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About Brian Ripp

Broker, CRS, GRI Fremont, CA

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2698 Mowry Ave.,
Fremont, CA 94538

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6 worth-the-price fix ups for your home

Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGains annual home improvement and staging survey.  The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIYhome improvement projects five sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are the six projects under $1,000 (approx.) that made the [...]

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Update your Fireplace Mantle with Style

A mantle can be the place where you highlight treasured family photos; it can also be a show-stopping focal point for your room.  Whether you like minimalistic design or prefer to be surrounded with your favorite objects, here are some ideas to help you decorate your mantle: * Go Bold.  If you tend to use [...]

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2012 Job Outlook

There may be some good news on the jobs front, which could give the housing market a boost.  Some employersplan to add new jobs in 2012, but many are waiting to see how the enconomy fares before ramping up their hiring plans, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast.  Nearly onin four empoloyers (23%) say they [...]

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Fixed-Rate Mortgages are Preferred

Fixed-rate loans accounted for more than 95% of all refinance loans in the 4th, regardless of whether the original loan was an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate, according to a report by Freddie Mac.  Nearly two-thirds of borrowers who had a hybrid ARM (58%) chose a fixed-rate loan during the 4th quarter, while the [...]

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Cabinet Help

Can’t afford a full kitchen makeover?  Sprucing up the cabinetry is an easy fix for a fraction of the cost. There are two options:  replacing or refacing.  Refacing includes covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with wood or plastic veneer and replacing knobs and door hinges; replacing cabinets requires removing them entirely and [...]

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5 Ways to improve your Credit Score

1. Pay your bills on time. Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your score. So paying bills on time is the most important thing you can do. If you’re behind, get caught up and then stay current. If you’re struggling, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule. 2. Increase the length of [...]

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Helpful Tips to Save Energy

Here are some suggestions to ensure that your home is energy efficient and ready for the colder winter weather. Test your homes energy efficiency.  You can perform a simple audit of your home’s energy use by following the guidelines at EnergyStar.gov. You can also have PG&E or a home inspector evaluate the home. Turn down [...]

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Remodeling Outlook Positive for 2012

Like the residential housing market, the remodeling market is showing signs of improvement, according to two leading industry indexes. The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose five points in the fourth quarter of 2011 from the third quarter, reaching its highest level in five years. Index components measuring current market conditions [...]

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Get Your Finances Ready for 2012

Key points • The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially. • Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2012, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more. • Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income. It wouldn’t be the new year without resolutions. But whether [...]

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Be a “Snoopy” Seller

Before you put your home on the market,take the time to do a little “snooping” on your neighbors by comparing your home to others on the market and visiting open houses. Visiting a few open houses can give you a better idea of what your home is worth and can highlight needed improvements. If two [...]

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When it’s too Hot in the Kitchen

You’ve likely heard the joke that goes, “I can always tell when my wife’s cooking is done because the fire alarm goes off”. But fire is no joke. And most home fires do begin in the kitchen. So remember, the best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you [...]

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Inspect for Success

Most homeowners believe a home inspection provides valuable information that helps them avoid home maintenance problems and save money, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive and the American Society of Home Inspectors. Seven out of ten homeowners surveyed say the home inspection on their current home helped them avoid potential problems with their [...]

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“No Regrets”

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market and the decline in home values, most homeowners, including those who are underwater on their mortgages, don’t regret owning a home. In a recent survey by the National Assoication of Home Builders, three out of four Americans believe that owning a home is the best long-term [...]

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Determining the Possesion Date

When you buy a new home,you’ll eagerly await the day you can move in. But how is that date determined? The date of possession is one of several details that must be negotiated between you and the seller. In most cases, possession will be transferred after you have signed your mortgage loan and a clear [...]

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Bye -Bye buyers remorse

These days, everyone is trying to keep a better watch on their money. But if it seems like all you’re doing is watching your slip through your fingers, it may not be entirely your fault. Marketing expert and author of “Buyology” Truth and Lies About Why We Buy”, Martin Lindstrom says that “we are much [...]

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Settling into Your New Home

After making the investment of buying your new home, you may want to postpone such expensive tasks as landscaping and adding a deck, but there are a few essentials that you shouldn’t put off. One of the first actions you should take is to change your locks. You never know if the previous owners gave [...]

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app orchard

Buying or selling your house? There’s an app for that. Well, not exactly, but there’s plenty of high-tech help available to guide you through the process. The iZillow app gives you access to date on more than 80 millions homes, including square footage and an estimate of fair market value. Take a drive around your [...]

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Keeping your home “Hot” year round

Buyers look for homes year-round. But since you may not be able to depend on spectacular landscaping to attract byers to your home, marketing your home during the winter months may require that you highlight its other features. Turn on all your exterior lights and open the curtains during the day to make the most [...]

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Finding the Right Neighborhood Fit

The place you decide to call home can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life.  Neighborhoods, like their inhabitants, have unique personalities and charm.  With a little investigative work, you can find your dream neighborhood – a neighborhood that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and that makes you and your family [...]

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5 quick fix up tips

Here are five improvements you can make that might help your home sell faster in a cooling market: 1. Create a welcoming entrance. Make sure your front door is clean, polish the hardware (or replace it if necessary) and repaint the door if it is in poor shape. Finally, add a new doormat, update your [...]

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