - minium residents share walls, floors, ceilings, hallways, entrances and parking areas with their neighbors. Respect for other people's right to the quiet enjoyment of their homes is part of the arrangement. Your neighbors will appreciate (and hopefully reciprocate) your efforts to turn down the volume, walk softly, close your doors quietly and limit your vacuuming to reasonable hours. If you're a noisy neighbor, you won't be welcome.
Are you willing to follow the community's rules?
     Condominium owners are bound by the association's covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). These thick legal documents cover everything from special assessments and the election of




Exciting Building Products
For Exciting Times


     Owners upgrade at The Keys. Marble, Granite and Pillars. Greco - Roman, Egyptian ??

 

ay, so cars still don't drive themselves and most of us still have to walk up and down aisles to buy groceries -- two things I predicted in my teens we wouldn't have to bother with in the 21st century. Personal Baby Boomer predictions notwith - standing, there are still a lot of exciting things happening in the building industry for the new millenium. BUILDER magazine enters the new century with 50 of the most inquired-about new home products in their December issue.
      Although space prohibits all 50 being mentioned here, see if any of these cutting edge products gets you feeling "switched-on" about the future of homebuilding:
      Concrete: One of the most durable materials in homebuilding, concrete is now used in much more exciting ways than just foundations and driveways in new homes. Products from Insulated Concrete Forms, to patterned floors make the future of concrete look bright indeed. The low maintenance and design flexibility of concrete makes it practical and energy efficient when used structurally. Stay tuned for more and more uses for concrete as wood product prices continue to skyrocket.





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    Al Benaroya
    E-mail: AlBenaroya@aol.com
    Web: http://www.diablokeys.com/
    925 975-5220

    Century 21 Kropa Realty
    1399 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 26
    Walnut Creek, CA 94598