Diane Baty- South County Real Estate

I love my job and that makes it easier to be a good REALTOR for my clients. I am dedicated to making your experience in Real Estate a positive one. I am constantly attending continuing education to stay abreast of the changes in the Real Estate market which allows me to be an informed agent and make the best deal for my clients. I reside in Gilroy with my husband of 30 years- Jim Baty and our three grown children, all of whom are now in college. As I raised my children I was an active participant in their school experience from Parent Club Volunteer to committee work at the School District level. I am very connected in the community overall. I've served as a Project Leader in Adams 4-H Club of Gilroy, as well as volunteering with many organizations and sports that our children are a part of. I am now an active member in the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. Spending time with family and friends is my favorite pastime when I'm out of the office. Now that my children are grown I have more time to focus on my career in Real Estate. Share |

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I feel very fortunate to have been named Realtor of the year!

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An interesting article about FHA and the role they play in the mortgage world. I know that they have been an important tool in our market in recent years!

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Realtors® Applaud Congress for Reinstating FHA Loan Limits

In this article, the National Association of Realtors believes that "the reinstated loan limit formula and cap change will help make mortgages more affordable and accessible for hard-working, middle-class families throughout the country."  Read the full article below and let me know if you have any questions!

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2011/11/congress_reinstates_fha_loan_limits

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Infographic: What First Time Home Buyers Want

Learn more about the first time home buyer and the house features that they desire from this infographic from Coldwell Banker.

http://www.coldwellbanker.com/real_estate/learn/what_first_time_home_buyers_want

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Top reasons cited for purchasing real estate

As pointed out in this article, the American dream isn't dead.  The desire to own a home coupled with affordability are excellent reasons to purchase real estate.

  http://agbeat.com/real-estate-news-events/top-reasons-cited-for-purchasing-real-estate-new-report/

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CALIFORNIA INTERACTIVE MARKET STATS

Check out this interactive map from the California Association of Realtors.  Simply click on the link below, then select the area you want information for.

  http://www.car.org/marketdata/map

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Home Staging Costs

Read this helpful article discussing "home staging when trying to sell a home” from fixr.com.

Interesting point made by the Mortgage Daily News - that most homes that are professionally staged will end up bringing in roughly 3% more than the anticipated price!

http://www.fixr.com/costs/home-staging

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Remodeling Your Kitchen? Check Out These Costs.

I am consistently asked about "kitchen remodels" by homeowners thinking of selling in the near future.

  It is not uncommon for 70 percent of kitchen remodeling costs to be recouped upon resale. Take a look at this informative article.

http://www.fixr.com/costs/kitchen-remodeling

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How much does it cost to hire a home appraiser?

Appraisals can seem mysterious to potential home buyers, so read this article to get a better understanding of what to expect.

  http://www.fixr.com/costs/home-appraisal

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Lowest Housing Starts Since World War II

Some bright spots for new construction are appearing on the horizon according to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Read the information in this link about the "faster return to healthier markets" that Mr. Yun sees ahead of us.

  http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2011/09/15/lowest-housing-starts-since-world-war-ii/

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View “New Residential Construction” Report for the U.S.

Take a look at "new-housing” under construction figures and how they compare with past years activity in this informative link from Mortgage Daily News.

  http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/data/housing-under-construction.aspx

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Infographic: Home Improvement Costs in the US

Found this great infographic that shows what home improvement projects and rooms that home owners are undertaking in the US today.

Click the image to enlarge Source: Fixr Remodeling Cost Guides

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Monthly Payments for Home Buyers

A home buyer purchasing a typical American home at the prevailing average mortgage rate today would have a mortgage payment that is not much different from what a home buyer would have faced 30 years ago.

In 1981, home prices were much lower but mortgage rates were reaching 18 percent. Thanks to record low mortgage rates, the monthly payment obligations have been greatly reduced.

  http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2011/10/06/monthly-payments-for-home-buyers/

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Got Insurance? Enough? You Sure?

Insurance is determined based on what it would cost to rebuild your home, not its market value -- and as we know, the cost of construction has gone up.

Read this informative article for tips on how to protect against this increase in costs in your coverage.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704487904576267512488763924.html

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8 Factors That Devalue a Good Home

The 8 factors identified in this article must be considered when looking at a home purchase, selling your home or if you are considering a remodel.

I am always willing to check out these variables “ahead of time” to help you make an informed decision “before” you invest or to help you make the most of your current home.

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-112746-9669-2-8-factors-that-devalue-a-home?ywaad=ad0035&nc

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5 Expensive (And Unexpected) Things That Can Happen To Your Home

Please check out this list of 5 things by Financial Edge to be aware of and most importantly, how to prevent these expensive items from popping up in your home. 

Foundation Issues

Mold

Water Damage

Bed Bugs

Sewer Line Problems

Read more: http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0910/5-Expensive-And-Unexpected-Things-That-Can-Happen-To-Your-Home.aspx?partner=yahoofin#ixzz1W5f1Pzw9