Some of the most important elements of buying a home is knowing how much home you can afford to buy. How much money you have to put as a down payment and how much money you can afford to pay on a monthly basis may not only determine the size of your home, but which neighborhood you choose. Here are some tips to make your life easier: Clean up your finances Pull a copy of your credit report to see exactly what all three credit agencies are reporting about you. Not only do you want to know your credit scores, but you want to know if your balances and payment history is being properly documented. Check with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Years ago when purchasing a home I found out during escrow that a credit card I had closed years earlier was reporting late payments, impossible since... 03/20/2008

Burbank Real Estate, Burbank Listing Agent, Seller's Agent (818)968-3718 by Lupe Soto Sellers/Seller's Agents - Keep Selling Until Deal is Done   Even after a buyer is found and the papers are signed, there's no guarantee that the deal will close.The risks are with the property or the buyer's credit, income, or down payment.Even pre-approval is no guarantee these days. Something as small as missing a bill payment shortly before closing can derail a loan. Seller's Agent shouldn't stop marketing a home just because they accept a purchase contract.  Seller's Agent should keep records of buyers interested in a property and continues to show that property in many instances. Seller's Agent got to track the leads in case [the buyer's financing] crashes and burns Sellers, think about this and f... 03/19/2008

Burbank Real Estate & Homes for Sale (818)968-3718, Lupe Soto, Realtor & REO SpecialistYou've always followed the sage advice of the late singer-songwriter Jim Croce: You don't tug on Superman's cape, spit into the wind or try to pull a fast one on the IRS.OK, maybe that last one wasn't one of Jim's lyrics, but the sentiment -- know the consequences before you act -- still applies. Unfortunately, that's not always easy to do when it comes to Uncle Sam's tax collectors. The tax law is complex and difficult for even experts to negotiate. Just when you think you've followed all the rules and researched all the angles, a tax regulation blindsides you. SURPRISING TAX LAWS:  There are many arcane and infuriating tax laws that cause filers problems. Here are five that many people might run afo... 03/17/2008

Just like the title says, Virtual Tours aren't just for Home sales. I got the opportunity to photograph five cabins in Big Bear last week. What made it even better was that the owner let us stay in one of the cabins for the night. Only one night away but what a nice time! It had snowed the week before, so there was a lot of snow every where. It gave me the chance to practice my evening and sunrise photography. It's was worth standing knee deep in snow to get these shots...Also, click here to view some of the virtual tours! Bear's Lair Pine Tree Cottage Summit Ridge Meadow Lake Cottage 03/14/2008

I just attended a class with my preferred lender about the new FHA Limits and Guidlines for the County of Los Angeles.  Per the class what I found was that the new basic guidline Key Popints are as follows:3% down Payment - Gift funds are ok without seasoningNo Income RestrictionsRates are currently below conformingNo required roof inspections such as Termite, Roof, Septic etc.Normal appraisal requirementsNormal Timeline are in place for direct FHA approved lender.  Longer time limits may apply for brokersNon-occupying co-borrowers are allowedSeller Disclosures are quick and easyOwner Occupied and Full Doc onlySeller not required to pay upfront MIPTemorary Loan Limits for Los Angeles County are set at:       1 - Unit:  $729,7502 - Units:  $934,2003 - Units:  $1,129,2504 - Units:  $1,403... 03/12/2008

Burbank Realtor, Lupe Soto, Bank owned Properties, Foreclosure Specialist 818-968-3718Buy Now, says Foreclosure ExpertNow's the time to pick up properties at fire sale prices, says Ralph R. Roberts, author of Foreclosure Investing for Dummies and Flipping Houses for Dummies. "Properties could double in value over the next 10 years. But you have to be willing to go in, buy them, and hang on for the longer term," he advises.Attention Foreclosures Buyers, remember....profitable investing in foreclosures requires exhaustive records searches in advance.Buyers of foreclosures should create a file that contains a range of property information that will establish what the property is worth and help avoid bureaucratic snafus. Here is his list of must-have information:A copy of the foreclosure no... 03/12/2008

Burbank Real Estate & Homes For Sale by Lupe Soto, Feng Shui Realtor (818)968-3718.Welcome to Burbank Wire newsletter, connecting people to events sponsored by educational, municipal, non-for-profit, churches and other community organizations in Burbank & nearby areas. To submit content, or to report an error or omission, please contact Jim Hetherman (mailto:Jim@BurbankWire.com?subject=BURBANK WIRE) and begin the subject of your email with BURBANK WIRE in ALL CAPS.  See our contact page for more information: http://www.burbankwire.com/bwire/contact.shtmlTo join this list, send a blank email to: editor1-subscribe@burbankwire.comTo leave this list, send a blank email to: editor1-unsubscribe@burbankwire.com=======================This list is organized into three major areas of interest: Co... 03/07/2008

Lupe Soto, Licensed Realtor, Feng Shui Real Estate, Burbank Real Estate Services with care! (818)968-3718NEW MOON ASTROLOGY, using new moon power days to change and revitalize your life. For new moon power wishes to come true they must be handwritten on paper, not typed on a typewriter or a computer.  The wording of the wishes is also very important, they must be clearly stated so that the "feeling" behind the wishes comes through the words.  For more information on New Moon Astrology, please visit http://www.janspiller.com/ . I am not related to her or endorse her services. I just share with you my thoughts and my new moon monthly activities.  If you find this article interesting and useful. I would appreciate you let me know. Happy New Moon in Piscis 03/07/08 at 9:15am PST.What to wis... 03/07/2008

Lupe Soto, Burbank Realtor, REO Agent for Buyers, Bank Owned Specialist serving Burbank & all nearby areas of San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley & Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County. (Se Habla Espanol, Bilingual Realtor) "I will be happy to show you below listings or any listing in the MLS Multiple listing, please call for faster service or CONTACT LUPE, click here ACTIVE LISTINGS WITH ADDRESS READY TO SOLD, click here BURBANK VIDEO BLOG - BURBANK HOMES FOR SALE, click here BURBANK VIDEO BLOG - CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE, click here BURBANK NEW CONDOS NEW TOWNHOUSES NEW HOMES FOR SALEvisit my website www.HomesWithLupe.com   BURBANK NEIGHBORHOODS: Burbank North Estates, Burbank Hills Estates & Hallston & Highridge Estates, Burbank Star... 03/03/2008

I'm sorry for this late post and for falling behind but I've been really busy.  In this market to be able to say that again feels really good.  With all of these great buys coming on the market it's time that I get my business ready for a surge in business.  This doesn't mean that inventory is going to be flying off the shelf like it was a couple of years ago but it does mean that if you are ready to buy then you should be real active with your agent.  The great buys will fly off the shelf and that doesn't mean that you missed out on your opportunity because I believe the right house is out there for you.  So don't sit on the fence and get out there with your agent to find your dream home.  Cost of borrowing is still at historical lows and prices have settled back down to where they're ... 02/19/2008

GREAT REMODELED HOME ON A SUPER STREET LOADS OF CURB APPEAL, HUGE FRONT YARD AND PATIO, ELEGANT FORMAL LIVING AND HUGE FORMAL DINING ROOM, GOURMET GRANITE KITCHEN, FAMILY ROOM, BOTH BATHS NEW, 4TH BEDROOM PERFECT OFFICE. DIRECT ACCESS FROM 2 CAR GARAGE TO HOME.To preview the finest Real Estate in Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades please visit my website. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 02/18/2008

Burbank Real Estate & Homes For Sale. San Fernando Valley Real Estate, Antelope Valley Real Estate by Lupe Soto, Feng Shui Realtor (818) 276-6882 . REAL ESTATE EN ESPANOL, Feng Shui en Espanol al final de este articulo. HOW TO BUY - SELL USING FENG SHUI , click here for more info #RealEstateFengShui #LupeSotoFengShui   THE PROSPERITY STAR VISITS THE EAST IN 2008The auspicious star #8 moves to the East in 2008, and brings plenty of wealth luck to those who have houses or main entrances that faces east. People with bedrooms or living rooms located in the east will also benefit. This lucky star helps improve your fortune, brings about easy success, reduces opposition and banishes hostility. To enhance you need to display a water fountain or other kinds of water feature. If you are planning... 02/17/2008

TREE LINED STREET SOUTH OF MANGOLIA, REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, MOLDINGS, FORMAL DINING ROOM, LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, FAMILY ROOM ALSO HAS FIREPLACE, LARGE NEWER KITCHEN, NEW MASTER SUITE WITH DOORS TO YARD & PATIO, HUGE FRONT PORCH. GREAT MAGNOLIA PARK LOCATION. To preview the finest Real Estate in Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades please visit my website. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 02/17/2008

$$$¢¢$$$ Are you looking for a different life style choice?  Learn more about $$$¢¢$$$ Burbank Highridge, Burbank Hallston at Burbank Hills in San Fernando Valley, 20 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles.  Burbank Hills offers semi-custom luxurious estates with panoramic views, private streets, tennis court area, luxury , comfort , stunning views and NEW or newly  built condos & townhouses above Glenaoaks, Please contact Lupe Burbank Realtor with any questions, relocation information or to schedule a property tour. (hablo espanol) Burbank Hills Estates price range from $1,290,000. Burbank CA is considered "The Media Capital of the World"BURBANK HILLS DRIVE BY TOUR & PROPERTY PREVIEWCall Lupe Soto Realtor - Feng Shui Real Estate the Awesome combination to schedule a tour or to answer any qu... 02/16/2008

Burbank Real Estate & Homes For Sale by Lupe Soto, Burbank Realtor (818)968-3718. CONTACT LUPE, click here BURBANK NEIGHBORHOODS Burbank CA has been named one of the Nation's 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance.  In fact, Burbank is the only city in Los Angeles County to be named this year!  Bravo, Burbank.  The 100 Best Competition recognizes 100 outstanding communities across America that are the best places for young people to live and grow up.  Burbank CA was selected as one of the 100 Best in large part because of our focus on increasing health and wellness programs for our youth.  Indeed we all know that Burbank CA is a very special community, it is wonderful that others have noticed too! Burbank is also known as "The Media Capital of the World". Ab... 02/16/2008

Burbank Property Search »  Burbank Homes - $500k - $1M»  Burbank Homes - Under $500k»  Burbank Homes - $1M and Up»  Burbank Condos »  Burbank Single Family Homes »  Burbank Foreclosures »  Burbank Fixer Uppers»  Burbank Rentals 02/15/2008

Great Turn Key Mid Century Modern Home located near the Chandler Bike Path. This home has been completely redone inside. DO NOT CURB APPRAISE. New Hardwood floors throughout. Large Master Bedroom with oversized closet. The bathroom has been redone with modern travertine tile and granite countertop. The kitchen has also been completely redone to include Bullnose granite counter, stainless steel appliances, stone pavers and more. Central air & heat, copper plumbing and much much more. This is a must see at the price!!!!! To preview the finest Real Estate in Burbank, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades please visit my website. When you are ready to view homes or have any questions regarding selling your home, please contact me. 02/12/2008

Burbank Homes For Sale & San Fernando Homes for Sale by Lupe Soto, Feng Shui Realtor (818)968-3718  SIX SIGNS IT'S TIME FOR HOME BUYERS TO BUY! If you're waiting for signs of a housing bottom, join the club. Nobody blows a whistle and say, "It's time to buy!"       That's why market timing is an art, not a science, but you can improve your odds of buying wisely.       First, stop paying attention to the national media. Fear has sidelined buyers even in good markets, and that's exactly when you need to take advantage -- before other buyers wise up.       Second, be ready to pounce when you see the home you want.       The time is right to buy when you see these signs in your marketplace: Inventories start to decline. That means that the best buys are leaving the market, and best doesn't ... 02/06/2008

Yesterday I was out previewing properties with my team and so we decided to pass by one of Burbank's favorites for Ribs.  Ribs U.S.A. in Burbank, California, (818) 841-8872, has been around for years and it's a great place for everyone. You can see their menue at http://www.ribsusa.com. My kids love it because they don't have to worry about making a mess since the floor is covered in peanut shells.  I love their spicy links and yesterday the girls had me try the spicy fries.  Both are really delicious as you can see by the smile on my face.  I recommend trying their happy hour when the beer is about $2 and the appetizers are a 1/3rd off.     01/31/2008

The key to understanding the market is looking at the market trends.  We use a Market Index to put the market into a number that we can compare and track trends.  Above 1.20 is a seller's market, between 1.20 and 0.80 is a neutral market, and below 0.80 is a buyer's market.  Burbank's trends mirror the other surrounding markets (not surprising).  August (prior to the mortgage industry shift), and December, we see a curious trend.  From 0.23, then 0.17 for Septembe,r October, and November, then back up in December to 0.22.. Now, December, 2006 had a market index of 0.53, so in numerical terms the market dropped more than other markets.  For example, last December Glendale was  0.38.   So it seems that Burbank was actually doing better than some local markets last December, and not is act... 01/26/2008