Noelle's Blog

How important is a home inspection?

2008-05-20T19:59:18Z

When you are buying, home inspection information helps you know what to look for. When selling, it helps you prepare for the sale. Information is power. During both events, you want the power to protect your investment.

For buyers, the Better Business Bureau recommends that you have the home you are about to purchase inspected to prevent unanticipated repairs in the future-for both old and brand new homes. An inspection impacts your buying decision and the price you are willing to pay.

When selling, a home inspection before you put your property on the market gives you the information of what needs to be fixed. With that knowledge, you can then decide what you are willing to invest in and what repairs you want to hand over to the buyer. A pre-inspection empowers you during the sales process, reduces contingencies, and minimizes closing delays due to repairs. Pre-inspection can also prevent failure-to-disclose lawsuits. Nowadays, ignorance is rarely accepted as a viable argument.

The home inspection process involves visual and system checks of the home to insure it is structurally sound and in good condition. It should be conducted in day light.

"Normal operating controls" need to be functioning. Which means that the gas, electricity, and water are on, pilot lights lit. The typical inspection lasts 2-3 hours and the cost averages from $300-$500.

What do they inspect?
While it may seem like everything, inspectors most frequently check the roof, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, basements, foundations, windows, systems for air conditioning and heating, plumbing, electrical systems and appliances.

What can you share about inspectors that you have used?

Has an inspector helped you sell a home?

Has an inspector hindered the sell of a home?

Red Flags to Look For When Hiring a Moving Company

2008-05-19T15:35:07Z

Minimize your risk of a scam or shady service the next time you move by looking out for these warning signs.

Demands for payment by cash - moving companies are also required to accept credit cards or personal checks.
Anonymous-looking trucks - beware of traditional rental trucks or a truck with no distinct markings at all.
Blank documents & contracts - moving scammers try to get consumers to agree to, & sign, blank documents. DO NOT sign anything that you have not reviewed and approved. Make sure to get all your questions and concerns addressed and answered before signing the contract.
Rates based on cubic feet - prices should be based on weight, which can always be verified by state-certified scales. Cubic feet methods will not allow you to verify the amount you will be charged.
Requests for deposits - a legitimate company will not ask for a deposit, but will expect payment on delivery & before the shipment is unloaded from the truck.
Refusal to visit your home prior to the move - Avoid movers who only give estimates over the phone or refuse to physically examine the goods prior to moving day. An in-house estimate should be required and offered without asking.
No company visibility in your area - Pick a company that has a presence in your area. Don't assume a nice website or ad in the yellow pages translates into a genuine moving operation. Research the moving company, check with the Better Business Bureau, and follow up with any referrals.
Deals that sound too good to be true - Get at least 3 estimates, and be cautious of rock-bottom prices.

What other signs should consumers be aware of when searching for a good moving company?

Do you have any moving stories to share?

Spring Cleaning = Garage Sales = CLIENTS

2008-05-08T19:07:18Z

Spring cleaning....

It's that time to get organized and take care of those unwanted items. A good way to do this and expose yourself it by hosting a garage sale. Get everyone in the neighborhood involved and make your rounds. Start by passing out flyers. It is a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbors and get to know them while they get to know you. Put together a memo and hand it out to the neighbhood with requests for interested parties to contact you for a "yard sale" packet. In the packet talk about pricing and include stickers for sellers to mark their items to be sold Hand deliver each packet to the homeowner introducing yourself and filling them on all the details. Place an ad in your local paper or penny saver and watch the customers flock. Don't forget to put out signs (with your name of course) once again reminding people who sponsored the event. It is best to give them at least one month's notice, so the homeowners have time to clean out their closets, garage, cabinets etc. On the morning on the day of the sale, go around with coffee and donuts for a quick visit. You never know what you may find to buy along the way. And buying from someone helps them remember you give back! Another good idea would be to schedule a truck to pick up the unsold items to donate or for charity. Help out the community and they will think of all the good things you have done and call you first!

What other good things do you do for your neighborhood?

What sets you apart?

Spring Cleaning = Garage Sales = CLIENTS

2008-05-08T18:48:46Z

Spring cleaning....

It's that time to get organized and take care of those unwanted items. A good way to do this and expose yourself is by hosting a garage sale. Get everyone in the neighborhood involved and make your rounds. Start by passing out flyers. It is a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbors and get to know them while they get to know you. Put together a memo and hand it out to the neighbhood with requests for interested parties to contact you for a "yard sale" packet. In the packet talk about pricing and include stickers for sellers to mark their items to be sold. Hand deliver each packet to the homeowner introducing yourself and filling them on all the details. Place an ad in your local paper or Penny Saver and watch the customers flock. Don't forget to put out signs (with your name of course) once again reminding people who sponsored the event. It is best to give them at least one month's notice, so the homeowners have time to clean out their closets, garage, cabinets etc. On the morning on the day of the sale, go around with coffee and donuts for a quick visit. You never know what you may find to buy along the way, and buying from someone helps them remember you give back! Another good idea would be to schedule a truck to pick up the unsold items to donate or for charity. Help out the community and they will think of all the good things you have done and call you first!

What other good things do you do for your neighborhood?

What sets you apart?

Beach Life in Huntington Beach

2008-04-30T20:02:58Z

The lifestyle here in Huntington Beach is absolutely fabulous! And with so much to do and so many great places to go, it is no wonder people come in flocks. Living in the downtown area and heading to the beach practically every few days is just the tip of the iceberg. Huntington Beach hosts a wide variety of events on the beach, at the pier and on Main St. Currently on Tuesday's Main Street is shut down to traffic and is pedestrian friendly only during the evenings. Vendors of all types come out to sell, entertain, or give you a taste test. Tuesday nights have turned into quite the event, and Huntington Beach is even considering shutting down the street on a permanent basis.

There is also quite a bit of brand new developments taking place. Pacific City, Blue Canvas and The Stand will be debuting in no time. They will be hosting new hotels, shops, condos, and town homes.

Living in the downtown area one can ride their bike virtually everywhere and never need a car. Having a cool bike in Huntington Beach is like having a cool car.

Homes in Huntington Beach can range from $400 (for a condo) to several millions in the Harbor (on the Harbor w/ a boat dock). Compared to other beach cities, Huntington Beach is very affordable for the great schools, beautiful surroundings, and great life it has to offer.

What makes the city you live in a great lifestyle for you?

What draws people to your town?

Taking Your Website To The NEXT LEVEL

2008-04-07T14:27:10Z

How often do you update your website? I am pretty tech savy, but with the constant changes in the web industry keeping on the up and up is a full time job in itself.

Website management can be time consuming and typing errors count against you, but it is a good way to keep your face in the forefront without having to waste paper and spend money on costly mailers. With the going green campaign kick, this is one sure fire way to contribute. Nevertheless, I am always looking for ways to take it to the next level. I read everything I get my hands on to be knowledgeable and resourceful.

Do you know of any great websites or widgets that have helped your website go to the next level?

When was the last time you updated your website? And how often do you do it?

What do you do to get more website traffic?

Simple Steps to becoming a Millionaire

2008-04-02T15:32:22Z

Develop written financial plan goals-putting the pen to paper some how makes it more real, and having a plan to work with right from the start will get you going in the right direction. Come up with a workable plan you can put into action and making changes as you evolve and grow. Revisit your plan every quarter to ensure you are always on the right track.
Live below your means-you do not need to be a walking fashionista with overpriced designer clothes, shoes & accessories. Invest in a few smart pieces and build inexpensively off of that. Don't allow on overpriced house or car to kill your budget. Cut coupons to save a few bucks and grocery shop smart by reading and comparing products and prices. Do live and eat well, while enjoying activities that don't cost money, like biking, walking, hiking, gardening, going to the park or beach.
Ditch your credit cards-credit cards should not be used if you are not able to pay off your purchases within two to three months. Just think about how much extra money you would have to spend if you didn't have to pay interest on the money you borrowed. Instead pay them off every month, and don't pay interest at all! And why not get a credit card that offers you miles as well? Be smart about having your money work for you! If you can not pay it off, do not buy anything unless it is an absolute necessity. You only need a few credit cards. If you have a bunch in your wallet, pay them off and cancel them. This may even help your FICO score. Debt will only hold you back.
SAVE IT! - Get into the good habit of saving money! You should aim your plan to be a systematic investment. Build an emergency fund so you don't have to raid your savings in the event of an emergency. Save no less than 10% of each paycheck & half of all pay raises. You did without the $ before, and will cherish it more later than you will an old pair of shoes.
Start your own business-they say two thirds of millionaires are self-employed, with 75% of them being entrepreneurs, and the rest being professionals such as doctors and lawyers.
Get professional financial advice-Find a trusted professional that you can work with. Learn about your investments, pay attention to how they perform, and do not be afraid to ask questions and make decisions for yourself.
Have your money work for YOU-You don't need a lot of money to get started. Many money market accounts can be opened with only $1,000.00. Look for companies that offer no-load funds, and low expense ratios. Build yourself a diverse portfolio and where you can reasonably expect to earn 8 to 10 percent annually on your investments over the long run.
Re-think your purchases - ask yourself...do I really need this or do I want this? That $5 cup of coffee can accumulate to over $1,210 per year. Cut back and treat yourself less often and watch the savings add up. Going to the bank to get cash? Make sure you go to the bank you bank at, or you can incur major fees. Choosing to bank at banks that are easily accessible in your area is a smart choice to cut high cost fees.

What do you do to save money?

What is your retirement plan?

BUYERS GET OFF THE FENCE!!!

2008-03-31T12:52:02Z

I've been watching the real estate market especially close in the areas I farm and sell real estate. I have to tell you I am seeing 2004 housing prices in Huntington Beach, CA. Homes that sold for $642,000, $645,000, $657,000 only a year ago are now going for $520,000, $505,000, $470,000 and another is pending at a list price of $444,000. THAT IS A PRICE DROP OF $200,000!!!!!!!

BUYERS!!!! What are you waiting for? Sure a few of these lower prices are due to foreclosures and bank owned properties and brought down the values in the neighborhoods, but what do you think will happen when we don't have anymore bank owned properties in the neighborhoods you want to live in? I understand you want a good deal, but standing on the sidelines isn't going to get you a good deal. When a killer buy is found, you have to move on it, and move on it quick. Don't wait to see if it is a good buy when someone else gets it! Call your trusted Realtor; get your financing in line as well as the necessary paperwork and ACT RIGHT AWAY! These great buys aren't going to last forever, and with the large inventory and the banks viewpoint to get rid of it... NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY! Don't wait until the newspapers tell you the real estate marketing is picking up...then the real estate market is on the up swing. In addition, if sellers have to sell and want to compete in today's real estate market, they too are going to have to price their home right. So it is a win, win situation for buyers in today's real estate market. Go for it, you will be glad you did!

What is holding you back?

MOVING BOXES GOING GREEN!

2008-03-17T13:38:34Z

Did you know 20% of the US is moving every year? Now that is a lot of people moving....and this means each American will move about once every 5 years!

You can save your clients time, money & Earth by reducing their stress and aggravation from packing and moving their property by offering the Recopack & Earth-Friendly Moving service.

Earthfriendly Moving by Packing Partners is an eco-friendly company that is changing how America packs and moves. For a delivery fee, rent the Recopack in 5 sizes for a buck a box a week. Earth Friendly Moving will deliver the Recopacks and your clients pack, stack & move. When your clients are done unpackcing, they'll pick up the Recopacks too!

Eartyfriendly Moving currently serves Orange County, Los Angeles & Inland Empire areas. Over the next five years they will be expanding nationwide. You can check out their website at http://www.earthfriendlymoving.com/ for new service areas.

When you rent a 100 Recopacks during a pack and move, we remove 256 lbs. of trash from our landfills and here's YOUR impact on OUR environment! Now that is aiming to reduce waste in our landfills!

What do you do to reduce waste?

Home Equity Loan vs. Reverse Mortgage

2008-03-11T09:32:06Z

What is the difference between a bank home equity loan and a reverse mortgage?

With a home equity line of credit, or a traditional second mortgage, you must have sufficient income vs. debt ratio to qualify for the loan. In addition, you are required to make monthly mortgage payments. The reverse mortgage is unique in that is pays you, and is available regardless of your current income. The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of your home or FHA's mortgage limits for your area, whichever is less. Generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, the lower the interest, the more you can borrow. You don't make payments, because the loan is not due as long as the house is your principal residence. Like all homeowners, you still are required to pay your real estate taxes and other conventional payments like utilities, but with an FHA-insured HUD Reverse Mortgage, you can't be foreclosed or forced to vacate your house just because you "missed a mortgage payment."

This greatly helps seniors stay in their home and age in place...the sound of a new generation.

Any other great ideas on tips to help seniors stay in their homes longer?

SECRETS TO CURB APPEAL

2008-03-06T04:49:13Z

Secrets to Curb Appeal
What kind of first impression does your home make? I often find when taking buyers out to see properties they are quick to make a decision as to weather they want to go into a property or not simply by the way the exterior of the property looks. This is why I advise my sellers to do a light landscape makeover prior to putting their home on the market. And did you know the average return on landscape at resale is 100%!!! You only get 1 chance to make a first impression! What constitutes true "curb appeal"? While the term embraces everything between your front door and the street, it doesn't take much to make dramatic style improvements, whether by adding flower boxes, sprucing up the mailbox, or constructing an elegant driveway. With a little faith in your vision, and a few tips from the pros, you can transform a dowdy exterior to an inviting, welcoming entranceway.

•« Colorful flowers and blooming plants are a wonderful greeting along the pathway to the front door. This creates an inviting walkway and draws the attention into your home. When your garden needs some punch, containers can be the answer. Place them in strategic locations to draw attention to a specific area, such as the front entrance.

•« Cure ugly mailbox syndrome. Oddly enough, it is the humble mailbox that often creates that first impression of a suburban home. It can extend guests a welcoming visual invitation or give them the cold shoulder.

•« Blending utility with personality, house numbers don't just tell guests where you are; they can also tell them who you are. Their potential ends only with your imagination. Use scavenged materials for an eclectic look, or match your home's décor more closely for a refined look. Placement isn't limited to your front door- consider planting numbers in a garden bed or affixing them to a retaining wall near your driveway.

•« A front door says a lot about a home. And it is true that old ones add character. A fresh coat of paint and new door knobs and locks shiny up the entry.

•« Sod the front and backyard. IT is like having new carpet on the outside!

•« Paint a home's exterior. A fresh coat of paint gives your home a crisp look that will pop!

STREET SMART AGENTS

2008-02-28T12:43:38Z

STREET SMART AGENT

It is sooooo important to have the right agent working for you. Why? Because in times like these when the real estate market gets tight, lawsuits soar and crazy things happen. An experienced agent will take the time to do their research and homework to ensure you are getting the best property and not just a transaction in their pocket. What type of research you ask? What should my concerns be?

Well, if a property has been on the market a long time, several issues come into play.

Some of the obvious...is it priced right? Do the sellers want or need to sell? Are they just testing the market? Or are they unrealistic? Often sellers believe their home is worth more than today's market. Why? Because they are living in yesterday's markets. In addition, they may have put quite of bit of work and money into it as well a memories and feel an emotional attachment to it. Therefore, letting go is hard to do without the high price. If a seller really wants to sell, it will be reflected in their price. To be competitive in today's market, the property needs to be listed for less than the last closed comparable.

What can an agent do if writing an offer on an over priced property? Pull up comparables in the area and present them to the sellers along with the offer. This way, sellers see first hand what the buyers are looking at and know they cannot deny these numbers when they are right there in black and white. And some listing agents have not kept the sellers abreast of current comparable properties which is why they were left in the dark. However, I think it is also important to say... some of these home owners are still in denial and will always think their house is worth more than the last closed comparable. (This may be why it is still on the market)

Presenting an offer with a pre-qualification letter supports you are a strong serious buyer. If a homeowner is going to argue with you over price after all the above has been presented, it might be best to move forward on another property. There are too many great properties available these days. Figure in bank owned properties such a foreclosures and short sales, as a buyer you should be getting a good deal!

Was there a lot of repair work needed? Was the repair work done? Was the property neglected? If a home needs major fixing up, you have to ask yourself...what else could be wrong with the property? How much will that cost me? If the condition of the property is poor, chances are it is going to need a lot more work than you think. Have a certified specialized inspector come out to inspect the property if you are unsure. Otherwise it could cost you thousands of dollars to repair and replace roofs, pools, mold, asbestos, drainage, leaks, etc.

Is the property on an earthquake fault zone or flood zone? As a first time home buyer, you might not be aware that extra home owners insurance is needed to cover a home under these zones. This is something else you will need to factor into your payment to pay annually, quarterly or monthly.

Have the sellers had any offers on the property? If so how many? This is key. It tells the sellers motivation, and shows the buyer how flexible they are on price. A home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay and the bank will fund in today's market. And if they have had offers they weren't able to work with, then maybe they are asking too much, something is wrong with the property or it may need work.

Why didn't any of the offers stick? Was it put in escrow? Did it fall out of escrow? If a buyer backed out or could not perform, an agent needs to dig deeper to find out the true cause. When offering on a property that fell out of escrow, ALWAYS ask for ALL REPORTS pertaining to the property. This will include all types of inspections including termite, physical inspection, mold, asbestos, etc. A seller and agent representing the seller are required to release all reports if requested by a buyer. If the seller or selling agent does not hand over all the reports when requested and the buyer discovers the seller tried to cover these up at a later date. The buyer can come after the seller as well as their selling agent and their brokerage and sue them all. It is more important to investigate and disclose everything. Now you see why lawsuits enter into the picture?

Was the property re-listed with another agent after several months on the market? Did the previous listing agent know something negative about the property that the new home owner did not want to share with the new listing agent to keep it under wraps? Usually agents work hard to sell your property, because they only get paid when the property does sell. Digging deeper by making a few phone calls, asking questions to investigate, and requesting all reports should just be the beginning for your agent to look into. Common sense, intuition, experience, and searching for red flags are exactly what a good agent should be utilizing to ensure you get the property presented.

These items are just the tip of the iceberg when considering purchasing a property. I might not know all these answers off the top of my head when it comes to every property. Each property is unique and has its own history. However, I am more than willing to take the time to investigate, answer your questions, and do all the necessary research to solidify you are getting the property presented. Always get a property inspection and read all the paperwork that comes across your hands in a deal.

After all, you don't want any surprises or extra expenses you weren't aware of do you? Homebuyers need to be completely aware and understanding of what they were signing. Reading, asking questions and having a great agent guide you along the way ensures a good clean transaction and a healthy home for you to live in.

What other items do you consider when buying a home?

CREDIT CHECK

2008-02-20T12:05:27Z

It's that time again! Time to check your credit.

In order to purhcase a home and get a loan there are a few things you will need to line up. Your credit history will be ran, so it is imporant you manage your accounts properly. A higher FICO score means you can get a loan at a better interest rate, and your debt to income ratio helps to establish your purchasing power as well as good credit history. Before you start your home search, it is recommended you run a credit check several months in advance to give you time to clear up any misunderstandings on your accounts. Often it can take up to several months to rectify bad accounts and get your credit score up.

Did you know you are eligible to get a FREE report from each of the credit agencies every year? With the rise of identity theft, we need to take extra precautions. The beauty is you can request one copy now from one credit bureau and another copy at a later date from a different company. That way you will have free up to date reports throughout the year. It is as easy as going to...

www.annualcreditreport.com

However, in case you want to contact each company individually I thought I would supply you with a quick reference guide. And don't forget to shred your documents before putting them in the recycle bin.

Equifax 800-685-1111
www.Econsumer.Equifax.com

Transunion 800-916-8800
www.Transunion.com

Experian 888-397-3742
www.Experian.com

CALIFORNIA TAX TIP

2008-01-11T16:22:36Z

I read anything and everything I can get my hands on when it comes to real estate. Therefore, I came across an interesting article that I wanted to pass on to you about saving money on your taxes...

A federal tax credit encouraging home energy efficiency is set to expire on December 31, 2007. The credit, created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allows tax relief of 10% of the cost of materials for certain home improvements, up to $500 per household. The tax credits are available on items including insulation, exterior doors, storm doors, materials that seal air leaks, Energy Star-qualified windows and skylights, central air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, Energy Star-pigmented metal roofs and furnaces.

I've noticed many people are starting to go green, so I wanted to make you aware of this great write off. Many homeowners have installed new windows, updated their furnace, etc. Why not get credit for helping the environment with your efforts? You will want to go to one of these sites to download the tax forms for when you file your taxes. For more information on qualifying products or to measure your home's energy efficiency, visit http://www.jmhomeower.com/ or www.ase.org/taxcredits.

Do you have any great tax tips?

GREAT REAL ESTATE WEBSITES

2007-12-03T12:02:35Z

I am always looking for the latest greatest information out there when it comes to real estate. Therefore, here is a list of great real estate websites I came across you might want to go check out.

http://www.gliffy.com/ - build flow charts, floor plans, and drawings. Add colors, drop shadows, & gradient fills. No install, no cost.

http://www.jumpcut.com/ - Online editing tools to create a polished, deal-sealing movie. Add a soundtrack by uploading your favorite MP3 file. Jumpcut provides a basic, but easy -to-use set of video editing tools, then lets you host your movies online & send the links straight to your clients.

http://www.gigasize.com/ - Send large files to other users or even yourself. What if you have a big batch of property photos you want to send to a client. Most email servers don't let allow more than five megabytes. With GigaSize, you can send up to 1.5 gigabytes'.

http://www.meebo.com/ - Send instant messages to clients when sitting at a PC that is not your own. Chat with AOL, ICQ, Gtalk, Jabber, MSN, or Yahoo contacts using just a web browers. No software to install, no firewall issues, FREE.

http://www.picnik.com/ - Before sending new photos to a client, make sure they are properly cropped, rotated, and sized. This site lets you make the corrections, while you upload your photos from your PC. Also offers sharpen, red-eye removal, borders, rounded edges. Why spend money when Picnik does it for free?

Great websites to check out for the latest news updates....

http://www.economy.com/, http://www.bloomberg.com/ & http://www.realtor.org/

Do you know of any great websites to share?

FHA helps with refinancing an ARM to a FIXED-RATE

2007-11-26T16:10:01Z

I am always reading everything related to real estate I can get my hands on. I just came across a great ad that caught my attention that I would like to share with you. With all the foreclosures hitting the market, this one is a great find. Come to find out, a small number of our clients may qualify for a new program from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) called FHA Secure. The program is designed to transition homeowners with an impending ARM reset refinance into a fixed-rate loan. Consumers need the following to qualify: an ARM that reset(s) between December 2005 and December 2009; a stable employment history and enough income to meet the fixed payments; 3 percent equity in the home; and a payment history that demonstrates they are not in default or have not been late in making payment before the loan reset(s). For more info visit www.fhasecure-loan.com/.

So there you have it! If this helps only one person, then this information has served its purpose.

Will it help you or someone you know?

Forget the media & hype….Why can’t the buyers see it is a good time to buy?

2007-11-12T10:54:39Z

I know the media has a way of blowing things out of proportion for us in the real estate industry. When they preach it is a good time to buy, buyers go nuts. When they say don't buy now, nobody wants to buy. However, I have to say I have come across some amazing deals in this crazy market and buyers say they want to wait. Wait for what? Wait for the market to be a seller's market again? Wait until the house you can actually afford this minute is no longer affordable or available? Are you crazy?

One home I know of has come down $250,000 (from closed comps-owners owe little) and the sellers have to sell! No it is not a foreclosure, short sale, but a divorce sale! NO dealing with the nightmare bank tactics. These homes are upgraded, beach close locations, that are most certainly a sweet buy. They will bounce back, because they are located by the beach, along with up and coming Pacific City and The Strand.

Do the media care what they are doing to the economy? Do they realize they can throw us into a recession just by what they write and report? Who puts their money right back into the economy? People who work in the real estate industry are a large contributor to our economy. Who do they think buy the nice cars, buy homes in a profession they are exposed to on a daily basis, wine and dine their clients, promote mass marking campaigns, spend money on mailers, giveaways, business cards, notepads, and the list goes on and on. If no one is making money in the real estate industry, a good proportion of economy spending halts. All I can say is it is going to be a tight holiday this year for many people. Stores no doubt are going to feel the crunch. Agents have even gone so far as discussing a movement not to advertise in the newspapers. Why should we give them our money to help them promote negative real estate?

Then when the market turns around, the media will write about it start another wave movement that could change the real estate industry to a seller's market overnight. Only then my buyers wouldn't be able to afford what they can now!

How do you get buyers to realize this is a great time to buy?

Halloween Traditions ~ Live a little….Dress up for Halloween!

2007-10-25T13:23:27Z

Halloween is my favorite holiday! As a kid we used to decorate our house to the hilt! (talk about curb appeal) My dad would put on a scary mask, dark clothing and hide in the bushes scaring kids as they walked up the front yard. It was great! Our house was known for my dad scaring the daylights out of everyone, and many times kids would come back again and again. So much, my mom would raid our candy bags because we always ran out of candy to give. Oh those were the good old days. My brother is now following in my dads footsteps. Only he has to be a little more careful in this day and age. One could easily get punched, hit or worse shot! He'll hide in a car and as people walk by pop out running with a shaker full of coins. People freeze, scream, and freak. Last year he thought he gave a man a heart attack, but in the end the man laughed his head off. He hadn't been scared to death like that in years and it made him feel alive. Another woman yelled, "You are a bad man!" Only to laugh a few moments later, and say "you got me." Guess freaking out is an immediate reaction, since we are not used to getting the daylights scared out of us on a regular basis. Oh, doesn't it feel good to be alive?

Halloween is a time where you get to dress up to be anything you want to be. You only get so many Halloween's...so you better make them count! Don't be a deadbeat and tell us you don't dress up. Put some thought into it and get creative with your costume. That is the point! After a few cocktails, people really get into the outfits they are wearing and start to play the part. It is quite a funny sight to see and one I enjoy every year. Therefore, I threw a little soiree of my own, just so I could see my friends in costume. This is the time of year we get to be kids ourselves, and I'm going to take it!

What Halloween traditions do you do?

What do you like about Halloween?

CALIFORNIA IS ON FIRE!!! Please help...

2007-10-23T15:31:25Z

Have you heard on the news what is going on in California? With all the dry winds and the wild fires going on around here these last couple of days, it has been quite mayhem. Schools districts are closed down, businesses are closing early, and trying to get anywhere is not an easy task. I feel for the people who are being uprooted out of their homes in the middle of the night, having to run out with the clothes on their back. I've seen newscasters watching their homes burn as they report it live on television. It has been quite a moving experience and I feel compelled to do something.

I live in Huntington Beach, Ca and we haven't been hit with the fires, but you can sure smell them and see them in the air. We are being advised not to go outside, for breathing air is at this time is unhealthy. When you turn on the TV it is on every channel. Thousands of people are being affected and some have no place to go. What a frightening time for these people. We need to pull together and do something. I will be donating items for the Red Cross to take over to help these victims. I hear they need blankets, towels, clothes, etc. How scary to be faced with this situation that is out of your control. To loose everything you have worked a lifetime to achieve.

These victims are going to need a place to live, and that is where we realtors come in. Do you have a client who is looking to unload items they no longer want, need or use? Remember these people are going to have to start all over. They will need appliances, furniture, etc. What can you do to help? We sure could use it!

REFERRALS ~ SOMEBODY THINKS YOUR GREAT!

2007-10-16T16:07:10Z

I had a great day in real estate today and it wasn't about making money but connecting with people and hearing their life situations. In this business you meet all kinds of people and ever so often you meet exceptional people who touch your life.

One gal whom I had never met had been accessing my website and informed me she was no longer in the market to buy because she got engaged and was moving out of state. I could hear the happiness in this woman's voice and in exchange made me happy for her. Her excitement was contagious, give me more.... Then she told me her sister had referred me to her and when she gave me her sister's name and company I had absolutely no idea who she was or a thing about the company. However, somebody some where thought I was great and that was enough for me.

Another gentleman was referred to me by the retired Realtor in the neighborhood called me and said he was getting ready to sell because he had fallen in love and wanted to move to be with her. I was really happy for him, because I heard he had gotten a divorce and now he had a second chance at love.

Also on the same day, I got a call from a young man who had been referred to me by someone I had just met 3 days before.

By the end of the day I was floating on cloud 9 just from talking to these prospective clients and knowing I was the one they had seeked out to help them ease thru a life style transition. What a compliment!

I understand this business isn't just about selling a home, but connecting to people by listening, helping, guiding, and giving myself and my time. It does really pay off when you are honest and care!

What kind of compliments have you received in this business?

How do your referrals affect you?

C.A.R. ~ CALIFORNA REALTOR EXPO 2007

2007-10-13T11:19:18Z

I went to the California Realtor Expo this week at the Anaheim Convention Center, and I have to say CAR works hard to put on a good program. Not only did they offer lots of great information, but free seminars on what is happening in today's market. Realtors could attend talks on selling Commercial Real Estate, the ABC's of REO's, strategies to working with the Latino Home Buyer, the tools necessary to address Foreclosure Properties, staging homes, Feng Shui, and the list goes on.

Each year I make it a point to attend CAR's Expo to gain the latest industry information, as well as the latest greatest gadgets to be the best I can be at my job. This way I am more informed, more efficient and better educated to helping my clients. I walked away with a big bag full of items that will help my business grow and take me to the next level. One thing I love about real estate is that it is constantly evolving and so am I. Being a great Realtor is a lifelong job of growing and changing with the times and by learning new strategies will help you think out of the box.

What do you do to evolve and grow? Do you attend expos and seminars?

Multiple Listing Service

2007-10-02T13:49:54Z

I have noticed many agents do not do their homework when it comes to listing a property on the Multiple Listing Service. When acquiring a new listing it does not take much to do the research and get answers. When you have a new listing, find out what tract it is located in. Don't fill out "other" or "custom" when the tract actually has a name. Many agents research areas by the tracts because their buyers like a particular area and not always Thomas guide numbers, which means they will miss your listing. Be as accurate as possible, ask questions, get answers. What school district is it in, elementary, middle & high school? Many home buyers are looking for their children to attend certain schools or districts. Supplying this information only makes your listing a better selling listing.

As for photos...carry a camera with you at all times just in case! When you first post your new listing it goes out to all the individuals who are prospecting a property just like the one you have listed. Adding a simple exterior photo gets that many more people interested. If you don't have a photo on your listing, it is easier for interested parties to delete and write off the property believing the property has something to hide. Don't use your cell phone camera to take pictures. Sure they have come along way, but the quality is just not there yet. Be as through as you can be when entering a listing into the MLS. It will only give you a better chance of selling the property and giving the homeowner what they rightly deserve.

What else do you see missing from the MLS that you want agents to fill in correctly?

What you need to know about LIVING WILLS & TRUSTS

2007-09-26T14:02:04Z

While working in real estate I am amazed at how many people do not have their homes in a trust or a will. Considering the state can take up to 10% in probate, it is more important than ever to have a trust and a will. Here are the terms for you to review...

Probate is a legal process that usually involves filing a deceased person's will with the local probate court, taking an inventory and getting appraisals of the deceased's property, paying all legal debts, and eventually distributing the remaining assets and property. This process can be costly and time-consuming. Many states have simplified probate for estates below a certain amount, but that amount varies among states. If an estate meets the state's requirements for "expedited" or "unsupervised" probate, the process is faster and less costly.

A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the "grantor") gives control of his property to a trust, which is administered by a "trustee" for the beneficiary's benefit. The grantor, trustee and beneficiary may be the same person. The grantor names a successor trustee in the event of incapacitation or death, as well as successor beneficiaries.

A living trust, created while you're alive, lets you control the distribution of your estate. You transfer ownership of your property and your assets into the trust. You can serve as the trustee or you can select a person or an institution to be the trustee. If you're the trustee, you will have to name a successor trustee or distribute the assets at your death.

The advantage of a living trust? Properly drafted and executed, it can avoid probate because the trust owns the assets, not the deceased. Only property in the deceased's name must go through probate

A will is a legal document that dictates how to distribute your property after your death. If you don't have a will, you die intestate, and the law of your state determines what happens to your estate and your minor children. The probate court governs this process.

To learn more about estate planning strategies, talk with an experienced estate planning attorney or financial advisor, and check out the following resources:

AARP: 1-800-424-3410; http://www.aarp.org/.

The American Bar Association, Service Center, 541 N. Fairbanks Ct., Chicago, Ill 60611; 312-988-5522; www.abanet.org/publiced/publicpubs.html

Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., 4200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203-1838; 703-276-0100; http://www.bbb.org/

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., 1604 North Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716; 520-881-4005; http://www.naela.org/

The National Consumer Law Center, Inc.,18 Tremont St. Ste.400, Boston, Mass 02108-2336; 617-523-8014; http://www.consumerlaw.org/

When working with clients I emphasize how important it is to put their home in a trust. I know we all don't want to think about dying, but it is more important to be READY!

Are you or your clients prepared? What did you do to get equipped?

Identity Theft

2007-09-18T12:37:10Z

I don't know about you but I think about identity theft almost on a daily basis. With this day and age technology has taken us to new heights making it easier for thieves to gain our personal information and use it against us. As Realtors, we are in the public eye and as we make ourselves more known on the internet so does our information. In addition, we need to guard our client's personal information from getting into the wrong hands.

It is more important now than ever to keep a close eye on your banking accounts, credit cards, bills and overall credit. It is a good idea to do a credit check on yourself several times a year just to make sure the accounts you have open are really the ones you are holding in your hand. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. Visit http://www.ammualcreditreport.com/ or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies for you to order your free credit reports each year.

Here are some great tips to keeping your credit in line...

Routinely monitor your financial account and billing statements, while looking for charges you didn't make.
Shred financial documents and paperwork w/ personal information before you discard them.
Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry the card around in your wallet!
Don't give out personal information over the phone, mail or internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Never click on links sent in emails!
Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your SS#.
Keep your personal info in a secure place at home, especially if your home is on the market, if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

In order to buy a home, a buyer needs good credit. Monitoring credit it and keeping it in line is an important job you don't want to overlook!

Has someone stolen your identity or credit? What happened? How do you think they gained your info? What did you do to solve the issue?

Helping Seniors Get There

2007-09-17T14:28:44Z

SENIOR SATURDAY
Senior Saturday is an outdoor event held at the Huntington Beach Pier which is geared toward educating Senior's as to the community services available to seniors such as healthcare, home care, hospice care, assisted & independent living communities, etc. Seniors and their families enjoy the morning and afternoon together amid a festive atmosphere of entertainment, food and special attractions. The Senior Saturday Community Festival is an outstanding venue for our new and established businesses to reach seniors, their friends and family, beach goers, and the general public. And the best part is that the money we raise goes right back into needed senior services, such as transportation, in-home assistance, and much more.

Noelle Hipke, a Senior Real Estate Specialist who works for Star Real Estate hosts this festive booth for Senior Saturday Fair in HB, California on September 8, 2007. It is a wonderful event put on the by the non-profit Huntington Beach Council on Aging. The Council on Aging and seniors benefit directly from the sponsoring of individuals like Noelle Hipke who help support senior programs.

What do you do to give back to the senior community?