Huntington Beach Townhouse $474,000 | Huntington Beach Open House 8/1/10 | Open House Huntington Beach under $500,000 | 3 bedroom/ 2 bath Huntington Beach Townhouse | Huntington Beach 3 bedroom Open House Under $500,000 - 07/31/10 07:50 PM
Huntington Beach Townhouse $474,000 | Huntington Beach Open House 8/1/10 | Open House Huntington Beach under $500,000 | 3 bedroom/ 2 bath Huntington Beach Townhouse | Huntington Beach 3 bedroom Open House Under $500,000

 
 
Incredible 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse in Huntington Beach. This home is priced at only $474,000 and has had every possible upgrade...truly a turnkey, move-in ready home.
 
This home has a 2-car full sized garage privately accessed via the spacious, sunny patio. When we say full sized....we mean it. Room for 2 normal cars and storage besides. :)
For the gourmet chef in … (4 comments)

Do You Classify Your Leads? Understanding The Special Types Of Leads Will Help You Close More And Waste Less - 07/29/10 07:39 PM

 
 
Don't we all love leads? Hot leads....ready to buy leads...let's meet in an hour leads? We all know what to do with these....ACT! Don't we love getting that phone call or email? "Hi, I found you on 'blank' and want you to show me a house I'd like to buy at 123 Main". But these are not the normal leads we get....and understanding the different categories of leads will help you work your pipeline to the best advantage. Leads are different and need to be treated differently.
When a lead comes to me, I first analyze the lead … (9 comments)

Licensed Realtor® in Orange County California Wanted To Join Our Team | Buyer's Agent South Orange County Wanted | Listing Specialist South Orange County Wanted | Leads For Licensed Realtor® | Full Or Part Time Realtor® Wanted - 07/29/10 02:04 PM
Licensed Realtor® in Orange County California Wanted To Join Our Team | Buyer's Agent South Orange County Wanted | Listing Specialist South Orange County Wanted | Leads For Licensed Realtor® | Full Or Part Time Realtor® Wanted
Do you have your California Real Estate License and don't know what to do with it? Are you a part of a brokerage who is not providing you leads or training? Do you want to work part time? Are you ready to work full time? Come join our team!
Exciting new lead program has made 2 positions immediately available in Orange County, South Los … (9 comments)

Listing Agents Are the Biggest Roadblock to Closing A Short Sale - 07/26/10 11:49 AM
Uh oh....possible firestorm coming.
I just read the post by Elizabeth Weintraub.....whom I love...and I would like to make it clear that I have no doubt that Elizabeth is an expert in handling short sale listings. This rebuttal is not addressed to her...but to the many other short sale listing agents which are causing the frustration.
Buyer's Agents Are the Biggest Roadblock to Closing a Short Sale I have to disagree! Not with the point that buyers often write offers on multiple properties, but the reason why...it's not the buyer's agent's fault, most of the time, it's the listing agent.
I … (24 comments)

Google Doesn't Care How Many Friends You Have On Active Rain - 07/23/10 09:37 PM
I was speaking to a Realtor® today and we began talking about Active Rain. They have an account but are rarely on it. They began with enthusiasm, but soon felt out of place and felt their clever, wonderful posts were being overlooked by the "big names" (you know who you are). I have to agree that there is an inner circle of sorts....but it's a very welcoming friendly one. But I didn't want to try and convince this agent to keep trying to belong to the Active Rain group.....but rather the point is:
Google Doesn't Care How Many Friends You Have … (97 comments)

What To Do When You Don't Feel Like Doing Anything.....For Business - 07/23/10 03:38 PM
It happens to everyone! We have things to do...and no motivation to do it. First, I'd like to state that we all need time off, and if this is the day to take it....go for it! But I'm talking about the days when we have work to do, and don't feel like it. Hiding at our kitchen tables trying to push out a blog post, or answer emails, or prepare for a client, is not going to revive us. So what do I do? I leave!!

 
 
Have you ever noticed how interested everyone is in the MLS system? It's … (45 comments)

Ladera Ranch Real Estate | Live In Ladera Ranch California | Ladera Ranch Lifestyle | Search MLS Listings Ladera Ranch, California - 07/22/10 05:49 PM
Ladera Ranch Real Estate | Live In Ladera Ranch California | Ladera Ranch Lifestyle

 
Ladera Ranch, California is a wonderful community. Beach close, easy commuter access and interesting architecture are just a few of the many advantages of a Ladera Ranch Lifestyle.
Ladera Ranch began construction in 1999 and was designed as a group of villages. Within each village are a variety of tracts of homes. Each village has access to it's own amenities, such as community pools, parks and sports courts. The amenities vary by village...but all have access to the main clubhouse/pool with it's own mini-water park, … (7 comments)

FHA Buyers Can Buy This Home | 3.5% Down For A Fixer? | 203K FHA Loan | Orange County Fixers With Low Down Payment - 07/22/10 12:48 PM
 
This might be an exaggeration of a bank-owned or fixer house in Orange County, California. As I roam around Mission Viejo or Huntington Beach, I'm not seeing this level of fixers....but they are there. When a home goes through foreclosure, they are often in a condition which would make them ineligible for FHA financing.
Did you know that if a kitchen is missing a built-in stove, that's enough to be disqualified for FHA financing? The FHA inspector looks to make sure that the home is livable and safe.I've seen corrections from a small crack in the bathroom counter to complete … (5 comments)

People, Not Paper, Are Involved In The Real Estate Transaction - 07/20/10 09:36 PM


Paper!!! Contracts, addendums, requests, inspections....all paper! Real estate is an industry of paper, writing, careful documentation. But the reality is that the paper only represents the wishes of the PEOPLE involved.....if we remember this, we will find solutions to common real estate issues.
First of all....before I say anything else.....I believe strongly in "put it in writing." Real estate requires that all terms and conditions be placed in writing and this is critical. But the writing is based on the wishes of the parties and can change by mutual agreement.....THIS IS WHAT ADDENDUMS ARE FOR!
Buyers, sellers, lenders, agents...all … (37 comments)

Building Your Credibility At The Expense Of Others...Be Careful! - 07/20/10 01:32 PM
I just read a post by a mortgage broker that really upset me. Can You Trust Your Real Estate Agent?
In this post, the author made assertions about the motives behind a Realtor's® actions that were less than flattering. In essence the point was that Realtors® work on commission and so we often "push" the buyers into higher offers if we represent the buyers, and "push" the sellers to accept a lower offer if we represent the sellers.
Wrong, wrong, wrong....on so many levels. But this post is not about refuting the negative comments about real estate agents, what I found … (34 comments)

Mission Viejo Realtor® | Who Would You Call To Sell Your Home In Mission Viejo | Need To Short Sale Your Mission Viejo Home | Karen Fiddler, (949) 510-2395 - 07/20/10 12:41 PM
Mission Viejo Realtor® | Who Would You Call To Sell Your Home In Mission Viejo | Need To Short Sale Your Mission Viejo Home | Karen Fiddler, (949) 510-2395
Are you thinking of selling your Mission Viejo Home?Do you need to sell as a short sale due to a change in circumstances? or are you an equity seller who is ready for a change? How do you find the right Realtor® to help you? Call me and let's talk!
Mission Viejo has many wonderful communities. I live in the Madrid del Lago homes near Lake Mission Viejo. I can walk to … (2 comments)

Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival | Sawdust Festival Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival 2010 - 07/18/10 08:32 PM
Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival | Sawdust Festival Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival 2010
The Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival has been a tradition for 44 years. From June 25 to August 29, 2010 you can enhance your visit to Laguna Beach by visiting between the hours of 10am-10pm. 
The Sawdust is located in a rustic environment with actual sawdust on the ground (get it?). There are local artists of all kinds, including painters, jewelry makers, glass blowers, pottery makers, photographers and much more. It's your opportunity to stroll through the stalls with a glass of wine while listening to the … (11 comments)

Mission Viejo Mold Inspectors | Mold Inspectors Orange County | Mold Removal Mission Viejo | Mold Removal Orange County - 07/18/10 08:16 PM
Mission Viejo Mold Inspectors | Mold Inspectors Orange County | Mold Removal Mission Viejo | Mold Removal Orange County
Mold is a scary word! Especially if you hear the word "toxic" before it. A minor plumbing leak can reveal toxic mold behind the walls...and you've been living with it, perhaps for years. If you've found mold in your Orange County home, you need to know what to do next.
First of all.....do not touch the mold. Do not disturb the mold in anyway. Do not attempt to clean it yourself using bleach or other products. Stop! Stop and call a mold … (0 comments)

Single Family Homes In Irvine Under $500,000 | SFR In Irvine Under $500,000 | Search for MLS Listings In Irvine Under $500,000 - 07/18/10 07:43 PM
Single Family Homes In Irvine Under $500,000 | SFR In Irvine Under $500,000 | Search for MLS Listings In Irvine Under $500,000 | 7/18/2010
Number of Single Family Homes in Irvine Under $500,000: 7
Lowest Priced Single Family Home in Irvine: $469,000
Average List Price: $480,000Average Square Footage: 1446
Oldest Listing in Irvine under $500,000: 102 days
For a list of current listings of 3+ bedroom single family homes in Irvine under $500,000 click here, or call me direct at (949) 510-2305
We serve all  of Orange County including, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, … (0 comments)

Single Family Detached Homes In San Clemente Under $500,000 | SFR in San Clemente Under $500,000 | Search for MLS Listings In San Clemente - 07/18/10 07:34 PM
Single Family Detached Homes In San Clemente Under $500,000 | SFR in San Clemente Under $500,000 | Search for MLS Listings In San Clemente | 7/18/2010
Number of Single Family Homes For Sale under $500,000: 7
Lowest Priced Single Family Home: $359,900
Number of 2 bedroom homes in San Clemente under $500,000: 4Number of 3 bedroom homes in San Clemente under $500,000: 1Number of 4 bedroom homes in San Clemente under $500,000: 2
Average List Price: $462,000Average Square Footage: $1525
Oldest Listing under $500,000: 339 days
For a list of current listings of single family homes in San Clemente under $500,000 click here, or … (0 comments)

3+ Bedroom Single Family Homes In Mission Viejo Under $500,000 | Search For Mission Viejo MLS Listings of SFR Under $500,000 - 07/18/10 07:20 PM
3+ Bedroom Single Family Homes In Mission Viejo Under $500,000 | Search For Mission Viejo MLS Listings of SFR Under $500,000 | 7/18/2010
Number of 3+ Bedroom SFR For Sale under $500,000: 57
Lowest Priced 3 Bedroom SFR: $375,000Lowest Priced 4 Bedroom SFR: $419,000
Number of pool homes under $500,000: 2
Average List Price: $ 465,000Average Square Footage: 1529
Oldest Listing under $500,000: 263 days
For a list of current listings of 3+ bedroom single family homes in Mission Viejo under $500,000 click here, or call me direct at (949) 510-2305
We serve all  of Orange County including, Mission Viejo, Aliso … (0 comments)

3 Bedroom Homes in South Orange County, California - 07/18/10 03:32 PM
Yes! Yes there are many 3 bedroom homes in South Orange County reasonably priced. The market has slowed since the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit has expired. This is providing a great opportunity for buyers. If you were out looking for the past year, you might have been disappointed when you found that there were 20 other offers on each home, and people were outbidding each other by 10s of thousands. It was crazy.
This was happening all over Orange County....from Mission Viejo to Irvine, Huntington Beach to San Clemente and everywhere in between. It was frustrating!
Many times … (0 comments)

A caution to REO purchasers. The addenda always control the agreement. - 07/18/10 03:02 PM
Buyers want to find homes...and many times we have been turned down several times before we get an offer accepted. I know the excitement which comes from this, but when it's a bank-owned...it's so important to realize that while you've heard of "acceptance" it's not really a deal until you see what their contract says.
All banks have their own....and when your agent points out potential problems, please listen. I know you love the home, but you still need to be careful about what you obligate yourself to! Here is a great blog post on this very subject.
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette … (0 comments)

Shouldn't We Demand More Of Ourselves? Stand Up For Professionalism And Against Plagiarism - 07/17/10 05:24 PM
I wrote a featured post a few days ago.I was happy to read new comments, until one came which notified me that one of our Active Rain members had stolen my post...word-for-word and posted it as his own on Trulia.
Hey Look At This....Someone Wrote The Exact Same Blog Post As I Did....Word-For-Word....What A Coincidence 
I looked at the offender's Trulia blog and sure enough....there it was. I sent him an email to remove the post, which he promptly did. I then wrote the above post to let others know what happened, and to watch out. But then one of the … (19 comments)

Hey Look At This....Someone Wrote The Exact Same Blog Post As I Did....Word-For-Word....What A Coincidence - 07/16/10 06:43 PM
I am in shock....I guess I'm naive! But I have a guardian angel! My friend from Trulia happened to spot one of our own Active Rain Members taking my blog post. Realtors® Don't Know Everything....But The Good Ones Find The Answers and reposting it on Trulia as his own.
http://www.trulia.com/blog/marty_remo/2010/07/realtors_don_t_know_everything_the_good_ones_find_the_answers
I'm really steamed! I guess I'm disappointed that one of our own would do this....I thought we were a community.
I've sent him an email asking that it be removed...there is no mention of me, or the original source of the blog, so maybe he's going to just edit it. Public … (59 comments)

Realtors® Don't Know Everything....But The Good Ones Find The Answers - 07/15/10 05:17 PM
I've been a Realtor® for a while now...but I am still surprised by the day-to-day issues which arise during transactions. In the current environment, it seems that every new escrow has it's own novelties. It's really keeping us all on our toes. And that's OK.....this is how we learn!
I have never felt uncomfortable saying "I don't know" but that's because it's always followed by "but I'll find out."
It doesn't diminish me by admitting that a situation is new to me....or challenging. The qualities that define a professional include honesty, follow-up and intelligence. These are qualities that exist on the … (94 comments)

Real Estate Definitions....How To Understand What The Listing Agent Is REALLY Saying - 07/10/10 03:03 PM
You see terms thrown around all the time in real estate listings. We hear terms that "sound" terrific...but then find that when we get to the listing, clearly we had misunderstood what the agent was trying to convey. Now we are never going to see a listing say things like...."yikes this is a mess"....but, perhaps this blog can help you understand a bit more about what the listing agent actually MEANS :)!!!

Designer Inspired: The walls have been painted beigeHomey: Watch out for toys on the floorCountry Kitchen: There is no dining roomLow-maintenance yard: Small and overgrown with plantsCozy: Don't hit … (25 comments)

Huntington Beach Townhouse with a 2-car Garage Under $500,000 - 07/10/10 02:17 PM

It's a rare find to see a townhouse near the beach in Huntington Beach with an attached 2-car garage.This home is in turnkey condition! Do you wonder what the term "turnkey" means? Realtors® love to use terms to describe property. Turnkey is one of them....and sometimes we are let down when we go to the listing.
I'd like to describe this particular townhouse:
1) Gourmet Kitchen: Granite Countertops, stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting.
2) Designer touches: Calm, designer paint colors, hardwood floors, iron railings, crown molding and baseboards
3) Remodeled baths: Truly remodeled. The master bath, the half bath...even the … (5 comments)

Remember Some Leads....Like Trout....Should Be Catch And Release - 07/10/10 01:10 PM
The past few weeks I've tried to live at my cabin as much as possible! So I've been blogging on my deck, hiking through the pines and fishing off the dock. Ok, so actually I've been sunning on the boat while my husband fishes. But what would that do for my metaphor?
Every time the line pulls and a new fish "jumps" into our net, my husband makes a determination about keeping the fish or releasing it. The judgment can hinge on size, or just whether he is really up to gutting it when we get back, but he decides with … (19 comments)

If The Rumors Are True.....LeBron Is Again Showing An Amazing Lack Of Class - 07/08/10 03:53 PM
The Lebron show is on tonight at 6pm Pacific. An hour devoted to the self-proclaimed (yet ring-less) King of Basketball is silly enough. But the rumors today seem to indicate he's going to Miami.....so my question is:
How long does it really take to tell Cleveland and it's fans to go "blank" themselves?
I'm not naive...I realize that it takes a huge ego to become a Champion (oops, there again I forgot that he's NOT a champion) but the utter selfishness of this is incredible. Cleveland is a wonderful city. The fans have supported and believed in this "man" even though … (24 comments)

ouch! ouch! ouch! - 07/08/10 11:24 AM
I can't really believe I'm reblogging this...but it really makes me mad. My daughter had a form of cleft palate...and this moron has mutilated herself for amusement. Alan...funny morning post...sorry this has turned into a rant. But allow me to promote Operation Smile!!! A mere $240 can give a poor child a new mouth and life....please consider donating to this great cause...and I hope this horrible picture makes a difference. Ugh.
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, Evanston Real Estate (Evanston Condos, Evanston Homes, North Shore Homes):
I found this photograph on an ad on a different website.
I don't know … (11 comments)

We're A Moving And A Shaking In Southern California...Not Just Real Estate, An Earthquake - 07/07/10 08:57 PM
We just had an earthquake....a rocking and a rolling, a moving and a grooving. Not really making light of it, but we have had no reports of damage....although the local news is on the prowl for something to report.
I was actually just opening a crazy, lowball offer on one of my listings when it hit....divine opinion? :) Probably not.
I grew up in Southern California, so these are familar to me. It's an interesting feeling when you realize the ground below you is no longer stable. Isn't that something we take for granted? And it builds normally from a small … (18 comments)

Economic Lessons From A Child - 07/07/10 02:23 PM
I was at the local market this morning, and eavesdropped on a conversation a child (10-ish) was having with the store manager. He was distressed because the tax on a small toy he wanted to purchase caused the sale to be more money than he had.
 Before I go further......the store manager was going to throw in the extra for the child.
But the conversation was really interesting.
The manager was telling him that taxes were to pay for things like roads and police.....and that our taxes are going to go up higher soon. The child said that if the taxes … (91 comments)

Ice Tea and Laptops Don't Mix....oops - 07/07/10 10:34 AM
I'm sitting in front of my new laptop! Turns out that if you spill ice tea on the keyboard.....it stops working. Huh....who knew? :)
I'm fortunate that the only thing I really did was short out the keys and I could lift all my information from the computer via the mouse...but I'm sad. I loved that Dell. I am now greeted by a cow print every morning (my new one is a Gateway). I'm sure it will be fine. I have noticed this is much faster, and I have a number keypad to the left, I think that's going to help … (14 comments)

Buyer Beware - Banks Are Attempting to Sell Foreclosed Homes They Don't Yet Own!!! - 07/07/10 10:12 AM
Read this post and be careful! We must make sure that we get the preliminary title and really pay attention......hopefully we can avoid moments like this. But this is important for us all to be aware of.....thanks Stephen and I hope your buyers end up OK at the end of all this.
Via Stephen Howell, Associate Broker, Annapolis, Maryland (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
Buyer Beware - Banks Are Attempting to Sell Foreclosed Homes They Don't Yet Own!!!
Yesterday I received a call from my buyer's title attorney and the call went something like this ...
Title Attorney: We won't be able to close … (0 comments)

Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart - 07/07/10 09:40 AM
This is a great simple list.....it's surprising how many sellers make these mistakes.
Via Chip Plumley (Prudential Fox & Roach):
After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps.
Finding a buyer for your home is just the first step on the homeselling path. Tread carefully in the weeks ahead because if you make one of these common seller mistakes, your deal may not close. Mistake #1: Ignore contingencies
If your contract requires you to do something before the sale, do it. If the buyers make the sale contingent on … (4 comments)

Do You Need To Short Sale Your Home? Orange County Real Estate Short Sale Listing Agent | Karen Fiddler | (949) 510-2395 - 07/06/10 10:18 PM
First of all......if you are thinking of a short sale, I'm sorry! Short Sale Listings have become part of our business, but behind each listing is a personal story and I never want you to think I've forgotten that. No one chooses to short sale their home.
The bottom fell out of our real estate market...and took home values and consumers with it!
Regardless of the reason you've decided to do a short sale.....here we are! And now you need to find a short sale listing agent in Orange County to help you. I am that person....me and my team are … (3 comments)

Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents June 04, 2010 Report - 07/06/10 09:52 PM
As Carla says....not great....but not surprising. Thanks Carla for the post.
Via Carla Muss-Jacobs Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland LLC | www.EBAPortland.com | (Exclusive Buyers Agent Beaverton Portland):
Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents
The report you've been waiting for?!? 
I'm not pleased . . . but not suprised.  Most areas are "thumbs down" -- lower housing prices, lowered expectation on buyer traffice.
There are, however a few exceptions -- Boston being one market that has seen some rise in the housing prices, and buyer traffic.
Other states have mixed bags:
Denver - traffic remained unchanged Las Vegas - prices remained stable, inventory … (2 comments)

Define "Out of the Area"? ~ The Battle with the "Area Specialist" ~ - 07/05/10 07:26 PM
I have already suggested this for a feature....but sadly, I carry no weight :(. So I'm reblogging this to see if that helps. I think this is a great post!
Via Rob Magnotta (Direct Property Service):
It's always funny to go on a listing appointment and have a seller ask you, "Can you sell my home being an agent who is out of the area?"
For starters, that's not the seller talking. That's a local agent or "Area Specialist" putting words in the seller's mouth, words they probably don't understand. Unless the seller is or was an active real estate agent, it's not … (3 comments)

Orange County Realtor.....Short Sales/Foreclosures/Equity Seller.....Karen Fiddler (949) 510-2395 - 07/01/10 02:05 PM
Orange County Realtor.....Short Sales/Foreclosures/Equity Seller.....Karen Fiddler (949) 510-2395
Search for MLS listings in all of Orange County
Short SalesForeclosuresEquity SalesBuyers
 
Realtor....Karen Fiddler and The Fiddler Realty Team....Servicing all of Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Rancho Santa Margarita, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Orange, Fullerton, Anaheim and throughout all of Orange County.
… (7 comments)

Los Angeles Realtor - Condo Specialist - Stewart Penn - 310.844.6515 - 07/01/10 01:44 PM
What a great idea....have I just missed this? A solid Google-juice blog post about who we are, where we are and what we do? With links? Love this idea.
Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist (Penn Properties):
Los Angeles Realtor - Condo Specialist
Stewart Penn - 310.844.6515
(Click on the logo for Testimonials)
Search The MLS - Stewart Penn - Realtor for homes, condos & lofts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Century City, Westwood, Beverly Center, Miracle Mile, West Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Hollywood Hills, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and throughout the greater Los … (1 comments)

 
A Southern California Coastal agent's perspective on real estate and other things that interest me!

Author Bio: Karen Fiddler has been a Realtor for...



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