1/28/2013

Caroline Gerardo Contact

C G Barbeau
Caroline Gerardo Barbeau
NMLS 324982
(949) 784-9699
©️ copyright
 Licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight under California Law
Equal Housing Lender |
We are happy to advise you on home loans of all types.
We welcome your questions

1/26/2013

Favorite Paint Colors: White

Clunch Farrow and Ball a warm sunny not yellow white Floral White Benjamin Moore a slight hint of creamy rose Swiss Coffee Benjamin Moore

1/24/2013

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms


$12.99 Can save your life Buy Smoke Alarm here today



I had a devastating fire in my home in the West Nine Laguna Niguel, California in 2003. I returned home after work to find the yellow police tape lines around my front door and piles of charred wreckage. This incident has left me with a fear of fire during the night. Every month I test our smoke detectors and annually change the batteries before I put up the Christmas tree.

At Laguna Niguel preview today I learned valuable information from Bill Parker, of  Home Inspection Services that my older ionization alarms might not be good enough or fast enough to warn us to wake up and get out in a fire.


I purchased four photoelectric alarms today because they detect smoldering fire, and smoke much faster than the ionization type. They cost two dollars more. I’m suggesting you don’t throw away your older battery powered smoke alarms in each bedroom and each floor level, but add the photoelectric ones in every bedroom. California law requires sellers of homes to add carbon monoxide detectors. These can be mounted behind doors that are usual left open during the daytime to not have quite so many additional white plastic Frisbees in your bedrooms.  

You may have the type that is hard wired into the home’s electrical system. Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced. You might need assistance in installing the newer hard wired alarms, but I’m pretty handy and there are videos on utube to do everything from install a new toilet to making rocket fuel. I am not suggesting you are a licensed contractor or have the skill set to take this on yourself, but it isn’t difficult.

These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries).

A few tips on housekeeping:

Test the alarms monthly, Replace the batteries at least once per year. The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8 years.

The ionization alarms are sensitive to shower steam or cooking smoke where the photoelectric ones are not. Statistics on deaths in fires show that even though an alarm was present, often the unit did not sound off because of dead battery or disconnected alarm because of the constant screaming sound when they fry food, or their teen takes a thirty minute shower.

( In a smoldering fire, a photoelectric smoke alarm outperforms the ionization type by sounding much quicker.. The other reason is that ionization smoke alarms will outperform photoelectric alarms in the event of a fast moving fire. The faster reaction time can be measured in tens of seconds, but in the event of a fast moving fire, these are precious seconds. )

Smoke alarms are an inexpensive investment and can save your family’s life.
 


 

 

$549,000. Single Family Home Deal


 1950's single level single family home. I believe this is a deal as a two year hold because of the development occuring on both sides. This is an area of San Juan Capistrano that was once rural small family farms but today is a mixture of one and two million dollar ranch houses and commercial property. 32221 Del Obispo is directly across the street from Armstrong nursery and the old Cook's Barn (now gone) This has a large useable lot. Has some nice older growth trees in the front yard. Older hardwood flooring 3 bedrooms and one full bath, one sort of bath. 16200 square foot pie shaped lot.
Listed by Manuel and Judy here is more information: Manuel Adame MLS # s720598
 
Downfalls of the property:
Traffic noise as is fronted on a busy street with no curbs and gutters. Eventually one would expect the city will make the neighbor properties that have subdivision maps recorded put in the curbs gutters and sidewalks. City Planning may require the owners on both sides to complete it through... a major lawsuit was won by the neighbor against the city regarding installing drainage which is underway today. Subject house needs: new roof ( cost estimate: $9000- 10000) paint inside and out (cost $5000) french drain and grading to the rear of the house (estimate: $ 8000) one can assume as in everywhere in Orange County there are termites and dryrot (unknown total cost guess: $4500) I might also assume or guess that property will be off septic and able to tie in when the neighbors move their construction along. PS must love the sound of roosters in the morning :) $ 549,000. fixer house for sale Orange County California
 

chain link fence installed in front of failed wooden fence



Big driveway is gravel compacted. Two car garage
 
 
 
Rear yard. A small backhoe could widen this area, move the retaining wall back three feet, add french drain underneath to flow out around the house.  Gas lines appear to be in the front, but contact gas company and county for other lines
hillside slope of neighbor property


view of subject from up gravel driveway
 Roof view appears replaced in last couple years but there is damage indicating it leaks

another slope view


gas meter by mailbox
 
I love San Juan Capistrano. The house has a view of the San Juan Capistrano Valley, mountains and an ocean peek view. Old town San Juan has become charming and many historic houses have fabulous gardens and Spanish architecture. You can walk to trails, walk to Old Town or Main San Juan for dinner. This could be a charming single family home, with $27,500 it needs to make it comfortable, and $ 20000 in fountains and landscaping. OR hold it until the neighbors build the tracts with one to two million dollar houses next door. OR get a zoning variance to make it something commercial. I think it is a deal for someone with creativity. The bargain is in having $150000. cash for the 20% down plus the repairs needed.
 
Orange County California real estate deals as of 2/10/2013 this property is still for sale. Was in escrow and fell out.

1/19/2013

10 Sendero Single Family Home $564900.



I met Missy Wiesen at her listing on at 10 Sendero, Rancho Santa Margarita, California. This home is a great buy. The curbside appeal is inviting with a three car garage and Italian columns to welcome you into the front door. The downstairs has warm laminate to feel like hardwood flooring. New paint, new carpet a gorgeous fountain built into the backyard. Four yes 4 bedrooms - pretty granite counter tops all priced at $ 564,900. Please contact Missy at her email realtormissy3@yahoo.com or her phone (949) 887-6644 her DRE license is #01745112 She will be holding it open house tomorrow - Sunday January 20th 2013

Go make an offer!

1/11/2013

Easy HARP Refinance

sunset at beach boy with skim board
Refinance HARP is a Walk on the Beach With C. G.


Refinance for Upside down Borrowers

1.      Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must own or guarantee the loan

2.      The mortgage MUST have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009, this means you most likely would have needed to close on or before May 1st as it takes about a month to get there and there are no exceptions to the date.

3.      The mortgage CANNOT have been refinanced under HARP previously unless it is a Fannie Mae loan that was refinanced under HARP from March-May, 2009.

4.      No Loan to Value restrictions, no appraisal

5.      The borrower MUST be current on the mortgage at the time of the refinance, with no late payment in the past six months and no more than one late payment in the past 12 months.

6.      You have a reasonable ability to pay the new mortgage payments, it must make sense.

7.      The refinance improves the long term affordability or stability of your loan, i.e.: the payments have to go down.

8.      If you have Mortgage Insurance it does not go away.

9.      No new MI policy however if say your loan has no MI

10. Have to show income on W-2 and Tax returns

11.  Cost upfront to find out: $ 24 (credit report $14 per borrower)

12.  CONDO’s are eligible and often NO condo certificate is required.

Call Caroline at (949) 784-9699
This is not a commitment to lend nor loan approval each individual is different, but these are pretty easy if you are employed and you made your payments. The idea is to save those who want to stay in their home and can make it going forward - not always so "easy."

Let’s look up your loan to see if Fannie or Freddie “owns” it and talk about what we can save you in monthly payments



1/09/2013

USDA Mortgage Loans Zero Down Payment

Blue sky
Blue Skys with a USDA Home Loan
No money down, finance the costs, apply direct
 Caroline Gerardo (949) 784-9699 NMLS 324982 Equal Opportunity Lender
USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loans No Money Down, call and ask how you can buy a home with $450.00
USDA Guaranteed Home Mortgage Loans are the most common type of USDA Loan in California and allow for higher income limits and 100% financing for home purchases. USDA Guaranteed Loan applicants may have an income of up to 115% of the median household income for the area. Area income limits for this program can be viewed here. All USDA Guaranteed Loans carry 30 year terms and are set at a fixed rate.
USDA Direct Rural Housing Loans
USDA Direct Housing Loans are less common than USDA Guaranteed Loans and are only available for low and very low income households to obtain home ownership, as defined by the USDA. Very low income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI); low income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is 80 to 100 percent of AMI.
What factors determine if I am eligible for a USDA Loan in California?
To be eligible for A USDA Rural Loan in California, your monthly housing costs (mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, and insurance) must meet a specified percentage of your gross monthly income (29% ratio). Your credit background will be fairly considered. A 620 FICO credit score is required to obtain a USDA Rural Housing Loan approval through most lenders. You must also have enough income to pay your housing costs plus all additional monthly debt (41% ratio). These ratios can be exceeded somewhat with compensating factors. Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area. Maximum USDA Guaranteed Loan income limits for your area can be found at: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?About
Maximum USDA Direct Loan income limits for your area can be found at their website. Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. Some of these income numbers are suitable for wage earners at the lower end of the spectrum.
The maximum amount for an USDA home loan is determined the area (the address you are purchasing).
Maximum Dollar Amount Per Loan
There is no written maximum loan amount allowed for USDA Rural Home Loans. Instead, a borrower’s debt-to-income ratios dictate how much home they are allowed to purchase (29/41 ratios). Additionally, total household monthly income must be within USDA allowed maximum income limits for your area. Maximum USDA Guaranteed Loan income limits do limit the total dollar amount per area that the subject property resides.
Maximum financing: The maximum USDA Rural Development Loan amount is 102% of the appraised value of the home (100% plus the 2% USDA RD Loan guarantee fee).
How much money will I need for the down payment and closing costs?
USDA Rural Development Mortgage Loans require no down payment and they allow for the closing costs to be included in the loan amount (appraisal permitting) A borrower may have to pay for only up front credit and appraisal fees of $450.
What property types are allowed for USDA Rural Loan Mortgages?
While USDA Mortgage Guidelines do require that the property be Owner Occupied (OO), they do allow you to purchase condos, planned unit developments, manufactured homes, and single family residences
California USDA Loan Adjusted Maximum Income Limits by County
Updated 05/01/2012


County Name

1-4 Person Households
(Guaranteed Loans)

5-8 Person Households
(Guaranteed Loans)

ALAMEDA

1,094,625

1,094,625

OAKLAND-FREMONT-HAYWARD, CA METROPOLITAN DIVISION

ALPINE

503,750

1,094,625

NON-METRO

AMADOR

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

BUTTE

417,000

1,094,625

CHICO, CA (MSA)

CALAVERAS

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

COLUSA

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

CONTRA COSTA

1,094,625

1,094,625

OAKLAND-FREMONT-HAYWARD, CA METROPOLITAN DIVISION

DEL NORTE

417,000

1,094,625

CRESCENT CITY, CA (MICRO)

EL DORADO

516,000

1,094,625

SACRAMENTO–ARDEN-ARCADE–ROSEVILLE, CA (MSA)

FRESNO

417,000

1,094,625

FRESNO, CA (MSA)

GLENN

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

HUMBOLDT

417,000

1,094,625

EUREKA-ARCATA-FORTUNA, CA (MICRO)

IMPERIAL

417,000

1,094,625

EL CENTRO, CA (MSA)

INYO

417,000

1,094,625

BISHOP, CA (MICRO)

KERN

417,000

1,094,625

BAKERSFIELD, CA (MSA)

KINGS

417,000

1,094,625

HANFORD-CORCORAN, CA (MSA)

LAKE

417,000

1,094,625

CLEARLAKE, CA (MICRO)

LASSEN

417,000

1,094,625

SUSANVILLE, CA (MICRO)

LOS ANGELES

737,500

1,094,625

LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-GLENDALE, CA METROPOLITAN

MADERA

417,000

1,094,625

MADERA, CA (MSA)

MARIN

1,094,625

1,094,625

SAN FRANCISCO-SAN MATEO-REDWOOD CITY, CA METROPOLITAN

MARIPOSA

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

MENDOCINO

417,000

1,094,625

UKIAH, CA (MICRO)

MERCED

417,000

1,094,625

MERCED, CA (MSA)

MODOC

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

MONO

575,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

MONTEREY

525,000

1,094,625

SALINAS, CA (MSA)

NAPA

643,750

1,094,625

NAPA, CA (MSA)

NEVADA

518,750

1,094,625

TRUCKEE-GRASS VALLEY, CA (MICRO)

ORANGE

737,500

1,094,625

SANTA ANA-ANAHEIM-IRVINE, CA METROPOLITAN DIVISION

PLACER

516,250

1,094,625

SACRAMENTO–ARDEN-ARCADE–ROSEVILLE, CA (MSA)

PLUMAS

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

RIVERSIDE

417,000

1,094,625

RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO, CA (MSA)

SACRAMENTO

516,250

1,094,625

SACRAMENTO–ARDEN-ARCADE–ROSEVILLE, CA (MSA)

SAN BENITO

937,500

1,094,625

SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA, CA (MSA)

SAN BERNARDINO

417,000

1,094,625

RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO, CA (MSA)

SAN DIEGO

593,750

1,094,625

SAN DIEGO-CARLSBAD-SAN MARCOS, CA (MSA)

SAN FRANCISCO

1,094,625

1,094,625

SAN FRANCISCO-SAN MATEO-REDWOOD CITY, CA METROPOLITAN

SAN JOAQUIN

417,000

1,094,625

STOCKTON, CA (MSA)

SAN LUIS OBISPO

610,000

1,094,625

SAN LUIS OBISPO-PASO ROBLES, CA (MSA)

SAN MATEO

1,094,625

1,094,625

SAN FRANCISCO-SAN MATEO-REDWOOD CITY, CA METROPOLITAN

SANTA BARBARA

656,250

1,094,625

SANTA BARBARA-SANTA MARIA, CA (MSA)

SANTA CLARA

937,500

1,094,625

SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA, CA (MSA)

SANTA CRUZ

805,000

1,094,625

SANTA CRUZ-WATSONVILLE, CA (MSA)

SHASTA

417,000

1,094,625

REDDING, CA (MSA)

SIERRA

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

SISKIYOU

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

SOLANO

435,000

1,094,625

VALLEJO-FAIRFIELD, CA (MSA)

SONOMA

566,250

1,094,625

SANTA ROSA-PETALUMA, CA (MSA)

STANISLAUS

417,000

1,094,625

MODESTO, CA (MSA)

SUTTER

417,000

1,094,625

YUBA CITY, CA (MSA)

TEHAMA

417,000

1,094,625

RED BLUFF, CA (MICRO)

TRINITY

417,000

1,094,625

NON-METRO

TULARE

417,000

1,094,625

VISALIA-PORTERVILLE, CA (MSA)

TUOLUMNE

417,000

1,094,625

PHOENIX LAKE-CEDAR RIDGE, CA (MICRO)

VENTURA

650,000

1,094,625

OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA, CA (MSA)

YOLO

516,250

1,094,625

SACRAMENTO–ARDEN-ARCADE–ROSEVILLE, CA (MSA)

YUBA

417,000

1,094,625







 The Housing and Community Facilities Programs is an agency
of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).      
Located within the Department's Rural Development mission area,
HCFP operates many programs:
Homeownership options to individuals;
Housing rehabilitation and preservation funding;

Help to developers of multi-family housing projects, such as:
assisted housing for the elderly,        disabled, or apartment complexes
HCFP administers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants. Direct loans are made and serviced by USDA staff; loan guarantees are made by W J Bradley and serviced by W. J. Bradley Mortgage Capital LLC. directly.

Q Why does the USDA exist?

This goes back to American history of fairly populating the “plains” and rural farmer subsidies.

Q. What is the HCFP service area?

A. HCFP programs are available to eligible applicants in rural areas, typically defined as open country or rural towns with no more 20,000 in population.

·          Copies of USDA regulations, instructions, and handbooks can also be viewed in any Rural Development office, or can be downloaded and viewed online.

If you can’t locate the regulation you want online, you can order a copy at any Rural Development office, or contact Rural Development, FC-313, 1520 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Or Call Caroline Gerardo Barbeau directly and she will assist you

(949) 784-9699



NMLS # 324982

     

copyright Caroline Gerardo © 2013 all rights reserved