Sunnyvale is the #32 Safest City in California

Sunnyvale is considered the #32 safest city in California. From great school districts to beautiful local hiking trails and family-friendly events, Sunnyvale is a great location for any lifestyle!

For more information on other highly ranked safe cities in California visit, http://www.safewise.com/blog/50-safest-cities-california.

6 Items Every Household Should Have

Did you know most families are not prepared for an emergency? According to a Columbia University survey in 2011, respondents didn’t have basic emergency items such as water and flashlights. Below are recommended items any household should have to keep your family safe when faced with common hazards:

1. Risk Detectors – Risk detectors should be installed to alert for smoke and carbon monoxide. Don’t forget to replace them as they may lose their sensitivity over time.
2. Fire Extinguishers – Every household should have a fire extinguisher to control small fires in an emergency.  Not only is it important to have one in accessible locations, but learning how to use properly one is key.
3. First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is a must for any emergency. Each kit will include basic supplies such as wound-dressing and antiseptics, but you should add extra medications specific to your family members.
4. Battery-powered Flashlights and a Radio – In an event where the electricity is out for a long period you will need flashlights and a radio. Flashlights will aid in navigating through the dark and allow you and your family to travel to a safe location. Make sure to keep an extra set of batteries. A radio will all give you access to any important local and government updates.
5. Food and Water Supplies – It is recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to have at least one gallon of bottled water per family member per day. In addition, there should be enough nonperishable food items for your family (including pets) for at least three days.  Be sure to check your emergency food and water every six months for expiration dates.
6. An Emergency Game Plan – Did you know most families do not have an emergency plan? Planning in the event of a fire, earthquake, or any other emergency will ensure each family member is aware of the proper steps to take and where to meet in case of an evacuation.

Source:

Roberts, Amy. 6 Must-Have Safety Items for Every Home. Liberty Mutual. Web. 25 Oct 2013.
http://www.libertymutual.com/safe-and-smart-living/home-articles/home-emergency-response-plan

Breakthrough in Bay Area Housing Sales

According to a recent report the Bay Area’s housing marketing reached the highest level of sales in nearly seven years.

Realtor’s president, Errol Samuelson said, “You’re seeing the marketing start to stabilize, which is a really good thing”. While sellers are benefiting from the large yearly gain in sales prices, buyers are finding it easier to move into the market.

David Chung, a recent home buyer in Walnut Creek said, “We timed it well… These are incredibly low rates. I couldn’t be happier”.

Furthermore, Kevin Kieffer with Keller Williams in Danville states, “There’s enough owner-occupy buyers coming in to fill the gap, and they’re getting a better price”.

Source:

Carey, Pete. Bay Area Home Sales Hit Seven-Year High.  San Jose Mercury News. 15 Aug. 2013. Web. 26 Aug 2013. http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23869987/bay-area-home-sales-hit-seven-year-high.

California Home Buying Process

 

Fig. 1 Besançon, Ellie. “Members are Using One Cool Thing!” California Real Estate Oct. 2012: 9. Print.

How do most people find their dream home? Home buying trends are changing. According to the California Association of Realtors, 80% of people found their home through an agent followed by websites, sale signs, and open houses. The data also reveals that home buyers today are looking at fewer homes before making the big move. What do you think of these statistics? (see fig. 1)

Introducing the Latest in our Design Evolution – The Powerhouse!

Why is Alliance the most successful retailer in Northern California? We think different, and create a way to give our buyers what they need.

You demanded affordable luxury, we built it. You required green construction, we delivered it.  And now, introducing the latest in our design evolution – The Powerhouse.

Watch the meter move backwards, and your savings move forward, as The Powerhouse enables you to generate your own power for FREE! The first of its kind in Silicon Valley, The Powerhouse combines unparalleled luxury with cutting edge solar technology.

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Why choose The Powerhouse? By investing in this cutting-edge renewable energy source you are:

Protecting Yourself Against Rising Energy Bill

In the next 10 years, the average Californian will spend over $14,000 on electricity, and this figure is expected to increase 3% – 5% each year!

Protecting the Environment

Solar is the cleanest and most sustainable energy source available, with no fuel, no moving parts, and no emissions.  The environmental impact of the average solar electric system is the equivalent to planting nearly 39 trees per year.

Protecting the Value of your Home

Solar is a safe, long term investment with an excellent financial return. And it continues to generate value long after it is paid off.

Make a statement! Demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability! Want to learn more about this home? Call (866) 502-7038 to speak with an agent for more details!

How Safe are Manufactured Homes?

One of the most asked questions we come across is, “Are Manufactured Homes safe?” As with any home purchase safety is the most important factor. In some cases, Manufactured Homes are much safer than site built homes.

Here are helpful facts about Manufactured Home safety that may enlighten you in your decision when looking for a home.

• Manufactured Homes are constructed on a non-permanent foundation whereas site built homes are on a permanent foundation.
• Manufactured Homes are installed onto a series of steel support piers. These piers offer structural foundation support as well as seismic support for any lateral forces caused by earthquakes.
• Each new home is equipped with 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 exterior studs and a high percentage of shear walls to exceed the required strength parameters. This ensures the structural support during any shaking or rattling from an earthquake.
• The homes are built to the HUD code. This code regulates the design, construction, structural durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency of a home. It also prescribes performance standards for the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Manufactured Homes are inspected frequently at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. In-plant inspectors, as well as independent agencies inspect your home on behalf of the federal, state, and local governments for code compliance. Evidence of this inspection can be seen through the federal, state, or inspection agency label of approval.
• Manufactured Homes are built and shipped on a permanent chassis and can withstand harsh winds on the freeway.
• Manufactured Home communities are required by the state of California to have evacuation procedures for their residents.

For more information on the safety of our homes call (888) 874-8692 to speak with an agent today!

Why Now is a Great Time to Buy!

Not sure whether now is a good time to buy a home? Buying today is full of opportunity and more consumers are coming to realize this conclusion.

In a recent monthly survey, the mortgage company Fannie Mae found that nearly three-quarters of Americans thought it was a good time to buy a home due to their expectation that purchase prices will increase within the next year. Doug Duncan, a chief economist from Fannie Mae, stated in the Wall Street Journal, “Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes”.

So why should you buy a home right now? We’ve listed the main reasons below:

Lower interest rates. Interest rates today are some of the lowest since 1971. “Homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for nearly two decades,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  No one is sure just how long these low rates with stick around.

Increasing rents. Rental prices have continued to climb while vacancy rates reach a low. According to Ryan Severino, a Reis senior economist, “…rents tend to spike as landlords perceive that tight market conditions afford them greater pricing power over tenants”.

Lower prices. Prices still have not returned to their 2006 levels.

Still not sure whether buying now is the best decision for you? Now is the time to find out! Whenever buying a home you need an experienced, reputable, and trustworthy agent at your side.  Our agents at Alliance Homes are here for you. Contact your local experts today!

Sources:

Apartment Rents Rise, Vacancies Plunge. ABC News. Web. 6 Jul 2012. http://news.yahoo.com/apartment-rents-rising-vacancies-10-low-140611799–abc-news-savings-and-investment.html

June 2012 Market Update. Keller Williams Realty. Web. 18 Jun 2012. http://images.kw.com/media/shared/tmre/tmire-jun12.html

Why Now is a Good Time to Buy a Home. MSN Money. 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Jun 2012.  http://money.msn.com/debt-management/article.aspx?post=88a39190-6e56-47e4-a1a7-4ec8a79edfc4

Why Buy a Home? Carla Hill. Realty Times. 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Jun 2012. http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20120125_whybuy.htm

Meet Connie!

Connie Smith is a licensed Manufactured Home Sales Associate & Real Estate agent.  She started her career in the late 80’s working as a Realtor for Century 21 where she was awarded top producer three times.  As a San Jose native, she is very familiar with local the local housing market and its neighborhoods.

Connie joined the Alliance Family in June of 2007.  Since then, she has helped existing mobile home residents upgrade their homes to beautiful, brand new manufactured homes, sold single family residences, and helped first-time manufactured homeowners become owners; all while earning the title of Top Re-sale Agent in 2009 & 2010.

Her success has included selling listings in their first week on the market and properly educating clients on community living and purchasing. She attributes her success to the fact that the Alliance Team has a strong network of associates that enables her to provide quality products and services to her clients.  Having been in customer service for several years, Connie understands that customer satisfaction is of utmost importance.

For more information on our other experienced and qualified agents visit our website at http://www.alliancemh.com. We are excited to help you fulfill your dream of homeownership!

Benefits of Living in Manufactured Home Communities

Manufactured home communities are not what you may think! You’ll be surprised to find out that many communities attract all types of lifestyles and offer  luxurious amenities. We’ve included a short video on what you can expect to find in these wonderful communities!

Benefits of Living in Manufactured Home Communities

For more information on communities in your area visit our website or call 888 874 8692! 

How is Your Credit Score Determined?

First of all, what is a credit score?

A credit score is a number that lenders use to estimate a borrower’s risk. When it comes to purchasing a home, a credit score plays a huge role in determining the interest rate a lender is willing to offer. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking for another home, it’s a good idea to obtain copies of your credit report, that way you know what you can qualify for. Now that we know what a credit score is, what factors affect it and how can you improve it? By understanding the 5 factors that can help or hurt your score you will be on your way to building a healthier credit.

 

1. Payment History (about 35%). This is the largest portion of your credit score. Make sure that you make payments within 30 days as this can negatively affect your overall credit score. Always pay your bills on time. Late payments are probably the worst thing you can do.
2. Amounts Owed (about 30%). Borrowing is certainly not a bad thing, but being in a lot of debt is. Make sure you don’t charge over half the limit on all of your credits.
3. Length of Credit History (about 15%). Having a long payment history shows lenders you have paid your bills on time and will be likely to do so in the future. So, if you’re thinking about tossing your old credit cards you may want to think again. Keeping your credit cards are important in order to keep your credit history associated with each card.
4. New Credit (about 10%). The fourth portion of your credit report has to do with the amount of accounts you have. Each time you apply for a new credit card it appears in your credit report. Applying for too many credit cards in a short period of time is seen as risky.
5. Types of Credits in Use (about 10%). Spread out your debt among different types of loans. So for example, having some debt in car loans, student loans, and mortgage is better than having all debt on only your credit card.

Take a breath! It’s not all that bad. When it comes down to it it’s all about sticking to a budget and making payments on time.

Our in-house Finance Department will advise you on credit issues you have. We strive to make the home buying process simple and stress-free! Call us today at 888 874 8692!

The information provided is obtained from an article, What Determines My Credit Score? from Trulia.com.