Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

• Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they'll accept, and if you're not even approaching the low end of that range, they won't even consider the offer.
• Incremental negotiations: Don't continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.
• “Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you're unwilling to budge. Even if it's true, don't make a show of it.
• Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.
• Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren't included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you're being greedy.

Going green is great for the environment, but that's not the only benefit. When you make green upgrades in your home, it can also lead to some major savings.

• Solar panels:The upfront cost is big, but the long-term savings are huge. Solar panels will cost several thousand dollars to install, but ongoing maintenance costs are very low, and a typical system could save you hundreds of dollars per year. You can even sell your surplus electricity.
• Wood furnace:Wood-burning furnaces are relatively inexpensive, and though the yearly savings aren't as dramatic (about 10% on heating bills), it adds up over the long run.
• Insulation:There's a good chance your insulation isn't very efficient, especially in older homes. Look into installing floor, cavity, wall, and loft insulation to reduce your heating bills.
• Rain barrels:Rain barrels are extremely inexpensive, and provide gallons of free water to use when you wash your car or water your garden.
• Geothermal system:OK, so the price tag is scary at first. A geothermal system uses the earth's temperature to heat and cool your home, but can cost $30,000 to install. But tax credits allow you to get a lot of that money back, and the energy savings average about $1,900 per year. If you plan to be in your home for a decade or two, it's a great investment.

You've most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You'll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you'll pay. You'll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you're looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren't binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Improving your credit history is essential for gaining access to credit and loans at favorable terms. A good credit history will help you secure a mortgage, car loan, or credit card with a low-interest rate, and can even help you get approved for a job or an apartment rental. Here are a few tips for improving your credit history:

1. Pay your bills on time: Late payments can have a major impact on your credit score, so it's important to make sure all of your bills are paid on time. This includes credit card bills, mortgage payments, and other loans.
2. Keep your credit utilization low: Credit utilization is the amount of credit you're using compared to the amount of credit you have available. Lenders prefer to see a low credit utilization, so try to keep your balances low and pay them off in full each month.
3. Check your credit report: Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, including your credit accounts, late payments, and other information. It's important to check your credit report regularly to ensure that all of the information is accurate and up-to-date. If you find any errors, dispute them with the credit bureau.
4. Be selective about new credit: Every time you apply for credit, it creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score. Try to limit the number of new credit accounts you open, and only apply for credit when you need it.
5. Keep old credit accounts open: The length of your credit history is an important factor in your credit score, so try to keep old credit accounts open, even if you're not using them.
6. Be aware of your credit score: Monitoring your credit score regularly can help you identify potential issues early, and take steps to address them.

Improving your credit history is not an overnight process, it requires time and patience. Stick to these tips and you'll be on your way to a better credit history, which will help you get approved for credit and loans at more favorable terms

When it comes to buying a home in San Jose, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to ensure that you make a smart and successful purchase. In this blog post, we'll be highlighting the top ten items that you should avoid when buying a home in San Jose.

1. Buying in a High-Crime Area: Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to buying a home, so it's essential to avoid buying in an area with a high crime rate. Look into the crime statistics for the neighborhood you're interested in and consider the overall safety of the area before making a purchase.
2. Buying in a Flood-Prone Area: San Jose is located in a flood zone, so it's important to be aware of the potential for flooding in the area you're considering buying in. Look for homes that are located on higher ground, or that have been built to withstand floods.
3. Buying in an Area with Poor Schools: Education is an important factor to consider when buying a home, so it's essential to avoid buying in an area with poor schools. Look into the quality of the local schools and consider the educational opportunities that are available in the area.
4. Buying in an Area with High Property Taxes: Property taxes can be a significant expense when buying a home, so it's essential to avoid buying in an area with high property taxes. Look into the tax rate for the area you're considering buying in and factor this into your budget.
5. Buying a Home that Requires Significant Repairs or Renovations: Buying a home that requires significant repairs or renovations can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, so it's essential to avoid buying a home that requires significant work. Look for a home that is in good condition and that requires minimal repairs or renovations.
6. Buying a Home that is Overpriced: Overpaying for a home can be a costly mistake, so it's essential to avoid buying a home that is overpriced. Look at comparable sales in the area and get a home appraisal to ensure that you're paying a fair price for the home.
7. Buying a Home with a History of Natural Disasters: San Jose is located in an area that is susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires, so it's essential to avoid buying a home with a history of natural disasters. Look for a home that is located in an area that is less susceptible to natural disasters.
8. Buying a Home with Zoning Restrictions: Zoning restrictions can limit the potential uses or development of a home, so it's essential to avoid buying a home with zoning restrictions. Look into the zoning for the area you're considering buying in and consider the potential limitations that may come with the property.
9. Buying a Home without a Clear Title: Buying a home without a clear title can be a costly mistake, so it's essential to avoid buying a home without a clear title. Look into the title history of the property and ensure that there are no outstanding liens or other issues with the title.
10. Buying a Home without a Professional Home Inspection: A professional home inspection can reveal potential issues with the home that may not be immediately apparent, so it's essential to avoid buying a home without a professional home inspection. Hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly inspect the property before making a purchase.

In conclusion, buying a home in San Jose can be a great investment, but it's essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can come with the purchase. By avoiding these top ten items, you can be sure that you're making a smart and successful purchase.
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CalHFA stands for the California Housing Finance Agency, which is a state agency that helps Californians buy their first homes by providing financing options. A CalHFA loan is a type of mortgage loan that is offered by this agency to eligible borrowers in California.

There are a few things that make CalHFA loans different from other types of mortgage loans. For one thing, they are specifically designed to help low- and moderate-income borrowers, which means that they often come with more lenient eligibility requirements and lower interest rates than other loans.

CalHFA loans also come with down payment assistance, which means that the agency will provide a certain amount of money to help borrowers cover their down payment and closing costs. This can be especially helpful for first-time homebuyers who may not have a lot of cash on hand.

In addition to these features, CalHFA loans also offer different options for repayment, including both fixed and adjustable interest rates. This means that borrowers can choose a loan that fits their budget and financial goals.

Overall, a CalHFA loan is a great option for Californians who are looking to buy their first home but need help with financing. If you're interested in learning more, you can visit the CalHFA website or speak with a local lender who offers these types of loans.