You want me to HIDE your boo-boo on a purchase offer? - 07/27/11 06:45 PM

You want me to HIDE your boo-boo on a purchase offer?



The short answer? NO NO and NO! A purchase offer came across my desk with a performance impossibility on page 4 of 8 pages. The agent had checked a box asking my seller for a document that would, if accepted, become part of the contract. My seller can't provide said document, so this contract wouldn't stand up for 2 minutes in underwriting.
I called the buyer's agent and asked for a revised page 4. "Oh, he said. That check box was left over from an earlier … (39 comments)

Earthquake in Cotati CA - July 25 2011 - 07/25/11 04:28 PM
When people think of California, many images come to mind. Hollywood, sunshine, beaches and ... earthquakes. I hadn't felt an earthquake for a long time until this morning. The magnitude was only 3.4, but when it is literally under your butt, you feel it pretty well.
First the chair I was sitting in bounced up, then my printer beside me started rattling, then the sliding door about 30 feet behind me started shaking in its frame. It literally rolled right through my office and out the back door. I immediately pulled up the USGS web site (of COURSE I have it … (19 comments)

By using DocuSign ... I didn't have to chase firetrucks! - 07/22/11 03:50 PM
I consider myself a fan of technology, but I'm one of those hold-outs who hadn't used digital signatures until early this year. The perfect opportunity presented itself when, after 4 years of looking, my buyers decided to submit an offer on a house while I was lazing on the island of Kauai. (It's a good thing I really like those buyers).
I decided to try out the digital signature software that the California Association of Realtors added as a member benefit on January 1st. After my buyers agreed to be guinea pigs, I wrote up an offer and sent it off … (16 comments)

Sonoma County Short Sales, Foreclosures and Traditional Sales - June 2011 - 07/11/11 04:35 PM
If you are thinking of buying a home in Sonoma County, you might be wondering if you should include short sales and foreclosures in your property search. It would be a shame to exclude them since they make up about 50% of the homes currently on market, but buying a distressed home is not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:
How much time do you have to purchase a property? If you have a limited time to purchase, perhaps due to a job relocation, that would rule out most short sales. What type of financing are you qualified … (1 comments)

A rooster on a joy ride - 07/10/11 05:36 PM
Then the rooster said to the tractor ...
Buk buk buk turn left. Buk buk buk-gaaah I said left. Buk buk LEFT! Buk buk buk buk-gaaah OK, your OTHER LEFT!
Buk buk buk buk no, I can't reach the buk buk buk-gaaah steering wheel. Buk buk buk you SAID your buk buk buk-gaaah voice activated steering system buk buk-gaaah buk worked just fine. Buk buk what do you mean you buk buk buk-gaaah lied?
Buk buk you sorry sack of buk buk buk buk-gaaah rust! Buk buk back to the buk buk buk-gaaah farm!
 

 
Only in Sonoma County, … (19 comments)

When is a Condo not a Condo? - 07/08/11 03:16 PM
When is a Condo not a Condo? Even when the MLS says it's a Condo?
The quick answer is ... when the County Use Code (also known as Universal or Land Use Code) is Planned Unit Development instead of Condominium. One has to dig a little deeper than the MLS to get this information.
Why would anyone care about that? Well, if you are a buyer qualified for an FHA loan and a Condo-type home is what you are shopping for, you should care a lot.
From a lenders standpoint, a Planned Unit Development or PUD is treated like a Single … (22 comments)

Nobody TOLD me there would be crying in Real Estate - 07/07/11 06:40 PM
In 2007 I realized I had to get on board with selling foreclosed properties or I would soon be hurting for revenue. I'm fortunate to have become an approved Broker for a major lender in order for my small business to survive this market.
Selling foreclosed (REO) properties for the first time meant learning new policies, procedures and skills. But there is also a very personal side of selling REO's that can't be taught ... it can only be felt.
This week, once again, I met with former home owners who just lost a condo they loved. We met for a … (67 comments)

Movies in the Park! Watch "Hook" outdoors on July 8th in Cotati CA - 07/02/11 05:24 PM


 
It's summertime, and summertime means it's the season for Movies in the Park in Cotati CA! Leave the popcorn and candy at home, concessions are catered by eager local youth groups.
The fun begins at 6:30PM in La Plaza Park, on the corner of West Sierra and Old Redwood Highway. This movie is rated PG, suitable for the whole family. Not familiar with "Hook"? Click to watch the trailer.
You will need to bring something to sit on such as a blanket or low back beach chair. It's also a good idea to bring something warm to wear, … (6 comments)

4th of July Celebrations in Sonoma County - 07/01/11 11:35 AM
 
Here comes a three day weekend with 4th of July Celebrations starting on Saturday and ending on Monday. Your biggest worry for the weekend is to decide what you are NOT going to be able to do because there are SO many choices.
 

 
Saturday, July 2nd
Monte Rio Independence Day Celebration.  Now this is kind of fun. There is a water carnival boat parade, a BBQ and a fireworks show. For more info on locations and times, go to www.russianriver.com. Free!Fireworks over Bodega Bay.  In Bodega Bay, you can see the fireworks from just about anywhere. My favorite … (3 comments)

 
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Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County Real Estate Broker

Cotati, CA

More about me…

707-332-2560 www.safehavenrealty.com

Address: 8745 Fehler Ln, Cotati, CA, 94931

Cell Phone: (707) 332-2560

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