Susan's Super-Duper Blog (Tracy, California)

Lesson #??? No Harm is Asking!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:28:56 -0500

You have an offer that is CASH AS IS for REO Property in Tracy, CA.....

Buyer chooses to do inspections. Inspections are completed.......

Handyman says $8000 in repairs necessary, this includes CLEANING the gutters.....

Your buyer wants $6000 credit for repairs..... Ms Realtor, would you please submit my buyers Request for Repairs to your seller, yes I KNOW it is a bank, yes I KNOW it stated AS IS, however I want you to ask the Asset Manager anyway.

Surprise, surprise -- Asset Manager says "YES, to $6,000 credit, reduction from purchase price."

WHY? Net is still more than bank appraisal, a cash buyer is still better than starting all over again.

Hmmm..... point proven There is No Harm in Asking

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Tracy or Mountain House, CA home buyers or sellers call us for help.
I have a team ready to handle all your Real Estate needs - REO, Short Sale, Investing, First Time Home Buying.... call me I'm ready to help you accomplish your goals. Keller Williams Tracy/Mountain House

Red Light, Green Light, No Light????? Saving Money

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:37:06 -0500

The City of Mountain House has been living in the dark. Why - to save money.

I just had some buyers move into thier dream house on Central Parkway. Thye moved in and discovered that the Community of Mountain House, CA was saving money by not having the street lights on.

The Board decide to turn these lights back on - whoo hoo. DeAnza and Main Street will have every other light on.

All Street lights have also been changed to Blinking instead of the traditional Red, Yellow and Green.

Mountain House's issues stem from a budget based on previous home values, not today's home prices. The home my buyers purchased previously sold for $685,000 they purchased their home for almost half of that price. WOW

Mountain House has such great potential, not only are home owners facing short sales, foreclosures and budget cuts, so is the community.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Is it Immoral, lacking in Integrity to Stop Paying Your Mortgage?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:34:34 -0500

This question - Is it Immoral or lacking in integrity to STOP paying your mortgage?

This question has been asked over and over again. I'm not here to give an answer. I do know that in my communities of Tracy and Mountain House, CA the real estate market has taken a 50% dive in the past 3 years.

Numerous home owners have asked this question.....

Here are a couple of things to consider....

1) The homeowner didn't borrow money from grandma, friends and then say "Sorry not paying you and you can't have anything of mine."

2) This was a bilateral contract -- the BANK agreed to loan the HOMEOWNER money, using the HOME as collateral. What does that mean? It means - as long as the homeowner pays the bank they get to keep their house. If the homeowner STOPS paying the mortgage the bank get the house. (aka Foreclosure)

We can modify that agreement via a Loan Mod or a SHORT SALE. Either of these options modify the agreement, as the homeowner is trying to renegotiate the original agreement.

I'm not going to pass judgement, I do know that there are tons of homeowners in Tracy and Mountain House contemplating a Short Sale, Loan Mod, or Foreclosure, that desperately need some advise, compassion and direction. The "fear factor" for them is at an all time high.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this -- weigh in. ---

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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I KNOW Them - when the FBI comes knocking

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:57:52 -0500

Sadly enough the FBI is pressing charges against a mother and daughter team in my local area. They were living in Manteca, which is 5 miles away. They had a buyer in who bought MY TRACY Listing.

I can't tell you how many time I've heard -- "OH WOW, I knew them, I did business with THEM."

Their offence - putting people into loans they could not afford, promising a loan modification after the first payment was made... then they would disappear.

It is such a black eye on our industry.

It also begs the question - should you do loan and sell real estate.

I know my personal opinion is NOPE, too much potential for a conflict of interest.

I'd love to hear your opinion on this.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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2259 Yellowstone Ave, Tracy CA only $270.900 - SOLD $295,000 CASH!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:35:53 -0500

Susan Goulding | Keller Williams Realty | 209-914-5573

2259 Yellowstone Ave, Tracy, CA

No Trick Here - Perfect Treat in time for Halloween

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $270,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,682
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	6,969 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Large Home ready for a new family. Property backs to Placentia Soccer Fields

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Office/Den
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Backs to Open Space Park

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Susan Goulding

Keller Williams Realty

209-914-5573

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 11:20pm PDT

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Short Sale Sellers, yes you SHOULD expect to Contribute

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:12:19 -0500

Today Short Sale are getting approved, and some banks want the seller to help pay to close the deal.

If your loan is with Bank of America/Countrywide, or if you have a second and YOU ARE THE SELLER _ you need to expect to PAY something to contribute to the sale of your home.

3 of my recent Short Sale approvals in Tracy CA, and one in Mountain House expected contributions from the seller.

Think of it this way Mr & Ms. Seller - if your bank said to you - "Give us $10,000 and we'll put $100,000 in your account would you do it? Of course you would. This is a similar situation. The Bank (loan holder) is offering to eliminate your debt in exchange for you paying something. Sounds like a deal to me.

Yes you can still go into foreclosure, and I always recommend seeking the advise of a good attorney before deciding to proceed with a short sale or going forward with a foreclosure.

Mr /MS Seller if you're not paying your mortgage, save some of that money so you can contribute towards the sale of your property if you are asked.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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I never thought I'd see THIS in the GARAGE of a VACANT House!

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:48:36 -0500

What is THIS? That's was the holler I heard from my buyer as they walked in to the garage.

We call came running.

This is a GIANT panda, that has a 2 ft high stand, I'm guessing this non-too-friendly looking panda in his stand is well over 5 feet tall.

The real questions is -- WHAT WAS THIS PANDA USED FOR???? WHY IS IT IN THE GARAGE?

Will the previous owners leave it for my buyers if they get thier offer accepted on this Short Sale? Maybe we can negotiate it into the offer?

So what is the strangest thing you've seen????? Can you top the Giant Panda?

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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DO NOT tell me THAT!

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:36:33 -0500

DO not tell me we have approval on YOUR Short Sale - when there are conditions that require my buyer to come up with cash......

My Buyer have been waiting since May to hear AN answer from the bank ON their short sale offer.

I get "THE CALL" today, the message and email say "Great news the first and second have approved the short sale. Give me a call when you get the chance"

Imagine my surprise - and BOY am I glad I DID NOT call my buyers FIRST. When I finally got a hold of the other agent this is what I heard. "Susan I am so excited we have approval on the first and the second. Oh and BY THE WAY - the 2nd needs $10,000 MORE dollars, so your buyers need to bring $10,000 CASH to closing."

This is an FHA offer, if they had $10,000 more we would have been a conventional buyer.

As far as I'm concernced "WE" DO NOT have approval. You should not expect my buyers to contribute $10,000 CASH so your clients can avoid foreclosure. YOUR Client is still living in this house, and has not made a house payment for the last 8 months, what happened to the money they were paying, $3800 a month x 8 = $30,400?

I've got an obligation to my client to let them know --- however -- the other agent A) needs to try to negotiate with the bank b) tell her seller that if they want to sell they either need to come up with the cash OR take a note or C) at the very least offer to split/share this cost. The agent didn't even OFFER to talk to her CLIENTS about paying SOME of the money wanted.

(Please don't tell me if my clients want the house they should pay, they are willing to increase their offer and finance this amount, if it comes to that. Listing agent said that was impossible as First would take the increase and not pass it on to the second -- she hasn't talked to either bank yet.)

Your thoughts? What am I missing in this picture?

Susan Goulding & Associates
Tracy and Mountain House CA

We believe that helping people short sale thier homes is the kindest thing we can do in today's market.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Tracy Farmer's Market

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:32:22 -0500

Amazingly enough I hate mornings. I'd be so happy if my day's stated at 10:00 a.m.and ended at 2:00 a.m.; however that is not my world.

Imagine my surprise when I was "forced" -- yes some friends actually 'shamed' me into going with them to the "Tracy Farmer's Market." The shocker is we were downtown by 9:00 a.m.

What I found was a delightful mix of fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, even jewelry. I'm not sure how you grow jewelry on a farm but....

If you're out and about this Saturday stop by the Tracy Farmer's Market, it's on 10th Street between D and Central. You'll be delightfully surprised.

When you see me being dragged around half asleep - just say "HI!" I'm here because of you.

Tracy CA Local Expert -- next week photos.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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I refuse to be a Penguin!

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:22:09 -0500

Simple Truths - A Peacock in the land of Penguins

I was asked today what makes you different, why would a buyer or seller choose you... otherwise known as "my unique value proposition".

It made me stop and think. Am I a Penguin in a black and white world, where everything is done the same way for no reason other than "we've always done it that way"? Or am I a Peacock, that is open to new ideas, that shares freely and hopes others will share with me. Simple Truth's A Peacock in the Land of Penguins illustrates this a quick 4 minute video..

What it made me realize is that the land of Opportunity is much more than a place it is a State of Mind.

Status quo is part of what makes me different - I don't accept the Status Quo, and I am always looking for input from others on how to make their world better.

Susan Goulding

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Kimball High School Traffic Nightmare!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:02:18 -0500

The first day of school, filled with anticipation, excitement and the right amount of fear. Not only are you moving up a grade you are part of only 2 classes to be the first to walk through the doors of a brand new High School. Yes, Kimball High School, Tracy, CA

The school is not complete, ok we're kids we can handle that. The cafeteria isn't complete, we can even handle that - who eats anyway -- it's social hour.

However, what we can't handle is the inability to get to and from the school. Why would you put a school site surrounded by homes, with only ONE way in and ONE way out? Why do people who live South of the school have to go North, go East, go South, Go West then finally go NORTH again to get to their homes. About a 10 mile round trip - and I live 4 blocks away.

Why are there no "drop zone" for students? Why are the gates in the back of the school open for us to walk through? Why can't we go LEFT out of the parking lot? Why does it take 45 minutes to get out of the parking lot?

Today I walked almost 2 miles to meet my ride home. I walked in the dirt, without sidewalks as cars going 50 -55 MPH whizzed by. I hope that no one gets hit by a car. Why didn't the adults think this through before they built this school where it is? What happens when those of us who are Sophomores start driving - oh my goodness.

My mom asked me what I thought - she might have elaborate my thoughts -- perhaps my thoughts were her thoughts spoke through me -- either way it's a mess!

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Attention Real Estate Pros: Are you ready to be sued?

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:36:14 -0500

I couldn't have said it better!

Via Erik Hitzelberger, --Louisville-Bullitt County Real Estate (RE/MAX Alliance):

I wrote an Open Letter to First Time Procrastinating Home Buyers a couple of days ago. The point of the post was to inform buyers that the deadline for writing an offer on a home was somewhere in October. This post garnered a lot of attention and comments. Of course, the best was from my new favorite McKinney, Texas Broker Kim Daughtery whose comment included "You're a genius." Thanks Kim. Flattery will get you referrals.

All kidding aside, there were some very profound comments that needed to be considered once my suddenly Barry Bond-sized noggin returned to its original size.

In particular, at least 3 very specific scenarios discussed in the comments which could spell trouble for real estate agents and lenders. Despite my flippant attitude above, each of us should think about the following very seriously.

Scenario 1: Your buyer misses the deadline and doesn't get the $8000.

Matt Stigliano aptly pointed out he expects lawsuits to arise if this is the case. I agree. Think we are wrong? Consider...

What if you the lender says you can close in 40 days and it takes 50? Does it matter that the delay was caused by the buyer not submitting all docs on time?

What if you the buyer's agent takes on a new client Oct 1st and don't write an offer until October 20th? If you miss the deadline, will your clients claim you didn't tell them about the risk? Does it matter if you did?

What if you the seller's agent don't do due diligence with respect to pre-approval letters in multiple offer situations and the buyer your client selects can't close? Does it matter if you did?

What if you the appraiser take 3 weeks to get your report submitted due to the glut of deals? Does it matter if you worked 60 hours per week just to accomplish that?

More importantly, what if you the professional do everything right and it just doesn't work out?

Scenario 2: The buyer walks.

Does anyone really think this won't happen?

How do you the buyer's agent educate the client to prevent this?

How do you the seller's agent protect your client?

Scenario 3 The deadline isn't extended.

Many commentors believe the tax credit will be extended. I probably do as well. Certainly, we can predict NAR,etc will be all over Congress this fall to make it happen. That being said, I would never advise my client to that fact. This credit has been available in one form or another for well over a year. I am loathe to throw my support behind any petition for an increase on the grounds that buyers have somehow been unable to get motivated to get free money. Of course, if I have a client in that position, I'll probably have to swallow my principles and argue on their behalf.

In the meantime, my argument to them is "Why do you want to wait? What benefit do you expect to get? Rates aren't dropping. Inventory isn't improving. Where exactly do you think you'll make up the $8k if you are wrong?"

Here's the question though. Does merely mentioning the possiblity open you up to a lawsuit if it doesn't occur?

The Answers

Despite Kim's faith, I don't have the answers. But, I have 2 months to figure it out and this is definitely not something I'm procrastinating about.

Thoughts?

* * * * *

Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes

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Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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This Crisis is not Financial

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:38:56 -0500

This is profoundly true.... we've got to change our priorities.

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

While the stock market, housing prices, jobless rate, and falling GDP may point to a financial crisis, those are only symptoms of the real illness. Just as a doctor would never describe an overweight patient’s condition as, “a crisis of too many fat cells,” we must look to the cause of our problem if we ever expect to effect a cure.

The USA has gorged itself on debt, but even that’s not the problem. It’s yet another symptom of a society focused upon personal comfort and satisfaction, chasing an ever-changing vision of happiness, a narcissistic assumption that it was about us, and that “we should have it all,” and have it now.

In the past few decades we've shifted from a country of savers to one of spenders—binge spenders, drunken in our chase for the “good life.” Movies and television told us we could have it, and their ads spewed a never ending array of what we “needed.” With the latest gadgets our lives would become simpler, less stressful. With wondrous images they carted us off to faraway beaches with perfect sunsets and plastic people.

But the images were all a lie; the contrary was true. The accumulation of “stuff” created a need for more money, requiring that both spouses work, and work harder, longer. The constant demand for money kept us forever chasing a better position, more pay, to help us afford the stuff we had already bought. More money would take us to an even better lifestyle that always remained just out of reach.

We didn’t want the simple house of our parents; we wanted more bedrooms, more bathrooms, bigger kitchens, fireplaces, media centers, and three car garages. We weren’t satisfied with a basic car; we needed SUVs, maybe two, and a sports car for the kids. A vacation at the beach wasn’t enough, unless the beach was in Hawaii.

We wanted the best for our children and we bought computers, video games, cell phones, and other electronics, expensive clothes and cars; we wanted them to have it all, too, to have a better life, to have more than we’d had. And we succeeded—after a fashion. We spent more, went in debt more, and lived for the pleasure of the moment.

We had more and our kids had more; but the ever-increasing indebtedness, like a millstone, pulled us into an abysmal stupor and caused us to miss out of much of the enjoyment. We drugged our stress with alcohol, pills or the latest pop psychology that promised to restore us to “Nirvana,” and the children whose happiness and love we purchased, became strangers.

Of course this isn’t a universal indictment; but it’s more widespread than many are willing to admit. And it doesn’t apply to ME or to YOU. It’s those “other people” who have allowed their problems to morph into a crisis. But WE all have an obligation to help find the solution.

As our country and the world enter the crucial stages of a financial meltdown, many are reflecting upon lives spent chasing an elusive future utopia that could never be; and many are ready to get off the train. Some have begun to reconsider where they have focused their energy, their labor, and have begun to realize that life was never about the stuff. It’s about discovering our place and helping others; it’s about the choices we make and the lives we lead; it’s about releasing ourselves from fear and living and sharing the wondrous joys of this life; and it’s about today. We don’t have tomorrow. The good life we’ve been seeking isn’t in the future. We’ve had it all along.

For the latest news in housing, visit: The Housing Guru

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Active Rain Changes - Blue Highlight Special!!!

Tue, 26 May 2009 01:06:19 -0500

Just wanted to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE BLUE HIGHLIGHT when the author of a post responds.

(I'm not sure how new it is, but I realized I hadn't said how much I love it!)

Way to go Active Rain Staff - you guys ROCK!

Anyone else got a favorite NEW modification?

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Don't Sell the SHORT SALE Short

Sun, 24 May 2009 23:43:13 -0500

As a local Realtor who took a 6 month SHORT SALE course 3 years ago - prior to there being a designation (perhaps gettingletters after your name is just a way for someone to capitalize on the market - I digress) - I could not agree more.

Short Sales in Tracy and Mountain House, California dominate our local market.

If you need help selling your house - there is hope, call a professional REALTOR, someone who has been doing short sales for some time.

If you're looking to buy a short sale just know that you need patience, and that the home of your dreams is within reach.

Susan Goulding
Tracy, California

Sellling Short Sale properties in San Joaquin County for the past 3.5 years.

Via Judy Chapman, Realtor® - Greater Orlando, FL (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate):

How to handle pre-foreclosure and short sale properties is still a mystery to many real estate agents. We certainly didn’t learn about short sales in real estate school, and when the foreclosure crisis reared its ugly head, many of us buried our own heads in the sand.

Short sales are not going away. Negative equity has overtaken the American real estate landscape. It certainly has in Orlando, Florida. What started as an isolated problem pinned on subprime mortgages has escalated into a full-scale war. And now, with the economy in turmoil and unemployment affecting more and more homeowners, the war has turned into a battle royale.

Sellers need you. And so do buyers. As a Realtor®, you may as well face the problem, roll up your sleeves, and go out there to lend a helping hand.

For those who can afford the time and money, check out these Short Sale designations that can be earned through formal in-class or online study.

Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)

Certified Short-Sale Professional (CSP)

For those who can’t afford the money but can afford the time, there’s always self-education. Right here on ActiveRain, many veterans of the Short Sale Wars are happy to impart their wisdom, methods, and madness. They’ve already been through the trial-by-fire route, and the experiences they relate are extremely informative. By using their advice wisely and well, you’ll be a step ahead of your peers!

In the end, only experience gained firsthand—by listing and selling short sales—can turn inexperienced agents into full-fledged experts.

When agents represent homebuyers, they should understand the pros and cons of purchasing Short Sales and advise accordingly.

When agents represent homeowners, they should treat the Short Sale property as they would any other house for sale. They shouldn’t skimp, shortchange, or sell short either the seller or the hoped-for buyer.

Marketing - Market a short sale the same way you would a regular listing. That means multiple photos, a virtual tour, direct mail, and everything else. Buyers still need a reason to see your listing as opposed to the one down the street. If this means literally showing dirty laundry, do it. The price will justify the condition of the house.

List Price - Run a comparative market analysis and list the house at current market value. It doesn’t matter if the house is a Short Sale. It’s still a property with value. If it’s in a bad way, reflect that in the list price. If it shines as a move-in ready house, reflect that as well. Whatever you do, don’t throw a dart or deliberately try to undercut every other house in the neighborhood, not unless the condition of the house warrants it. A low price may generate interest, showings, and offers, but it doesn’t necessarily get the mortgage lender to approve the Short Sale package.

MLS Listing Information - Don’t skimp on inputting full information. Include ALL details and description that you would normally include for a regular listing. Sellers deserve no less for the house they call their home. Likewise, buyers deserve no less for the house they want to make their home.

Apply an Aggressive Short Sale Strategy to the List Price - Once the house has been listed at a price reflecting current market value, don’t let the price hang out there in limbo forever. Homeowners facing foreclosure don’t have time to wait. If the house doesn’t immediately get showings, lower the price. If the house doesn’t get an offer, keep lowering the price. There’s no reason a Short Sale house can’t be sold in a reasonable amount of time, not unless the mortgage lender rejects the offer out of hand.

* * * * * *

Proudly selling real estate in Oviedo, Winter Springs, East Orlando, City of Orlando & Winter Park

Neighborhoods in Oviedo - Aloma Woods, Bentley Woods, Little Creek, Kingsbridge, Riverside at Twin Rivers, Alafaya Woods, Live Oak Reserve and many other others

Neighborhoods in Winter Springs - Tuscawilla and many others

Neighborhoods in East Orlando - Avalon Park, Eastwood, Stoneybrook, Waterford, Cypress Springs, Lake Nona and many others

Neighborhoods in City of Orlando - Delaney Park, Thornton Park, College Park, Colonialtown, Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona and many others

Neighborhoods in Winter Park - Comstock Park, Lake Knowles Terrace, Sylvan Lake Shores, Charmont, Orwin Manor and many others

JUDY CHAPMAN

Florida Licensed Realtor® and Sales Associate

Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS)

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

521 E Mitchell Hammock Road

Oviedo, FL 32765

Specializing in Short Sale Solutions for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

To put your home on the market, please feel free to reach me at (407) 227-7763. Questions about the Orlando real estate market always welcome.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

REGRET PRICE - do you know what it is?

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:31:03 -0500

REGRET PRICE!

What is that? Regret price is the price you would regret if you didn't pay..... this philosophy can be applied to EVERYTHING, however it works especially well with BUYERS!

You know Home Buyers.... who ask ... how little can I pay, I want the best deal..... is that really the issue? NOPE.

How many times have you heard that then the buyer doesn't get the home, they wait until it is sold and find out what was paid .... what is always said ..... "Oh drat I would have paid that!" That is the REGRET PRICE.

Now when the property is sold, and they don't get the home, when they find out what it sold for and they think, "WOW, I would never have paid that for that property." Again - the REGRET PRICE.

I'm getting my clients to start thinking about their "REGRET PRICE" for every house we see. In this market of Short Sales and REO, the asking price is RARELY the REGRET PRICE!

Every home is someone's Castle.

Buying or Selling in Tracy, CA or Mountain House, CA; consult an expert.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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SCAM ALERT - TOOK 10 YEARS OFF MY LIFE!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:26:22 -0500

SCAM ALERT - BEWARE - THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!!!

This happened right here in Tracy, CA........
I get a call from my 76 year old father....
"""Susan we've got a HUGE problem, Tyler (my oldest) just called and he's in jail, got drunk, got in an accident and is Canada. He needs $4,800 to get out as that is the damage to the car."""

Now, I can't express how panicked I was. First, Tyler is supposed to be in Albuquerque, in the Air Force. I quickly try to call him, Of course he doesn't answer his phone, (he's in jail); so next I send an email to his Military on base email - it simply said "Call me now". He does - immediately.

Bottom line - we was not in Canada, not in an accident, not in jail.

This was a scam to cause you to panic and send money immediatley.

The good news is my dad told the people who called - to CALL THIER MOTHER -- that would be me. They DIDN'T. It wasn't until later we figured out this was a total scam.

Yes the police have been called. So please be warned, this was scary stuff, you don't stop to think when your kid is involved.

BTW - what they to my dad was ....."This is your oldest grandson........" My dad said, "Tyler...." they responded - "yeah this is Tyler"... and so on .....

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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You know you are a WorkAholic WHEN???????

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:30:56 -0500

Top 10 Ways to KNOW if you are a Workaholic

(Disclaimer, a colleague stopped by the office, her husband said "SO who's the work-aholic?" So what if it WAS Sunday morning at 10:00, I've never considered myself a work-aholic, but am I? Or Am I just trying to be available to my clients, day in and day out, 24/7?)

What are your additions to the list......

10) Your husband, what husband, oh yeah, I remember him......has to ask you out on a date 3 weeks in advance.
9) You hear your children say - Mom is always on the phone, she's always busy.
8) Your friends don't call anymore, they already KNOW you are can't go.
7) When you are with your husband, family and friends, they ask if you "CAN EVER put down that D*&* Phone".
6) You have to buy a bigger purse to carry your notebook, pen, phone, MLS key, etc. in.
5) You don't even have time to SHOPPING.
4) You give your kids money as birthday gifts, saying that is what they perfer, it's really just easier.
3) You miss church, kid's ball games, etd because your clients want to go see homes.
2) You send Twitters and Facebook updates at 2 in the morning. the number 10 way to KNOW if you are a workaholic.....
1) You are seriously considering putting a cot in the break room so you can 'sleep over.'

hmmmmm..... Where is the balance? Counter Balance? Being available for your clients, yet not letting it ruin your life.

THOUGHTS? IDEAS?
Susan Goulding Realtor, Tracy Real Estate, Free MLS Search, Homes for sale Tracy California, Bank Foreclosures, Mountain House Homes For Sale, Keller Williams Tracy Mountain House, Short Sale

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

Do we LOVE to complain? Get over it!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:02:35 -0500

Today when I was listening to an agent complain..... I have too many buyers, there is not enough inventory...

What happened to last year -- the complain was "I don't have enough buyers, and there is SO much inventory."

Is there a happy median? Are we ever satisfied?

We should be - does it really matter if there is too much or too little inventory? NOPE - it is what it is - the market is the market. So now it's up to you to make it what you want it to be.

Too many buyer, too few buyers - this you CAN control. Too many buyers, refer them to someone in your office, that is a far better alternative ( a referral fee) than to let them find someone else. Too few buyer -- get out there and find them. Blog on Active Rain, do whatever you do best to attract buyers, and do it to mastery.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

Is it a Buyer's Market or Seller's Market?????

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:32:31 -0500

Is it a Buyer's Market or a Seller's Market? This questions was recently asked me via a "Twitter"

My answer is YES! YES! YES!

This is especially true in my local area of Tracy, Mountain House and the Central Valley of California.

The buyer opportunities are amazing, interest rates are the lowest they have ever been in history. Prices are at an 15 year low. Why shouldn't buyers be buying?

As to Sellers, there are so many opportunities for buyers that many buyers are buying. This leads to fierce competition for well priced, maintained 'tier' one properties. Sellers are seeing multiple offers on properties, over asking price is common, and most properties are selling within the first 30 days on the market.

So the SIMPLE answer is YES!

If you're not in the "game" why not? What are you waiting for? If you are a seller looking to sell, Sell LOW, BUY LOW_- you'll make up the difference in what was and what is in no time.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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Free & Easy Photo Tour! Post on YouTube IN less than 10 minutes

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:40:04 -0500

The easiest 'virtual tour' I've ever done.

I had some photos, and I use Picasa to keep my photos organized.

If you upload your photos to PicasaWeb, you have the option to "make a movie."

You can add music to the movie, and then voila - you create the movies.

Upload to YouTube (this is the first one I tried, it's photos of my son golfing) and you are DONE.

All this in less than 10 minutes.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

HELP ME! Teaching Class Tomorrow

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:07:57 -0500

Help - I'm teaching a "Techy Social Media" class for the first time tomorrow.

Here's my question - other than Active Rain - which we all LOVE -- what do you consider to be the 3 most important Social Media - Tech Tips you would give a "beginner."

Please --

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

Buy LOW--- or Buy BOTTOM????

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:56:59 -0500

When did this ball BOUNCE?

I can tell you --- it bounced when it hit bottom and started back up.

There is an old saying, "buy low". This is TRUE- however - no one has EVER said "Buy Bottom".

Why not -- why not "Buy Bottom, Sell TOP?"

Because we don't know know where Bottom is? We don't know where TOP is either.

So here is the best advise I can give..... AIM LOW!

Weigh all the facts, the interest rate, the current price of homes and when you think it's LOW enough for you, get off the fence and BUY.

I do know this --- there are going to be a lot of people in a few years who said "I wish I had bought that house in 2009, it was ONLY $XYZ. " We've seen it before, we'll see it again.

AIM LOW ----- BUY LOW-----

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

How many is 3 - 4 Million in the scope of things???

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:56 -0600

The New Stimulous plan: The government estimates that between 3 and 4 million homeowners will benefit from the Homeowner Stability Initiative component of the plan.

Ok so in the scope of the entire United States - what does this really equate out to? How many home owners are there in the United States?

Is this really going to work? Will this really make a difference to the "general public"?

Your opinion Counts.

Tracy & Mountain House, CA

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209-914-5573 Susan@SusanGoulding.com

Susan's Super-Duper Blog (Tracy, California)

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Do we LOVE to complain? Get over it!

Is it a Buyer's Market or Seller's Market?????

Is it a Buyer's Market or a Seller's Market? This questions was recently asked me via a "Twitter"

My answer is YES! YES! YES!

Free & Easy Photo Tour! Post on YouTube IN less than 10 minutes

HELP ME! Teaching Class Tomorrow

Buy LOW--- or Buy BOTTOM????

How many is 3 - 4 Million in the scope of things???