Jo Ann Bedrossian, Real Estate-Keller Williams Menlo Park

05/14/2014

Jumbo lending is widespread in large expensive coastal areas, but these mortgages play an outsize role in some smaller markets as well

05/09/2014

Here are three reasons why a pre-inspection may be a good idea.

05/07/2014

The short sale process can be very complex. Every bank and investor has a slightly different program and set of guidelines they follow. Since each investor has different rules and guidelines, it can help you considerably to find out who the investor is before starting the process. Whether you are a homeowner in need of help [...]

The short sale process can be very complex. Every bank and investor has a slightly different program and set of guidelines they follow. Since each investor has different rules and guidelines, it can help you considerably to find out who the investor is before starting the process.

05/02/2014

Whether you just bought a condo or have owned one for years, you've probably accepted the monthly homeowners association dues at face value. But there are reasons why you shouldn't. HOA dues are money out of your pocket...

You don't need to accept monthly homeowners association dues at face value, if you take action to bring them down.

04/30/2014

Consumer debt: Many of us have it. And most who do, have a love/hate relationship with it. If you can't make the purchase with cash, do it with debt -- right? We love to know we can still consume, but we hate the bill that comes 30 days later, along with the subsequent monthly payment. Ouch!

Credit card debt is a double-edged sword when it comes time to buy a home. Here's how to manage it when seeking a mortgage.

04/25/2014

It only takes a few inches of floodwater to cause damage to a home than can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars. But because basic homeowners insurance specifically excludes property damage or loss related to rising floodwaters, some homeowners must also purchase flood insurance. This affords a homeowner protection to cover losses caused by the peril of rising waters outside of the home, particularly if the home is located in an area known for being a flood risk.

If your home stands in a designated special flood hazard zone, your bank must require that you maintain an appropriate flood insurance policy. As most homeowner's insurance policies do not ...

04/23/2014

Conserve water in the garden with the installation of a time-saving drip irrigation system.

04/18/2014

References to Shingle-style architecture and its taut-skinned, textured aesthetic are commonplace in New England. Victorian-era architects used the varied widths...

Steel, copper and zinc shingles take siding to new heights, with less maintenance than their wooden cousins

04/16/2014

Frequent concerns for people unfamiliar with metal roofs are fear of rust, noise and denting, but care has been taken to engineer metal roofing to solve these potential issues.

04/11/2014

More people are moving to the Sun Belt region, with many choosing to head South and West rather than to the Northeast and Midwest, the Census...

More people are moving to the Sun Belt region, with many choosing to head South and West rather than to the Northeast and Midwest, the Census Bureau reports.

04/09/2014

Home buyers who make cash deposits to their checking accounts that don't come from payroll checks or income tax refunds during the processing...

Home buyers who make cash deposits to their checking accounts that don't come from payroll checks or income tax refunds during the processing of a mortgage likely will face delays in closing, lend

04/04/2014

This trend ranks high on the list of must-have amenities for lots of people looking for homes – - See more at: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2013/08/09/open-concept-floor-plans-trend/ .s4y48N3o.dpuf

Do you dig the open concept trend? Or do you like floor plans with a little separation? Cast your vote about open concept floor plans now on HGTV's blog!