Campbell CA Real Estate: Should I Buy A Short Sale?

Campbell CA Real Estate: Should I Buy A Short Sale?

A short sale is not suitable for all buyers of Campbell CA real estate. Here are some things you need to know if you are considering buying a short sale:

• The process for a short sale can be very time consuming. Once you make an offer and it is accepted by the seller, your offer will be submitted to the seller’s bank for approval. It can take a month if you are very lucky, or up to 1 year for the bank to approve the short sale/offer.
• Keep in mind that after all the waiting, the bank may not even approve the short-sale or the seller may decide they no longer want to go through with a short sale and proceed with a loan modification instead.
• The seller’s bank will most likely not accept your offer if it is substantially below market value. In other words, the bank is probably not going to give the house away.
• The seller’s bank will most likely have a say on the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. Besides the price, the bank may dictate when you are to close escrow for the Campbell, CA real estate purchase.
• A lot of banks will ask you to sign a document testifying that you are not related to the seller and that you will not rent the home back to the seller after close of escrow.

Short sales can be very frustrating for some buyers if they are not aware of the process. As long as you know what you are getting into and are not in a hurry, then it may be worth it if you have found that perfect home!

Should you decide to use a buyer’s agent to represent you when you purchase real estate in Campbell, CA, please contact Trang Beuschlein at (408) 410-5628 or via e-mail at

 Trang Beuschlein is a full-time Campbell, CA real estate agent, specializing in West San Jose and Campbell, CA real estate sales but also serves other areas of Santa Clara County, including Saratoga, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Milpitas and other areas of San Jose. Please contact Trang for a list of Campbell CA Homes for Sale or for a list of homes for sale in any area in Santa Clara County.

CA DRE Broker License #01453711

Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

I’m Buying A House, What Else Do I Need To Pay Besides The Down Payment?

I’m Buying A House, What Else Do I Need To Pay Besides The Down Payment?

When buying a home in Campbell California, some buyers don’t realize that they need to bring more than the down payment in order to finalize the purchase of their Campbell CA real estate property.

Even though certain closing costs are negotiable, some typical closing costs paid by someone buying Campbell CA real estate include, but is not limited to the following: 

• Loan Origination Fee
• Flood Check Fee
• Tax Service Fee
• Appraisal Fee
• Credit Report Fee
• Underwriting Fee
• Prepaid Loan Interest Charges
• Lender’s Title Insurance Policy
• Notary Fee        
• Recording Fee
• Courier Charge
• Inspection Costs
• Home Warranty Cost
• Prepaid Property Taxes
• Homeowner’s Insurance Charge

When you apply for a home purchase loan, you should receive from your mortgage broker or lender a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that details all the costs associated with your Campbell CA real estate purchase. This GFE should include most, if not all of the costs listed above.

For those who want to pay all cash, instead of financing part of their home purchase, only the lower half of the costs apply (starting with notary fee).  Although an appraisal is not required for an all cash purchase, it is highly recommended to get one to ensure that you are not paying more than fair market value for the Campbell CA real estate property.

Trang Beuschlein specializes in Campbell CA Real Estate sales but also services the rest of Santa Clara County, including San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.  Trang will be that Campbell CA Real Estate Agent who will look out for your best interests, provide you with first-class service, and negotiate the best deal for your home whether it be in buying or selling.  If you are interested in a list of homes for sale in Campbell CA or a list of homes for sale in any other community in Santa Clara County, please contact her at (408) 410-5628 or
CA DRE Broker License #01453711
Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

Buying A House In Campbell CA: What Kind Of Concessions Can A Buyer Ask From A Seller?

Buying A House In Campbell CA:  What Kind Of Concessions Can A Buyer Ask From A Seller?

Once inspections have been performed and a buyer finds major or unexpected repairs are needed, the buyer may want to ask for concessions from the seller.

So what kind of concessions can a buyer ask for when buying a house in Campbell CA?

Some concessions a buyer can ask for include, but are not limited to, one or a combination of the following:

• Credit towards buyer’s closing costs:  
• The buyer needs to make sure his/her closing costs are equal to or more than the credit amount requested as the lender will not allow a buyer to get cash back should closing costs be less than the credit amount agreed to by the seller.
• This option allows a buyer to set aside money that he/she would have otherwise used for closing costs in order to pay for the repairs after close of escrow.
• Reduction in purchase price:
• This option would reduce the buyer’s monthly mortgage payment and property taxes.
• Most cash buyers choose this option.
• Money be held in escrow to pay for repairs after close of escrow:
• The buyer should consult with his/her real estate agent and/or loan officer before going this route as this may impact the loan underwriter’s decision on the buyer’s loan.
• Seller pays for and performs repairs prior to close of escrow:
• The buyer should request in the addendum/agreement that the repair work be performed by a licensed contractor and with permits, if necessary.
• Sometimes this may not be the best option if the buyer is purchasing a short-sale or bank-owned property as most banks will not agree to do repairs.

Since no two real estate transactions are identical, the buyer should consult with his/her real estate agent on the best option(s) to proceed with.

Trang Beuschlein has extensive experience in the Campbell CA Real Estate market and surrounding cities Real Estate market.  Trang is a Campbell CA Realtor who looks out for the best interests of all her clients and helps them get what they want, whether it be in selling or buying a home.  For a list of Campbell CA Homes for Sale or homes for sale in any surrounding city, please call (408) 410-5628 or send an e-mail to

Trang Beuschlein- CA DRE Broker License #01453711

Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

Should I Use An Agent When Buying Newly Constructed Homes in Campbell CA?

Should I Use An Agent When Buying Newly Constructed Homes in Campbell CA?

Most buyers do not think about using a real estate agent when they are considering buying new homes in Campbell CA.  When buyers do not use  buyer’s agents, they are essentially using the developer’s sales agents to represent them.  Next time you decide to forgo using your own buyer’s agent, seriously think through the following:

• Do you think the developer’s sales agent will look out for your best interests or is he/she just interested in getting the new home sold?
• Do you trust the developer’s sales agent to negotiate the best sales price and terms for you?
• Do you really think that using the developer’s sales agent will get you a better deal?

While you are deciding whether or not to use a buyer’s agent to represent you when purchasing newly constructed homes in Campbell CA, please continue to browse through this blog or visit Campbell CA Real Estate and/or one of my other blogs on Activerain or WordPress.  If you find my website or blogs helpful, please feel free to call me at (408) 410-5628 or send an e-mail to for a free home buying consultation.

I specialize in Campbell and San Jose real estate sales but also service the rest of Santa Clara County, including Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.  I will be that Campbell CA Realtor who will look out for your best interests, provide you with first-class service, and negotiate the best deal for your newly constructed home in Campbell CA.  Or if you are just interested in a list of new homes for sale in Campbell CA or a list of new homes for sale in any other community in Santa Clara County, I would be happy to help you with that request.

Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

CA DRE Broker License #01453711

Campbell CA Real Estate: Do I Pay Less Closing Costs If I Buy With All Cash?

Campbell CA Real Estate:  Do I Pay Less Closing Costs If I Buy With All Cash?

 Yes, you do end up paying less in closing costs if you pay with all cash than if you were financing part of the home purchase.  Some of the closing costs that you would not have to incur are associated with obtaining a home purchase loan and would include the following:

• Loan Origination Fee
• Flood Check Fee
• Tax Service Fee
• Appraisal Fee
• Credit Report Fee
• Underwriting Fee
• Prepaid Loan Interest Charges
• Lender’s Title Insurance Policy

Although an appraisal is not required since you would not be applying for a home purchase loan, it is still a good idea to pay for one to ensure you are not overpaying for your Campbell CA real estate purchase.

Even though certain closing costs are negotiable, some typical closing costs paid by someone buying Campbell CA real estate with all cash include, but is not limited to the following:

• Notary Fee        
• Recording Fee
• Courier Charge
• Inspection Costs
• Home Warranty Cost
• Prepaid Property Taxes
• Homeowner’s Insurance Premium

Trang Beuschlein has been helping those selling or buying Campbell CA Real Estate for years, providing first-class service. When you need a full-time, experienced Campbell CA Realtor who can sell your home for top dollars in the least amount of time or who can negotiate the best deal for your new home, you can count on Trang Beuschlein. If you are looking for a service oriented Campbell CA real estate agent or for a list of Campbell CA Homes for Sale, please call (408) 410-5628 or send an e-mail to

CA DRE Broker License #01453711

Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

What are different ways for individuals to hold title to Campbell CA real estate?

What are different ways for individuals to hold title to Campbell CA real estate?

Title to Campbell CA real estate may be held by one individual (sole and/or separate ownership) or by two or more individuals (co-ownership).

Your decision on how to hold title to Campbell CA real estate should be taken seriously.  It should be fully researched when buying Campbell CA real estate and a licensed attorney and/or tax professional should be consulted if you have questions.

Below is a brief description of the different ways to hold title to Campbell CA real estate:

Sole and/or Separate Ownership:  

1. A Single Individual- has not been legally married or registered as a domestic partner
2. An Unmarried Man or Unmarried Woman- previously married and is now legally divorced 
3. A Married Man or Married Woman, or Registered Domestic Partner as his/her Sole and Separate Property- married or a registered domestic partner who will hold title without a spouse or registered domestic partner

Co-Ownership:

1. Community Property- for a legally married husband and wife
2. Community Property with Rights of Survivorship- for a legally married husband and wife which include the benefits of community property and joint tenancy
3. Joint Tenancy- by 2 or more individuals held in equal shares
4. Tenancy in Common- by 2 or more individuals, which may or may not be held in equal shares

Again, please consult your attorney and/or tax professional if you have any questions regarding how to hold title.

Trang Beuschlein has been helping those selling or buying Campbell CA Real Estate for years, providing exceptional service.  When you need an experienced Campbell CA Realtor who can sell your home for top dollars in the least amount of time or who can negotiate the best deal for your new home, you can count on Trang Beuschlein.  If you are looking for a service oriented Campbell Realtor or for a list of Campbell CA Homes for Sale, please call (408) 410-5628 or send an e-mail to

CA DRE Broker License #01453711

Copyright © 2011 Trang Beuschlein

DO’s and DON’Ts: Applying for a Loan to Purchase a Campbell Home

When applying for a loan to purchase Campbell Real Estate, remember these tips to ensure a smooth loan process:

• DO continue paying your rent or current mortgage payments
• DO stay current on all existing accounts
• DO continue working at your current employer
• DON’T make a major purchase (i.e., furniture or appliances for your new Campbell Home, car, boat, fur, jewelry, home improvement projects)
• DON’T apply for new credit of any kind (even if you are approved for the home loan).  This includes opening a new/upgrading your cell phone account or joining a fitness club.
• DON’T transfer any balances from one account to another
• DON’T pay off collections or charge offs without talking first with your lender/mortgage broker
• DON’T close any credit card accounts
• DON’T max out or over-charge existing credit card accounts
• DON’T change bank accounts
• DON’T make large unexplainable deposits into bank accounts

Trang Beuschlein has been helping those buying or selling Campbell Real Estate  for years with exceptional service.  When you need an experienced Campbell Realtor, you can count on Trang to help you sell or buy your Campbell Home.  Please contact a Campbell Realtor that will get you the best price when selling or buying a home and who will look out for your best interests.

BKR Realty

CA DRE License #01453711

My Offer on a Campbell Home is Accepted, Now What?

First of all, congratulations on getting your offer accepted!  When buying Campbell Real Estate, some common next steps include (but is not limited to):

1)      DEPOSIT CHECK IS SENT TO TITLE/ESCROW COMPANY.  The title company will cash the check and put it into an escrow account to be applied towards your closing costs/down payment.  Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the check.  If your check bounces, you can be in default of the contract and lose that dream home.

2)      INSPECTIONS ARE ORDERED.  Your Campbell Realtor will recommend some reputable inspectors in the area and even schedule the inspections for you.  Some recommended inspections include, but are not limited to:  property, termite/pest, roof, chimney and pool.

3)      ATTEND THE INSPECTIONS.  It’s a good idea to be there at the inspection so that the inspector can point out areas of concern and to get recommendations from the inspector on how to do regular maintenance on your new dream home.

4)      GET FINAL LOAN APPROVAL.  During this process, the appraisal is ordered and the Preliminary Title Report and any HOA docs are reviewed by the lender.  Get a commitment from your lender that you are pre-approved and there are no major loan conditions outstanding.

5)      CONTACT AN INSURANCE AGENT to obtain a quote on homeowner’s insurance and to confirm the property is insurable.  It may be beneficial to start with the company you have your auto insurance with to get any multi-line discounts.  It’s a good idea to get at least 2 quotes so you can make sure you are getting the best deal.

6)      REVIEW DISCLOSURES provided by the Seller.  Make sure you are okay with the items that the Seller has disclosed.

7)      REVIEW ANY HOA DOCS provided by the Seller/HOA.  Make sure you know and are okay with the rules and fees for that association.

8)      REMOVE CONTRACT CONTINGENCIES.  Make sure you perform all the steps above before you remove your contingencies.  Once contingencies are removed, you will lose your deposit if you back out.

9)      DO FINAL WALK-THROUGH.  Your Campbell Realtor will make an appointment for you to see the Campbell Home one more time before you sign the closing documents.  During this walk-through, you want to make sure the property is in the same condition as when you made the offer and/or that the repairs you requested from the Seller has been completed.

10)   REVIEW ESTIMATED HUD-1 (Settlement Statement).  The title company will send an estimated HUD-1 to your Realtor who will forward it to you.  This statement will show all the costs associated with the purchase of the home (including the loan) and how much money you will need to bring to the signing (step 11).

11)   SIGN CLOSING DOCUMENTS AT THE TITLE/ESCROW COMPANY.  Your Realtor will schedule an appointment for you to sign the loan documents and other final documents related to the sale of the home.  You will also need to bring a cashier’s check for the amount referenced in the HUD-1 statement or if you prefer, you can have the funds wired to the title company.  A good Realtor will attend the signing with you.

12)   ARRANGE FOR UTILITIES to be transferred to your name.  This will include but is not limited to:  PG&E, phone, cable, water, garbage.

13)   LOAN IS FUNDED.  Your lender should tell you when this will occur.

14)   TITLE COMPANY RECORDS at the County Recorder’s Office.  This is usually done the same day as the funding of the loan or next day.

15)   IT’S OFFICIAL, YOU ARE NOW THE NEW OWNER OF YOUR DREAM HOME!!  Your Realtor will hand you the keys to your new home.  This usually happens the same day that the title company records at the County Recorder’s Office.

 Trang Beuschlein has been helping those buying or selling Campbell Real Estate for years with exceptional service.  When you are searching for an experienced Campbell Realtor, you can count on Trang to help you buy or sell your Campbell Home.

 BKR Realty, CA DRE License #01453711

Considering Buying Campbell Real Estate?

When buying a Campbell, CA home one of the first things you should think about are the requirements for your new home.  Some things to consider are:

• Location:  city(ies)/neighborhood; proximity to work/school; proximity to transportation; proximity to shopping/downtown; views
• Home Characteristics:  square footage of lot and home; minimum number of bedrooms and baths; pool/no pool; updated/fixer upper; separate dining room/no separate dining room; family room/no family room
• Budget:  minimum and maximum price

It may be a good idea to write down these requirements and possibly categorize them as “must have” or “would like.”  If you don’t know where to start or need a guide, please visit Campbell Real Estate and download the FREE form “Your Property Wish List,” from the Buyer section.  This is FREE and there is absolutely no obligation.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Campbell Homes.  To obtain thorough details regarding the Campbell, CA real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more, please visit Campbell Homes.  Or please feel free to contact me, your Campbell Realtor with any of your real estate or mortgage questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me direct at (408) 410-5628 or e-mail me at .  I look forward to helping you!

Trang Beuschlein

BKR Realty

CA DRE License #01453711