Beatiful FOUR Bedroom Home in Upscale Neighborhood in East Medford.

Will my house sell even if my neighbors house looks like crap?

"Will my house sell even if my neighbors house looks like crap?"

That's a question I've heard many times lately, especially with so many foreclosures on the market where the property hasn't been maintained properly. There is nothing worse than driving into a neighborhood thinking "wow, this is really nice!", then rounding the corner to find an eyesore sitting next to the house you were so excited about seeing.

If you need to sell your house and you have an eyesore for a neighbor, you have a few options to consider.

 -- If the property is vacant ... find out who the owner is and call them. Your real estate agent can help you with this. If the owner is a bank, have other neighbors call as well, especially if they are customers of that particular bank. If the condition is cosmetic, consider fixing the problem yourself. This could include mowing, watering, pruning, power washing etc.

-- If the property is rented ... call or write the owner. If you write to them, include a couple of photos. If they are from out of the area, they might not even know there is a problem. If you find that the house is managed by a property management company, call them as well. Be relentless, only squeaky wheels get the grease.

-- If the property is owner occupied. Go over and talk to your neighbor. Offer to help them with the upkeep of their landscaping or painting. They may be experiencing a hardship that you aren't even aware of.

It's a tough situation when you find yourself next to a neighbor's property that is in disheveled condition. If you don't or can't do anything about it, it will take longer to sell your house, and most likely for a price lower than what should have been.

 

 

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Copyright © 2010 - 2011 All Rights Reserved

Cynthia Larsen
Broker/Owner - Safe Haven Realty
Sonoma County, California, USA
(707) 332-2560

 

Would you like to receive a Real Estate Market Report for any City in Sonoma County? Just e-mail or call me and I can make it happen.

 cynthia@safehavenrealty.com

 www.safehavenrealty.com

The Foreclosure and Short Sale Debate

 

   

The Foreclosure and Short Sale Debate 

 

How do WE prevent a Foreclosure when it is not our responsibility or even within our control?  We don’t!  We can’t prevent Foreclosures, unless we intend to cover the mortgage payments for everyone that would otherwise go into default.  Sometimes, defaults happen and it is THEIR responsibility.  How about letting them face the consequences, for defaulting on a loan.  Stop being an enabler, and stop treating them like a child that requires a parents protection, even when they are wrong.  Borrowers are not children and default proceedings are clearly stated in the Trust Deed.  

 

What is the purpose of a Trust Deed?  It defines the terms of the loan and also states what will happen if the borrower defaults, on the loan.  The failure to meet the terms of the note results in the house being forfeited. The house is the lender’s collateral to assure that the loan is repaid.  It is that simple. Period.  When the loan is fully paid, the borrower will receive a reconveyance.  When the loan becomes delinquent, a notice of default is to be recorded and the foreclosure begins.

 

Should we create more programs for the homeowners to hold on to the homes?  

No!  It is not OUR problem, it is THEIR problem. We don’t need to make
it easier. We need to meet Foreclosure deadlines, and complete the Foreclosure process in the manner described in the note.  Post default notices on time, post ads regarding sale dates on time and complete the Foreclosure proceeding in an efficient and timely manner. By extending deadlines or creating more programs, we are simply making defaults a more pleasant experience, and it should not be. Where is the incentive to pay on time, when deadlines are pushed out or penalties are forgiven?  Homeowners in default are a minority of home owners.   

Our gentle approach at easing a defaulting borrower through a delayed Foreclosure is absurd.  Then, why do we do it?  Guilt.  We feel guilty about allowing unqualified people to buy a home, when they could not afford it. Really?  I don’t remember doing that. THEY did that, not US.

 

The bottom line is that many people jumped on the Easy To Qualify loan wagon, and got taken on a ride. But, certainly not everyone.  In fact, a small percentage of ALL homeowners are affected, but, unfortunately, everyone is forced to suffer.

   

 

 

WE have already come up with one great program, it’s called a Short Sale. While many see this as a solution and a means to sell homes and solve a problem, it is hugely responsible for plummeting property values.  Seriously? Yes, SERIOUSLY! 
Think about it:

 

 

1.  There is NO provision in a Deed of Trust for a Short Sale. There is a provision for Foreclosure.  Short Sales benefit the agent and providers of services related to the transaction.  The seller does NOT benefit monetarily.  It allows a borrower to avoid a Foreclosure, when the agreement clearly states that a Foreclosure is the process to be used in the event of a borrower that defaults.  When penalties are not administered as stated, the power shifts from the lender to the borrower, and/or, the agent that is the driving force behind a Short Sale.  This is not a case of the tail (borrower) wagging the dog (lender), it is the flea (agent) on the tail, that is wagging the dog.  Or, at least trying to wag the dog, by convincing them to accept, what is most likely, an undermarket value price.

                             

 

2.  Since when did an agent’s marketing program consist of
reducing the price every week that an offer was not received?  

Is this really how we go about bringing in the best price? How about the lack of photos and lack of effort in marketing a Short Sale property?  How do you justify providing low comparables to a lender to support a lower price?  How do justify not submitting ALL of the offers or even allowing ALL of the offers to be seen by a lender?  Why aren't YOU accountable, for defrauding the lender by underpricing a property, simply to earn a commission?  You think that helping your client avoid a Foreclosure is positive.  What about the damage by devaluation, that you have done to the other homes on the street and in the neighborhood?  What happened to the good of the many, outweighing the needs of the one?

                                     

 

3.  Short Sales don't preserve property value.  They destroy property value.  Go ahead and argue this point.  Tell us how you have driven up property values with your Short Sales success story.  You may have helped a borrower in default prevent a Foreclosure and minimize the damage to their credit, but, you have not helped preserve the property values of every other homeowner.

 

   

Conclusion

Foreclosures and Short Sales are not positive events, and few people would consider the process to be a pleasant experience.  However, there are always winners and losers. The buyer is a winner, they are the new homeowner.  The agents completing a Short Sale are winners.  The agent that markets an REO property is a winner.  

The disgruntled former homeowner is a loser with damaged credit and a grim outlook for several years.  They may also have lost their life savings, dignity and pride, while clinging to the hope that a Foreclosure would never occur.  But it did. Why?  Because THEY failed to make their mortgage payments on time, as required and as agreed to on their note, which they signed. WE are not responsible for their debts and obligations, THEY are responsible and they either meet their obligations or they suffer the consequences.  It's not wrongful punishment, it's what THEY agreed to.  

 

 

STOP trying to change the rules and start enforcing the rules.

  

 

 

 

     Richard Yates

       Coldwell Banker Real Estate

           949-395-6939 cell

            ryates@coldwellbanker.com email 

            RichardYatesRealEstate.com website                            

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I participate on Active Rain to meet people, to find new friends and to make new business connections.  I encourage you to check me out.  If you like what you see, please ASSOCIATE with me and SUBSCRIBE to my blog.

Ideally, we will find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.  I hope you will think of me, for ALL of your Real Estate needs in Orange County, California.  Let's do some business, in addition to hanging out together on Active Rain. 

 

                                    

 

 

Medford Oregon NEW Construction. Seller Financing may be Available. Call us with your situation and we will see if we can help!

Is There Any Form of Marketing You Won't Do Because.... Well.. Umm... You're a Little Yella?

Is There Any Form of Marketing You Won't Do Because.... Well.. Umm... You're a Little Yella?

Here are various forms of marketing that we use in our business and the excuses I hear from people on why they don't do them:

Door Knocking: "I just don't have time.." "It hasn't proven to be that effective anyways." "I don't really feel like getting yelled and cussed at today." "I'm Yella!"

Cold Calling: "Nobody ever answers anyway." "Most people are on the Do not call list so whats the point!" "They will just hang up on me." and "I'm Yella!"

Just Talking to Random People: "They are going to think I am weird." "They don't really look like they are in the "talking mood", "I just don't feel like it right now", and "I'm Yella!"

Blogging: "I'm not a good writer." "I don't know what to write about." "I just don't have the time for this." and..."I'm Yella!"

Video Blogging: "I'm already not photogenic already, you put me in motion, on camera.. no thank you!" "The only good camera I have is the one on my phone." "I don't know what to talk about on camera!" and "I'm just plain Yella!"

Those are just a few methods of marketing. Of course we can literally come up with every excuse in the book to not do this form of marketing or that form of marketing, but is it really a legitimate reason for why you're not doing it? Most reasons are really just excuses and we don't do the these things because it's out of our comfort zone, and we are just yella!

One of the biggest things I have been fighting has been video blogging.. I finally got up the nerve to try it and I posted my first video blog on Activerain this week.  Then I got brave enough to do another video blog..... I posted it...... Got a little a yella..... and deleted it.....All excuses aside... I was just yella! I am still nervous and scared to death of video blogging, one of the biggest things outside my comfort zone that I am trying to face, having a few panic attacks in the process, but mark my words you will see another video blog attempt on activerain by me this week sometimes! I am not someone that gives up and I will not let this thing defeat me, I will be posting another video blog on here in the next few days! NO EXCUSES!

What forms of marketing have you been avoiding, all excuses aside, just because your a yellow belly? What are you going to do to face that form of marketing head on? If I can come out of my comfort zone and video blog, you can take that leap out of your comfort zone to!!! So no excuses!!! JUST DO IT!!!

Need a Great Realtor in Dana Point... Let me Google one for you!!!

Stacey Smith
CA Coastal Estates, inc.
949.350.8922 
 

If you are looking to buy a home or sell your current home in Orange County, Ca. please allow me to assist you. I work throughout most of Orange County but my area of expertise happens to be south Orange County and the Coastal cities. Locations I service include: Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Crystal Cove, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa. I service all areas through out Orange County so please call me today and allow me to assist you! 

       

    

 

Please Allow Me To Assist You and Your Family in Finding The Perfect Home As Your Real Estate Agent!

 

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Avoiding Foreclosure with a Short Sale - Here's the Questions I'll Need Answered

 

If you're in danger of losing your house to foreclosure, and you want to try to do a short sale instead, I know you have a lot of questions. 

 

When I sit down with people to discuss the short sale process, their questions and concerns take center stage over the information I need to get from them. The whole process is so emotionally draining, it would be a great help if the following questions were answered, and info gathered before I arrive.

 

That way, we don't have to spend time going over all this, but I can focus on what you need from me.

 

Feel free to print this page and jot down your answers in preparation for our meeting.  

 

• Are you current on your payments?

• Why do you want to short sale?

• Would you prefer to keep the property? If so, have you tried a loan modification or some other type of workout?

• Do you have a hardship? Please summarize here (common hardships are job loss, divorce, illness). Most mortgage holders will require you write a hardship letter. I will assist you with that if you so desire.

• Are you current on HOA fees?

• Are you current on your water bill?

• Are you current on your power bill?

• Are you living in the property?

• If so, do you have a place to go once it sells?

• Does anyone who's named on the title have any liens or judgments?

• If your lender requires some funds from you in order to release their lien, do you have any funds to contribute?

• If your lender requires you to sign a promissory note in order to release their lien, are you willing to consider doing that?

 

About your loan -

 

Do you have one loan, or do you also have a second and/or third?  Please answer the following questions about each loan:

• Is it a conventional loan, VA, or FHA?

• Who is the mortgage holder (including address and phone number. I will also need the account number once you decide to work towards a short sale)

• What is the approximate balance?

• Have you receive notice of foreclosure proceedings (or being 'sent to collections' for a second)?

• Have you started any paperwork with your lender?

 

 

Upcoming information I will need:

Social Security numbers of all people named on the loan. I need this in order to get approval to speak with your lender about your loan. I will first need to get a copy of the mortgage holders' authorization form.

Hardship letter

Other Posts That Might Be Helpful

A Word of Encouragement During a Tough Short Sale

HAFA Short Sales

What's a Short Sale?

 

 

 

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I write posts on real estate issues and local events in the Denver metro area, especially those *communities between Denver and Boulder, as a public service. My hope is to give people an idea of the 'flavor' of our community, in case they're new or moving to the Denver area.

I am a residential real estate agent, happily helping folks buy a house or sell a house in the beautiful and friendly *suburbs northwest of Denver.

*Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Westminster; also Thornton, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Northglen, Lakewood

Read more about life between Denver and Boulder

Check out my website.

Please visit my blog on high plains gardening, Beauty of Gardening.

 

 

 

 

 

Joetta Fort, Realtor       720-353-8031

Joetta.Fort@gmail.com

www.DreamHouseHunting.com

Helping You Buy and Sell Homes Between Denver and Boulder

Home Maintenance Checklist for June

Home Maintenance Checklist for June.

To keep ongoing home and property maintenance manageable Peter and Linda Pfann  have created a short list of suggestions each month as a reminder.
You will find that completing these easy to follow suggestions, will avoid more extensive and expensive repairs in the long run.

• Inspect Windows and Doors for proper operation and any Screens for repairs.
• Check Furnace and Air Exchanger, Heat Pump and or other heat sources, replace filters
• If applicable, have the Septic System checked and cleaned (typically once every 3 years).
• Inspect the condition of the Roof for loose, ripped, missing and or worn out shingles.
• Clean and inspect Gutters and Downspouts.
• Check Yard,  for any wind or storm damage,  fix fences, sheds, as well as bush and tree trimming.
• Check Home Exterior for deteriorating stucco, flaking paint, mortar crumbling, siding splitting or warping.
• Check Flashing, Vents, Skylights, Chimneys
• Replace batteries of smoke and or carbon monoxide detector.
• Seal Cracks in foundation walls, patio's walkways.
• Clean Refrigerator coils (improves efficiency)
• Check for bird, rodent and insect nests .
• Clean Dryer vent pipe (one of the main causes of fires)
• Check Hot water tank for any signs of leaks or rust forming.

To complete this entire June Home Maintenance Checklist will take less than one day or for some one weekend.
If you do not want to climb on ladders or feel uncomfortable completing some or all of these tasks,
please talk to Peter and Linda Pfann,  we have a number of resources that will ensure that you home and yourself are well cared for any time of the year.

With this Home Maintenance Checklist, the work does not have to feel or be a chore, so we hope you have a little Pfunn with it,.
Before you know it, you will be enjoying the fruits of your labour, and will have saved lots of money, time and frustration.
If your need a little reminder what tools you might need to complete the suggested maintenance, please check our Home Maintenance Toolkit.

 

Please let us know how we can be of Service to you.

Kind Regards, and Live a Pfanntastic Life

 Peter & Linda Pfann,

MBA, ABR, SRES, E-Pro, CSA, Associate Broker & Realtors

 

 

"Pfanntastic Homes, Old Fashion Service, Since 1986."

 

Real Estate Consultants & Associate Broker at;

Cornerstone Properties Ltd.

# 106 - 1001 Cloverdale Ave.

Victoria BC, V8X 4C9

 

Direct:                  1(250) 213 - 9490

Direct Fax:          1(250) 412 - 6530

Web:                www.pfanntastic.com

Email :             info@pfanntastic.com

Victoria Real Estate Market Snapshot : www.victoriasnapshot.com

Subscribe to our Blog : Pfanntastic Victoria Real Estate Blog

 

           

 Oh, By The Way ...Talk To Peter or Linda, if you know anyone who would appreciate our Pfanntastic Services.

 

I'm a New Agent how can I Compete?

I'm a New Agent how can I Compete?

I was recently asked by a newly licensed agent how they are going to compete when they are up against agents with years of experience over them.

My answer: EVERYONE HAS TO START SOMEWHERE, we have all had our First.

I remember when I started real estate back in 2001. I was surrounded by agents who were in the business longer than I was alive and some of these "seasoned" agents could be very intimidating. There were even a few agents who tried scaring the newer agents by saying things like "real estate is changing and you'll never make it" or "there is no way I'd get into real estate today because it's too difficult." Instead of curling up into a ball and quitting like most of the newbies after a month or two I became even more determined to prove them wrong, which I did.

My advice to newly licensed agents is the following:

• Find a brokerage with a hands-on manager
• Hang out in the office and listen
  
• Find a mentor who will allow you to follow them around
• Team up with an experienced agent even if it costs you a portion of your commission or all of it, consider it an investment in your future
• Never be afraid to ask questions or admit you don't know the answer
  
• Remember NOBODY knows everything about real estate, which is constantly changing and will continue to do so

And here is the advice my mentor gave me:

• This business is all about referrals, never take on more than you can handle, it will cost you more in the long run
• Your reputation will last a lifetime, good or bad, stay professional no matter what
• Stay out of the office gossip and politics
• Focus your energy on you
• Be confident
• Don't be defensive or make excuses
  
• You will have to spend money to make money
  

New agents should never be discouraged; anyone can make it in this business if they are driven.

I've always been more than happy to help fellow agents, new or experienced and so should you. Why? Karma for one, but guess who these agents use or refer their business to when they are too busy, move out of the area or leave the business?

In my opinion there is more than enough business to go around and I've always been a firm believer in paying it forward. I've never looked at anyone as a competitor, but rather an associate. If I lost a listing because another agent gave a better presentation then I need to work harder. Be confident in your abilities, not defensive and never fake it until you make it unless you want to get to know your E&O insurance agent.

If you are a new agent and need some advice don't hesitate to contact me.

Michelle Gibson REALTOR®
HANSEN REAL ESTATE GROUP INC.
561.333.0446

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