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LARRY and Susan GOUDGE REALTOR®
FIRST TEAM REAL ESTATE
4 CORPORATE PLAZA
SUITE 100
NEWPORT BEACH,  CA  92660
714.803.6649
714.596.5960 
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Best way to eliminate roof algae
Q: We have a house that was built in 1995, in a neighborhood of other houses all built around the same time. Our house has a gray composition shingle roof that has developed large dark stains in many areas. Other homes in the neighborhood with gray or charcoal roofs also have it, but the ones with light-colored roofs don't. Is it algae? If so, would zinc strips help? --Shirley L., via e-mail
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It pays to sell home before buying another
An Oakland, Calif., couple had wanted to change their lifestyle for years. Like many people who want to make a move from the home they own to another they hope to own, this couple put the cart before the horse. They started by researching what it would cost to buy the next home before investigating how much cash they would net from the sale of their current home.
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Renovating home's exterior pays off
Most homeowners expect the value of their homes will increase when they spend money on remodeling. However, this is often not the case. The recent Cost vs. Value Report prepared by “Remodeling” magazine in conjunction with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® makes this point abundantly clear.
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LARRY and Susan GOUDGE
REALTOR®
FIRST TEAM REAL ESTATE
4 CORPORATE PLAZA
NEWPORT BEACH,  CA  92660
714.803.6649
714.596.5960 
Contact Me
Visit My Web Site
Equal Housing Opportunity   
  
What to do if your home won't sell
Homes take longer to sell today than they did in 2005. This is due to a slow home-sale market that has resulted in a build-up of the inventory of unsold listings. Although there are exceptions, this situation is expected to continue until late 2008 or 2009 -- at least. What options do sellers have whose homes aren't selling quickly enough? ...more
 
Sellers, pay attention to lowball offers
Selling a home can be an emotional experience because most sellers have a lot more than money invested in their homes. So, it's understandable that sellers might be reluctant to respond to an offer that is for less than the asking price. ...more
 
Homeowners, be careful signing divorce papers
DEAR BENNY: I am recently divorced. We had two houses. In the divorce, I got one and he got one. We both signed quitclaim deeds to each other. However, I needed to refinance mine to pay off the bills I accumulated just to get my house back into livable shape. (It was a rental while we were married.) Both houses have mortgage loans: Mine carries a rate of 6 percent and his is at 5.75 percent interest. Needless to say, there is no incentive for him to refinance that favorable loan rate. ...more
 
What makes food “organic”?
Organic food is hot and with good reason—current research shows that it does indeed live up to the hype. Recent studies at UC Davis and the Danish Institute for Agricultural Research have detected higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in organically farmed foods than in their conventionally produced counterparts. While this news makes their often-higher price tag easier to swallow, navigating the organic options at Whole Foods can be anything but simple. Here, a run-down of the terms so you’re ready to face the aisles: ...more
 
Curb appeal tips that pay off
Imagine going on a job interview looking shabby, or trying to sell your car for a good price when it's filthy and loaded with stuff. In a competitive market, you wouldn't do well. ...more
 
Home sellers who understand market prosper
Buyers aren't the only ones holding back in today's housing market. Many sellers are postponing putting their homes on the market because they are convinced that now is not a good time to sell. They would prefer to wait for a better market. ...more
 
Will shopping multiple lenders hurt credit?
It's not uncommon for home buyers to talk with several mortgage brokers or lenders to compare loan products and interest rates. One buyer who shopped around was scolded by a mortgage broker when he found out she was talking to more than one broker. He told her that she was ruining her credit score by allowing multiple credit inquiries. ...more
 
Sellers: Don't withhold bad inspection report
Inspections are an important part of home buying, but the inspection process can be nerve-racking for both buyers and sellers. Both parties want the deal to go through without a hitch. However, sometimes problems surface that the buyers weren't aware of when they entered into contract. ...more
 
Why home purchases fall apart at last minute
Most buyers and sellers feel relieved when the negotiations are done and the purchase agreement has been signed by all parties. It's a milestone. But, you might want to hold off celebrating until the transaction closes. ...more
 
Update wills when moving cross-country
DEAR BENNY: My elderly parents (dad is 90, mom is 86) had been living in Florida for the past 20 years, but due to bad health, I moved them to California. Do they need to change their wills or do the provisions still apply "as is"? I have power of attorney but would like to leave things as they are, if possible. –Beverly ...more
 
Bathroom remodel bad for water heater
Q: My natural gas, 40-gallon water heater discharges about a quart or quart and a half of water from the relief tube every day. This seems to happen when the water heater turns itself on to heat the water, and has been going on since we had our bathrooms remodeled. ...more
 
 
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