Beth's Blog

My first closed Short Sale!

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:11:59 -0500

Yahoo! Yup...I finally closed my first short sale and what an ordeal it was! Two different lien holders, a 6 month old water bill and a water heater that was flagged by PGE because it wasn't up to code! Talk about stress! I have to say I learned a lot...there's a game the banks are playing with these short sales and it seems to me if you give them too much information they can't make a decision. Another thing is that you have to submit everything up front and then hound them to death until they start to call you back. Oh yeah, there are the "pros" who have "connections" with the banks and I don't doubt for a minute that they do but I don't think the average agent shouldn't be so willing to give up a referral fee to promote another agent and essentially that's what you are doing when you give that referral. These short sales are stressful, demanding and emotionally taxing as the sellers are in a world of hurt but consider the alternative...no income!

Newspaper Interviews

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:00:56 -0600

The other day the local newspaper called to ask my opinion of the "real estate crisis" in our fair town. At first I was flattered that I was asked my opinion but reflecting upon the conversation I feel as though I was a pawn being used by the local media to generage business for them...THEM...the people who did not think to inquire about the incredible rise in real estate prices but went along for the ride. I'm curious why "they" are not asking the banks what the heck happened? Why are the real estate agents being asked these questions...why don't we see the president of BofA explaining why the sub-prime market has pulled down the economy? Why don't we see the legislators starting to question what the heck happened and start drafting laws that really do protect the public? We all know the real answer...it's the golden rule. He who holds the gold makes the rules. The scary part is we won't really know who is making the rules for a while...yes it will be a while before we figure out exactly who really owns America. Will it be the Germans, the Japanese, China?

Beth Mergens Remax Gold Folsom, CA.

Home Auctions in Sacramento

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:02:29 -0600

This is the last call for the next auction being held in the Sacramento, Ca area...tomorrow is the last day to preview the over 100 homes for sale. The auction day is set for the end of Feb...I think the 23rd. I think its time for those investors to come out and play!

Folsom Happenings

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:45:53 -0600

Tomorrow will be the last day to view the properties going on auction in the Sacramento area. There are over 100 properties going up for auction in our area so be sure to get out there an do your previewing....Investors...start your engines!

"Buyers are liars..."

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:59:53 -0600

I have a number of realtor friends who quote that line and even in this buyer's market avoid working with buyers because there doesn't seem to be much loyalty. I'd like some feedback from the real estate community on how we can help educate the general public about our industry. This has come up because this past week I finally got one of the many people who frequent my website to get started looking at homes. This particular person has been registered on my website receiving information about our area, emailing me questions and basically getting to know the area via me. Great, I thought, I'll start touring and hopefully be in escrow by the end of the month. Wrong! I just received an email telling me he decided to buy a home without me and has an accepted offer. Huh? I spent the past week showing his son homes in the area (Dad's buying for the son.) He liked one home in particular and had me show it to his wife the next day. Three days later I'm out of the deal. Don't people realize that realtors are not taxi's or tour guides?

So who's bailing out BofA?

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:23:01 -0600

Today's news seems almost surreal! According to some the buyout is going to give BofA an enormous amount of write off's if I understand things correctly. It seems that the average Joe will be pretty much paying for that priviledge so how do we get those people to get back into the game when their credit will be tighter? What do you think that will do to the existing market in Calif...inquiring minds want to know!

New Listing in Rocklin

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:09:13 -0600

Hi All,

I have a new listing coming up in Rocklin, Ca. which is really going to be a great deal for someone. This home is a single story on .25ac. on a cul-de-sac with a great floorplan and newer construction. I'll be hiring 720 to do the video so you'll be able to see the property online by next week. The sf hovers around 2000sf and once the owners are out will show well. Look for pictures on my webiste www.FolsomLakeHomes.com

Awesome Christmas Carolers

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:22:36 -0600

A client emailed me this clip from youtube about Christmas carolers.

Go to:www.folsomblog.blogspot.com

Christmas Tunes

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:21:08 -0600

I just posted a blog about my first Christmas in Folsom, Ca. and would direct you to help me out by going to www.folsomblog.blogspot.com You won't be dissapointed because I've posted some great tunes via a group of college boys who really know how to sing!

New Home for Sale

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:42:04 -0600

Come enjoy sitting by the pool or entertaining in the large backyard. Close to Intel, shopping and restaurants. Located in the Broadstone area and in the coveted Folsom school district.

Holiday Lights in Folsom, Ca.

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:38:49 -0600

Here's a list of homes that offer some great light decorations to view: Folsom 100 BLOCK OF

Ledgemont

Court

Peter Pan and friends fly through the air along with a musical ship. The Peter Pan theme is set among Candy C

Court, where a 20-foot "Merry Christmas" light welcomes visitors. Accepting food donations for a sponsored fam

116 Vierra

Circle

...Our website is www.eakerxmas.4t.com. I have included a few photos and would love to provide any additiona

information needed:

In a nut shell:

Light are synchronized to music (9 songs this year)

48 Channels controlled by a computer that does the lighting effects

Life size nutcrackers (8') and 9' Santa

20 foot MEGA Tree

Fiberglass reindeer

Show runs from 5PM -10PM Sunday - Thursday and 5-11PM on Friday and Saturday

130 Boulder

Canyon Way

The family's annual tradition continues with the placement of the "leg lamp" in the front window as seen in the h

movie "A Christmas Story."...

1380 Copping

Ct.

...Our house has lights that flash to the beat of the music. No car radio is needed as you can hear the music thr

the speaker outside. Works great if you're in a car or walking. We also have 14 tiny Christmas Trees that line th

driveway, a little video playing on the garage door, a Santa train, some snowmen, a waving Santa, some deer a

few other items that stay lit. We have 6,000+ lights. It may not be the best but we have lots of cars stop by as y

see it from Iron Point Rd.

156

Buckingham

Way

More than 13,000 lights are sequenced to 15 songs. Visit bretonlights.com. ...

163 Livermore

Way

It's a themed "Peppermint Wonderland."...

Caversham

Way and Iris

Circle

Our Folsom Empire Ranch neighborhood of 90+ homes will be lighting luminaries on December 24 at 5:30 p.m

welcome people to come and drive or walk to view our unity and holiday spirit....

New Home for Sale

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:42:56 -0600

This property is going to the bank so take advantage of the price now! 4bed/2.5 bath w/pool in Folsom, Ca. Located in the Broadstone subdivision, close to Intel and shopping.

View this video:

http://www.us720.com/beth_mergens/104_hamersley_way.html

Investor's Starting to come out to play

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:27:25 -0600

Has anyone noticed an increase in activity from investors? I've been getting some phone calls and interest from people who wouldn't normally think of purchasing a rental. What most interests me are the available lending products for those buyers. I've been told by one of my mortgage brokers that the lenders are now requiring at least 6 mos cash in the bank to close a non owner occupied property. Additionally some are requiring that the buyer show experience in owning and managing a rental property for at least a year. What have you all been hearing?

Folsom realtor gives away subdivision

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:20:26 -0600

"This is the first subdivision I've ever given away!" Folsom, Ca. realtor Beth Mergens made 102 gingerbread houses for her office Santa party for the community. We provide pictures with Santa, cookie decorating while the kids are waiting and I added my expertise in contruction by making small gingerbread houses for the kids to decorate. Our office went through 15lbs of confectioners sugar, 17 boxes of graham crackers, 12 dozen cookies and about 10lbs of candy. It was a great time for everyone and the parents really appreciated not having to stand in line at the mall.

Santa Party for Folsom community

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:58:54 -0600

Folsom realtor Beth Mergens helped provide lots of fun for Remax Gold's Santa party for the community. There were over 102 gingerbread houses decorated by local children who came (with their parents) to have their picture taken with Santa. "I've been selling real estate in the Sacramento valley for 8 years but this is the first subdivision I've ever given away!" This makes it much more convenient for parents to have the photo taken and not stand in long lines, listen to children crying and try to keep them entertained.

104 Hamersley Way, Folsom Ca. 95630

Beth Mergens (Remax Gold) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:48:53 -0600

Home for sale in Broadstone. 4bed/2.5bath, pool, located on a great street with huge lot!