North Bay Woman Magazine
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/296559
S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 31 "Emotional appeal is huge in real estate, but buyers have to think about more than just purchasing and enjoying the home," Bradley says. "Any single person needs to think about whether they can balance the investment of time to care for a property or pay someone else to do it". Condos "don't have as many moving parts" and "they are appreciating quickly in Marin". However, Bradley says buyers' agents should dig through the monthly HOA notes to under- stand the assessment history, liabilities, and identify clues to future assessments for major repairs. In his experience, women generally pay close attention to security issues and are usually more comfortable living in close prox- imity to neighbors. Anyone planning to live in a more remote location should make sure the home has the security features they need, or plan to add them. Bradley recommends first-time home- buyers do research to understand ARM and variable rate loan products versus 30-year fixed rate and FHA loans. He adds an optimis- tic prediction: "There are great opportunities out there. I think it will shift a little this summer in favor of buyers, so people should be encouraged." 4 Job security Couples can often rely on two incomes, while single home-buyers must have a plan if their employment situation changes. On the plus side, single adults don't have to com- promise any of their wants, tastes or needs to please someone else when they are selecting a home. Niz Realty owner, Niz Brown, says her office has done transactions for nearly a dozen single women so far this year. "Job security is an important factor when you are buying a home solo. Good advice from a financial planner can be helpful," Brown says. "Couples may throw all resources at a first home because they have two in- comes, but a single person needs a cushion. It is useful to have someone help you analyze the value of a home". When giving this interview, Brown said less than 40% of the 262 single-family homes on the market in Marin were under $1 million asking price. Additionally, 61 condos were listed. She urges single women to listen to their intuition throughout the home-buying process. ■ "Reviewing outstanding debt and credit with a loan agent is the first step." Falla encourages buyers to make offers with a level of practicality and patience. "Any single person needs to think about whether they can balance the investment of time to care for a property..." – Robert Bradley, President & CEO of Bradley Real Estate – Alva Falla of Falla Associates, Coldwell Banker – Jill Friedlander, Senior Loan Agent at Provident Bank Mortgage "Job security is an important factor when you are buying a home solo." – Niz Brown, Owner, Niz Realty 415.578.8200 HEROES AND HEROINES SALON AND SPA 915 4 th STREET, SAN RAFAEL 415.454.4376 Tuesday - Saturday www.itsallaboutthehaircut.com "It's All About T he Haircut" Designed Hair in San Francisco…London England…NYC Specializing in "Sassoon" Hair cutting. * Is your color current? Does it grow out gracefully? Are the tones right for you? * Is your hair style right for your face shape; does it reflect your style? * "Dimensional colors" and various "tones". Make your hair color come "alive".