Reverse Mortgage Revisions

December 16, 2014 by 2 Comments

HUD is changing the rules for doing reverse mortgages as of March 2, 2015. These anticipated changes are creating a rush by reverse mortgage applicants to get grandfathered in under the old less stringent rules. One of the current requirements for obtaining a reverse mortgage is that applicants must go through counseling with an FHA approved counselor. Because time is running out before the changes take effect, counselors are getting booked up and people are experiencing a difficult time arranging for their counseling session. Reverse mortgage specialist are advising prospects to get their counseling done ASAP. If you decide to get a reverse mortgage, then you will have a much better chance to get in before the deadline. The counseling certificate is good for 6 months.

If you are considering using a purchase reverse mortgage to buy a home in Ocean Hills Country Club, I can put you in touch with a reverse mortgage specialist. Just contact me, Gary Harmon, your Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
Contact Gary Harmon

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Who is Carrington?

December 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Carrington Real Estate Services is the new kid on the block in San Diego North County.  Carrington took over the physical locations of many of the Real Living Lifestyle offices in San Diego North County  including Carlsbad and Escondido.

Nationwide, Carrington Real Estate is a full service brokerage in 22 states with over 1500 sales associates.  “Born in the midst of the real estate downturn, we started out as a company focused on the distressed market, but quickly maximized that experience to become one of the most successful institutional and retail real estate brokerages in the nation.”

Carrington Real Estate Services is one of the 18 companies under the Carrington Holding Company, LLC.  Together, these businesses cover virtually every aspect of the single family residential real estate transaction.  Gary Harmon is now proud to be part of the Carrington family.

 

Contact Gary Harmon

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Reverse Mortgage Down Payment Required

July 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment

If you are considering buying an Ocean Hills home using a reverse mortgage, you may want to know how much down-payment is required.  The answer isn’t always simple and depends on your age or the age of your spouse, whichever is younger.  See table below.

Approximate down payment based on age.

HEMC Reverse Mortgage Chart

HECM for purchase financing can make it easier and more affordable for Ocean Hills Country Club buyers 62 and older.  They can buy an Ocean Hills home that better fits their lifestyle, without ever having to make a monthly mortgage payment.  The chart above shows hypothetical  examples of the down payment required with this type of mortgage option.

If you have ever considered a reverse mortgage, I have several different lenders that I could refer to you that are knowledgeable in the area.

Contact Gary Harmon, your Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

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Number One Reason People Don’t Move to Ocean Hills

June 17, 2014 by 1 Comment

The number one reason why many people don’t move to Ocean Hills may not be what you think.  See answer below…

Ocean Hills HOA is always thinking of more ways to save homeowners money.

Photo by Gary Harmon

You may think it is because of the high Ocean Hills Country Club homeowners fees. NO!  When you consider what you get for your monthly fee, OHCC homeowners due may actually be a bargain.   If you live outside of Ocean Hills, you probably have a larger yard.  Counting your water cost and the cost of a gardener, cost of your alarm system, and cost of basic cable, you probably are already paying more than Ocean Hills assessments and getting far less.

Maybe you think residents in Ocean Hills are too old and that you may not fit in. No!   Residents in Ocean Hills Country Club are very active.  There are clubs and activities for all age levels.  People tend to make friends with others in Ocean Hills with similar interest and abilities.

The number one reason that people don’t move to Ocean Hills is, “People cannot get their existing home sold for the price they are asking.”  ”  You can’t ask too much for your home and then try to buy an Ocean Hills home cheaply.  It never works in Ocean Hills and seldom works in other communities.  Ask a fair price and expect to pay a fair price.  I haven’t seen the home you currently have for sale, but it the market is good and your home isn’t selling, your home is over priced.  Don’t believe me, adjust your price downward and it will soon be sold.

Good luck in selling your existing home.  And if you can go by my many Ocean Hills buyers, buying in Ocean Hills is definitely worth it.

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Retirement Home Ownership in Ocean Hills

August 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Owning an Ocean Hills home that meets your retirement needs is an important consideration in securing your lifestyle and security during your golden years. Developing a sustainable plan that covers your living expenses, including mortgage payments, with income is a critical part or your retirement planning. There are financial options available to you that will support your lifestyle with adequate income, while preserving your home’s equity and your savings. Most seniors want to remain in their Ocean Hills home for safety, security and stability indefinitely or as long as possible. But some people live longer and assisted living options may become necessary. Developing a financial plan that protects one’s home equity and savings provides greater flexibility to address future contingencies.

Tennis Courts - Photo by Gary Harmon

Tennis Courts – Photo by Gary Harmon

That is why I work with helpful lenders like Craig Laursen.  Craig is a knowledgeable and experienced mortgage loan professional committed to helping clients make wise decisions affecting their pre- and post-retirement years.  He works with estate planners, financial advisors,counselors and other real estate professionals to support you. He am familiar with and offer borrowers a variety of mortgage loan products and programs that can help you to minimize your housing expenses while protecting your home’s equity.

My goal is to be part of your retirement planning team to help you execute your retirement plans that involve home ownership and mortgage decisions.  Craig Laursen and I am here to help.  Craig works for W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital, LLC.  For real estate information in Ocean Hills Country Club including listings of Ocean Hills homes, contact Gary Harmon.

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Charger Schedule 2013

July 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For your convenience, I am adding a 2013 Charger schedule to my blog.

Charger Schedule 2013For real estate information in Ocean Hills Country Club including listings of Ocean Hills homes, contact Gary Harmon.

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San Diego Events – June 2013

June 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

June 2013 a

 

June 2013 1June 2013 2

June 2013 b

For San Diego North County real estate, contact Gary Harmon.

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San Diego Events – May 2013

April 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The following schedule of San Diego events for May 2013 was provided courtesy of Fidelity National Title Company.

May Events 1May Events 2

If you would like more real estate related information, contact Gary Harmon today.

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5055 Dassia Way

March 29, 2013 by 1 Comment

Hottest New Listing in Ocean Hills Country Club!

Tasteful Living Room
5055 Dassia Way is the hottest new listing to hit Ocean Hills Country Club this week.  It is the popular Paros floor plan.

Listing Remarks: Built in 1998, one of Ocean Hills newest homes, this Paros model has a great culdesac prime location.  Lush front yard, dramatic front courtyard entry with stamped concrete complete welcome you.  Park like, and very private, rear yard with raised dining area & built in bbq provide a great place for relaxing or entertaining.  Newer, neutral carpet and tile, plantation shutters, built in speakers in lr, mbr and family room add to inside charm.    The master bedroom is downstairs and has a soothing spa tub..  Upstairs is a professional built in office & guest bedroom.  Enjoy the spacious kitchen with island, built in pantry, and eating area.

Supplement: Ocean Hills offers the best in over 55 real estate at the upscale, affordable, retirement living community.  Ocean Hills is like living at a vacation resort. This exclusive guarded and gated community sits high on a hill 30 miles from downtown San Diego.  It is inland about 5 miles from the coast. There are greenbelts throughout the Ocean Hills to give the feel of separation and space.  There are no green fees since these are included as part of the association fees.  Ocean Hills Country Club homes enjoy the great year round San Diego mild weather.  Health Care: There are good health facilities near Ocean Hills. Tri-City Medical Center is a designated cardiac and stroke treatment facility.       Shopping: There is also an abundance of shopping available near Ocean Hills homes.  Besides the many fine neghiborhood shopping centers, there is Carlsbad Regional Mall.  Just to the south, also in Carlsbad is the Carlsbad Outlet Center featurning high end fashion at discount prices.       Architecture: The architecture found in Ocean Hills Leisure Village and the street names are  inspired by Mediterranean Sea Villages and Aegean hill towns, with red tiled roofs and bougainvillea-covered white stucco walls.  There are 1633 of these 55+ North County senior homes in the Ocean Hills.       Association and Management Company: The association maintains all Ocean Hills homes exteriors.  It also maintains the front yards from your front gate to the street.  Ocean Hills Country Club is managed by Professional Community Management (PCM).  This Ocean Hills retirement community has won over 10 major national and regional awards including the Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Retirement Senior Community.

This Ocean Hills home was listed by Gary Harmon, Real Living Lifestyles, Friday, March 29th.  If you would like to see this home or just get more information about this listing or Ocean Hills homes, contact Gary Harmon.

For other listings available in Ocean Hills see Ocean Hills Country Club homes for sale.

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Write a Winning Purchase Offer

February 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Once you have looked at Ocean Hills homes, writing the offer becomes very important. After working hard all your life for your money, you don’t want to pay too much.  However, you do want to be successful in buying that Ocean Hills Country Club home. It is time to  contact Gary Harmon, your Real Living real estate agent and write the purchase offer.

Most things are negotiable in the offer, but in San Diego North County there is a standard to follow on most items. A good rule of thumb, using an old clicke, is to make any purchase offer a win-win for everyone. Your North County Realtor will know how to advise you.

Keep Your Offer Simple

Keep the purchase offer on the Ocean Hills home for sale as simple as possible. For example, don’t ask for closing cost back unless you need the cash.   Ocean Hills Country Club sellers will only be looking at the net price. Don’t ask for repairs up front. You can handle those later in the request for repairs. Structure you offer to keep things simple and clear for everyone to understand. If there are any items of personal property you are requesting that don’t normally come with the home, do them separately after you have an acceptance on the home. Don’t forget the big picture which is to buy your Ocean Hills home, not to get a good deal on a refrigerator, etc.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Focus only on what is important. The first important thing is the sales price. Your Ocean Hills buyers agent, Gary Harmon, can provide you with comps of other Ocean Hills homes to help you pick the right offer price. In this current Ocean Hills real estate market, homes are selling at or above listing price. If you offer low, many times you won’t get a counter offer, so put your best foot forward. The deposit, in Ocean Hills, usually at least three percent of the purchase price, is the next important item. How long an escrow will you need? It takes at least 30-45 days to get all the loan details worked out. Other items to consider are who pays escrow, title, and other closing cost. Ask your Realtor, Gary Harmon, what is customary in Ocean Hills Country Club.

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