Los Angeles & Ventura Counties Real Estate & Mortgage News & Info

ATTENTION VENTURA COUNTY FIRST TIME BUYERS: New Heritage Park Now Available for First Time Buyers Program

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 15:41:09 -0700

This wonderful Ventura County Townhome offers 3bd/2ba with more 1,200 sq. ft. of living space. This lovely home is totally move-in ready and is just waiting for the right first time buyer to come along and fall in love with it!!!

Minutes from the beach, this wonderful home is the perfect starter home for the right family. There is no competing with all cash investors either, this home is only available to eligible and qualified, low-median income families who are looking for their first home.

This wonderful 3bd/2ba HERITAGE PARK home offers more than 1,200 sq. ft. of living space and is not some run-down, dumpy REO either. This is a standard sale with a real live motivated seller.

No more having to overbid for some dump just so you can get your offer accepted. No more worrying about whether or not it will appraise for value and what repairs are going to be required. No more having to get pre-approved with the REO bank just to be able to make an offer. No more worrying about how much more money you are going to need to spend after the close of escrow just to make the house habitable.

Program Requirements:

Eligible homebuyers must not presently have an ownership interest in any real property and they must occupy the property as their primary residence.
Eligible homebuyers must also attend and complete an eight (8) hour homebuyer education class.
A minimum of 1% of the purchase price is required as down payment. The one percent (1%) must come from the borrower's own funds.
Eligible buyers must meet maximum income guidelines limits.

The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted, that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

For more info on this property or how you can qualify to purchase this wonderful home, contact me, Donne Knudsen of Cal State Realty Services at 805.2069123 or dknudsen@calstaterealty.com. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me. That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist with real estate and mortgage needs.

Photos courtesy of flickr: kenlund usnavymailmans cityofoxnard

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

Serving low-medium income individuals and families as well as first time buyers with both their real estate as well as their mortgage needs including down payment assistance

Los Angeles County -- Ventura County

© 2010 - All Rights Reserved

TOTALLY REHABBED LOS ANGELES HOME ELIGIBLE FOR DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:29:17 -0700

This wonderful Los Angeles home offers 3bd/1ba with nearly 1,400 sq. ft. of living space and a lot of nearly 7,000 sq. ft.

This lovely home is totally move-in ready and is just waiting for the right first time buyer to come along and fall in love with it!!!

Beautifully remodeled and fully rehabilitated, this completely energy efficient, green home offers a whole new kitchen (counters flooring, cabinets & appliances), new wood & tile flooring throughout, new windows & doors, new bathrooms (counters, flooring, vanity), a new tankless water heater, new roof and plumbing and all new landscaping.

Minutes from Hansen Lake and Hansen Dam, this wonderful home is the perfect starter home for the right family. There is no competing with all cash investors either, this home is only available to eligible and qualified, low-median income families who are looking for their first home.

The best part is that this home is also eligible for down payment assistance through the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). NSP down payment assistance is a "silent second", which means no payment until the home is sold or refinanced. For less than $1,500 a month, eligible buyers can own this wonderful home. Consequently, comparable rentals for this area are going for around $2,100 a month.

Program Requirements:

Eligible homebuyers must not presently have an ownership interest in any real property and they must occupy the property as their primary residence.
Eligible homebuyers must also attend and complete an eight (8) hour homebuyer education class.
A minimum of 1% of the purchase price is required as down payment. The one percent (1%) must come from the borrower's own funds.
Eligible buyers must meet NSP maximum income guidelines limits.

For more info on this property or how you can qualify for NSP down payment assistance to purchase this wonderful home, contact me, Donne Knudsen of Cal State Realty Services at 805.2069123 or dknudsen@calstaterealty.com. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact me. That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist with real estate and mortgage needs.

Photos courtesy of: LAHD NSP Hansen Dam

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

Still Alive & Well - A Heartfelt Thank You to My AR Friends

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:13:29 -0700

Yes folks, I’m still alive and well and working as hard as ever out here on the left coast and am sending a very heartfelt thank you to all my friends who have reached out to me to check in on me the last couple of months. Words cannot express how much it has meant to me to talk to and reconnect with my AR buddies.

Just goes to show that my time here on AR was more than just a business opportunity. It has also been an opportunity to develop relationships with a community of wonderful & caring people. :)

So where have I been? Working my @ss off!!! As many of you may know, I am in the process of transitioning from mortgage loans to real estate and the process has been a lot more time consuming, demanding and challenge than I had first anticipated. While I knew it was going to be a really tough transition, there are those days that I wish it were that easy.

It’s been stressful but most of the time, in a good way though – an exciting sort of stress. I’m doing so much more than I ever did as an MLO and that’s the exciting part. I have more options (and income sources) available to me now as a Realtor than I ever did as an MLO.

Of course, I’m building a real estate business so I am working with a handful of buyer clients as well as some rental clients. As we all know, that in itself is a full-time job (it’s just me; no gang of assistants or “team members”).

However, I’m also keeping busy learning other aspects of the biz. I’ve hooked up with a local Realtor who has been teaching me how to do BPO’s. Yeah, I know, it’s grunt work but at this point in my real estate career, I don’t mind doing it because I think of it as just paying my dues besides, it’s keeping me busy.

The best part though is that even though I haven’t blogged since early February, I am still getting leads from my blog every single week! AR ROCKS!!! Gotta love that mad AR google juice!!!

Anyway, while I may not be able to blog as much as I used to, I am going to really try and blog more often. I have so much to blog about to. Oh and Andi, I'm still going to get around to that other thank you too! Stay tuned.

Have a great day everyone! Miss you all!

Photos courtesy of flickr: ccurtiz peteofbrooklyn antigone78

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

Please Reblog - Gail Wants Her ASUS Zenbook Back!

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:33:00 -0800

OMG!!! I can so relate to Gails horror story. I purchased my first ASUS computer in July 2011 and four months later it totally crashed and I spent a #%!! of a time getting a new one.

Then two months later (last month), that one crashed too! Once again, it was #%!! getting a new one (making it my third computer in seven months) and I told hubby that when this one crashes (which is just a matter of when and not if), I will not go through that #%!! again and I will just toss their piece of $#^! computer in the trash and go and buy a completely different computer.

I bought one and have had two free ones and that is enough for me. Their customer service absolutely SUCKS!!! I would never recommend an ASUS computer to anyone and I will never, EVER buy another ASUS computer again.

Via Gail Robinson, Black Rock CT Real Estate blackrockhomesforsale.com (William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT):

For those of you considering buying an ASUS Zenbook, I want to share my experience to save you the pain I've been through. I paid $1,550 for the ASUS Zenbook UX31E (their top of the line model) on 11/21/11 from New Egg.com. On 11/28/11 I received the computer and began using it. It worked fine for the first four weeks and then began having problems starting up.  On 1/14/12 it didn't start at all and on 1/17/12 I sent it in to be serviced as instructed by ASUS (it was now just beyond NewEgg's 30 day guarantee).  They received the computer on 1/20/12.

I have had no phone calls or e-mails from ASUS at all. I have to call their Customer Service hotline, which consists of people in Malaysia or some other foreign land peering at a computer screen reading back to me the exact same information I obtain from the ASUS Service website. It is now almost two weeks and there is no indication on when my computer will be returned. The ASUS Service site states, "Waiting [WB-1] Wait for Material/Spare Parts".

Well, I've had it! I'm starting a social media campaign to put pressure on ASUS to either fix my machine or send me a new one! My client files are on that computer and it is very difficult to work without my files. Please reblog this post and Tweet it with the hashtags #ASUS #GailRobinson. Let's see if social media can work to get this arrogant giant's attention.

Thanks,

Gail

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 012912

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:05:21 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggeras well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to one of my fellow rainers for their gold star feature that I was happy to "call the shot" on.

I Swear I am Being Tested.... by Karen Feltman

This was an excellent post that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.

But there were some other really great posts that I suggested but the AR Gods must have missed them this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars. Check them out and see for yourself.

First there was Why Do You Need a Pre-Approval Just to See a House? by Leslie Ebersole. As Leslie and all the other smart and responsible Realtors out there know, getting pre-approved is an absolute must these days. The only reason that some buyers still don’t get this is because there are still Realtors out there not requiring this before they show a property.

As we all know, serious buyers will do whatever they have to do to make sure they are in a position to act quickly when they find a property they want to buy. Furthermore, serious buyers tend to be the kind of people who need to know what they can afford and how the loan process works before they even make the decision to buy in the first place.

Any buyer not making the pre-approval process part of the decision to buy, obviously doesn’t realize the seriousness of the home buying process and has no business wasting everyone’s (sellers & Realtors) time. Listing agents have a duty and responsibility to their sellers to make sure that the people who traipse through their home are serious buyers and buyers agents need to honor and respect that by not bringing in anyone who isn’t a serious buyer. JMHO

Then there was a double shot of Lisa Loper with her posts, Must We Trust Others? and What’s Hot/What’s Not for Homebuyers in 2012. It’s not often that I come across a double shot of posts from the same blogger in one week but these two definitely had a great message that needs to be passed on. Check them out!

For me, trust is a leap of faith and one that, for the most part, I enjoy taking. That hasn’t always been the case and once upon a time, there was a period in my life where it was really hard for me to trust anyone ever again. But fortunately for me, I eventually realized that a life of not trusting anyone was a lot harder to live than a life trusting some.

I believe that in order to be truly happy in every aspect in our lives (personally as well as professionally), we must be willing to take that leap of faith in someone in order to achieve our goals or fulfill our dreams. I loved the last line in Lisa’s post, “Our distrust is very expensive ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson”. Read the whole post though and not just the last line.

As for “Whats Hot/What’s Not”, while the “Hot” features are all really nice, these are typically features that are found in relatively newer homes and generally not the kinds of things we will see in older homes unless they have been totally rehabbed recently.

However, for the “Not” features, well these are just things that will forever beleaguer our market of older homes because so many sellers simply aren’t in a position to rid their properties of these dreadful features and quite frankly, never have been. However, on that note, I do want to say one thing - get rid of the wallpaper & scrape that nasty popcorn off the ceiling!

Next was Active, Contingent, Pending. Just Call the Damn Spade a Spade and Quit Wasting My Time by Charita Cadenhead. Having recently made the transition from mortgage loans to real estate, I have to say that this has been one of the more frustrating aspects of my job as a Realtor.

I don’t know about other areas but here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, Realtors who are members of the Southland Regional board (SRAR) have two business days to change the status of their listings after their sellers accept an offer. However, many listing agents refuse to change the status until after the buyer removes their contingencies.

I don’t give a rat’s @$$ that you think your acting in your seller’s best interest by leaving it active and continuing to take calls and show it. When you blatantly violate the rules and regulations that you agreed to follow, you are not acting in your seller’s best interest. PERIOD!!!

When crap like this happens, we need to put a stop to it and hold these agents accountable for their actions. Rest assured listing agents, buyers agents are telling their buyers what you’re doing before they go and report you. And Realtors wonder why they have such a bad reputation with the public.

Lastly, was Debb Janes with her post, Is This Dancing with the Stars - Or Loan Approval? I just loved this post because, quite frankly, I’m am guilty of just such cheesiness.

Yeah, I know, it’s really hokey to compare the loan process to a dance contest (or a cross country flight in my case) but because the loan process is so complicated and convoluted, when explaining the nitty gritty details of the process to borrowers, we can so often lose our clients in the nonsense of it all.

Using analogies can really illustrate the loan process to a borrower so much more and in doing so, we can assure them that we are there to help them through the process. The more we do that, the better they feel about their decision to buy. Isn’t that what’s important?

As always, I love "calling the shots”. I’m pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest. I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren’t on the feature board every other day.

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 012212

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:46:45 -0800

First and foremost, I want to send a big hug and thank you out to my fellow rainers who contacted me this past week to check on me to see how I’ve been doing. You all were so sweet and kind to think of me and to call or email me to see if I was ok. You see, I’ve been kind of MIA from AR lately that I missed putting up my weekly “Calling My Own Shots” post.

Last week, I was in computer crash #%!! and ended up getting a new computer. As for the rest of the time, I’m in newbie madness. Last month, I started my transition from mortgage loans to real estate sales and it’s been non-stop ever since.

The past few weeks, have been so incredibly hectic for me that I have just fallen behind in my blogging efforts. I have a couple of new buyer clients as well as some of my last few borrower clients and I’m just so completely exhausted.

By the end of the day, I am so brain dead I simply haven’t any functioning brain cells left to blog much. I have spent a few minutes here and there reading a few blogs but even that’s not up to my usual pace either. I’m hoping that things will settle down soon to a more comfortable pace where I can squeeze a little blogging in my day. I miss blogging and keeping up with everyone at AR.

So, onto “Calling My Own Shots”, well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them.

"Buyers Don't Care about your AR Account" by Cara Marcelle Mancuso

This was an excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.

But there were some other really great posts that I suggested but the AR Gods must have missed them this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars. Check them out and see for yourself.

First there was David vs. Goliath, and Goliath has a lousy work ethic by Andrea Swiedler. Oh, how I could so relate to this post. Andrea reminds us that bigger is not always better and in some cases, it's actually worst.

I have dozens and dozens and dozens of real-life experiences of prospects and former clients who came to me with horror stories of how some big, national, retail bank and their unlicensed bank clerk total &^$# up their escrow and loan transaction.

Furthermore, what was even worse in so many of these transactions and escrows was that many of these big, national, retail banks and unlicensed bank clerks were ones that the buyer/borrower was forced to get pre-approved with in order to even submit an offer.

When it comes to mortgage lending, the Goliaths have a horrible record for not only failing to get to the closing table but for also leaving total devastation in their wake. Goliath SUCKS big time!!!

Next was newbie blogger, Brian McFedries and his post, Buying a short sale? Make sure you pick the right lender. This kind of goes with what I was just referring to about big, national, retail banks and their unlicensed bank clerks not being able to perform. Brian outlines why buyers need to be so much more diligent in choosing a lender to buy that short sale or REO.

While short sales and REOs are challenging enough to deal with, the last thing a buyer wants to do is hire the wrong lender to originate, process and fund the loan they are getting to purchase their new home. As Brian points out, the big, national, retail banks are just not capable of performing in accordance with the requirements of many short sale lenders and REO bank properties, even if it's their REO or short sale property.

For buyers looking to purchase a short sale or REO, stay away from the big, national, retail banks. You won't regret it.

Then there was Why Servers Can Make Rockstar Agents by newbie blogger, Melanie K. Fleet. As a former bartender (during my college years), I could so relate to how well the skills I learned back then have been so transferrable to my professional careers over the years.

While there will always be those folks who will claim that this is what's wrong with the real estate industry, too many waitresses and bartenders turned Realtors but it doesn't really matter what industry these folks (waitresses & bartenders) chose to pursue, the skills and traits they learned in the service industry would be vital in so many other fields and industries besides just real estate.

Well, Melanie outlines so perfectly just why this is so true. Check it out, you'll enjoy it. :)

Lastly, there was a double shot by one of my fave bloggers, Gene Riemenschneider, with his posts, ActiveRain – My Real Estate Partner and Content is King – Looooooong Live the King!. Gene is a great blogger and I really enjoy his blog and this week was no exception; he was on a roll.

Like Gene, as well as so many others here, we don't all work in large offices filled with lots of people that we see and speak with on a daily basis. Yes, we all work with a lot of the same types of vendors and settlement services but that's not the same as working in a full office.

I gave up the office cubicle years ago for a home office and I don't regret it. It didn't take long to realize that I am so much more productive on my own than I was chained to a traditional office. However, some days, I do need to get out of the office so that I can interact with others. Well, blogging on AR is a lot like getting out of the office for me and for Gene (and I suspect quite a few others), it's like the office water cooler.

With Content is King – Looooooong Live the King!, Gene discusses one of my fave practices, creating blogging series. I love doing this whenever I can. As a rather verbose blogger who likes to delve into my blog topics without dragging on and on and on and.....I like to break up my posts.

As Gene points out, not only does this prevent your blog visitors from losing interest and attention over some long and drawn out post but it also creates anticipation for the conclusion of the topic - it brings your visitors and subscribers back for the rest. Try it out! I highly recommend it.

As always, I love "calling the shots”. I’m pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest. I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren’t on the feature board every other day.

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTY HOME BUYERS: Stop Using the Listing Agent to Purchase a Home

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:37:58 -0800

ATTENTION LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTY HOME BUYERS

This is exactly why you should have your own Realtor and why you should not be working with the listing agent as your Realtor.

ATTENTION LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTY HOME BUYERS

This is why you need to STOP calling the listing agent to show you the home and why you need to take the time to hire your own Buyers Agent.

ATTENTION LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTY HOME BUYERS

Listing agents are not in the business of discounting their commission for buyers - their commission has already been agreed to and is documented in their listing agreement to the seller and does NOT include working for buyers.

Just in case you haven't gotten the message yet, listing agents are hired to represent the SELLERS!!! They work for the SELLERS - not the BUYERS!!!

Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):

Is Your Buyer's Agent Throwing You Under The Bus??

We're primarily listing agents, meaning the bulk of our work is done with Warren County home sellers. Sure we'll work with home buyers, but our focus is on attracting buyers for our sellers' homes. We'll market everywhere we can reasonably expect to find buyers for our homes. Cincinnati and Dayton MLS both of course, our blog, websites, Trulia, Zillow, Craigslist, flyers and mailings, all for the purpose of that one right buyer that matches that home.

Now if you're an area buyer, hopefully you've realized the importance of having your own, dedicated solely to you REALTOR®! An agent whose sole allegiance is to you and your best interests.

A great buyer's agent will work with you to find a mortgage expert to get you approved, help you search for candidate homes, and then take you through those homes until you find THE ONE that you write a contract on! They'll advise you on market trends, the negotiating process, the inspection process, and what it takes to get those keys in your hand.

Wait a sec you say? Your buyer's agent is telling you it's okay to go to the listing agents direct to ask to see all the homes you want to see, and then give them a call when YOU find the right home for THEM to write that offer on? Maybe they're even offering to rebate you some of their commission since they're not showing you homes? Or they're too busy to make it today but they say it's "okay" for the listing agent to show you the home?

Hear that loud BEEP BEEP BEEP sound?? That's the big ol' bus that is about to back up and flatten you! Because when you call to ask us to show you our listings, we're going to ask if you're working with an agent. Now if you aren't truthful and say "No", then of course we're going to show you our listing....and the fact of the matter is if YOUR AGENT calls us to make direct arrangements with us, most likely we'll honor your agent and show you our listing because our primary job is TO SELL THE LISTING!

Now ask yourself "Who do WE (Liz and Bill) work for?". What's the answer? "The SELLERS!". Period. That initial contact forward, our responsibility is to get YOU to pay the most possible, and for our sellers to make the least possible concessions to keep the deal together.

Don't mistake our friendliness for thinking we're working for you. We are not.

If we're friendly, [because we are] you're going to relax a bit. Hopefully, it puts you in a more receptive mindset for that seller's home. And oh yeah, it might also mean you let your guard down. We'll ask a few subtle questions that help us gauge whether you're a legitimate buyer, how much interest you have, maybe find out where you live, how many kids you have, why you're moving, etc. All seem innocent enough on the surface? Maybe, but those elements together may give us all the clues we need to know how hard our sellers can negotiate with you and your buyer's agent (you know that agent you said you DIDN'T have?). It's called LEVERAGE. A "buyer's" agent who advises or approves of THEIR buyer previewing homes with the LISTING agents is giving your leverage away!

For example, we find out you've only got four weeks left to get out of your home and you don't want to do temporary housing? THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! Woo hoo, jackpot for our sellers! They don't have to move too much off price....just enough to get you to sign the papers. Now it's a week later and you ask for inspection items. Take it or leave it....or maybe we'll advise our sellers to stand more firmly and only agree to fix minimal, simple, less expensive things just enough to keep you under contract just because we can!

So let's take the example out a bit further. Assume the list price of the home was $200,000 and your agent offered to give you 1/3 of their commission for not having them show you homes. So your agent is going to rebate you a couple of grand give or take a bit. Now with that information you provided us, how much extra do you think you paid for our listing? We're betting more than a couple of grand more than you "saved". Now add what you lost during the inspection phase. The hole just got deeper didn't it?

And the bad thing? You don't even realize that you and your buyer's agent cost YOU money. You may cuss us and our sellers out for negotiating so hard, but you know what? We're okay with that. WE WORK FOR THE SELLERS. Our seller's opinion is the one that counts to us.

This is another case of being cheap, being expensive. Hire a good buyer's agent. Have your agent take you to ALL homes if you want to make sure your confidential information stays confidential and your interests are the ones being served and PRESERVED.

The FIRST time you meet us as listing agents should be at the closing table!

Serving Warren County's residential real estate needs,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz

The Liz Spear Team
Elizabeth & William Spear
RE/MAX Elite: Ask for us by name if you visit the office!
Two locations: Lebanon & Mason, OH
Office direct: 513-248-3660 Liz direct: 513-265-3004
Bill direct: 513-520-5305 Fax: 866-302-8418

MailTo: Liz@LizSpear.com Our Website: Warren County Ohio Homes

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION SANTA CLARITA VALLEY HOME BUYERS: Wonderful Stevenson Ranch Home Available for 100% Financing

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:04:49 -0800

Right now, there are dozens of properties in the Santa Clarita Valley that are eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Guaranteed Rural loan program. Many of these properties are not run-down, dilapidated, dumpy REO's or short sales but rather move-in ready, equity sales with really motivated sellers.

Set in the foothills of the Santa Susana mountains in Santa Clarita Valley, lies the little community of Stevenson Ranch. Often referred to as part of the city of Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch is actually not within the the Santa Clarita city limits but is instead an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

One of the best things about Stevenson Ranch is that it is eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loan program however it rarely has very many properties that come up.

The USDA Rural Guaranteed program extends 100% financing opportunities to help low-medium income residents purchase homes with no down payment required and no monthly mortgage insurance (MI).

This program is only available in designated USDA eligible areas, like Stevenson Ranch. There are also income limit guidelines that applicants must qualify for to be eligible to apply. These income limits are based on 115% of the median income for that county as well as family size.

This lovely 3bd/3ba home has more than 1,800 sq. ft. of living space on a nearly 9,000 sq. ft. lot. This incredible two-story home has an upgraded kitchen and baths with new counters and cabinets and flooring.

One of the best features of this wonderful home are the views of the from the back yard.

Comparable rents in this neighborhood for similar properties runs from $2,600-$2,800 a month. For less than $2,300 (PIT-no MI for USDA) a month, you could own this incredible home.

Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. Finding out more about affordable home loan options and getting pre-approved is an absolute must.

The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist you in your search for an affordable home loan here in Santa Clarita Valley. Applications for this program can only be submitted by approved lenders; for more information on the USDA Rural program guidelines and eligibility, please feel free to contact me, Donne Knudsen at donne4loans@earthlink.net or at 805.2069123.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 010812

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:27:38 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them.

The Client Looking for a "Deal" by Connie Goodrich

Family Member Who Is a Real Estate Expert! by newbie blogger, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Does the Stripper Pole Convey? by newbie blogger, Lorelei Bennasar

These were excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.

But there were some other really great posts that I suggested but the AR Gods must have missed them this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars. Check them out and see for yourself.

First their was What improvements would you like to see Active Rain make in 2012? by Debbie Gartner. I really liked the way that Debbie outlined issues that so many of us are already hoping we see some improvement in. On numerous occasions, I have had prospects and clients ask me about something or to resend something I had previously sent them because when they went to my blog to find it, they couldn't.

While I agree with Debbie that improving the SEO for all of our blog posts should be a number one priority, it's kind of pointless driving consumers to our blogs if once they get here they can't find what they want. Making sure consumers find what they are looking for should be just as important as getting them to our blogs.

While we have access to the tags widget to help find something we are looking for, visitors to our blogs only have our archives to dredge through when they want to find something. Needless to say, this can be frustrating for a visitor and I this is why the AR staff has got to make this a priority. Don't you agree?

Then there was Scott & Lisa Loper with their post, Our "Best" and "Worst" Posts of All-Time. Lisa reminds of something that we all should be doing periodically. We need to be building our blogs with the content and info that our visitors are looking for.

While we can and should still be blogging about topics and subjects that interest us or ones that we enjoy doing, however, if we joined AR in order to increase our internet presence and grow our business, then we need to know what it is that is driving visitors to our blogs.

Lisa actually discovered something I've known for a long time now - consumers want hyper-local info! Even though our hyper-local posts may get little to no comments, they're the ones that will typically get the most views/click throughs and this can be attributed to the fact that consumers will rarely comment on blog posts. Check out your top ten for 2011 - that's what you need to be doing more of.

Next was Yes! I want that in writing! by William Feela. This is something that I've been thinking about for awhile now, especially as I begin to transition from mortgage lending into real estate sales.

After a nine year mortgage career, I have worked with hundreds of Realtors around here. While there are many that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and some I have even become good friends with over the years. However, there are also way too many that I hope I never have to work with again; once was enough!

It's these folks that I will be wary of if I should ever find myself across the table from again in my new capacity. On that note, as William says "once bitten, twice shy". Some mistakes I won't make twice. How about you?

Then there was Pacita Dimacali with her post, For goodness sake, you’re a BPO agent but you don’t have a lockbox key?. Pacita brings up an issue that is become all too common and that is not a good thing.

While I don't do BPOs or even work with BPO agents, I have heard enough horror stories from my Realtor friends and associates about some of the horrible and incompetent BPO agents they have had to deal with. The worst part is that there are some really professional and competent Realtors out there doing BPOs who don't deserve to be lumped in with the morons that are out there too.

This issue just really illustrates that the banks issuing these BPOs have no idea who they're hiring sometimes and it's really up to the Realtors in the field to make sure that the banks are aware of what is happening. Banks really need to be qualifying BPO agents a lot more closely than they have been - right?

Lastly, there was 10 Things That I Would Like to Avoid in 2012 by Holly Kirby Weatherwax. I loved this post because it reminded me of the things that I made a vow to avoid this year.

One of the things that Holly and I had in common were impossible short sales; short sales that have no chance of closing. Fortunately, I don't have a lot of clients who choose to pursue short sales - THANK GOODNESS!!! I'm so glad that most of my clients are smart enough to know that short sales are not for them.

However, for those that do choose to pursue short sales, I'm so sick of wasting my time, energy and resources on transactions that my clients have no business being in. I know, some of you are thinking that you don't really know that until you're do everything you possibly can. BULL$#^!

After nine years in the mortgage industry, I've come to learn in a matter of minutes if a borrower has a chance in #%!! of ever getting a loan. I think I've now developed the ability to be able to tell if a transaction has a chance in #%!! of ever closing. Maybe not in minutes but definitely kind of early in the transaction.

From now on, if my clients want to pursue short sales that have no chance of closing, they can work with someone else because I can't waste my time on them anymore. I'm done with loser transactions. I need to reserve my time, energy and resources for clients and transactions that actually have a good chance of closing.

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION SIMI VALLEY FIRST TIME BUYERS: Down Payment Assistance Available for HOLLOW HILLS Home

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:06:05 -0800

Right now, there are dozens of 4bd properties in Simi Valley that are eligible for up to $200,000 in down payment assistance. Many of these properties are not REO's or short sales but actual equity sales with really motivated sellers like this property.

This wonderful 4bd/3ba HOLLOW HILLS home offers nearly 2,100 sq. ft. of living space on a nearly 8,000 sq. ft. lot. This wonderful home features updated, custom maple kitchen cabinets with granite counter tops.

There’s also two large master suites with remodeled bathrooms. New dual pane windows throughout.

This home is not like the run-down, dilapidated, dumpy short sales or REO's that you have been seeing. This home is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and is walking distance from both Rancho Simi Community Park, Sycamore Park and the Arroyo bike trails.

The best thing about this home is that it qualifies for the City of Simi Valley First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Program. Right now, homeownership affordability here in Simi Valley as well as Ventura county is the best it has been in years, maybe even decades.

For less than $1,700 a month (PITI), you could own this wonderful home. In this neighborhood, the rents for a home like this would run $2,300-$2,500 a month.

This program is specifically geared for the low-medium income first-time homebuyers who wish to purchase their first home in Simi Valley. I like this program because the Simi Valley city administrators for this program are not only the easiest ones to reach but they are also some of the friendliest ones to talk to and deal with.

The program is available to those who have not owned a home in the last three years. Single parents who owned a home while married and displaced homemakers may qualify even if they owned a home in the previous three years.

Program eligibility will be based on total household income, a housing cost ratio not to exceed 35%, and a debt-to-income ratio not to exceed 45%.

The primary loan must be a fully amortized loan. No interest only loans for the first trust deed.
Buyers must occupy the unit as their primary residence.
A portion of the proposed $50,000 per bedroom subsidy may be used for necessary repairs to bring the property into compliance with the City's Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

The maximum home price and City subsidy limits appear below:

# Bedrooms	Maximum Market Purchase Price	Per Bedroom Subsidy Limits	Maximum Affordable Sales Price
1	$206,700	$50,000	$156,700
2	$280,900	$100,000	$180,900
3	$349,300	$150,000	$199,300
4	$418,600	$200,000	$218,600

For more info on how you can qualify for down payment assistance to purchase this home, contact me, Donne Knudsen of CalState Realty Services at 805.2069123 or donne4loans@earthlink.net.

Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted, that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTY RENTERS/TENANTS: Check Out Your Landlord - it was BOUND to Happen

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:12:00 -0800

Well, this has been long overdue - a site to check out prospective landlords. I am so glad that this service is now available to consumers. As an MLO here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, I have heard way too many horror stories from many of my own borrowers of how they were treated when the properties they were renting got foreclosed on.

Nevermind that these folks were great tenants in good standing who paid their rent every month, on time. When the landlord stopped paying the mortgage, these folks were SOL when it came time to honor lease agreements or security deposit returns.

These days, prospective tenants need to be checking out their prospective landlords just as carefully as the landlord will be checking them out. In the past, I have always been happy to do records searches for friends and family but now, prospective renters have a service that they can use on their own.

For those renters here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties who are going it alone in finding a rental, I highly recommend that they utilize this service before signing any lease/rental agreement. Otherwise, use a licensed Realtor for searching for prospective rentals and DON'T blindly enter into any agreement with any landlord until they have been checked out.

Via Wallace S. Gibson CPM * LandlordWhisperer (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.):

I saw the announcement for this new website/service and I thought it was a good idea BUT why aren't the BIG 3 SUPER Credit Bureaus doing this.

Maybe they will get on the bandwagon since they have the resources to do this type of verification at their fingertips. From their website....

Like most good ideas, CheckYourLandlord.com came about through a personal experience.

When one of the founders of CheckYourLandlord.com was looking to rent a house, he enlisted the help of a real estate broker who specializes in high-end properties. The prospective renter and the broker both became skeptical about the ownership of a particular property after noticing warning signs, such as contradictory statements by the owner. This caused them to wonder if the property might be subject to foreclosure.

At this point, they both realized that there was no easy way to verify the ownership and lien status of the property, as well as the background of the owner.

After discussing this experience with others, they soon learned of the growing problem of landlord fraud committed against renters. While landlords routinely check on renters before accepting a lease, and there are hundreds of services to assist them with this, no service existed that would help a renter verify the claims of a potential landlord. You can read about some of the various types of landlord fraud and rental scams and browse our news and video archive of related stories to see for yourself how this growing problem is affecting renters.

From this experience, CheckYourLandlord.com was born.

Our mission at CheckYourLandlord.com is to provide renters with peace of mind. We give renters the ability to take action to reduce the risk that they might become a victim of a scam or foreclosure that could cost them thousands of dollars and untold hours of distress.

The CheckYourLandlord.com executive team is comprised of experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in the Real Estate, Finance and Legal fields. Do you want to learn more about us? Have a question?

Renters...Check Your Landlord!

http://www.checkyourlandlord.com/order-your-report

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.

Central Virginia

LandlordWhisperer

View our available Charlottesville, Albemarle and Lake Monticello rental homes online with photos and floor plans

"...to be a Virginian, either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from the Almighty God...." Anonymous

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 010112

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:05:00 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. However though, for the first time since I’ve been doing this series (summer 2010), I didn’t actually call any of the shots this week.

But there were some other really great posts that I suggested but the AR Gods must have missed them this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars. Check them out and see for yourself.

First there was a Give Yourself A Gift For 2012: Get Your Stuff 'Under Control' by Marie Graham. I loved this post because Marie, who is a stager, advises us on the importance of getting control of all of our "stuff". While making a New Year's resolution to be more organized is always a good idea, staying organized all year long is the real challenge.

One of the more common complaints I hear about so many of the properties on the market here is how diry and cluttered the place was and how the prospective buyers couldn't wait to get out of the property. While I'm not going to address "dirty" homes (that's a whole other post), addressing cluttered homes with organization systems become absolutely vital in being able to market and eventurally sell a property.

While a really great stager (like Marie) can address so a lot of presentation issues, for serious "clutter" issues, a professional organizer may be an absolute must. Yeah, I know, you think you don't need a pro telling you how to organize your stuff but I think Marie says it all when she asks, "so how's that working for you"? :)

Then there was a double shot by Wallace Gibson with her posts, I'm SORRY, I am NOT your Beck and Call Girl! I have my PRIORITIES! and Check Out Your Landlord - it was BOUND to Happen. Wallace really hit it out of the park with these two posts and I'm just really surprised that the AR Gods didn't agree with me on these shots.

I loved Wallace's beck and call girl post because it's a phrase I have used so many times throughout my mortgage career. I think we can all agree that there are those folks who think our sole purpose is to be at their beck and call regardless of all of our other duties and responsibilites. While Wallace may see this issue more with her tenant prospects, unfortunately, I see this attitude so much more from Realtors than anyone else I work with.

I don't care who you are (it really doesn't matter who), this attitude and behavior is nothing more than a form of disrespect and it needs to be nipped in the bud from the get go. People like this are so incredibly arrogant and obnoxious that all they care about is themselves and their own needs and you are simply there to serve them at their convenience.

Our time, energy and resources are finite and they need to be organized and prioritized. Don't allow these jerks to derail you from your duties and responsibilities. I've said this before and I'll say it over and over again but if you don't respect yourself and your business, then no one else will either.

As for Wallace's next post, this was so good that I think I'm going to reblog it for my consumers here in my market. With our rental market being as hot as it is right now, prospective tenants checking out their landlord becomes an absolute must.

As an MLO who works mostly with buyers here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, I hear so many horror stories from my borrowers about how the properties they were renting got foreclosed on even though they were paying their rent every month, on time. Furthermore, they had no idea the property had been foreclosed on until some REO agent showed up and told them they were listing the property. SERIOUSLY!!!

I used to wonder how does something like this happen and why there wasn't some service that tenants could use to check out the landlord before ever signing a rental agreement. Well, now there is and it is now absolutely vital that prospective tenants start taking advantage of this incredible service. Check it out and spread the message too!

Next was "Steering" buyers away from short sales by Gina Chirico. While the title caught my attention because of the legal definition of "steering", I was glad to see that Gina wasn't using the legal definition of "steering", I do think she should have used a different word though.

While I do understand what Gina was getting at, I am going to politely disagree with the premise of her post that we shouldn't be "discouraging" (that's the word she should have used) buyers from pursuing short sales. SERIOUSLY???

Quite frankly, educating and informing our buyer clients about the pros and cons of short sales is not only duty and responsibility - it's our job! This is what our buyers are hiring us for - our knowledge and experience! This includes our knowledge and experience with short sales, even if it's not positive. Heck, especially if it's not positive.

Remember folks, our job is to educate and inform and advise our clients and it's their responsibility to decide what kind of property they wish to buy. If they decide to not pursue short sales (after we have educated and informed them on the pros and cons of short sales), that's their choice!

Lastly, there was Why A REALTOR's "Years On The Job" Means So Little To Somebody Who Needs To Sell A Home by Joe Manausa. I liked this post because it illustrated the production differences between newbie Tallahassee agents and seasoned Tallahassee Realtors.

I have to say that some of the data didn't really surprise me, especially the production data between newbie agents and seasoned Realtors with a gazillion years of experience, which, by the way, is typically the same. While I agree that there are definite advantages to hiring a "seasoned" Realtor because of their years of experience, working with a newbie Realtor may actually be a better option for your own personal real estate needs.

As a homeowner for more than 25yrs now, the best Realtor I have ever worked with on the sale and purchase of real estate was a newbie with only a few transactions under his belt when I first started working with him. The reason we hired him was because he wasn't a mega listing agent that would go MIA as soon as we signed the listing agreement.

Furthermore, during every transaction we had with him, we were never delegated to some flunkie peon assistant after the listing agreement was signed or some buying agent after the buyer brokers agreement was signed. He always took care of us personally, which was something that was very important to us and why we didn't go with some mega agent with a gazillion years of experience.

Don't ever forget that all really great Realtors started out as newbies and most likely were those newbies who stood out and above and succeeded in spite of all the seasoned Realtors in the market. Just because someone has a lot of "years of experience" doesn't necessarily make them a better Realtor than someone with very little "years of experience".

As always, I love "calling the shots”. I’m pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest. I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren’t on the feature board every other day.

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

LOCAL MARKET REPORT: San Fernando Valley (West)

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:15:06 -0800

In my continuing effort to educate and inform consumers and prospective buyers here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties about our local market, I want to continue with the next series in my local reports: the San Fernando Valley.

The San Fernando Valley is a rather large area that encompasses numerous cities so in an effort to break it down to a more manageable area, I am going to divide it into smaller sections started with the: West San Fernando Valley.

The West Valley is an area that encompasses several cities (Calabasas, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Hidden Hills, West Hills, Winnetka & Woodland Hills). It's located in the north western part of Los Angeles county, just south of the Santa Clarita Valley and just east of the Ventura county line.

Using the same price range $417k< as I did in previous local reports, when working with prospective buyers in the West Valley, the homes in this price range are mostly modest three and four bedroom homes (with a small percentage of both smaller and larger homes) averaging more than 1,500 sq. ft. in size.

In reviewing the sales for the past 90 days because this is the timeframe that lenders and their appraisers often look at when determining property values, the average sales price for this price range is 329k. Last year, the average sales price for this area and price range was 346k and in July of this year, it was $335k.

With an approx. 5% decrease in prices since last year and less than a 2% decrease from just a few months ago, it would appear that the decline of the West Valley has slowed. While this is still considered a declining market, it’s definitely not massive drops that the media has been spewing about.

The absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the properties that are currently listed on the market. The current rate of absorption for this area is 1.92, which means based on the average amount of sales per month; there is less than two months of inventory on the market. The absorption rate for this area has been relatively the same for the past year now.

A stable market would be an inventory of about six months or an absorption rate of six. However, the competition between buyers for many of the eligible properties in this area remains fierce and this scenario generates bidding wars and actually drives prices up, which is not a sign of a buyer’s market.

For much of the past 12mon, the absorption rate has remained low, with a slight decrease during the summer months which is rather typical. This is very popular area in the San Fernando Valley and one where the demand is far higher than the supply.

Here in the West Valley, properties are selling pretty close to list price and the avg. sales price vs. list price is 97%, which has remained unchanged all year. While the average SP% vs. LP% for traditional financed properties (99%) is higher than the SP% vs. LP% for cash sales (94%); even the cash sales are not what one would call "lowball" sales. The lowest cash sale was 70% of the list price and was priced accordingly to its condition (it was a run-down REO in a nice neighborhood).

Approx. 42% of the sales were at list price or higher, here in the West Valley, which has remained pretty much the same all year. For buyers looking to purchase a nice looking property in the low-end of the market here, chances of you having to make a full price or higher are highly likely, unless, of course, you have a boatload of cash.

The practice of many listing agents intentionally list property slightly below market value simply for the purpose of generating bidding wars in order to get higher than list offers is very prominent here in the West Valley. Based on this practice the average SP% vs. LP% for those offers at list or higher is 101%. As you can see, the West Valley is definitely not a lowball buyers’ market.

When it comes to buying a property in the West Valley, cash is not really king around here anymore. Based on recent sales for the past 90 days, traditional financed sales are the majority types of sales and cash sales have actually been decreasing for the past six months. This may be attributed to an increase in investor flipping sales. Another disturbing stat is the lack of any CalVet/VA sales; a drop of 3% since July.

Overall, sales for the West Valley have increased more than 20% from last year. Unfortunately though, like so much of Los Angeles & Ventura counties, the market here in the West Valley is still saturated in short sales and REO's even though they have been slowly declining all year. However, equity sales are up 5% from last year and much of this can be attributed to investor flips.

Lastly, so far this year, the avg. DOM in the West Valley has increased to 114 days from 97 last year. Much of this can be attributed to longer escrow times for short sales and some really long probate sales.

In summary, while the West Valley is still a distressed market due to the number of short sales and REO's in the market, we are most certainly not a lowball buyers’ market. Buyers who want to purchase a nice looking, halfway decent property here are not only going to have to compete for it with other buyers but they're also going to have to probably pay close to list price or more for it.

Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted, that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

For more info on affordable home loan options, contact me, Donne Knudsen from C2 Financial Corp. at 805.2069123 or donne4loans@earthlink.net.

Please check out other Local Reports for Los Angeles & Ventura counties

LOCAL MARKET REPORT: Simi Valley (Ventura County)

LOCAL MARKET REPORT: Santa Clarita Valley (Los Angeles County)

LOCAL MARKET REPORT: Conejo Valley

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 122511

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:41:42 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them.

'Twas the Week Before Christmas....A Buyer Agent's Christmas List by Christine Smith

Then there were some other equally great posts that I suggested but that the AR Gods must have missed this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars.

First there was How many short sale sellers are gaming the system? by Ellie McIntire. Ellie brings up an issue that plagues so many short sales and one of the reasons why so many buyers choose to avoid short sales and not pursue them.

On more than one one occassion, I have had borrowers walk on short sales because of sellers who were not only "gaming the system" but also short sale banks who were simply enabling these sellers to "game the system".

It's one thing to extend an escrow once because a buyers lender needs a little more time or even if a seller needed a little more time to get squared away at their next home but to continually allow a seller to drag a short sale transaction over and over and over and.....SERIOUSLY!!!

And sellers and listing agents wonder why buyers aren't interested in short sales.

Then there was newbie blogger, Rick Myers with his post, Jeans not Slacks. I love posts like this because it's always interesting to see the range of comments from everyone all over the country.

Personally, I'm not the business formal kind of MLO but rather a business casual kind MLO, not jeans and t-shirt casual but more of an age appropriate kind of casual. While I don't begrudge anyone who feels the need to be dressed to the hilt to work - more power to them.

On that same note, I don't think it's necessary for others to make judgements on those who don't dress just like them. I happen to know some very successful Realtors who have no problem showing multi-million dollar beach homes in shorts, tank tops and flip flops. To each his own! Whatever works for them is no one else's business.

Next was Do Not Snub Your Nose at Me... by newbie blogger, Cynthia Williams. This is an issue that usually gets both sides of the table more than a little riled up. I enjoy seeing all the different opinions though. This is not about unrealistic cash buyers who are trying to purchase a move-in ready home at 50% of list price just because they think they can. That's a whole other post.

While we can all agree that sellers receiving a less than list price offer is discouraging but these days, most buyers are not going to over-pay for a home, especially one that is outdated and in need of some major repairs.

Listing agents, if you allow your sellers to dictate an over-priced list price, then you need to be preparing them for lower than list price offers. Furthermore, snubbing a fair market offer these days is just plain stupid! SERIOUSLY!!!

Lastly, there was Gwen Banta and her post, "Snort Sale" - The "Highs" and Lows of the MLS - 2011. For anyone who knows Gwen, I don't need to explain why I picked her post. If you don't know Gwen, then it's time you checked her out. Enough said!!!

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

What You MUST Know About Dual Agency if You Are Buying a CA Home

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:38:13 -0800

I really liked this post from JPhilip Faranda, a NY Realtor and although his original title (What You MUST Know About Dual Agency if You Are Selling a New York Home ) references selling a home in NY, I changed the title to buying a home in CA because this is something that CA buyers really need to read. JP clearly lays out the fiduciary duty of the listing agent who chooses to work with a buyer on one of his listings. To summarize the post: LISTING AGENTS WORK FOR THE SELLER!!! THEY DO NOT WORK FOR THE BUYER!!!

Their client is the seller, NOT the buyer! They are hired by the seller to sell their home for the best and highest sales price! They have absolutely no duty or responsibility to the buyer for anything! The same attitude applies to listing agents here in CA regardless of the fact that CA allows dual agency. This is why it is imperative that CA buyers have their own representation - THEY NEED THEIR OWN REALTOR!

CA BUYERS: This is quite possibly the most expensive decision you may ever make! Do you really want to make it with no one on your side? Do you really want no professional advice on your rights? Do you really want to work with someone who may not be acting in your best interest (remember: they are paid to act in the sellers best interest)?

DON'T BE STUPID AND IRRESPONSIBLE! GET YOUR OWN REALTOR TO ACT IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS!

Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY:

Pop quiz:
In the State of New York, if I as the listing agent bring my own buyer to the closing table, does that automatically make me a dual agent?

If you answered "yes" you'd be wrong. If a New York real estate agent sells their own listing to their own buyer they are NOT automatically a dual agent. As a matter of fact they probably shouldn't be.

Dual agency is one of the most misunderstood and controversial topics in the real estate industry. Part of the problem is that even professionals can't agree because the rules vary greatly across state lines. Earlier today, on a discussion board on improving industry standards and practices, a licensee from another state wrote that if a buyer who had no agent called to buy one of her listings that she would refer them to another agent. In her state, she would be doing the right thing.

I would assert that in Westchester County where I work, if a buyer were hot for one of my listings and I did anything short of scheduling a showing with the intention of producing an offer for my seller, that I would be acting contrary to what my seller client hired me to do. My seller want me to get that buyer to commit. As a matter of fact my seller client should want me to bring my own buyer. And not because of the urban myth that there will be a commission savings.

The reason my seller should want me to sell their listing myself is, pure and simply, advocacy. The seller hired me to sell the house when they list. They are the client. I am their advocate by statute. If we get a call on a sign or Internet entry on a listing, that guy is a customer. He didn't hire me. I am not his advocate. He just wants to see the house and doesn't have an agent. I owe him fairness and honesty. But I don't work for him. When a buyer deals directly with me as the listing agent, he has no advocate.

What are the advantages to the seller?

There is no buyer agent. The buyer has no counterpart to me working for him.

There is no buyer agent. I don't have to call that agent for an update and wait for them to call the buyer and then call me back. I just call the buyer.

There is no buyer agent. There is no one with MLS or broker access to the comparable market activity to educate the buyer.

There is no buyer agent. The buyer is negotiating the largest transaction of his life with me (and my 500 transaction background) with no professional help.

Are you getting the picture? This is why we tell buyers they need an agent to represent them, because the listing agent may well eat their lunch! But when a guy walks in cold off the proverbial street to see one of my listings, that act alone does not hire me as his representative. He is a customer. The seller is the client. This makes exclusive buyer agents and consumer advocates cringe, but the consumer I work for is the seller client. If the buyer chooses to not be represented, he does so at his own peril.

Moreover, if a buyer comes in cold off the proverbial street and the listing agent proposes dual agency on his own listing to induce the buyer to work with him, a fantastic case can be made that the listing agent is throwing the seller under the bus. The seller didn't hire me to split my loyalty at the drop of a hat. They hired me to procure the best terms possible.

The only time dual agency comes up (or should come up) is when you have two clients. For example, if that home seller who has been my client for 6 months asks me to represent him in his next purchase and then expresses interest in one of my listings, I have a client on both sides and dual agency arises. But that is another post.

If you are a seller, you can plausibly want your listing agent to "double end" the sale for the reasons above. And if you as a buyer have a listing agent propose that they can be a dual agent and also represent you the first time you meet, that should tell you a thing or two about how loyal they really are.

Note: In the State of New York, agency relationships must be disclosed to consumers in their first substantive contact with a licensee.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

VERY IMPORTANT HOLIDAY MESSAGE: All They Want for Christmas is You!

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:36:36 -0800

While we are truly blessed to be spending the holidays with family and friends, there are so many of God’s creatures that won’t be so blessed. Thousands of abandoned and abused animals will be spending the holiday in a shelter, still waiting for a new family to adopt them and take them home.

There are so many local shelters and rescues that need your help in any way you can. While it would be great if you could adopt or foster a rescued dog or cat, if that’s not an option then your kind and generous donation of food or supplies would be greatly appreciated.

Below are just a few of the local shelters and rescues here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties:

Adoptapet.com

Forte Animal Rescue

L.I.F.E Animal Rescue

LA County Animal Rescue

LA County Animal Shelters

Human Society of Ventura County

Ventura County Animal Shelters

On that note, I now want to now share with you a very important message from the RSPCA about a real Christmas wish for so many precious creatures. Merry Christmas and be kind to each other as well as to the four-legged fur babies.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

2011 HOLIDAY EVENT IN VENTURA COUNTY: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:08:40 -0800

One of my fave Christmas traditions that hubby and I love is visiting Christmas Tree Lane up in the city of Oxnard’s Historical District. Last night, hubby and I introduced some of our friends to this treasured holiday event.

If you've never seen this area, it is all about some of the city’s oldest homes, dating back to 1911. Most of the homeowners here have taken great pride in the charm of this historic neighborhood and surrounding community and that pride is reflected in the ten blocks of carefully restored homes ranging from Craftsman, Spanish Colonials and Period Revival bungalows.

The 144 homes in this district were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 because it has one of the highest ratios of contributing structures: meaning the homes have not been greatly modified and because the neighborhood has maintained its character. Furthermore, most of the homes have remained within the same family for generations.

This year marks the 19th anniversary of Oxnards Christmas Tree Lane event in the historic homes district on F Street and G Street between 5th Street and Palm Dr. All decorations and lighting are provided by individual homeowners and no City support is provided other than increased traffic control and refuse barrels to lessen the impact on the residents.

Oxnard's Christmas Tree Lane is a tradition that hubby and I have been doing for many, many years and it’s a must-see for your holiday entertainment. Visitors can walk on the sidewalks or drive their cars through the neighborhoods that comprise this historic region.

If you haven't been yet, there is still time to enjoy this wonderful event that will continue every night until December 26th. Here are just a few shots of some of the incredible displays from our visit last night.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION VENTURA COUNTY HOME BUYERS: Wonderful Riverwalk Home Available for 100% Financing

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:44:15 -0800

Founded in 1888 by the Superintendent of Southern Pacific Railroad, Jerome A. Fillmore, Fillmore had less than a 100 residents back then. The residents and the town were sustained by the "Orange Rush" of the late 1800's and the commercial production and distribution of oranges by what would eventually become Sunkist Growers. Fillmore's first orange packing house was built and purchased for $50.

Today, Fillmore still has a small-town atmosphere with a population of less than 16,000 residents. The nearby farms are still predominantly agriculture with most agricultural industry being related to orange, lemon, avocado orchard farming and packing and, more recently, tree farming.

The town's relatively remote location away from urban sprawl of Ventura and neighboring Los Angeles counties has helped preserve this atmosphere. Located in the Santa Clara River Valley, just below the Los Padres National Forest, Fillmore is still part of Ventura county's agricultural belt and sits off the highway 126 between highways 33 and 23 and still has a train depot served by the Fillmore & Western Railway.

One of the best things about Fillmore is that the entire city is eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loan program. The USDA Rural Guaranteed program extends 100% financing opportunities to help low-medium income residents purchase homes with no down payment required and no monthly mortgage insurance.

This program is only available in designated USDA eligible areas. There are also income limit guidelines that applicants must qualify for to be eligible to apply. These income limits are based on 115% of the median income for that county as well as family size.

This beautiful 4bd/3ba with more than 2,500 sq. ft. of living space is definitely the best bang for your buck around here.

Furthermore, this is not some dumpy REO or a short sale or another home that needs a lot of work. This is a fantastic, move-in ready home with motivated sellers offering a 3% credit towards buyers closing costs.

With an incredible backyard for entertaining, this wonderful home backs up to open space and the Santa Clara River with some fantastic mountain views with neighbors on only one side. Comparable rents in this neighborhood for similar properties runs from $2,200 - $2,400 a month. For less than $2,000 (PIT – no MI) a month, you could own this little piece of the country just outside of the city.

Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. Finding out more about affordable home loan options and getting pre-approved is an absolute must.

The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist you in your search for an affordable home loan here in Ventura county. Applications for this program can only be submitted by approved lenders; for more information on the USDA Rural program guidelines and eligibility, please feel free to contact me, Donne Knudsen at donne4loans@earthlink.net or at 805.2069123.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION VENTURA COUNTY FIRST TIME BUYERS: Ventura Home Now Eligible for HomePath Financing

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:18:57 -0800

Ventura is just one of the wonderful beach communities here in Ventura County. Much of Ventura is just minutes from some of the counties best beaches as well as the shopping and entertainment destinations.

While the market here in Ventura County is still considered a distressed market, buyers in the Coastal Communities can still purchase great properties (minutes from the beaches) with only 3% down and still pay less for their mortgage than what it would cost them to rent the same property.

Right now, Fannie Mae REO's, which are called HomePath (HP) properties, are properties that were foreclosed by a lender where Fannie Mae was the investor.

Because Fannie Mae holds these liens, they can revise their own conventional guidelines in order to move these properties out of their inventory. As a result, there are some great benefits to purchasing one of these properties.

The HP guidelines aren't as stringent as most other loan programs (there are still some basic requirements). The HP loan program also doesn't require monthly mortgage insurance (MI) or an appraisal. The benefits of no appraisal or MI can eliminate some of the biggest challenges that can come up in an escrow transaction.

One of the best benefits is that HP only requires 3% down payment, which basically allows Fannie Mae to compete with FHA loan products. The HP down payment can also be from either the borrower's own funds or a gift from a relative. Here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, there are literally hundreds of HP condos available that would be perfect for the first time buyer who wants to stop throwing their money away on rent and stop paying their landlords mortgage.

Like this wonderful 4bd/2ba Ventura home that offers nearly 2,100 sq. ft. of living space on a more than 7,000 sq. ft. lot. This neat and clean and move-in ready home is just minutes away from the Ventura Pier and all the fantastic surfing beach area as well as shopping, entertainment and restaurants all along Ventura's Main St.

Right now, comparable rentals in this neighborhood are running approx $2,800-$3,200 a month. Yet for approx $2,600 a month (PIT-no MI), you could own this incredible home.

Today's real estate market and lending environment can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. Finding out more about affordable home loan options and getting pre-approved is an absolute must.

The home buying process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs. For more info on the HP program and how you can qualify to purchase this home, contact me, Donne Knudsen from C2 Financial Corp. at 805.2069123 or donne4loans@earthlink.net.

Photos courtesy of flickr: marcclaudel latimes homepath giacomomacis

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 121811

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:53:23 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them.

The Internet is not your agent, I am .... by Janet English

Should foreclosures and short sales be used in appraisals? (or CMAs?) by Bryan Robertson

Should we include blog instructions in our wills? by Patricia Kennedy

When The "Golden Buyer" Requests His Third Contract Extension by Doug Rogers

Is ActiveRain on its way out? by Paul Henderson

Zillow, Inquiries, & InterNuts by Tni LeBlanc

If You Don't Benefit From AR, What Makes You Think WordPress Is The Answer? by Greg Nino

These were excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.

Then there were some other equally great posts that I suggested but that the AR Gods must have missed this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars.

First there was FICO FIBS by newbie blogger, Celia Butler. Celia outlines one of the biggest shams by the Fair Isaac Corporation - selling consumers their credit scores. While we all know that it’s highly advised that we pull our own reports to make sure they are accurate, Celia perfectly outlines all the reasons how FICO exhorts money from consumers for something that is completely worthless.

When working with prospective borrowers who have pulled their own reports, so often, I have to explain to them why the scores on the the report I pulled is so different than the one they bought from FICO. Furthermore, I have to explain why their scores are crap incorrect and have no advantage to getting a loan.

It’s because of this problem that I will often advise my borrowers not to buy their scores (a total waste of money) and just get their report to review for accuracy. Check out Celia’s post to educate yourselves on the process so that you too can advise your own buyers.

Then there was Jane Peters and her post, Friends of L.A. Animal Shelter and L.A. Love & Leashes Comes to Westside Pavilion. I liked this one so much I reblogged it in an effort to pass along the very important message of helping abandoned and abused animals.

For anyone who knows me knows that I like to do whatever I can to help to rescue these precious fur babies. There is now a new pet store in Los Angeles dedicated solely to rescuing animals. Check it out and please feel free to donate to the cause!

Next was Has Homeownership and "The American Dream" become an oxymoron? by newbie blogger, Rick Reed. Rick asks an interesting question and one that can go either way depending on who you ask.

I have been guilty of using that same expression “The American Dream” when referring to the purchase of a home. These days, I try and refrain from using that term with many of my borrowers. I’ve come to realize that it really makes no sense to so many people, mostly my young, first timers.

While some of my more mature borrowers (30-somethings and older) who have families may long to own their own home and a place to raise their children, my younger (20-something) borrowers dreams are on a completely different page. They don't necessarily see “The American Dream” as their dream but rather the dream of older generations.

When it comes to buying real estate, they just want a halfway decent place they can afford and that is close to work, which is why the whole “rent vs. buying” discussion can work well with this group. My advice when working with this group – stay away from “The American Dream” discussion. JMHO

Then there was newbie blogger, Steve Peters with his post, Growing up without a cell phone.... This post was absolutely hilarious and another reason why I shouldn’t drink coffee and read AR posts – snorting coffee out of my nose and all over my screen is never a good thing.

As a child of the 70’s, I could so relate to Steve’s post about life before a cell phone or all the other tech gadgets that we simply can’t live without. It’s amazing how so different life used to be. Anyway, check out Steve’s post for a great laugh. :)

Lastly, there was So....I Send You a Referral and You Thank Me by Dissing My Company?? by Peggy Wester. This post just irked the #%!! out of me and is just a classic example of how truly unprofessional (and ungrateful) some Realtors can be.

It’s because of scenarios like this that it becomes absolutely vital that we really vet out the people that we send referrals too. Professionally, I try not to refer out anyone to someone I personally don’t know or haven’t actually worked with.

Unfortunately, that doesn't always work and I have had to occasionally refer to someone I haven’t worked with before (especially here on AR), I do make a point of calling them first and really talking to them about my referral. So far, so good.

Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

ATTENTION VENTURA COUNTY FIRST TIME BUYERS: New Driftwood Swim & Racquet Club Home Now Available for Down Payment Assistance

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:55:43 -0800

Oxnard is one of the best beach communities in Ventura County. Much of Oxnard is just minutes from some of the counties best beaches as well as the shopping and entertainment destinations of Channel Islands.

Right now, there are dozens of properties in Oxnard that are eligible for up to $30,000 in down payment assistance. Many of these properties are not REO's or short sales but actual equity sales with really motivated sellers like this property.

This wonderful 3bd/2ba DRIFTWOOD SWIM & RACQUET CLUB home offers nearly 1,500 sq. ft. of living space on a nearly 6,000 sq. ft. lot. This wonderful home has been recently remodeled and is totally move in ready.

This is not some run-down, dumpy REO either. This is a standard sale with a real live motivated seller.

But, there's more too. This DRIFTWOOD SWIM & RACQUET CLUB home is not only walking distance from the swim & racquet club but is also just minutes away from Hollywood Beach, Oxnard Shores, Silver Strand and the CBC Naval Base as well as all the shopping and entertainment destinations in Channel Islands.

Rent for a property like this would run more than $2,000 a month but for less than $1,900 a month (PITI+HOA), you could own this wonderful home.

The best part though about buying a home here in Oxnard is that first time buyers can get up to $30,000 in down payment assistance (dpa) to purchase a home here. The City of Oxnard Affordable Housing & Rehabilitation Division has an assistance program for the purchase of a home that meets HUD conventional guidelines. The loan provides a 3 to 1 match of the homebuyer’s contribution.

The loan is what we call a “silent second”, which means you make no payments on the loan. However, if you sell or refinance the property before the end of the term of the loan, you will need to pay back the loan (plus interest). The term of the loan is determined by the amount of the loan.

The program is available to those who have not owned a home in the last three years. All applicants must be current residents of Oxnard and legal residents of the U.S. Program eligibility will be based on total household income. Housing costs include principal and interest, property taxes and insurance, private mortgage insurance and homeowner association dues, if any.

Buyers must occupy the unit as their primary residence. Buyers must attend a home buying workshop and they must open escrow within 90 days. Lastly, the property will be inspected by city inspectors and the property must meet minimum building code standards.

Below are the income limits for the program:

Right now, there are dozens of homes that are eligible for this program. All of these homes are currently active listings and many don't have a gazillion offers on them and many are not REO's or short sales but actual equity sales where you're not dealing with some horrendous bank but a real live motivated seller.

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions someone can make. Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted, that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.

For more info on how you can qualify for this program, contact me, Donne Knudsen of C2 Financial Corp, at 805.2069123 or donne4loans@earthlink.net.

Photos courtesy of flickr: kenlund usnavymailmans cityofoxnard

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

Friends of L.A. Animal Shelter and L.A. Love & Leashes Comes to Westside Pavilion

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:40:24 -0800

For anyone who knows me, knows that I am all about doing whatever I can to help rescue abandoned and abused animals. Having rescued and adopted so many over the years, I actually wish I could adopt more (hubby and I currently have 3-rescued doggies).

Jane Peters has recently blogged about a new local pet store that is dedicated to saving orphaned animals and I just want to do my part to spread the word on this wonderful store.

Stop by and help save a needy fur baby! It's called L.A. Love & Leashes and it's in the Westside Pavillion on Pico Blvd. between Westwood and Overland.

Via Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate (310-473-6919) (Power Brokers Int'l):

Los Angeles has been hit hard by the economic downturn and Animal Services is one of the many departments whose financial resources have been severely cut. Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping L.A.’s city animal shelters raises funds to provide veterinary care and innovative adoption programs for which the city shelters do not have funding. Their goal is to increase the live save rate of L.A.’s city animal shelters.

L.A. Love & Leashes is the first pet store that’s 100% dedicated to saving the lives of orphaned animals in Los Angeles city shelters. L.A. Love & Leashes is located in Westside Pavilion mall.

The Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2012, but since they wanted to be able to help find homes for animals before the holidays, they decided to open the store for adoptions during December even though it is not fully operating right now. Volunteers will be at the store most days from now until Christmas from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dogs and cats from the city’s shelters are on-site and available for on-the-spot adoption.

When the store is officially open the will also have pet supplies and merchandise so that visitors can shop for unique gift items for animal lovers. The proceeds will help this worthy cause.

During their first open weekend L.A. Love and Leashes found homes for 8 shelter animals.

Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters’ new pet store “L.A. Love & Leashes” is an innovative way to increase adoptions.

Friends of L.A. Animal Shelters is a volunteer-run nonprofit that receives no federal, state or local funding. All funding comes from the public who love L.A. and want to make a difference in the lives of the animals who need you the most. Please consider giving generously today.

The mission statement: Together, we can strive to fulfill the L.A. Animal Services’ vision of a day when every pet born is ensured a good home and care.

How You Can Help:

The number one way you can help is by donating to help the animals who need you the most. You can mail us a check or pay online. Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Shop and adopt at the store. Feel good knowing that every dollar you spend helps further their mission to support the city’s shelters.

Tell a friend about this new nonprofit and their need to help to raise awareness.

Connect with FriendsofLAAS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

With your help, we can make L.A. a better place for the kitties, dogs and critters who love us unconditionally.

Buying or Selling Los Angeles Real Estate

Buying or selling a Los Angeles home can be a daunting process in a city this size, especially if you’re new to L.A. Town. You’ll need a resident expert to show you around and help you narrow down the areas where you might like to live. I will help you find the perfect home in the right area to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs!

When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients I strive to make the experience a pleasant one. My mission is to provide outstanding service while utilizing the best practices and systems available.

If you are an absentee owner, you’ll need someone to handle all the details that you can’t handle remotely. That’s where I come in – I’m there when you can’t be. I also specialize in lease property in Los Angeles.

Westside Los Angeles Real Estate, including, but not limited to:

Westwood Real Estate - Westwood single family homes, Westwood condominiums, Wilshire Corridor condominiums, Century City condominiums

Brentwood Real Estate - Brentwood single family homes, Brentwood condominiums

Santa Monica Real Estate - Santa Monica single family homes, Santa Monica condominiums

Beverly Hills Real Estate - Beverly Hills single family homes, Beverly Hills condominiums

Culver City Real Estate - Culver City homes

Silver Lake Real Estate - Silver Lake single homes

Echo Park Real Estate - Echo Park homes

For more information on how I can best serve your Los Angeles real estate needs, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

Read more: http://www.homejane.com/love-and-leashes-helping-los-angeles-homeless-pets.html#ixzz1gXRkLbIY

Jane Peters, connecting you to the L.A. real estate scene

Buying or selling real estate in Los Angeles can be an overwhelming process. Contact Jane Peters, Los Angeles realtor specializing in absentee owners, out of town buyers, and those who need that extra attention, in order to make the transaction a smooth, trouble-free, and fun experience.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

2011 Holiday Event in Ventura County: North Pole Express Train

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:44:27 -0800

Celebrating the holidays on a vintage train if fun for the whole family. Every year, kids come in their pajamas and bring their teddy bears for the trip on the "North Pole Express".

Making the trip to the North Pole exciting are Santa’s elves. To help make sure you get into the spirit of the holiday, there is holiday storytelling and Christmas caroling along with cookies and milk. The only things you have to do are show up and believe!

When: December 3rd thru December 26th
Where: Santa’s Village at 364 Main St. in Fillmore
Time: 6:00pm & 7:30pm (some 4:30pm departures may be added w/o notice)
Tickets: Adults: $29 Kids 2-12: $19 Under 2: Free (on lap)

For more info contact reservations@fwry.com or call 805-524-2546

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

CALLING MY OWN SHOTS! Plus a Few Others that the AR Gods Missed this Week – 121111

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:32:53 -0800

Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers and it’s those newbies that I want to focus this week with my "Calling My Own Shots" post.

First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on. These were excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.

How I sold it...before I even listed it. by Coral Gundlach

Confessions of a Lazy Blogger. Or It Wasn't AR - It Was Me. by Maya Swamy

To the Newbies: 10 Tips to Help the Oldies Notice You! by Patricia Kennedy

“Knowing the Market” - It's Your Job Silly: A Realtor's Perspective by newbie blogger, Charlie Dresen

Points? Featured Posts?? Who Really Cares When .... by Mike Mitchell

Emergency or Fauxmergency? by Tni LeBlanc

However, when fellow blogger, Pat Kennedy (who also does a weekly post highlighting some great AR posts and bloggers) mentioned to me the idea of highlighting some really great newbie posts, I loved the idea and was really excited about doing an entire post on just newbies.

Perhaps, these promising newbies could attract a little more attention with a few tips from one who’s been around here for a while now.

I want to preface this by saying these are just my personal opinions and you take them or leave them. They are in no way a negative assessment of the posts.

I really liked these posts, so much I suggested them and am really bummed they didn't attract more attention from the community.

First there was HERE IS A NEW ONE….FLOPPING by newbie blogger, Steve Wilde. I liked this post because Steve puts a name on a very disturbing trend I've been hearing about from my Realtor friends - investors trying to take advantage of short sale homeowners.

As if short sales aren't challenging enough to deal with and sell but now sellers and their listing agents have to put up with greedy investors like this. It's crap like this that turn short sales into more of a nightmare than they already are.

Steve's post didn't get the attention it needed; this is absolutely vital info that the community needs to learn about. Unfortunately though, for newbie bloggers who haven't yet developed a subscriber base or following, they're going to need to reel in visitors with great posts that have eye-catching titles.

Because the title is a name for a process that many may not be aware of, using it in the title isn't going to mean anything to a lot of people. With a better title, Steve may have garnered more interest to the post and because it's a pretty good post, he probably would have generated more feedback. JMHO

Then there was newbie blogger, Arna Freedman, with her post, Rental Scam going on Orange County. Another great post with important info that we need to know so that we can advise and serve our clients best interests.

While we can all agree that CraigsList (CL) is the last place that prospective tenants should be trolling to find their next home, unfortunately, so many people are still misguided by thinking that they're going to save money finding such a great deal there. WRONG!!!

We all know that using a licensed Realtor/agent or property manager is the best way for a prospective tenant to find a their next rental but unfortunately, we have a long way to go before we get this message across to the general public. We need to know about all the different scams going on CL in order to best advise prospects from getting scammed.

Once again the title of this post doesn't do it justice. Yes, Arna is trying to appeal to her local market but CL scams are national and by not limiting her title to just her market, she could have broadened the posts appeal because frankly, we all need to know about the scams that are happening on CL. By using her tag words and key words in her post, she would still get the SEO to appeal to her local market as well as responses from the community.

Next was Curious Minds Really Want to Know: Click Here! by newbie blogger, Cynthia Williams. This is my fave type of newbie post - newbies asking for specific info from seasoned bloggers. This is also where I think it's our (seasoned bloggers) duty and responsibility to step up and help the newbies out.

Newbies are the life blood of this community, without new bloggers, AR will not continue to grow. We can all agree that being a newbie here has become pretty overwhelming and if a newbie gets too overwhelmed with no sense of assistance or fellowship from the community, they will soon disappear.

While I actually liked the title of the post and felt the message was clear enough (a newbie asking for info), however, when asking the community for help you need to do it in doses like addressing a specific issue or concern or asking a specific question. While Cynthia's questions were very specific there were several of them and they required research and therefore weren't the kind of questions that a lot of members would answer in a few minutes.

This was a post that Cynthia could have gotten a lot of mileage out of if she broke it up into two or even three different posts. She probably would have gotten a lot more feedback from the community too! JMHO

Then there was newbie blogger, Justin Shum, with his post, Case Study: Realtor Increases Website Conversion Rate by 110%. The best thing this post had going for it was the appeal of the product. Other than that, it could have used more planning and thought into it.

Didn't we just read something recently from the esteemed Mr. Nino about how much Realtors hate being "sold" to. When it comes to promoting a product here on AR that you want to sell to the community, don't be vague and evasive about what you want from us. Provide us with all the details we need to make informed and educated decisions, including the costs and let us decide whether or not we want to proceed.

As much as I was interested in knowing more about this product, the whole post was just one huge sales pitch and not a very good one either. Yes, everyone here deserves to promote their services and products but I think we can all agree that there's a good way and a not so good way.

This post, while introducing an interesting product, wasn't written in the best way to promote the product. Even the website that they linked to didn't really serve the purpose as well as it deserved. It's too bad too because I really do think it's an interesting product that deserves more time, energy and thought than what Justin gave it. JMHO

Lastly, there was RALEIGH REAL ESTATE: THE FUTURE OF OVERSIZED HOMES by relative newbie blogger, Dianne Goode. Dianne sheds some light on a problem that I think is only going to get worse as our recession and housing issues drag on - what to do with all those empty McMansions.

As Dianne so aptly mentions, the interest in these types of properties is waning (at least in in many markets). It's already common knowledge now that new homes have been getting smaller in the past few years and this is not likely to change anytime soon. I've been seeing it as well in my own market with the inventory of the more modest homes dropping to 2-3 months worth of inventory while the inventory on the McMansions is rising every month.

What is going to become of these properties? Who knows but something needs to be done about them soon though because they are starting to seriously blight some really nice neighborhoods (at least around here they are).

What I would have loved to see for this post was the community commenting on ideas on what to do with these properties. That would have made for a really interesting comment thread. Unfortunately, this appears to be another post where the title limited the appeal and traffic.

Let's face it folks, the hyper-local stuff just doesn't appeal to many bloggers. By not limiting the title to a specific area, Dianne could have maybe attracted more attention and just asked about the future of over-sized homes. By including area specific tag words and keywords in the post, she could have still achieved SEO for her local market while still appealing to the community for feedback on her topic. JMHO

As always, I love "calling the shots”. I’m pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest. I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren’t on the feature board every other day. Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog

2011 Holiday Event in Los Angeles County: Pershing Square Downtown on Ice

Donne Knudsen CalState Realty Services (Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:30:05 -0800

The coolest fun gets underway on LA’s biggest outdoor rink – Pershing Square Downtown on Ice. As a traditional LA favorite holiday destination, Pershing Squares community rink will be hosting a variety of events this holiday season including the concert series starting with the Lunch & Munch concerts and the evening sessions of 12 Nights of Christmas Music Series.

There is also the Winter Holiday Festival with Santa and his reindeer and tons of real snow, the Menorah Lighting and Kwanzaa celebrations and the championship skating exhibitions and the charity broomball games.

Open every day (including holidays), Pershing Square skating rink is framed by towering skyscrapers and stunning historical landmarks.

Centrally located in the heart of the City of Angels at the Pershing Square Metro stop, the facility is easily accessible by car, bus or train.

Plus a partnership with Metro and Montebello bus lines allows riders to receive a discount on skating sessions and underground parking is discounted with validation.

When:     November 17, 2011 – January 16, 2012
               Monday – Thursday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm
               Friday – Sunday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

               Special Extended Holiday Hours: December 19th - January 2
               10:00am - 10:00pm daily

               Special Hours: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day & Martin Luther King Day
               Noon – 10pm

Where:    532 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tickets:   Pershing Square:    $6
                Skating Session:    $2 rental (with Pershing Square admission)
                Concert Series:      Free (with Pershing Square admission)
                Holiday Festival:    Free (with Pershing Square admission)

For more info call 213-847-4970 or visit pershingsquarewinter2011.

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Donne Knudsen

Realtor® - CalState Realty Services

DRE#: 01364050 / NMLS#: 249822

805.2069123

E-mail My Blog