Ginny Kurtz's Blog

Looking forward to a Golf Tournament with Interface!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:31:10 -0700

I received a nice surprise the other day when I was invited to be the guest of Interface at their 17th Annual Golf Tourament. This will be such a treat and a nice switch from being the planner and host the day of the event. We'll be at a new course at Moorpark Country Club. So nice to get away from phones and e-mails for the day.

Don't hesitate to ask for help!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:23:14 -0700

June 5, 2008

If you are a seller who knows that you might be heading into problems with your mortgage payments don't hesitate to call on an agent to help you. There are so many people in the same boat right now who have run into financial problems with adjustable rate or interest only loans, that you're not alone! I am trained in short sale transactions and would be happy to make the necessary calls to your bank or help you prepare a letter explaining your current situation and asking your lender to work with you. Of course if it's possible to get you refinanced into a better loan situation to help you stay in your home that would be the best solution. But if you've already tried that and it doesn't relieve your own situation then call on an agent to help you through the process. We're here to help and what a great feeling it would be to help someone make the most out of a situation that may be out of your control.

My Last Sale was to a veteran! Out of the Ordinary!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:36:11 -0700

June 4, 2008

I am touched by the fact that my last sale in Leisure Village in Camarillo is with a war veteran. It's was out of the ordinary to do a VA loan in this Senior's Development but then aren't our veterans a bit out of the ordinary to begin with. They have sacrificed for their country's freedom and in some cases given up life and limb. I am awed by a gentleman of this caliber and happy to do anything I can to make his move as pleasurable as possible. God bless our country and those who protect it!

Life is a beach!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:17:43 -0700

May 30, 2008

Looking forward to a visit to a new listing on the beach this evening listed by a RE/MAX agent who's holding it "Open" for a twilight wine and cheese gathering. It's one of the most expensively priced homes in Oxnard Shores today at Channel Island Beach at $8,495,000 with 7,500 SF. A unique contemporary design with floating stars, free form countertops and magnificent marble accents. Life is a beach! We're so lucky to live here!

Made My Day!!! Happy Memorial Day!!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:33:45 -0700

May 26, 2008

I just received the most wonderful compliment from a resident located in Mission Oaks as I was doorknocking yesterday in my farm there. A gentleman called to say thank you for dropping some penny stamps in a bag on his door for the increase in postage that took place on May 12, 2008. He also went on to say that he appreciated my theme ideas where I do flags, Trick or Treat Bags for Halloween, Santa & Mrs. Klaus and the Easter Bunny. He thinks it's a great way to do business and would use me when he thinks of selling his home. Wow! That's the biggest compliment an agent could receive. He's given me the inspiration to go out there again today in the spirit of this great country we live in and the men and women who've given their lives to make it all possible! Happy Memorial Day! God Bless America!!

Good Times! The good old days in the seventies!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:02:31 -0700

May 14, 2008

A friend has come to visit going all the way back to college days. I can remember sitting on a sack of flour in someone's garage typing his term paper! Wow! Does that date me or what! Forget computers! In those days it was a luxury to have a type writer. And typing a term paper! What was that! We have so many stories to share. Starting with our college days and typing term papers to waterskiing at Lake Nacimiento and San Antonio behind his brother's flat bottom boat. That sent you into orbit just by the sound of his engine starting up! We're having a reunion this summer of all those great times water skiing at the lakes near Paso Robles with the next generation this coming July! We can hardly wait! The good old days!

Time to enjoy old relationships!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:15:39 -0700

May 7, 2008

It was great to get together today to celebrate a retire business associate's birthday. She's retired after 25 yrs. in the Title business. We gathered today at a restaurant in Newbury Park to celebrate her career a retired life which she has been enjoying for a while now. She's a wonderful lady and a real credit to her professional in the Title buiness for all those years!

Back on the links again! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:05:48 -0700

May 5, 2008

It sure felt good to get back out on the golf course again on Saturday after almost a year. I actually hit some good balls and realized how much I missed it. What a great outlet it is to get out in the fresh air with no cell phone and computer. Just the ducks, birds, rabbits and squirrels. Time to stop and smell the roses with my oldest son and daughter-in-law. Hopefully Mother's Day will bring me back out again with my sons! Happy Cinco de Mayo! We'll be celebrating it tonight with friends! Life is good!

Patience is a virtue! Next generation of buyers!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:40:23 -0700

April 29, 2008

Wow! I had no idea what a challenge it would be to work with buyers and short sales. It's like getting ready to take off in an airplane but you're delayed from taking off waiting in a cue with other planes ahead of you! There are 4 or more offers in on these properties so you'd better be patient and ready to wait to get a response from the agent or better yet from the lender! I must say though it's been a pleasure working with this couple who are the next generation of buyers from a very nice family in a development where I do a lot of farming and door knocking in Mission Oaks! They are engaged to be married soon and a delight to work with. I just hope we find them something they can call their own before their wedding day. That would be the nicest gift they could receive.

Making your home pop! Simple things in life!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:50:57 -0700

April 18, 2008

Here are a few tips to make your home stand out from the rest for "Open" house. Put a pot of water on the stove and boil some cinnamon sticks to give your home that wonderful aroma. Check on the curb appeal of the front of your home by mowing your lawn, edging and planting new flowers in your planting beds. Choose the brightest, fullest, seasonal flowers to make your home say,"Look At Me!" Buyers judge your home from their cars so make them want to get out and see the inside. No matter how lovely you keep the inside, they may think your hiding deferred maintenance. Also pack away some of the family mementos on the inside, especially where they first walk in the door. You don't want buyers to feel this home could only belong to you. You want them to see themselves living there.

We are waiting for a very special dinner guest who's the mother of close friends in her eighties. She's sharp as a tack and like going back in time and spending the evening with a loving grandmother. She also has lots of stories to tell back in the day and we cherish hearing them all. It's the simple things in life that can make it so special. Hope you have people like this in your life!

Oh Happy Day! Sellers please listen to the market speaking!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:47:14 -0700

April 15, 2008

I hope most of your are experiencing some relief now that tax day has finally arrived and it's behind you! However if you're like my husband, who's a retired CPA, he uses this day to file an extension. But then how does the saying go? The shoemaker goes without shoes and the accountant files an extension on tax day. But I know that's not everyone out there so I hope it's behind you.

In my business as an r.e. broker I hope that the sellers are finally coming around to listening to the market and settling for a well qualified buyer even though the price they agree on may not be as high as they might have hoped. On one of my properties two offers came in identical and the third right at the market. Although my seller doesn't want to accept this reality, the market is talking to him and my advice is to go for it! That doesn't mean he'll listen. But I sure hope he will one day soon.

Thank you Ventura County Star! The buyers are out there!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:27:07 -0700

April 14, 2008

Thank you Ventura County Star for giving my new listing in Oxnard such a wonderful spot on the front page of the Home Section of the Sunday paper. The description of the property brought out all the most important features of the home and illustrated how this has really become a buyer's market with its affordable price. This is a home in North Oxnard and they don't always get a lot of attention. From an "Open" house I did in Thousand Oaks yesterday, I know the buyers are out there. Many of them are renting and cautious before making their decision to buy. My hope is that they won't wait too long and see the interest rates creep up on them.

Red Flags Indicating Foreclosure Scams! My hat is off to the Ventura County Real Estate Fraud Team

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:09:50 -0700

April 11, 2008

The Foreclosure Consulting Law was designed to protect the public against such things as foreclosure scams. There are important points that need to be followed to be under the protection of this law that dates back to the Depression. l)There must be a written contract with the right to rescind. So if someone approaches you without a contract with this provision consider it a warning sign that they may not be legitimate. 2) The party approaching you for help cannot acquire an interest in the property. 3) There cannot be any money given until a service is performed. So if you're asked for money up front to help you resolve your foreclosure woes then this can be another red flag that they're up to no good. 4) The seller of the possible foreclosure property must also reside in it as a full time residence. In some cases a scammer can suggest that they take over the property to relieve the seller of his financial problems. The scammers will suggest that the sellers sign over the grant deed or the title to the property and then rent the home out to the innocent public after collecting rent from them and pocketing the money.

I was also shocked to hear that 46% of the foreclosures in Oxnard and Port Hueneme involved lenders who also represented their clients as their real estate agent. This an obvious conflict of interest and my hope is that we come up with a bill to outlaw this practice. Thanks to all the volunteer time and effort put into these informative workshops by the Ventura County Real Estate Fraud Team!!

Renovation of Downtown Ventura! Bragging Rights!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:31:16 -0700

April 10, 2008

My son Greg is a chef at a downtown Ventura restaurant called Westside cellar. We enjoyed having lunch there today with good friends and watching the wheels turn while Greg discussed his new ideas for sauces and recipes. He took his training at the LA Culinary Art Institute in Santa Monica and I'll never forget his first day home when he raced up the stairs with his new chef's jacket and above the pocket was his grandmother's name, Miriam. The jacket was given to him temporarily until the new one arrived. It gave me chills to see her name there and remember how she told me she always wanted to go to culinary school when she was alive and we were working side by side together in the kitchen. She's been an angel on his shoulder ever since and I'm sure she's helping Greg to come up with some great recipes that we've been lucky enough to experience in our own family. I guess I'm bragging here a little! But isn't that every mother's right?

After lunch we were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the Watermark restaurant soon to be "Open" at the corner of Chestnut and Main. It's so exciting to see the renovation of an old bank building which is a Historical Landmark. The gentleman helping to finance the restoration has worked very hard in being true to the authenticity of the building and hiring local artisans to do the work. He's put a lot of love into this renovation and downtown Ventura is lucky to have him!

Internet Has Made The Buyers More Savy!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:55:47 -0700

April 8, 2008

My hat goes off to the buyers for being so diligent about educating themselves about the real estate market before they ever contact an agent. So many buyers today do their homework on the internet regarding a neighborhood that may interest them. They know what homes are selling for in a location of their choice saving time, effort and money saved in gas by going online everyday in most cases to stay on top of the market. I admire that effort and want to say how much I appreciate working with a buyer who has educated himself before contacting me to look at homes. I guess that's the school teacher coming back out in me because I admire them for doing their homework or due diligence. Thank you buyers! How nice it is to see the market going your way!!

Kurtz Team Went The Extra Mile! Tips for Spring Selling Season!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:04:03 -0700

April 6, 2008

We arrived at the Rose Bowl this morning amidst a myriad of balloons, colors, shapes and sizes to participate in the MS Walkathon in the memory of my daughter-in-laws mother. Anticipation was building as the parking lot was filling up and the registration tables were flocked with eager participants. Many of them were families with babies pushing strollers decorated with balloons, pulling wagons, and matching T shirts with their team names. Bells were going off for those who raised $1,000 or more and hooray for our team which raised $2,400 towards this worthy cause. Thousands of people began to file under the balloon arch to begin walking and a happy, festive spirit was felt by all of us. Our team consisted of 11 people, three family members and friends all walking in the memory of Linda Long. My daughter-in-law and I were proud that we went the extra mile and did the 10K Walk.

Tips for Spring Selling Season:

Making your home bright and sunny can start with clean blinds, shutters and windows. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts of water, plus a drop or two of liquid diswashing liquid, for a green window cleaner. Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking. Replace heavy drapes with lightweight sheers during warmer months to give a room a brighter, lighter feel.

Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner in hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. And don't press too hard, because flat latex paint won't absorb much water.

Proud to Be Part of the Fraud Squad! Buyers Tips! MS Walkathon@Rose Bowl

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:07:53 -0700

April 5, 2008

I am proud to say that my VCCAR board was very instrumental in originating the Ventura County Real Estate Fraud Team. In my client's best interest and to better educate myself regarding the detection of fraudulent loan activities, I've been attending their workshops. This week a class on foreclosure scams will be presented by this stellar team and I'm happy to learn all that I can to see some of these greedy lenders brought to justice for preying on the public whose dream was home ownership.

Thank you Alex for your positive comments on my last blog regarding the improved FHA loan to help buyers get into the current marketplace. Your point was well taken that buyers should anticipate a wait in order to be approved for one. Although all good things are waiting for and in the long run it has many advantages in the current market that will help buyers at the entry level.

More Tips for Buyers: Buyers beware that you want to stay intimately involved in the inspection process, and leave no stone unturned. If you're busy traveling during the time period when you have to complete your due diligence investigations, enlist the help of a friend you trust to stand in on your behalf--someone who will keep you well informed as inspections proceed.

Buyers want to be sure they get a good deal on the home they buy. This is especially so if they're buying in a soft market such as we're experiencing at this time. Whether a property is a good deal depends on its condition, its location and the price paid. Most buyers don't take the inspection process far enough. First of all make sure it's a licensed inspector before you hire him. He'll make sure that all systems are in working order and that there aren't any serious defects that might affect your decision to buy or not.

Tomorrow I look forward to the Walkathon for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which begins at the Rose Bowl at 8:00am. This is my second time participating with my daughter-in-law and her father. We are doing it in memory of their mother, Linda. It's an inspiration to see thousands of people walking and in wheel chairs for such a worthy cause. We're going the extra mile and doing the 10K. Go Kurtz Team!

Good Deal for 1st Time Buyers! Tips for Buyers! Ginny's Blog

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:01:57 -0700

April 2, 2008

At our office mtg. yesterday it was encouraging to hear that the FHA loan is back and improved to help the buyers to get into the housing market. This is something that first time buyers might want to consider. Here's another tip for buyers: It is recommended that the permit history on a property be research as part of your due diligence. This is easy enough to do at the County Government Center or City Hall depending on the jurisdiction in which the home is located. If you don't check the permit history, you could find out later, when you want to take out a permit for a renovation, that there are expired permits for work that never received a final approval from the city inspector. You might be required to reinstate the expired permits and finish the job to the building department's satisfaction before you can take out a permit for a new project. So avoid the hassel, expense and time wasted by checking those permits!

Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Park, Buyer's Tip

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:19:04 -0700

April l, 2008

Sunday was a beautiful day for an "Open" house in Thousand Oaks up in the Wildwood Park area. We had a nice turnout which is encouraging to me as the buyers are out there. Some of them positioning themselves for a purchase!

Here's another buyer's tip: An item for buyers to consider is the cost of routine home maintenance. Some homes cost more to maintain than others. Well maintained homes will be easier on the budget because you'll have little deferred maintenance to repair. Ask the sellers for information about how much they pay per year for tree trimming, painting, and servicing house systems such as the roof, furnace and drainage systems. Ask how much the utility bills run in an average winter and summer month. All of this will factor into the cost of owning the home. Buyers usually focus on the price they'll pay upfront for a house. How much it will cost over time should also be factored into thye total cost of home ownership. Another important point is make sure the home comes with an upgraded Home Warranty Policy. This is pretty standard practice today and should come with the house. It insures the buyer that all the working systems of the home can be replaced under their policy for one year after the close of escrow. And this policy can be continued by the new homeowner for a discounted fee after the one year warranty has run out. This is no April fools!

Time couldn't be better for buyers! Don't be on the fence! Tips for Buyers!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:34:30 -0700

March 29, 2008

As the saying goes, "Buyer's Beware", this is a great time to consider a home purchase!! The interest rates are down, you have many homes to choose from and with good credit, it's still possible to get a good loan. So don't miss out. Get yourselves qualified into a payment that meets your comfort zone and using that as your guide, you can't go wrong!

Tips for Buyers: Pay attention to the area where the home of your choice is located. Talk to some of the neighbors to find out what you can about the neighborhood. Ask how long they have lived there and is there anything that stands out that they like or dislike. See how stable the neighborhood is by finding out if homeowners are moving in and out frequently. It's a good sign if you see some remodeling going on which indicates homeowners plan to stay put. Another good sign is if there are few listings and the ones that come on the market sell quickly. This shows a demand for the neighborhood! You'll also want to find out about the crime in the neighborhood and whether or not there is develpment planned in the area that might have a positive or negative impact on the neighborhood. Also check into the general state of the local economy. Are businesses hiring new employees or issuing pink slips?

Getting Ready for the Market!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:33:00 -0700

March 26, 2008

One of the most important things to remember in getting your home ready for the market is enhancing curb appeal and eliminating clutter! The first impression someone gets of your home walking up to the front door is so important. So add some color with potted flowers and green up your lawn. Also touch up the trim and pay attention to your front door. Keep it a neutral color and make sure it's clean. This goes for your garage door as well. The interior of your home can be enhanced by clearing things off counters and putting away your collectors items. They have to be packed anyway so get a head start. This will make your home look larger and easier for buyers to visualize how they can incorporate their own things to make it their home.

The Pinnacles, Mission Oaks, Agent for All Seasons for All The Right Reasons!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:07:28 -0700

March 21, 2008

This was my last day to drive the Easter Bunny cart to the Pinnacles. And it never ceases to amaze me at what an impact door knocking makes for the holidays as the Easter Bunny or accompanying Santa at Christmas time. To my surprise and delight one of the homeowners in The Pinnacles was anxiously waiting for my arrival. She had something special to show me. It was a picture with Santa and Mrs. Klaus and her grandaughter, that had been used as a Xmas card by her daughter! What a thrill it was to see Santa and I with this darling girl made into a Xmas card. Of course I asked if a copy could be sent to me for my desk. I'll never get used to that great feeling that you're bringing so many smiles to the faces of your clients with this seasonal visits during the year.

March 24, 2008

What a wonderful Easter Day we had yesterday with the family! The best news ever arrived with the announcement that we are going to be grandparents in October!! This will be our very first grandchild! It doesn't get any better!

Easter Bunny visits The Pinnacles!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:02:57 -0700

March 18, 2008

The first street I visited today was highlighted by a visit to a previous client's backyard. He has great attention to detail and it was very apparent with the accents he added to the surface of his BBQ. He added colored bottle glass which sparkled in the sun and gave it an asthetic compliment I'd never seen. It was special to see the pride in his face when he described that he had done much of the work himself. An added surprise was a Chinese garden that he has growing on the westside of his home. He explained that this is lovingly cared for by his parents. It has rich green bok choy, spinach, scallions, tomatoes and fragrant sweet peas. It gives me such great satisfaction to be a part of helping someone to enjoy their dream home. I had helped them list and sell their previous home in the Adolfo Glen.

Easter Bunny visits Calarosa Ranch and The Pinnacles!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:33:16 -0700

March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm 50% Irish by decent so this is a special Day for me!!

It was so much fun to start off visiting at my first home where I had assisted a family move from the Adolf Glen community to Calarosa Ranch Estates. They have twins in the family and an adorable big sister and the Bunny had fun passing out treats and catching up on the family news. Mom and dad have been so generous to allow the Bunny to park her cart at their home and keep it there until I'm finished making my rounds each day. Up on Avenida de la Rosa, one of the moms was anxiously waiting for me with her two cute little boys. I posed with them for pictures inside the house and they really made me feel part of their family. I couldn't help as the sun was setting to stop and admire the views out to the Channel Islands from this beautiful neighborhood. The homeowners are doing a great job on their hardscape and many of their yards resemble a tropical paradise!

Ginny wears Easter Bunny Hat!

Ginny Kurtz (RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:18:43 -0700

My first trip out yesterday as the Easter Bunny was a little warm in my suit but as soon as I heard the excitement in the children's voices as I was coming down their street, it made it all worthwhile. Some of them were waiting on their driveways with wide eyes and eager hearts. The three, four and five year olds get the most excited but some of the older ones do too. As guess we're all children at heart, which is the reason I'm doing this in the first place. I even stopped to perk up the spirits of a homeowner who is in the lending business for three years. She hasn't had enough time under her belt to know a slow cycle in the market. But I started in one back in 1995, so I told her this too will pass. Real estate is still the best investment we can make!! And what a great buyer's market this is right now with low rates and more inventory than ever!