George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

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Mortgage Fraud: 3 Common Scams to Avoid

June 17, 2016 by George Duarte

Mortgage Fraud: 3 Common Scams to AvoidThere are many ins and outs involved in securing a mortgage lender, and as a result there are many offers and options out there which are only around to take advantage of prospective homebuyers. If you’re on the lookout for a home and are trying to wade through all the details successfully, here are some things you may want to be aware of.

The Perfect Rental Deal

If you’ve ever rented an apartment in the past, it’s entirely possible that you’ve run into deals on Craigslist where a sizeable, stunning property is advertised at a very modest price. While scams like this are quite common when it comes to rentals, they also occur when scammers copy MLS listing and pretend to be an agent facilitating a real estate deal. There’s no sure way to avoid scams like these, but ensure you don’t hand over money or sign anything unless you’re 100% certain whom you’re dealing with.

Lenders Who Push The Envelope

Reliable lenders will be upfront with you when explaining the details associated with your mortgage, so it’s important to be cautious if you end up dealing with someone who asks you to exaggerate or embellish your financial claims. The only way to make a solid investment is to be honest about your financial situation, and anyone trying to inflate your income and the price you can pay is only hoping to gain a piece of the profit for themselves.

Investment Speakers And Seminars

With so much information out there, many people look for courses that will make them aware of the basics of investing so that they can do some of the legwork on their own. Courses like these can be useful in many cases but if they happen to be sponsored by an organization and are charging high attendance fees, there’s a good chance they’re trying to endorse their own services and may not be providing the most accurate information. Instead of guessing for yourself, you may want to read up on the basics and follow up with a trusted lender for any additional questions.

There’s a lot involved in delving into the real estate market, and that’s why it’s important to watch out for the kinds of things that may not be serving your best interest. If you’re currently looking for a lender and are planning on buying a home soon, contact your local mortgage professional for more information.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage Fraud, Mortgage Scams

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second Home to Rent

June 15, 2016 by George Duarte

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second Home to RentWith the ever-fluctuating cost of housing, buying real estate can be one of the best investments a person can make. However, a lot of important factors can be left out of the final decision when it comes to purchasing a home as rental property.

If you are taking the initial steps to invest in a second home, here are some important things to consider before you make the financial commitment.

The Distance To A Destination

Many people who purchase second homes to rent out choose to buy in places that are sought after, whether it’s a trendy area or beachfront property. While buying a home in a popular area may end up being good for your bank account, areas like this can often be out of the way and will take a little bit of car time to get to. If you’re doing the landlord duties on your own, this may take up a lot of precious evening and weekend time.

A Potential Vacation Home

There is certainly a great financial boon to be found in a home that you can rent out year round, but if you’ve purchased in an enviable location, this can also be a great place for you to take your family for a couple weeks out of the year during low-rental season.

While this may mean no rental income for a time, the savings of having a home at which to hang out can make up the difference. Of course, if it’s a place you won’t want to vacation, it may not be the right choice for you.

The Possibility Of Additional Income

If you’re planning to purchase in a cool new area or by a university, there’s a good chance you’ll have no issues finding a good renter as long as you have a nice property. However, while renting out a home can seem pretty straightforward, it’s necessary to consider how many months out of the year the place will actually be rented.

Many people go into this type of purchase expecting it to be occupied all year around, but demand can shift from season to season and this will directly impact the upside of your investment.

There are a number of benefits associated with owning a second home for rental property, but it’s also important to be aware of the financials downsides that can come from taking on another property.

If you are currently considering an investment property, you may want to contact your local mortgage professional for more information.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Renting Tips, Second Home

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George L. Duarte

MBA, CMC, CMHS
Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

California DRE Corp Lic no. 01032295
DRE Personal Brokers Lic. No. 00943635
NMLS Corporate Lic. No. 302358
Personal Lic. No. 302219

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