I heard some little rumor about this today and now, there it is in my email....Gulp, it's true! Here it is, straight from theCALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
"TITLE COMPANIES TRIM DOWN PROPERTY PROFILES IN RESPONSE TO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE LETTER
Effective immediately, title companies may be eliminating much of the information they provide on property profiles. The California Department of Insurance recently issued a letter taking the position that title companies may only give the following information on property profiles:
Names of owners of record of a specified real property;
Description of real property; and
Property characteristics as defined under section 408.3 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, which means year of construction of improvements, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, number of units, acreage, and other attributes or amenities (such as swimming pools, views, zoning classification or restrictions, and use code designations)."
Personally, I am fine in going without the lunches and some of the other cool perks that the title companies helped us with before SB 113 but now Realotrs(r) will be without additional tools that HELP THEIR CLIENTS.
No more recorded deeds to establish a chain of title?
No more comparable sales to help establish a value?
No more school, neighborhood, community information?
No more tax bills?
I for one can not believe this. Again, I agree that it was a bit out of control but agents and their clients have come to depend on these tools to help properly price and get the LEGAL information for properties.
They can't give it for free? Let me see if I have it straight. They can no longer give us the information we need to better serve the client who will ORDER AND PAY FOR the title insurance during escrow?
It is like me saying to a buyer, "I am sorry, I can no longer show you houses for free". HOW DO WE GET TO THE END IF THERE IS NO PLACE TO START?
Please don't get me wrong, you rarely see a vent or a rant of a blog from me but it is so costly to be a good real estate agent these days and the little help in getting information from the title companies that will get the order makes sense!
Agents in other states, I am curious. Do your title companies provide you with this information for no charge?
Congratulations to Erin of The Fullerton Chamber!She correctly guessed what was behind Door Number two, it was Mihaylo Hall at Cal State Fullerton! Her name was chosen as the winner of a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks (there is one behind that door) Congratulations Erin!
This was a tough one! I had a few people that went right over to Google to figure it out but since I hadn't written a blog about it, it was a little tougher!
Mihaylo Hall at Cal State Fullerton!
From the chairs to the stairs, every detail within the new Steven G. Mihaylo Hall is the result of an all-encompassing collaboration. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, architects, contractors and friends of the college all weighed in on creating a world-class home for Cal State Fullerton's Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.
Four years from start to finish, the three buildings that make up Mihaylo Hall stand as a flagship at the front of the campus at the new intersection of Folino Drive and Nutwood Avenue. This theme of "intersections" was an intentional element throughout the design, says Cirangle. "The building has two characters. First, it has a more business-like appearance and generous entrance on the public side toward the street. Second, toward the campus side, it has a university scale and several avenues and crossroads where students can walk from different corners of the campus straight through this complex of buildings. People are encouraged to interact with each other and exchange ideas. We organized the building to facilitate that."
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! Prudential California Realty - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
I have been getting quite a few contacts as of late from people either driving through, visiting or moving to our very own Fullerton California! It makes my heart so happy to hear people tell me that when they hear of or drive through Fullerton, CA, I am the one that comes to mind and Vice Versa! I am passionate about my town and I am so glad it shows! With that said, I bring you the Best Values to eat and drink in Fullerton.
This list started as a quick "Happy Hour" reference list for Downtown Fullerton (Yes, because I know you could use a deal but still want a cool place to hang out). There are a few extras too, thanks to our very own Leah Song from the Fullerton Chamber! And for the record, I have already referred to the list a few times since she sent it to me!
Deals and Steals in Fullerton, CA
Monday Night
Commonwealth Lounge - Coin flip night! after your meal flip a coin for a chance to have your dinner on the house!
The Cellar - Register for their $39 Gift card and some other cool stuff.
Ziings - Three course meal any day of the week for $19.99!
Now it is possible that I could have missed something good here. If so, by all means, let me know! So, the next time you are passing through, shopping for a Fullerton home, or already live here, you have some options for good places to eat and have a cocktail that won't leave your wallet empty. I mean we could all use a little help, right?
If you would like more information on where to eat, drink, hang out or LIVE in Fullerton, let me know! I know and love Fullerton and would be happy to share it with you!
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! Prudential California Realty - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
I noticed that with the Fullerton Real Estate market really heating up, I have not been quite so diligent about posting news and activities about my favorite area in Fullerton - Downtown! I know so many ask to know about all the cool things going on as far as activities, events, restaurants and even some discounts.
I give you: FullertonDowntown.com.FullertonDowntown.comis a great website that I stumbled upon some time ago. My friend RJ, who is the developer, and I often write about the same things so I thought it would be a good idea for you to get to know his site.
FullertonDowntown.com has also just introduced a special new section "Save Money Downtown". Here you can find coupons and savings for the places you love or were thinking of trying out.
You can still find me all around town, frequenting my favorite restaurants, venues and of course, selling real estate.I promise to try to keep you updated with the local information and action but in between, get to know FullertonDowntown.com.
If there is anything special that you would like to know about Fullerton Real Estate or anything else in Fullerton, don't hesitate to ask! I am happy to share everything I know about the town I live in!
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! Prudential California Realty - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
The Mercantile Flea Market is back and better than ever!The Market is located in the Carpe Diem Experience parking lot at the corner of Commonwealth and Harbor in the SOCO District. Stop by on Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00 to visit over 30 vendors with:
art
antiques
crafts
vintage
closeouts
one of a kind treasures and more ...
Carpe Diem Experience will also be having a huge store wide sale both in the garden and in the store -- up to 75% off!One day only!
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! RE/MAX North Orange County - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
"Do The Hard Thing"...These are the words echoed by my son's high school football coach. When faced with choices in life the hard one is typically the right one. I started to think of how many ways this was true.
Eating healthy: Boy, this is a hard thing; especially when it is more expensive, and it takes more effort. Thinking about parties and the availability of food that is not so good for us, doesn't it seem like it is always there? But eating healthy keeps us thin and lean...better in the long run. The easy choice is eating poorly...well, you know how this will end.
Exercise: Oh, this is a tough one for me. I resist and find excuses. It is hard and uncomfortable but when I make the choice to get up and do it instead of laying in bed (easy) with the covers over my head, I feel SO MUCH better! My body thanks me too!
Parenting: I have been faced with tough choices as a parent; who hasn't? We have to say, "NO". Isn't easier to just say, "Yes"? They become teenagers and sometimes start finding trouble or lacking accountability. What do you do?
Easy: Stick your head in the sand, make excuses or pretend it will go away.
Hard: Take a stand, hold them accountable, deliver consequences for their actions and keep them on the straight and narrow...even if they hate you for a while. This is probably the hardest of all.
Career: Sure, it is easy to get into an industry on the upswing. Real Estate for example; it was EASY for so many a few years back. Get your license, sell a house. Not to shabby. But what about getting into an industry (or any job right now) on the down turn? Oh so tough but if done right, you will be SO much smarter and better for it. You will learn to do things the right way and have a better appreciation and will be well prepared for when things turn around.
The list goes on and on and I am sure you could add so many things to it!
I was recently faced with a choice. It was a tough one. I thought long and hard about it and ultimately decided to make the change from RE/MAX to Prudential California Realty. You may be surprised to hear this; I mean I am surprised! I wasn't looking to change!
It came to me quite by accident. Nothing was wrong at RE/MAX. I worked in a really nice office, made some fewR friends. I had done well in the past year and it was so easy and fun to be there. I mean it is a block from my house and I felt right at home!
Aha, it was easy. Prudential is going to be hard. I am going to be challenged, educated and held accountable. The marketing and support are second to none. Though taking the leap is extremely difficult and heartbreaking I believe it will be the place for me to grow and ultimately better serve my buyers and sellers. It is the hard thing. But I believe it will be the best thing....for me.
The pressure is on, but I think I am up for the challenge. To Ron, Tina and the gang at RE/MAX, thank you for everything! I will miss you so much but of course, we will be seeing each other!
As the housing market heats up in Fullerton and other North Orange County cities; Fullerton area rentals are sitting vacant.
The majority of the home buyers that are out are the first time buyers. As they eagerly run out and put offers on the few homes that are coming onto the market, they quickly find that it is not the buyer's market that they had hoped for. A starter home in Fullerton or other North Orange County cities that is priced to sell, will quickly command multiple offers.
With so many people buying homes, the rental market is suffering. A year and a half ago, Fullerton rents seemed to spike as people were selling their homes to rent. Trust me, I know! I sold my home to rent for a year and when we got into escrow, there weren't many rental options to choose from and we paid a pretty hefty price. The home that I had rented has now been sitting vacant for quite a while.
It can be very stressful to have your rental sitting vacant for a month or longer. Costs can quickly add up and it can sometimes to tough to find a qualified tenant with good credit.
Could it be a good time to sell? You bet! With so many first timers out to buy a home, it is a SELLER's market for starter homes in Fullerton, Brea and other nearby North Orange County cities.
Check out the article in today's Orange County Register: Which Town's Got Housing Zip? Lansner's article breaks down the strongest Orange County cities based on pricing, selling and foreclosures. According to his article, nine of the top 10 cities are in North Orange County. Brea (two zipcode's listed) and Fullerton both made the grade!
If you would like information on getting assistance with leasing or selling your home, I would be happy to help. As a Fullerton and Brea expert, I would love to put my services and Maximum Esposure Marketing Plan to work to get you a buyer or a tenant!
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
If you want to get a Realtor(r) going...just start a conversation about horrible conditions we endure when showing bank owned properties. We have been through it all from dealing with cement in toilets to horrible pet urin stench to people squatting in the home to family pets left behind to starve...just to name a few.
I actually posted a status on Facebook today about a Fullerton house that I showed that smelled like rotten fish! My buyer told me that she heard that unhappy people are putting fish in the walls prior to being evicted from their foreclosed home. Yuck, even this was a new one for me!
There are different reasons that people lose their homes. It could be that there was a job loss, divorce, un-timely death or the simple fact that their loan adjusted and they could no longer afford that increased payment.
It is no secret that some previous lending practices put many Fullerton area home owners in more home than they could really afford. No one thought that the market would turn, but it did. The bank is in the business of loaning money (or these days, the business of surviving). What they are not in the business of is selling real estate. When the bank takes a home back, it costs them thousands of dollars to get it sold and off their books.
It is sad to see the terrible state of these homes. Most banks are just trying to get rid of them and I am not sure why so many destroy these homes on the way out. Maybe they feel entitled to the appliances that they purchased or that if they can't have that house then it should be tough as nails for the bank to sell. Whatever the reason, it just seems to make a bad situation worse.
If you or someone you know is having trouble making your mortgage payment, help is availble. Foreclosure is not the only option. If you are a Fullerton area home owner that is feeling this stress, I would be happy to let you know what help is available to you.
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! RE/MAX North Orange County - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
Homeowners, If you are underwater and your mortgage payment is more than you can handle, you are not alone. Everyone knows someone that is in this situation and feeling overwhelmed by the thought of the "F" word - foreclosure. You may be wondering what you should do and there are a couple of options.
Loan Modification - You may be able to work with your existing lender to negotiate a lower rate or principal balance of your existing mortgages. The lender wants to be sure that you have the means to pay the loan back and has criteria that needs to be met.
HUD The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched "Keep Your Home. Know Your Loan",. campaign to help home owners in crisis. Call the Hud Toll Free Counseling Hot-line at 877-HUD-1515 to arrange face to face meeting with a counselor near you regarding the loan modification process. I can also refer you to a local non-profit agency.
Short Sale- With this option, you can choose to list and sell your home for less than the amount than you currently owe on your mortgage. There is some red tape here and it could take some time but if you work with a Realtor(r) that understands the process, you have a good chance coming out of this less bruised then you would a foreclosure.
Foreclosure - This is the worst possible scenario. When a bank forecloses on your home, it can be devastating to your credit and family for years to come. Just some of the effects that people often don't realize are associated with foreclosure are:
Drop in credit score - You credit may affected for seven to 10 years
Fewer Employment Options - with so many employers doing background checks, a foreclosure on your record may keep you from getting that new job
Security Clearance - If you have a security clearance, this could also be affected!
This is a tough time for so many. There is no shame in having a hardship, a loan adjustment or a major life occurrence that is keeping you from making that mortgage payment and all your other obligations. In fact, most Americans are living month to month and have less than one month's worth of reserves. A lay off or injury, even for a short time could have devastating effects.
If you would like to hear more about your options and just want someone to talk to about it, I am here to help in anyway I can. These are the times that Realtors are here to help home owners by educating them on the tough decisions. There is no cost for this and of course, it is completely confidential.
Congratulations to Yanne of Anaheim! She correctly guessed what was behind Door Number two, it was Studio EMP! Her name was chosen as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations Nicole! Now for Door Number two...
"Doors of Fullerton" Contest!
We all agree; Fullerton is a great place to live! Our Downtown Area is the heart and the city is full of history, buildings with architectural detail featuring eclectic stores, restaurants, art and services. So,how well do YOU know Fullerton?
I will be featuring a series of doors and clues from the business behind the door. If you guess the correct business, you will be entered for a chance to win a prize from the business behind the door! Make sense? Now for the contest! So, what's behind door number Three? Here are your clues...
Clue 1: Some say it is a door to just another Starbucks, but in fact it leads to a Hall of other rooms.
Clue 2: What's in a $35 Million dollar name?
Clue 3: They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it took a University to raise this brand new building.
This is a tough one so you get two pictures and an extra hint!
Here is the hint: Maybe a degree from Cal State Fullerton would help!
ENTER TO WIN! Send an email to: cristaldrake@gmail.com with your guess and contact info or reply in the comments section of my blog below. The comments are public so others may piggyback off you and please don't forget your contact info! The winner will be notified by email and will receive a $25.00 gift certificate from the business behind the door.
Contest Rules: You can enter as many times as you wish, but on one affiliated with the place behind the door may enter to win. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers. Contest ends June 15, 2009 and answers must be submitted by then to qualify.
Now Casting! Door Number Four! Do you have or know of a cool business in Fullerton that would like to be featured in "Doors of Fullerton"? Just let me know!
Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs! RE/MAX North Orange County - 714-423-7525. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
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Congratulations to Erin of The Fullerton Chamber!She correctly guessed what was behind Door Number two, it was Mihaylo Hall at Cal State Fullerton! Her name was chosen as the winner of a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks (there is one behind that door) Congratulations Erin!
Four years from start to finish, the three buildings that make up Mihaylo Hall stand as a flagship at the front of the campus at the new intersection of Folino Drive and Nutwood Avenue. This theme of "intersections" was an intentional element throughout the design, says Cirangle. "The building has two characters. First, it has a more business-like appearance and generous entrance on the public side toward the street. Second, toward the campus side, it has a university scale and several avenues and crossroads where students can walk from different corners of the campus straight through this complex of buildings. People are encouraged to interact with each other and exchange ideas. We organized the building to facilitate that."
Monday - Thursday
"Do The Hard Thing"...These are the words echoed by my son's high school football coach. When faced with choices in life the hard one is typically the right one. I started to think of how many ways this was true.
Parenting:
Here is the hint: Maybe a degree from Cal State Fullerton would help!
;)
;)
