Diane Hourany's Blog

What's the Difference Between Signing, Funding and Closing?

Posted On: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - 5:50am
Tags: close, close of escrow, escrow, fund, funding, sign, signing, title, title transfer | Topics: Buyers and Sellers

Real Estate Agents often use the terms "sign" or "signing",  "fund" or "funding" and "close" or "close of escrow". The terms can be confusing as you get closer to the end of your escrow period and many think they are one and the same and occur on the same day. It's also confused with the actual signing of the loan documents. Click through for a breakdown of what occurs during the last 7-10 days of the escrow period.

Be Careful Where You Step!

Posted On: Sunday, May 8, 2011 - 5:35am
Tags: front steps, steps, terrazzo

Front steps in San Francisco are commonly made of Terrazzo, small bits of ground stone. The steps of this building caught my eye because the owners added something unique: they embedded snails throughout the entryway steps.


8 Common Ways to Hold Title

Posted On: Friday, May 6, 2011 - 5:46am
Tags: co-ownership, documents, ownership, sole ownership, title | Topics: Buyers and Sellers, Laws and Regulations

One of the decisions you will need to make before you sign the documents to buy your home, is how you want to hold title to your property.  Below is some guidance for you (courtesy of Chicago Title Co.), but please consult with your tax adviser or accountant, as everyone's situation is different.

San Francisco Ranks as 3rd Most "Opportunity Rich" World City

Posted On: Thursday, May 5, 2011 - 1:42pm
Tags: opportunities, price-waterhouse coopers, rankings, vacation, world cities | Topics: Community Information

As if you needed more reason to live in this beautiful city of ours, here's two more: According to a study conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, San Francisco ranks as the third most "opportunity-rich city" behind New York and Toronto, but ahead of London and Paris.  And we rank as the best summer vacation spot according to U.S. News. The best weather, a growing economy, a gorgeous setting. What more could you want?!

What Are Contingencies and What Do They Mean?

Posted On: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 5:40am
Tags: appraisal, contingencies, escrow, escrow period, inspections, lender, loan, offer | Topics: Buyers and Sellers

You want to write an offer but want to know what your protections are, and if you have any 'outs' after your offer is accepted? That is what contingencies are all about.

Things Not to Do During Escrow

Posted On: Monday, May 2, 2011 - 6:00am
Tags: closing, escrow period, lenders, loan, loan documentation, mortgage broker | Topics: Buyers and Sellers

Congratulations! The sellers accepted your offer and you've entered the escrow period during which your loan is processed and you perform your due diligence on the home. As you know, lenders have become very stringent with their requirements for lending. Once your mortgage adviser has pre-approved you for a loan, you don't want to upset the apple cart by changing the criteria used to get you pre-approved.


What is a Buyer Walk-Through...and Why is it Important?

Posted On: Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 2:04pm
Tags: close of escrow, property condition, seller agreements, walk-through | Topics: Buyers and Sellers

Just before escrow closes, buyers should do a Final Walk Through...what is it and why is it important?

A Fence to Please Any Cat

Posted On: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 3:26pm
Tags: cats, fence

This caught my eye at a home I was previewing today. A human, sympathetic to the vertical clearance a cat needs when scooting under a fence, notched cat ears and enough space for a cat to comfortably scoot under a fence between properties. There were several of us who thought this was an "awww" thing to do. Not sure how a dog next door might feel about it but it sure added a little humor to our tour.

Solar Panels Increase Home Values

Posted On: Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 4:30pm
Tags: electricity savings, energy savings, home values, San Francisco, solar panel | Topics: Community Information

A question often posed by buyers and sellers alike: Does installing solar panels increase the value of a home? Finally, a newly released study shows that for a home with a typical 3.1 kilowatt solar system, the resale value is boosted by $17,000 above the cost of a comparable home without solar panels.

San Francisco Pilot Parking Project Launched

Posted On: Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 7:37am
Tags: fees, parking, SFPark, tickets | Topics: Community Information

SFPark, San Francisco's experiment with time-based meter rates launched this week. The first roll-out is in the Marina, soon to be followed by the Civic Center, Hayes Valley, the Financial District, SoMa, Fisherman's Wharf, the Mission, and the Fillmore district.  The idea is to increase parking fees when demand is high and reduce them when spaces are available so that drivers do not have to circle the block endlessly in the hopes of nabbing a parking space. 

Diane Hourany

What makes me different from a “traditional agent” –most agents do business as if they will never see or hear from you again.
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