David Okada's (dokada) Blog

Consider this very important to review if you want a successful close.                                                  * * * * HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK * * * * WHY DO SO MANY CONTRACTS FAIL?  WHY ARE SELLERS SERIOUSLY DAMAGED WHEN BUYERS CAN'T GET A LOAN UNDERWRITTEN? WHY ARE BUYERS DISAPPOINT...

Signs to look for when selecting a locksmithNo pun intended with the title.  Okay, maybe a little. I am reading lots of articles about crooked locksmiths.  This problem has cropped up in recent years.  You need a locksmith, look in the phone book or do an Internet search, and a local phone number...

Everyone needs to buy a carbon monoxide detector. Definitely should read this article on how health symptoms were resolved by finding the right home inspector.I was called by someone who found me on line.  She wanted me to find the solution to a problem. It seems the three kids in the family have...

Definitely worth reading especially for NYC apartments remodeling jobs.Satisfying FHA loan approval requirements for properties built before 1978 is about to get tougher and possibly more expensive thanks to new regulations from the EPA. One of the most common flags in an FHA appraisal is flaking...

The government is taking control of selling your home. Read this important change.      A License Required for your HOUSE? If you own your home you really need to check this out. At the end of this email is the Google link to verify.  If the country thinks the housing market is depressed now, wai...

Definitely worth reading.I’ve provided a list of must have Wordpress plugins before, but here’s the thing: stuff changes. New plugins become available, and some plugins stop working. It’s an ongoing process, so I wanted to provide an updated inventory on the cool Wordpress plugins I recommend for...

Definitely a good program to help sheltered animalsStamps to the Rescue - US Post Office helps Buy Food for Shelter Pets!     That's right! Starting April 30th, you can purchase stamps at the Post Office and part of the money will go to feed pets at area shelters.   The Stamps to the Rescue campa...

Great advice if you are considering foreclosures, especially HUD.GovBecause HUD foreclosure  homes have typically been vacant for an extended period of time, often without any utilities turned on, extra care must be taken during inspection. HUD is working with its private marketing and management...

This is important to read, since the fines are tough if the contractor doing remodeling does not have the  certification from the EPA.What is Lead Based Paint? Lead based paint is a metal (a.k.a. a well known toxin) and an earth element that occurs naturally. History tells us that lead was found ...

Great statistics to study.Home sellers have been making a consistent mistake for all the years that I have been in the real estate business. I suspect that this shocking error in approach to selling a home has been around as long as there have been homes, home sellers, and real estate agents. Of ...