What You Should Know About Using Home Equity

One of the huge benefits of owning property is the home equity you can build. But with equity comes the temptation to dip into it if a large expense or possible investment arises. There are many strategic ways to use your equity without ruining any personal financial advances you have made. The most crucial step you need to take is to fully understand your options for tapping into that money and the associated risks.

Simply put, your home equity is the market value of your home relative to any loan balances remaining. There are two main ways to utilize this value. Getting a home equity loan provides you with a lump sum of money that you pay off in monthly installments, generally over five to 15 years. As with any loan, you will be required to pay interest on the amount, but it is usually a fixed rate. Choosing to use a line of credit instead offers similar benefits, but instead of receiving the money up front, you are given a pool you can draw from as needed. With this option, the lender provides a maximum borrowing limit and you can choose to use it or not until it is reached.

Before dipping into your home equity in, either way, it is important to understand the possible consequences. In both instances, your home is used as loan collateral. This means if you are unable to make payments on the loan for any reason, the lender can sell your property or take your home in foreclosure. Additionally, there will likely be closing costs and fees you have to pay in association with the loan.

FOR SALE: PRICE REDUCTION IN DISCO BAY! $608,900

9601 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$618,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,263 SqFt

Great location in the private gated community of The Lakes! Open floor plan concept with lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. One bedroom and full bath located on the main level. The upstairs has three bedrooms, a loft, plus two baths to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the back yard with an inviting “California Room”. Large corner lot location with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: BUY 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 2 IN DISCO BAY 😊!

9607 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$649,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,503 SqFt

Better than new – in the private gated community of The Lakes! Gorgeous “newer than new” well designed home features “tons” of upgrades and amenities to live in and enjoy!! Open floor plan concept bathed in lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. Master bedroom suite with a lavish bath plus a second bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. The upstairs has two bedrooms, a loft plus a bath to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the lovely back yard with an inviting “California Room” plus an outdoor kitchen, built-in barbecue and luxurious spa. Lush lawn area with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains. a must see!!

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: FABULOUS CUSTOM HOME IN LAFAYETTE!

1982 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

$3,050,000 | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,746 SqFt

Nestled in the private Lafayette Hills, this custom estate built in 2001 spared no expense. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a den, and a guest home that enjoys their own separate entrance. Featuring timeless materials with a functional floor plan, soaring ceilings and state-of-the art lighting system (Lutron). Exquisite mill-work, detailed hardwood floors, and impeccable tile and stone. Built-in surround sound/intercom system, high-end appliances, pizza oven, multiple fireplaces, and loads of natural light. Fully functional guest house with open floor plan, beautiful views, and wine cellar. Amazing grounds for year-round enjoyment includes sparkling pool, spa, waterfalls, and a koi pond. Outdoor kitchen, panoramic views, green house, and a spacious view balcony with privacy! Just minutes from highly rated Lafayette schools (Acalanes School District), downtown Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Convenient commuter access to BART and San Francisco.

FULL LISTING

JUST SOLD IN DANVILLE! ONLY 2 DAYS ON THE MARKET!

104 Lawnview Cir, Danville, CA 94526

$749,900 | 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,717 SqFt

Fabulous location within the Greenbrook area of Danville. This 4 Bed/2.5 Bath townhome is updated and move-in ready! Inviting and open floor plan. Loads of updates including beautiful hardwood floors downstairs, brand new carpet upstairs, solid granite countertops in the kitchen including a handy sit-at bar, newer kitchen cabinetry, stone fireplace surround and updated lighting. Backyard patio has been designed and utilized for outdoor fun & entertaining including newer paver patio. This wonderful townhome also has a 2-car garage w/storage, large indoor laundry room & pantry. HOA includes 2 swimming pools, tennis court & clubhouse. Walk to Iron Horse Trail & top notch SRVUSD schools. Close to everything! Ready for new owner 🙂

FULL LISTING

Hidden Fees To Be Aware Of When Purchasing A Home

Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don’t forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase then the price of the home. Here are 5 fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget.

HOME INSPECTION

This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 depending on the home and the location.

TITLE SERVICES

Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property. Additionally, you may need to buy title insurance which will protect the lender or your investment in the home.

APPRAISAL FEE

Before getting a loan, you will likely be required to get an appraisal of the home to determine its estimated value. This will be conducted by a third-party company and the cost can land anywhere between $300 and $1,000, depending on the size of the home.

HOA FEES

Many communities have a homeowners’ association that enforces monthly fees. This money is used for general maintenance and updates to areas like pools, parks, and more. Typical HOA fees are around $200 per month.

TAXES

The taxes each buyer pays at the closing table differ, but it is not uncommon for it to be up to two months’ worth of county and city property taxes. Additionally, there may be taxes for the transfer of the home title.

FOR SALE: AMAZING CUSTOM ESTATE IN LAFAYETTE!

1982 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

$3,050,000 | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,746 SqFt

Nestled in the private Lafayette Hills, this custom estate built in 2001 spared no expense. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a den, and a guest home that enjoys their own separate entrance. Featuring timeless materials with a functional floor plan, soaring ceilings and state-of-the art lighting system (Lutron). Exquisite mill-work, detailed hardwood floors, and impeccable tile and stone. Built-in surround sound/intercom system, high-end appliances, pizza oven, multiple fireplaces, and loads of natural light. Fully functional guest house with open floor plan, beautiful views, and wine cellar. Amazing grounds for year-round enjoyment includes sparkling pool, spa, waterfalls, and a koi pond. Outdoor kitchen, panoramic views, green house, and a spacious view balcony with privacy! Just minutes from highly rated Lafayette schools (Acalanes School District), downtown Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Convenient commuter access to BART and San Francisco.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: THE LAKES OF DISCO BAY!

9601 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$618,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,263 SqFt

Great location in the private gated community of The Lakes! Open floor plan concept with lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. One bedroom and full bath located on the main level. The upstairs has three bedrooms, a loft, plus two baths to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the back yard with an inviting “California Room”. Large corner lot location with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: THE LAKES OF DISCO BAY!

9607 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$649,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,503 SqFt

Better than new – in the private gated community of The Lakes! Gorgeous “newer than new” well designed home features “tons” of upgrades and amenities to live in and enjoy!! Open floor plan concept bathed in lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. Master bedroom suite with a lavish bath plus a second bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. The upstairs has two bedrooms, a loft plus a bath to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the lovely back yard with an inviting “California Room” plus an outdoor kitchen, built-in barbecue and luxurious spa. Lush lawn area with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains. a must see!!

FULL LISTING

JUST SOLD IN DANVILLE! ONLY 2 DAYS ON THE MARKET!

104 Lawnview Cir, Danville, CA 94526

$749,900 | 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,717 SqFt

Fabulous location within the Greenbrook area of Danville. This 4 Bed/2.5 Bath townhome is updated and move-in ready! Inviting and open floor plan. Loads of updates including beautiful hardwood floors downstairs, brand new carpet upstairs, solid granite countertops in the kitchen including a handy sit-at bar, newer kitchen cabinetry, stone fireplace surround and updated lighting. Backyard patio has been designed and utilized for outdoor fun & entertaining including newer paver patio. This wonderful townhome also has a 2-car garage w/storage, large indoor laundry room & pantry. HOA includes 2 swimming pools, tennis court & clubhouse. Walk to Iron Horse Trail & top notch SRVUSD schools. Close to everything! Ready for new owner 🙂

FULL LISTING