Mary's Blog

Mary Aguilar Team Now With David Lyng Real Estate

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:22:40 -0700

Greetings,

We are very excited to being working in the Carmel Office of David Lyng Real Estate! For 30 years, through a variety of market conditions, David Lyng Real Estate has remained committed to delivering the most comprehensively successful real estate services in and beyond the Monterey Bay. David Lyng Real Estate is excellence - excellence in marketing and communication and excellence in client service.

Not only is this a wonderful career move for us, but for all of our clients as well. David Lyng is thinking forward to the future with the best marketing tools and technologies to keep us at the forefront of our industry. We can hardly wait to have our first listing posted on David Lyng's Real Estate Channel on YouTube; or begin to utilize the various electronic forms and electronic signatures for our buyer's offers - we hope that you will be excited to share this experience with us.

As always we promise the very best in customer service standards and negotiating skills to always get you the best possible price! Please save our new email address and contact us soon - we are always available to help you with all your real estate needs.

Short Sales

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:10:40 -0700

You have probably heard the term "Short Sale" on the news or in a newspaper article about the Sub-Prime Housing crisis. But do you really know what a Short Sale Means?

A Short Sale occurs in real estate when the outstanding obligations (liens) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for. In order for a Short Sale to close successfully, the lienholder(s) need to agree to FORGIVE a portion of the debt that is secured by the Real Estate being sold and accept a discounted mortgage payoff.

What are the Qualififications for a Short Sale?

1.)Comparable sales in the area must substantiate that the home is worth less than the unpaid balance due to the lender(s).

2.)The sellers are in or near default.

3.)The sellers must prove a hardship and inability to payoff the loans.

There are advantages of doing a Short Sale, rather than going into Foreclosure. The main advantage is the impact to your credit. Of course, it depends on how early the short sale begins and whether a Notcie of Default has bewn filed. Your credit is negatively affected for 1-3 years, but you may possibly qualify for new mortgage within 18 months. In a Foreclosure, your credit is negatively affected for 7 to 10 years, and it may take much longer to qualify for a new mortgage again. Always consult with you Tax Accountant or a Real Estate Attorney to find out how this will specifically impact you.

Debt Foregiveness and Tax Consequences

Usually debt that is forgiven or cancelled by a Lender must be included as income on a Taxpayer's income tax return. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act MAY allow exclusion of income IF debt is secured by Taxpayer's principal residence. Consult an Accountant.

What is the recipe for a successful Short Sale?

1) A Cooperative Seller 2) A Knowledgeable Listing Agent 3) A Cooperative Lender(s) 4) A Patient Buyer and 5) Competent Escrow Officer and/or Short Sale Facilitator

If you think you may be qualified for a Short Sale, please contact Mary Aguilar (831) 277-1073 for more information. This could be the answer you are looking for to begin again and find relief from financial stress and difficulties.

Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, ABR, e-PRO

John Saar Properties

Carmel, California

Lending Becoming Even More of a Challenge?

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:16:19 -0700

Is anyone else experiencing difficulties in getting your clients' loans approved? We on the Central Coast of California are experiencing a very high volume of REOs going into escrow and as a result it is taking as long as 14 days to get underwriting approval. Please share your experiences and what you are finding may help in moving transactions along in a somewhat timely manner.

Working With REOs

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:07:38 -0700

My first job in 1967 was working for a bank in New York State (I know I am dating myself!). Here I am again working with banks in Real Estate - and working with Bank Owned property can be a challenge. If you are a control freak, give it up - you won't be in control with your negotiations, or any other step in the process, for that matter.

Working with a bank is a wait and see game. Make and offer, and WAIT. Get a counter, counter their counter, and WAIT. Accept the offer, and WAIT for an executed contract. It can be very frustrating, to say the least. There are no people to talk to, only a website where you can find out what, if anything is being approved.

Some of the REOs are now coming on the market at below market prices and causing a flury of activity with multiple offers coming in with cash and over the asking price.

I pride myself on being responsive and giving great customer service, but I have to explain to my clients, that this is not a normal transaction. Every bank is different in want they want and how they do it. Some demand a non-refundable deposit and even NO contingencies. Others are a bit more rational, but it is still a risk for any buyer. The condition of some of these REOs are unbelieveable, so you need to have a hammer and lots of nails before you can move in.

So I say, get used to it - the only Realtors making any money these days are the ones brave and patient enough to work with the banks to be able to get their clients an "affordable" home at prices we once saw more that 5-6 years ago.

Call me today to buy an REO in Monterey County. www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Infomercial

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:38:56 -0700

I am writing a 30 second infomercial about what I do as a Realtor. How would you introduce yourself? What do you think about the following? I'd love to have your comments:

I sell homes and I make friends for life. I am passionate about working diligently to get my clients the best possible price, both buyers and sellers alike. Whether it's negotiating, problem solving, writing an ad or meeting an inspector at the house, I keep the process simple and easy and help the client get what they want.

Country Roads Take You Home To a Wonderful Prunedale Community

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:38:57 -0700

Country Roads Take You Home......to a unique one-level design and life is easy in this amazing 2400+ sq ft, 2 bedroom plus bonus room, 2.5 bath home with full basement that can easily be finished into an extra family room/rec room. Nestled on 1+acre of natural beauty you can enjoy sunsets from the sprawling redwood decks or through the myriad of windows opening up the home to the outdoors. Some of the features include a country kitchen with specially crafted cabinets, lots of wood, wide halls and luxurious bathrooms. The main and master bathroom each have a separate shower, double sink, bidet, marble tile and jetted soaking tubs. A detached 2 car garage has a great workshop for the hobbyist. Whether you are commuting to San Jose or Monterey, you'll love coming home to your own heavenly haven. For a special look call Mary Aguilar, Realtor, John Saar Properties at 831-277-1073.

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Is the Market Recovering?

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:49:58 -0700

Wow! I have clients looking at bank owned properties and much to my surprise, many have multiple, cash offers. All of a sudden we have hit a price point and the buyers are rushing in.

Salinas has had the most foreclosures and short sales in the County. In the Creekbridge area of North Salinas there are currently 60+ listings in escrow. This is so encouraging! Mind you, we have a few more to go, but if the rush keeps up, we may get most of the foreclosures sold by the end of the year, if not sooner, and see the market level off a bit!

Many of the homes we see being sold in the $200,000 and $300,000 price range sold as high as $620,000 just less than 2 years ago. The bubble has burst, but it is a great time to be a buyer. The most recent proposed legislation by Congress allows for a $7000 tax credit for those who buy foreclosures. If passed, this will bring out even more investors.

So Buyers, don't wait too long - the opportunities are here now. Call me today to get a special tour of homes for sale on the Monterey Peninsula.

Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, e-PRO, ABR

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

World Class View in Del Monte Heights

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:19:12 -0700

World Class View in Del Monte Heights in Seaside, California

This home is only for those who love a fabulous ocean view! Enjoy sunsets and city lights from this wonderful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home perched on a quiet cul-de-sac in Upper Seaside with underground utilities and nearby parks. French pavers welcome you as you come up to the front entrance of the home under an amazing pergola. With a casual floor plan that has a large living room and separate family room, this home is designed for a fun lifestyle and plenty of entertaining. Perfect taste shows in its remodeled kitchen, stylish window treatments and built-in cabinets; not to forget the wonderfully landscaped, oversized lot. Without question, at over 2000 square feet, this is the most house your money can buy on the Peninsula. Terrific price of $739,000

Call Mary today for a private showing - 831 277-1073

Open House scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th, 1 to 4PM

http://www.maryaguilarhomes.com/

City of Monterey, CA Lot For Sale

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:03:04 -0700

5,000 square foot Monterey City lot WITH WATER. Achitechtural Review Committee(ARC) has approved the concept for a 2 unit/2 story residential structure that can be converted to a single-family home. ARC approval good until May 09 - 2nd story designed to have Bay views - Zoning is multi-residential. Soil test and Geological Survey have been completed and will be provided to buyer.

890 Taylor St. Monterey Offered at $600,000

Contact Mary Aguilar at (831) 277-1073

Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, Top Producer at John Saar Properties

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

City of Monterey, CA Lot For Sale

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:02:56 -0700

5,000 square foot Monterey City lot WITH WATER. Achitechtural Review Committee(ARC) has approved the concept for a 2 unit/2 story residential structure that can be converted to a single-family home. ARC approval good until May 09 - 2nd story designed to have Bay views - Zoning is multi-residential. Soil test and Geological Survey have been completed and will be provided to buyer.

890 Taylor St. Monterey Offered at $600,000

Contact Mary Aguilar at (831) 277-1073

Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, Top Producer at John Saar Properties

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Welcome To New Blogger: Judi Hartwell

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:31:39 -0700

Welcome to my friend, Judi Hartwell. Judi and I have been friends for over 20 years, each working for the Department of the Navy in Human Resources during another lifetime. Judi moved to Mississippi over 10 years ago and came back to California after Katrina hit and did major damage to her home.

Judi retired and is now working as a Realtor at my company, John Saar Properties in Carmel, CA. Judi is doing all the right things: she has a wonderful coach, doing lots of open houses, and is now starting to blogg with us.

I look forward to getting a strong blogging community on the Monterey Peninsula! Please join me in welcoming Judi Hartwell: jud@johnsaarproperties.com

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Moving Day - Are Your Ready!

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:28:12 -0700

So you've purchased your new home! Now, for the next challenge: moving. This is a great time to carefully go through your possessions and to dispose of any clothes, furniture and fixtures that you no longer want or need. Donate them to a charity, hold a garage sale - but if you don't want them any more, don't move them.

Are you going to pack yourself or hire professionals? If you're doing your own packing, following is a list of materials you'll need. Moving companies and overnight mail businesses can furnish these, as well as specialized items including wardrobe boxes for clothing and heavy-duty boxes for china and other breakables. Liquor and computer stores also are good sources for sturdy boxes.

You should start collecting the following materials:

Boxes of all sizes
Plastic bags
Non-shredded newspapers
Packing tape
Markers
Bubble wrap
Tissues paper

Packing 101-A few guidelines

Cushion the bottom and sides of boxes first
Packed items should not exceed 30 pounds
When packing, go room by room - it will make unpacking easier
Begin your packing as early in the moving process as you can - it will take longer than you think at a time when you'll be busy with many other concerns
Label all boxes by item and where in your new home they should be placed
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes
Thoroughly wrap your breakables in newsprint paper, paper towels or clothing, placing them in dresser drawers, containers with lids, large cans, etc.
Fill your refrigerator and washer and dryer with clothes, linens and other light objects
Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances
Don't tape furniture, doors and drawers, as tape can cause damage; instead, use rope, elastic or long strips of fabric to secure furniture
If you have children, let them feel they are a part of the process by helping them pack their toys

On moving day...
Fill one box with moving-day essentials like paper plates, a coffee maker and coffee, hand tools and extension cords, a bucket, rags, soaps and paper towels. You may also want to set aside a few days' worth of clothing, food and other essentials you'll need prior to arriving at your new home and prior to unpacking.

Mary@MaryAguilarHomes.com

Salinas Home For Sale - Cute as a Button!

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:42:35 -0700

Mary Aguilar, Realtor | John Saar Properties | 831 372-1598

1454 Marin St., Salinas, CA

Cute as a Button, Clean as a Whistle!

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $384,000

Year Built	Unspecified
Sq Footage	1,212
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

2 Bedroom /2Bath home with full 2 car garage. New carpet, paint, and plantation shutters make this home very warm and inviting. Other features include high ceilings, wood beams, sky lights, 2 full baths and a full 2car garage. The home is on a spacious lot with a wonderful back yard with flowers blooming and a fish pond. What a wonderful place to call home

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Hardwood floor	Living room	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Wonderful fenced yard with pond and blooming flowers

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Mary Aguilar, Realtor

John Saar Properties

831 372-1598

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 15, 2008, 4:24pm PDT

www.maryaguilarhomes.com

Lorna Hines - Sales Career Resources San Francisco Bay Last Chance Registration

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:45:14 -0700

Lorna Hines, Coach Extraordinaire is offering a class this week in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have never been to one of Lorna's Classes, you are in for a real treat.

LISTING & SELLING LISTINGS IN A TRANSITIONAL MARKET

LISTING & SELLING LISTINGS IN A TRANSITIONAL MARKET
Thursday & Friday ~ March 13 & 14, 2008 ~ 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Marriott Hotel ~ 2600 Bishop Drive ~ San Ramon, CA

E-mail: coaching@SalesCareerResources.com today if you are interested in attending. You will leave the class with practical tools and motivation to move your business forward.

Please contact me if you would like more info - Mary Aguilar www.maryaguilarhomes.com

Thank you Linda Guy!

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:41:05 -0700

Two years ago I was working for Century 21 in Monterey. I had a great year, received the Centurian Award, only the 2nd person in the office to do so. The market was starting to adjust downward, but I didn't think that my business could be affected.

I wrote up an offer for a client of mine and presented it to the listing agent, Linda Guy. Linda is also the Broker of John Saar Properties in Carmel. Shortly after, Linda called me and asked if I would be interested in making a change to move to her company. I was used to getting calls making me offers and at first I said no. Linda was persistent and in a few months called me again.

By this time I began seeing how the low ane mid-range markets were struggling - this is where I had established my business and it was difficult for me to cross over into the high-end. John Saar Properties is a premier company which dabbles in all markets on the Peninsula, but John is ultimately known for his inspired marketing that makes a huge difference-especially for unique homes on the coast. Last year the company had one of its best years - during the slump.

Well to make a long story short, I accepted. Thank you Linda! I am not only happy that my business has thrived, but working with Linda has been one of my best experiences of my lifetime. Linda is one of those few people who manages from her heart. She inspires the best in all of us. She is honest, nuturing, loyal, but most important she truly cares about each and everyone of us and our businesses. She is available 24/7, no matter what the issue may be. I am truly blessed to be working for Linda, my Broker and my friend.

Mary Aguilar www.maryaguilarhomes.com

THE TAXMAN.....AND SCAM ARTISTS....COMETH!

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:41:11 -0800

Here is another interesting article from my MMG Newsletter. I don't know about you, but I get way too much spam. Read this......and dont' fall prey to any email scams.

Along with the taxman comes an inevitable new breed of scam artists. That's why you need to be on guard--especially for unscrupulous scammers, who are sending emails that appear to be from the IRS. The content of the emails are often written to persuade you to link to a website that will allow you to update your data or receive important information.

Remember, these phony emails are quite sophisticated, and the links send you to what usually appear to be legitimate IRS or government websites. In reality, they are not. These sites will prompt you to divulge private information under the guise of the IRS requiring it, to offer a larger refund, or sometimes, ironically, to protect you from identity theft or loss of privacy.

What Can You Do to Avoid Falling Prey To One Of These Scams?

Always Be Suspicious of Emails. Remember, the IRS does NOT initiate communication with taxpayers through email, but rather through the regular mail. If you receive an email that says it's from the IRS, you should immediately be suspicious and should forward it in its entirety to the IRS, so that they can take steps to shut down the fraudulent and bogus websites. The IRS requests that you forward all questionable emails to http://mail.maryaguilarhomes.com/cgi-bin/compose.exe?id=019ef79e4dbf0a3c80f8abc0ed76af29941&new=&xsl=compose.xsl&to=phishing@irs.gov.

Double Check the URL Address. Keep in mind that all IRS websites begin with the following web address: http://www.irs.gov/. So, if you ever click a link in an email or visit a website that you believe is related to the IRS, the first thing you should do is confirm the website begins with the correct URL address. Remember, sometimes it may "look" legitimate, but is actually an imposter site that is "phishing" for information. So always, always double check the actual URL address before you type any information in the site.

Exercise Extreme Caution with Attachments. When it comes to questionable emails, the best practice is to never open any attachments. That's because attachments are an extremely common method that hackers use to infect your computer with programs that may harm your computer or steal your personal information--often without you even knowing!

In today's technological environment, electronic communication offers us tremendous speed and convenience. But it can also be used for unethical purposes by scammers. Most organizations have worked very hard to put strict privacy policies in place. As a result, government agencies and financial institutions will rarely, if ever, ask you to divulge personal information via email.

If you receive any email asking for personal information of any kind, you should immediately be suspicious. When in doubt, call the customer service lines listed on your statements or documents and discuss the email that you received.

For information about the Real Estate Market on the Monterey Peninsula, contact Mary Aguilar

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Tax Rebates: Should you Save or Spend?

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:33:12 -0800

I send out a monthly e-newsletter to my clients, the MMG Newsletter. The following is an interesting article that is featured in this month's newsletter. Interesting and something to think about - I hope you enjoy it!

The government's Economic Stimulus Plan has been in the news a lot lately, and the $168 Billion package is intended to jumpstart the economy by distributing tax rebates that should be arriving in your mailbox as early as spring. The question is: what should you do with your rebate check? The info below can help you estimate how much you'll receive, consider your options, and start planning now so you're prepared.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL YOU RECEIVE?

The amount you receive ultimately depends on how much you make. For instance, individuals with adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 will receive a rebate check of $600. If you're married filing jointly and earn up to $150,000, you can expect to receive $1,200. Those who earn at least $3,000 but don't pay taxes will receive about half as much--$300 for individuals or $600 for married couples filing jointly.

If you make more than $75,000 as an individual or $150,000 as a married couple, your rebate check starts to shrink. That doesn't mean you're out of luck... most high-income taxpayers will still receive a check. But you can plan on receiving $50 LESS for every $1,000 you earn over those limits.

Finally, if you have children, you can expect to receive a $300 credit for each child.

SO...WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR REBATE?

Do Nothing...At Least for Now--Don't start mentally spending those dollars just yet. At the minimum, you should hold off until you file your 2007 tax return. That's because the gross income listed on your 2007 return will actually determine how much you'll receive. And unless you absolutely need to, try not to spend the money at all until you have it in hand. Too often, we make purchases on the credit card or with money from savings with the intention of paying it back...only to have some other expense come up in the meantime. To avoid falling into this trap, make a commitment to yourself to wait for the check to arrive before you spend it.

Don't Overspend--Regardless of how much you receive, make a budget and stick to it. We all know how easy it is to go to the store with a specific amount in mind, only to walk out over budget. In this case, not only could you end up spending your entire rebate check, but may actually come out negative by spending additional money that could be budgeted for your regular bills.

Consider NOT Spending At All--The government is issuing these tax rebates with the hope that Americans will help bolster the economy by spending it. However, "spending" isn't always the best plan. If you have high-interest credit cards or other loans, use the rebate to help pay down the debt...and get out from underneath those payments sooner! If your debt load isn't very high, consider saving the rebate check in an interest-bearing account, funding or starting a college savings plan, or even putting the money in a retirement account that will earn you more and more money as time goes on.

The Economic Stimulus Plan features a number of benefits you may not be aware of. In addition to rebate checks, it includes new conforming loan limits that may allow you to refinance and save money every month, or purchase a home more affordably. If you have any questions about your overall financial picture and how you can make the most of this opportunity, please call today. Remember... a little planning goes a long way!

Wonderful Serra Village Home For Sale - Monterey County

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:07:23 -0800

A Friendly Lifestyle in Serra Village

....is yours in this charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with 2 car garage on a very spacious corner lot.

This great home has 2 tastefully remodeled bathrooms, new carpet, new paint (exterior and interior), new dual pane windows, new garage door, new interior and exterior doors, light fixtures, plantation shutters and many more upgraded features. You'll love its warm earth tones and cozy fireplace! Just pack your bags and get ready to move in! What better neighborhood - Serra Village on the Monterey Salinas Highway.

All this for only $694,000 To see it today call Mary at 831 277-1073. www.maryaguilarhomes.com

What does a Realtor Do When They're Down?

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:54:27 -0800

Having just had arthroscopic knee surgery, I am laying here with my laptop wishing I were at an Open House this Sunday. What does one do as a Realtor when you are forced to stay off your feet for a few days?

1. Great time to do blogging - read what's going on out there and review all the listings on the MLS!

2. Call your clients and get a price reduction. Was I amazed when my client called Me yesterday to tell me it's time he took a price reduction. I could hardly believe what I was hearing - a realistic seller wanting to do what it takes to get his house sold - hurray! Maybe I should have surgery more often!

3. Work on referrals. As I was laying on the couch last night, I received a call from a Realtor I know. Much to my surprise he explained that he recently decided to go into the Commercial Real Estate Field and has a client who would like to sell his residence. Would I be interested in a referral? - WOW, I can be incapacitated and still get listings!

4. Work on relationships! Probably the most important, because without relationships I would have no business. This is a people business, isn't it? It is why so many of us are passionate about what we do - it is great being a Realtor knowing that our business continues to grow, even when we are down.

SO, if you have clients looking to buy a home on the Monterey Peninsula in California, Call me - I love your referrals, and you can be sure that I will take good care of your clients, whether I am on my feet or down with my feet in the air!

Mary@MaryAguilarHomes.com

Extra Income - Great For Realtors, Lenders and Others

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:40:03 -0800

At the end of last year, I was approached by some local Realtors in our community who were starting a business to supplement their income during the down market. My first reaction was a resounding, NO. I consider myself a Top Producer (#4 in our company) and I didn't want anything to take my focus off my Real Estate business.

But, my husband is retired and I thought it might be time for him to go back to work. After checking this out thoroughly and getting very excited about the possibilities, we decided to go into the internet travel business. It has been great - great income and a wonderful closing gift opportunity for my clients.

Check out our website: www.canneryrowtravel.com

It might just be for you!

Buying a Home at the Best Possible Price is No Secret!

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:22:11 -0800

The Process of Buying a Home at The Best Possible Price!

Certain steps for purchasing a house may vary from state to state, or even from county to county. Your Realtor's goal throughout the process is the same in any location: to get you the home you want at the Best Possible Price. During the buyer's interview, I like to explain the process to my clients so that they know what to expect at every step along the way. The following is a summary of the process when you are purchasing a home on the Monterey Peninsula with me by your side:

Know what you're shopping for before you start. Build your dream house! And don't keep it a secret!

Shop for a mortgage before you shop for a home. You are in a strong bargaining position when you have already been pre-approved for a loan.

Pick a winning team to help you. The value of a great Realtor is the ability to negotiate the Best Possible Price for you. Make sure that I as your Realtor know what you want - the more you tell me, the greater chance we have of finding more of what you want. If you are new to the Peninsula, we'll have fun taking the Grand Tour so that you learn first hand about our communities and can easily make a decision about where you would like to live - near the ocean, in the Salinas Valley, in beautiful Carmel, Pacific Grove, the many areas in Monterey, or perhaps down the coast in Big Sur.

Have your Realtor make an offer. Your Realtor will prepare a Purchase Offer for Your Signature---this is the beginning of the negotiations. The Offer is presented by your Realtor with your Pre-Approval Letter from your Lender to the Sellers/Sellers' Agent. During negotiations you can decide how much you are willing to pay for what you want. An initial deposit check is held by your Realtor until the offer is accepted.

Offer Accepted/Escrow Begins. Your deposit check is given to the title company. The title company opens escrow to begin the process of transferring title.

Disclosure Period. The home buying process is one of discovery of property condition. Throughout, you will receive crucial information on the condition of the property - from its physical attributes to the condition of its title. During this period (generally 17 days) the seller will provide the buyer with information about the condition of the property including any material defects. Anyone buying a home is advised to first have it inspected by a professional, certified home inspector.

Your home inspector will provide you with a written report, which will advise you of the physical condition of the property as determined from the inspection of accessible areas. The cost is approximately $300-$500.

The report also will identify areas that could not be inspected and may recommend additional inspections by other experts. I am always present at all inspections. Other inspections may be required by the City/Water District.

This is also the time to obtain Homeowner's Insurance. Your Lender will have the house appraised and finalize the approval of your mortgage.

Negotiate Repairs. Your Realtor will negotiate for you with the Seller to fix the problems prior to close of escrow; receive a credit from the Seller for an amount to make the repairs; or cancel the contract if you and the Seller cannot agree on the repairs or their costs.

Remove Contingencies and Move Forward to Close Escrow. Once you are satisfied with the condition of the property and have your loan approved, your will sign a document to remove these contingencies and increase your deposit. This time period will be specified in Purchase Offer - generally on the 17^th day after the offer is accepted - but the timeline is negotiatable. Once the contingencies are all removed, the Buyer's deposit may be retained by the Seller if the transaction is not completed.

Approximately one week before close of escrow, the Seller and Buyers separately sign escrow and loan documents at the Title Office.

Buyers Do a Final Walkthrough of the Property Approximately 5 days before Close of Escrow

Your Loan Funds. The money is wired to the Title Company. The Buyers Provide the Balance of their Downpayment and Closing Costs One Day Prior To Close of Escrow.

Sale is Recorded in the County Court House. This is officially the close of escrow and the Buyers take possession of their new home. Congratulations! Your Moving Day has Arrived!

For More Information, please contact Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, ABR, e-PRO

John Saar Properties. Carmel, California (831) 277-1073, http://www.maryaguilarhomescom

Remember In This Market, You Can Be a Winner!

Mortgage Company Generated Leads From the Web

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:39:01 -0800

Has anyone had any luck with buyer leads generated from Mortgage Company Websites such as HouseValues.com or others. I am being bombarded by quite a few these days. I received an email today from MoneyTree (in Southern California) wanting to send me leads, for a fee of course upfront and a referral at the end of the transaction. These leads are to be prescreened for credit scores and wanting to buy with 3 to 6 months. What do you think? Is it a waste of money or a potential new source of income?

The Perfect Home in Pacific Grove, CA - a small town with a monarch butterfly habitat sanctuary; sandy beaches, and the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the west coast

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:26:57 -0800

BEAUTY AT IT"S BEST In Pacific Grove, California

You will be impressed with this out of the ordinary home close to the heart of Pacific Grove. The glow from the custom stone fireplace will warm your family's evenings in this stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with full 2 car garage. You'll love the open kitchen with brand new granite countertops and backsplash that accent the wonderful mix of warm earth tones throughout the home. The same granite has been added in the master bathroom with a smart, glass vessel sink. Other features include bamboo floors in the downstairs bedrooms, a cozy upstairs master bedroom suite, a built-in dining room hutch, slate patios in the lo-maintenance back and side yards, along with decorator stones in the garden that create a look of shadows and light - truly unique. For $999,000 - you can't afford not to take a look! Call Mary at 831 277-1073 for an appointment today.

www.MaryAguilarHomes.com

Why the Active Rain Name?

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:17:22 -0800

I have been inviting a number of Realtors and Lenders on the Monterey Peninsula to join Active Rain to create their blogging site. We have a group of members in the area, but none that are really active. I always tell my success story of getting a listing last year, but I keep getting the same question: Why is the site called Active Rain? I don't honestly know. Is there someone out there who knows the answer and can fill me in? I'd love to be able to explain the Active Rain story. Thanks in advance for your replies!

Two Day Closing Course in Carmel, CA

Mary Aguilar (David Lyng Real Estate) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:49:36 -0800

Lorna Hines, Coach Extraordinaire from the San Diego area will be offerring a course in Carmel Valley next week: CLOSING! EASY CLOSES FOR MORE SALES IN A TRANSITIONAL MARKET
The course will be held on Thursday & Friday ~ February 21 & 22, 2008 ~ from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at
the Golf Club at Quail Lodge ~ 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, CA. What a great way to polish your closing skills - we need these skills so much more in this market.

I have been in Lorna's Coaching Program for over a year now and she is phenominal. If anyone is interested in attending her class, please contact me at mary@maryaguilarhomes.com.