Optima Properties' Blog

Buying a house is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, and the complex process can be intimidating. Knowing the right questions to ask and receiving professional advice will help make a sound investment. Whether you are buying for the first time or moving across country, navigat...

How to be the Most Attractive Homebuyer MAY 31, 2013 BY LINDAWESTREALTOR 1 COMMENT BY ANDREA MURAD FOXBUSINESS THE SPRING SEASON TENDS TO FLOOD THE HOUSING MARKET WITH BUYERS, AND IN MARKETS WITH LOW INVENTORY LEVELS, THE COMPETITION IS STIFF. AS HOME PRICES CONTINUE TO RECOVER AND INTEREST RA...

AVONDALE, Ariz., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA), the organization of real estate professionals who advocate for buyers, has contacted the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) because NAR has deliberately removed Exclusive Buyer...

When you initially set out to purchase a property, the real estate agent(s) and home seller will want to know you can actually afford to purchase the property. After all, if you can’t afford to buy it, you’ll be wasting everyone’s time.  Aside from affordability concerns, you may find other issue...

If you thought you were barred from buying a new house after a foreclosure or a short sale, the rules have changed.  FHA has taken a big step toward acknowledging that the economy forced many responsible homeowners into default or bankruptcy.  Boomerang buyers are able to buy again a little soon...

One of the first questions I get when reviewing an Offer to Purchase or Real Estate contract with a Buyer is “ What is Title Insurance” and “Why do I need it?”   These are great questions and ones every savvy (or even bewildered) homebuyer should be asking. Title insurance is normally purchased a...

The home mortgage industry can be confusing. Rates, points, caps—there’s a lot to take in. Take some time to educate yourself about the process—and be aware of the big missteps homebuyers often make. Thinking Too Big Banks qualify their customers on their “debt-to-income ratios.” Simply, that’s t...

Because the builder's agent's job is to convince you to buy only their homes at the highest price. Your Buyer Agent's job is to even the odds and negotiate for the lowest price and best terms for YOU!   It is foolish for a homebuyer to enter into a new construction contract without an Exclusive B...

Foreign Nationals are allowed to own real estate in the US. In fact, there are very few differences between a foreign and US buyer when purchasing real estate.  It is important that the Foreign Buyer understands the buying process and knows some basic information about general US real estate prac...