[ ADVERTISEMENT]
TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? CONSUMER ADVOCATE CRAIG SEWING TACKLES SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS BY SARAH VERDANO What are some common mistakes people make when investing in real estate for the first time? Craig Sewing: That’s the mistake – when people look at purchasing a property solely as an investment instead of a home. It’s a home first, investment second. A home is where you LIVE, build memories, raise a family, enjoy community. That’s where your head needs to be at. Equity growth and tax advantages come along with it. Should people buy instead of rent? Every situation is different, which is why I offer a free renting vs. owning analysis on my website, so that people can get a basic understanding of what may be best for them. I like buying because the Feds policy of Quantitative Easing is artificially lowering mortgage rates. I can’t say where values will go, because I don’t
90
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
MAY 2014
have a crystal ball, but the cost of homeownership is incredibly inexpensive in the current market. This won’t last. Renting a home can cost the same as owning, and even more. If you’re paying rent anyways, why not pay a mortgage instead? Can people with bad credit still buy a home? Years ago I built a credit firm, so I know the space. It can be tricky! It’s not something you necessarily learn about in high school or college. There is a difference between a bad score and not being credit worthy. You can’t look at credit score alone as there are other compensating factors that might help you qualify. What are your tips for home sellers in today’s market? There are 17,000 real estate licenses in San Diego
County alone. There’s a difference in getting a license and being great at what you do. Do your homework to find someone who is qualified to help you with your biggest investment and pick an agent who specializes in your community, who knows the opportunities and challenges of that niche market, and has had success in selling property in your particular ZIP code. We’re happy to refer an agent to anyone who inquires at craigsewing.com. How can I improve my credit score? Improving your credit score really is a Rubik’s cube type situation, everyone has a different equation that will work better for them. I will say this – the bureaus don’t make money on creating accurate credit reports or scores, they sell your information! Did you know Equifax owns freecreditreport.com? What a scam.
People can always go to my site for more information and I will help connect them to a professional who can help. To learn more about Craig Sewing, or to take advantage of free resources mentioned in this article, visit www. craigsewing.com. You can watch Craig Sewing on The American Dream Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4, or listen to Craig weekdays at 6 p.m. on 1170am KCBQ Intelligent Talk.
HAVE A REAL ESTATE OR FINANCIAL QUESTION? Ask Craig Sewing. Go to craigsewing. com or email craig@ craigsewing.com. He will provide answers within 24 hours. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME ONE SAN DIEGO’S REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL ELITE? If you would like to be considered for guest appearances on Craig Sewing’s radio or TV show, email booking@ craigsewing.com to explain why you are a good fit.
MAY 2014
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
91
SAN DIEGO 92130
Amazing home situated on a huge 12,000+ sq. ft. end lot on a cul-de-sac with endless views, surrounded by canyons.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Brian Malarkey’s familyfriendly eatery offers classic American food with an elegant twist. Searsucker welcomes guests to explore 6,000 square-feet of different experiences with a main dining room, private dining room, bar area and an outdoor patio with a fire pit and Koi pond.
MARKET WATCH: Home inventory in the 92130 zip code is starting to increase even more as we head into spring. In fact, it has gone up 65 percent since the beginning of the year. With more competition, some offers are starting to come in more slowly as buyers take their time to shop around a bit more. Prices are climbing as quickly as they were in the first part of the year.
SEARSUCKER 12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar 858.369.5700, www.searsucker.com
IN THE HOOD: R.O.C. Race (Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge) is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds May 10, and this will be the craziest one yet. Proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which supports people with physical disabilities pursue active lifestyles.
Team leader and owner of his own company, broker Kurt Wannebo has closed more than 550 sales. His 200-plus five-star reviews online are a testament to his dedication to customer service.
KURT WANNEBO San Diego Real Estate & Investments
BRE# 01520942
3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, brokerkurt.com, kurt@sdreai.com MAY 2014
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
95
Watch on Saturdays at 10am on Cox & Time Warner channel 4 Listen Live on Weekdays at 6pm on 1170am
Jennings Tax Law | Tax Planning Specialist
Houston Team | Berkshire Hathaway
MAY 2014
PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM
97