Existing homes answer important questions

One of the great benefits of buying an existing home is really knowing what you are getting.

• Established neighborhood with good neighbors? Check
• Mature landscaping? Check
• Close to schools and shopping? Check
• Knowing that a manufacturing plant isn't being built behind you? Triple check

Via Flickr: Ann Rossley

Those are some of the immediate advantages you get when you move into your new, existing home. New home buyers don't always have that security. It takes years for those questions to be answered.

But there's more to be gained from buying an existing home than tall trees and neighbors who you know mow their lawn every Saturday.

In fact, while new home buyers are often paying premium for upgraded features in their home, you are getting premium features at a great discount as an existing home buyer.

Existing homes are older homes, and over the years standards have changed in Visalia and throughout Tulare County. Lot sizes were larger years ago, so you are more likely to get more space with an existing home.

Most established neighborhoods have fully developed parks and recreational areas, and better access to shops and services in the center of town.

If you are in the market for a home with a pool, you can easily find one already completed. With an existing home, you won't have to put up with the mess and inconvenience of the pool construction. Also, you can easily determine the cost of maintaining the pool by asking the current owner.

Elderwood business for sale

37611  Millwood Dr.  Woodlake, listed at $210,000.

If you have ever taken a leisurely Sunday drive through the community of Elderwood, just north of Woodlake, you probably have seen the historic Elderwood Market.

The iconic log cabin-style structure is an attraction all its own amidst the nearby scenery.

Now this bit of history and country charm can be yours.

Listed at $210,000, the price includes beer and wine license, all inventory and fixtures.

It's a high-traffic area. It also includes a small park area on the property with picnic table and horse shoe pits.

Additionally, there is a trailer on the property that rents for $350 per month. Don't miss this unique business opportunity.

For more information and pictures, click here.

Call Vincent Ingrao (559) 799-9165 or Ruben Olguin (559) 280-9384 for an appointment today!

Beautiful Porterville home on the market

1053  Lindale Ave.,  Porterville, listed at $145,000.

Just listed - come see this beautiful home that is within walking distance of Monache High School in Porterville.

This 3-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom home features 1,564-square-feet of living space.

Rich, mahogany floors in the living room really make this home stand out. Stay warm and cozy in winter by the fireplace.

The backyard is designed for entertaining with its sparkling pool.

Call Vincent Ingrao for an appointment today. (559) 799-9165

Improve your buying power

Via Flickr: Jeremy Brooks

Unless you have the cash to buy a home outright, you will be relying on your credit to obtain a loan for the purchase. For most of us our good credit is something closely guarded. We want it to reflect our sense of responsibility to pay the debts we owe.

Yet, even when we are diligent black marks can appear on our credit, through no fault of our own. Identity theft, date entry errors and other problems can create negative marks on a credit report which can downgrade your score. If you are in the market for a home you will need to clear up inaccuracies quickly.

Here are four steps you can take to manage the accuracy of your credit report and leverage your best buying power.

1) Get a free copy of your credit report from all three reporting bureaus. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request your free copy. Under federal law, you can receive a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.

New price for southeast Visalia home

1018  S Tracy St,  Visalia, listed at $150,000.

Take a look at this hard-to-find four bedroom, three bath southeast Visalia home.

This immaculate 1,889-square-foot home is two stories and features a three-car garage and a crystal clear swimming pool off of a covered patio.

There is a fireplace in the living room to warm up those cold days. The living room has beautiful wood laminate flooring.

The kitchen has light oak cabinetry, tile counter tops, a center breakfast bar and a large window.

Pride of ownership is evident throughout this home. You will enjoy the mature landscaping in both the front and back yards.



Call the Vintage Home Guys today for an appointment.  

Ruben Olguin (559) 280-9384 or Vince Ingrao (559) 799-9165

Great value in northeast Visalia home

2349  N Thomas St,  Visalia, listed at $209,000.

A meticulously kept family home is a perfect find for the discerning buyer.

Look at this home with nearly 2,200 square feet of living space.

The spacious kitchen is highlighted by with granite counter tops, a Viking 6-burner professional cook top with Versa Ventilation and upgraded appliances.

There are Trey ceilings in the living room, dining room, master bedroom that add to the open feeling.

A sparkling pool and cooling misters are perfect for those hot summer days and the outdoor fireplace will provide the warmth needed when the sun goes down.

There's a spectacular master suite with a large master bath and dual closets. Upgrades and improvements throughout provide the added value buyers are looking for: new HVAC; new energy efficient pool pump; new energy efficient windows; alarm system; ceiling fans throughout; crown molding; 220 power in the garage; stereo speakers strategically located in the kitchen, patio and living room; 2 year roof certification provided; and much, much more.

Call today for your private showing.

Ruben Olguin (559) 280-9384 or Vince Ingrao (559) 799-9165

A financial plan for your home

Via Flickr: Anne Rossley

Your home is probably your biggest investment. To manage it, create a financial plan that takes into account repairs, upgrades, mortgages, insurance, and taxes.

Do you pay each home-related expense as it comes? If so, you're missing opportunities for upgrades, or much worse, heading into a financial crisis when a slew of surprise maintenance items hit. So take a holistic look at what it costs to operate your house and set up a home financial plan.

Use our home financial plan budget worksheet, and start by writing a list of expenses, such as:

•Mortgage

•Taxes

•Home insurance, including liability

•Repairs and maintenance, such as new furnace, roof, painting

•Voluntary upgrades, such as a swimming pool, a premium range, a new powder room

What will you learn from this home financial plan weekend exercise?

•How much you have to spend

•How much you need to allot in the short- and long-term for necessary maintenance and voluntary improvements

With this newfound grip on your home's expenses, you can create a home financial plan that'll help you there for years with maximum enjoyment and minimum anxiety.

The mortgage: Pay it--and then some

Yup, you already shell out a lot for your mortgage, but can you pay more? Even a little extra each month can add up to an earlier payoff. Let's say you have $200,000 in outstanding principal and a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%. Your monthly payment is $1,319.91. But if you can manage to pay another $100 a month, you'll save $14,887 in interest.

Run the numbers yourself for your home financial plan.