Builder “Incentives”
by Tina Triano, Esq.
It’s that time again when homebuyers hope that they will get a good deal from a builder. Watch out. One contract I reviewed recently was so one-sided I had to call the builder’s sales manager to discuss countering some of the terms. The manager proceeded to say that the contract was ...read more.

Short Sales in a Nutshell
by Tina Triano, Esq.
[archive] In my spare time, I provide counseling to homebuyers on behalf of American Home Buyers Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides free counseling and home buyer grants in Silicon Valley. It is almost impossible to read any media publication without seeing an article about the housing crisis. ...read more.

What is a Conforming Home Loan Anyway?
By Marc Hopkins
[archive] There has been a lot of talk lately about conforming loans, especially with groundbreaking new changes made in the loan limits. But what are they and why should people care? ...read more.

Think –
Before You Add Someone Onto Title
by Tina Triano, Esq.
[archive] In preparing estate plans, it is not unusual for me to find older individuals who, for one reason or another, have placed one of their children or a new spouse onto the title of their real estate. Many individuals believe there is little harm in this procedure, but it can become a large problem after your death. ...read more.

Know What 'No' Means
By Marc Hopkins
[archive] You applied for a loan and were told that you do not qualify. What should you do? The biggest mistake that most people make is accepting that answer and giving up. A no answer may be the end of that road, but it does not mean it can’t be the beginning of a new one. ...read more.

Potential Problems with Real Estate Title
by Tina Triano, Esq.
[archive] In the years that I have been preparing estate plans, I have had the same problem arise several times. I recently re-encountered this problem again just a few weeks ago. A client, the sole beneficiary of a trust, came to discuss the sale of a house. His parents, both deceased, ...read more.

I Should Refinance When…
By Marc Hopkins
[archive] Whether the market is going up or down, I am constantly asked if it is the right time to refinance. It is a very individual decision, but there are some key indicators to help you decide. All loans and personal circumstances are different, so, while these are good guidelines, ...read more.