Lisa's Real Estate Home Blog

Home Prices are down, buy in San Miguel California

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:49:21 -0500

Here is what’s happening in our area: San Miguel

Dates (as of August 28, 2009)	Neighborhood (enter neighborhood)
Number of Sales in past 6 months	14
Average Price	236,646
Sales Price per Square Foot	$167.00
Active Listings (homes that are contingent or pending are not included)	7
New Listings	2
Average Days on Market	130

Recommendation:

If you’re buying a home, it is important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what’s going on with the real estate market and local economy. He/She will be able to advise you on how to get the most for your money and what homes you may want to avoid, as there are homes on the market that are not priced at their fair market value.

If you’re selling your home, it’s also important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what’s going on with the market and local economy. Your goal is to net top dollar – which you may not achieve if you over price or under price your home. If your home is a short sale you should use an office that has experience and does a high volume of this type of sale.

The homes listed are entry level homes, not on acreage

Price Reduction on Lake View Home with Guest House

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:01:34 -0500

Main house is 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths. Renovated in 2007. 3 fireplaces, a
gourmet kitchen, with Custom cabinets and self closing drawers. Antique
bronze hardware. Granite Island and Counter tops. 6 burner Wolf cook-top
and Wolf exhaust. Dacor double oven and Kitchen Aid warming drawer.
Fisher and Peykel 2 drawer dishwasher. In-wall pot filler. Travertine floor.
New Windows and Murano glass pendant lights over sink. There is also a
dry bar between the kitchen and dining room. All entry/closet doors are
knotty alder, "hot water on demand" system, & 5" baseboards. Off the
veranda you can enjoy the stunning views of the Lake and Sunset. Inground
pool is solar heated. This entertaining area incl. an outdoor grill
w/stove top burner & seating. You can also enjoy the in-ground gas fire
pit. The Guest house is a 2 Bed 1 Bath & has a large Bath & full size
kitchen. Workshop & ample parking.Horses Allowed
www.centralCAliving.com (805) 610-4314

Now Asking $1,179,000

Reduced by Lake Nacimiento, Luxury Home on 20 Acres

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:48:06 -0500

The Main house is 4 bedrooms, 3½ baths.

Renovated in 2007. 3 fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, with Custom cabinets

and self closing drawers. Antique bronze hardware. Granite Island and Counter tops.

6 burner Wolf cook-top and Wolf exhaust. Dacor double oven and Kitchen Aid warming drawer.

Fisher and Peykel 2 drawer dishwasher. In-wall pot filler. Travertine floor.

New Windows and Murano glass pendant lights over sink. There is also a

dry bar between the kitchen and dining room. All entry/closet doors are

knotty alder, "hot water on demand" system, & 5 inch baseboards. Off the

veranda you can enjoy the stunning views of the Lake and Sunset. Inground

pool is solar heated. This entertaining area incl. an outdoor grill

w/stove top burner & seating. You can also enjoy the in-ground gas fire

pit. Guest house is a 2 Bed 1 Bath & has a large Bath & full size kitchen.

Workshop & ample parking Lake Privileges at Heritage Ranch. Call for more detail or to preview

REDUCED $1,179,000

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1843785

www.CentralCAliving.com

Loan Modification or Short Sale? Your Realtor® Can Help

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:12:24 -0500

If you or someone you know needs help in understanding your current mortgage situation, I can help. I can explain the options and resources available to keep you in your home as well as help you if you should decide to short-sale. Meet with me and see exactly where you stand. This is a free service. Don't wait until your home is in foreclosure.

Information provided by:2009 Survey of California Home Buyers

With deeply discounted distressed sales flooding the market, prices have dropped significantly since early 2008. The accumulation of foreclosures, REOs, and short sales will continue to put downward pressure on home prices, until mortgage problems begin to subside in the second half of 2009. Despite their negative impact on home owners' equity, the decline in home prices, combined with historically low mortgage rates, have dramatically improved housing affordability and have created opportunities for home buyers.

• Distressed sales made up more than half of sales in California. According to results from the survey, 49 percent of all buyers bought a home through a regular market sale, 38 percent bought an REO/bank-owned property, and 13 percent bought a short-sale property.

Please pass this information along to someone who may need my help. Everyone should know their options. Lisa Long, Platinum Team Properties (805) 610-4314

Morro Bay, California, Open House Sunday July 5th

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:23:51 -0500

Open House in Morro Bay, Sunday July 5th. Open Noon-2:00

No Property Tax and seller will pay 3 months space rent! Smoked glass cabinets, beautiful flooring and window coverings, partially furnished, 1997 Park Model. Vaulted ceilings and skylight add to the charm of this one bed one bath.1 resident needs to be 55. Only .7 miles to Embarcadero

1105 Morro Avenue, Morro Bay

www.CentralCAliving.com

Free Concerts In The Park: Paso Robles, Templeton and Atascadero

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:56:33 -0500

A Guide to FREE Concerts in our Local Parks this Summer

Paso Robles City Park Gazebo. Fridays 5:30- 7:30 pm

June July

19-Rhythm Method 10-Bryan Savage

26-JD Project 17-Mighty Croon Dogs

24-Rancho Deluxe

31-Usual Suspects

August

7-Monte Mills Band

14-Incendio

21-Cinders Blues Band

28-Sugar Daddy Swing Kings

Templeton Concerts in the Park. Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm

June 3,10,17,24

July 1, 8, 15, 22

August 5, 12, 19

August 26 and September 2 (concerts will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm)

Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand. Saturdays 6:30-8:30 pm

July 11, 18, 25

August 1, 8,15,22,29

September 5

Pool, Lake Views, Guest House, 20 Acres... Do I have your Attention???

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:10:12 -0500

Lisa Long | Heather Roda, Broker | lisalongagent@yahoo.com | (805) 610-4314

Nacimiento Lake Dr., Paso Robles, CA

Paso Robles Luxury Home with Views of Lake. Private Guest House all on 20 Acres. Chefs Kitchen and a backyard set up for entertaining.

6BR/4.5BA Single Family House

offered at $1,198,000

Year Built	1983
Sq Footage	4,527
Bedrooms	6
Bathrooms	4 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	4+ Car garage
Lot Size	20 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Main House is 4 Bedrooms & 3½ Baths. Renovated in 2007. 3 Fireplaces,
Gourmet Kitchen, w/ Custom Cabinets and self closing Drawers. Antique
Bronze Hardware. Granite Island & Counter Tops. 6 Burner Wolf Cook-Top
& Wolf Exhaust. Dacor Double Oven & Kitchen Aid Warming Drawer.
Fisher & Peykel 2 Drawer Dishwasher. In-Wall Pot Filler. Travertine Floor.
New Windows & Murano Glass Pendant Lights over sink. Dry Bar,
All Entry/Closet Doors are Knotty Alder, “Hot Water on Demand" System,
5" Baseboards. Stunning Views of the Lake and Sunset. In ground Pool is Solar Heated. Outdoor Grill w/Stove Top Burner & Gas Fire Pit. The Guest House is a 2 Bed with a Large Bath as well as a Full Size Kitchen & inside Laundry

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Guest parking

Swimming pool(s)

Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

boat launch

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

entry	porch, pool & view
pool	Great Kitchen
Dining Room	Private Entry

Contact info:

Lisa Long

Heather Roda, Broker

lisalongagent@yahoo.com

(805) 610-4314

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 25, 2009, 9:59pm PDT

Live and Play in Morro Bay

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:59:12 -0500

Lisa Long | Heather Roda, Broker | lisalongagent@yahoo.com | (805) 610-4314

1105 Morro Ave #17, Morro Bay, CA

Vaulted ceilings, skylight, comes partially furnished. inc. queen sleeper sofa, dining room table w/ chairs & refrigerator. Many upgrades

1BR/1BA Manufactured

offered at $71,000

Year Built	1997
Sq Footage	396
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

High/Vaulted ceiling	Living room	Breakfast nook
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Laundry on-site

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

close to resturants, and water front.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 5

Contact info:

Lisa Long

Heather Roda, Broker

lisalongagent@yahoo.com

(805) 610-4314

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 25, 2009, 9:13pm PDT

How to plant your Garden

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:12:20 -0500

Just a cute little thing my good friend sent me, we have been friends since 6th grade. She now lives in Arkansas and I miss her dearly.

How To Plant Your Garden

              First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....

              FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

              PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:

              1. Peace of mind

              2. Peace of heart

              3. Peace of soul

              PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

              1. Squash gossip

2. Squash indifference

3. Squash grumbling

4. Squash selfishness

              PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:

              1. Lettuce be faithful

2. Lettuce be kind

3. Lettuce be patient

4. Lettuce really love one another

              NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:

              1. Turnip for meetings

               2. Turnip for service

              3. Turnip to help one another

              TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:

              1. Thyme for each other

               2.. Thyme for family

               3. Thyme for friends

              WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE.. THERE
   IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

"Smile and Laugh a Little"

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:37:30 -0500

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYxWmGnDKQ8&feature=related

Watch the you tube video, It is one of those corny silly kid days. When I watched it, I found it hard not to smile and laugh a little. So for the kid in all of us, check it out. Oh and yes I'm related to those goofy girls. So have a GREAT Friday and a GREAT weekend!

Public Restrooms - Humor

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:41:41 -0500

When you visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line
of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.
You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern 'seat covers' (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't--so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it
on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume The Stance.In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to
clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper! Your thighs shake more. You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your
neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail. Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank
of the toilet. 'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public
toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire
hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks. You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting. You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing
from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.'
As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'And so this also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

Team Effort Needed (prayer request)

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:44:01 -0500

Hello AR fellow prayers. I need you all to pray for me. I have fibromyalgia. I have been doing so well, lots of prayer, medication and more prayer. Unfortunately the last few days I have been gradually feeling worse. Last night I didn't sleep at all, I was restless and in pain. I need patience with my children (13,15, and19) and my husband and the energy to endure the day. I pray that Jesus would heal me. The Lord is so good! He can do anything!Thank You for your prayers.

I Own my Attitude!

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:36:44 -0500

In an email I sent today to a friend and co-Realtor I realized it is up to me to make it in this market. I own my Attitude and It carries a lot of weight in how I carry myself and how productive I am in my daily life. Instead of waiting for my clients to walk through the front door (I have a home office) I'm Sending my mailers in the morning. Today I will finalize them, go to the printer, stuff and stamp them. Tomorrow I will pull all my old files and make contact with with past clients. I'm so excited about this, I will choose keep my positive Attitude and every few days find something to improve my business.

I Have an exciting announcement!

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:12:45 -0500

Properties

Lisa Long, Realtor®

I have an exciting announcement!

I have made the move and joined a real estate brokerage that also specializes in Short Sales and Foreclosure Sales. I will continue to work with buyers and sellers and I will still providing excellence in service for all you real estate needs.

My phone number will remain the same (805) 610-4314 and my web-site is still centralCAliving.com. I have a new toll free fax number (866)711-0501. CMA's are still FREE for residential properties, with no obligation. If you have a Real Estate question give me a call or email me at lisa@centralCAliving.com, I would be happy to help.

Contact me for all your Real Estate needs!

Lisa Long®

Member of California Association of REALTORS®

Member of National Association of REALTORS®

Member of National Association of Professional Women

Platinum Team Properties

P.O. Box 1146 ● Templeton, CA 93465

Direct: (805) 610-4314 ● Fax: (866) 711-0501

Email: lisa@centralCAliving.com ● Web-site: www.centralCAliving.com

This office is independently owned and Operated ●Heather Roda Broker

House in Paso Robles all the luxury including a Guest House

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:17:18 -0500

PASO ROBLES - Beautiful San Luis Obispo County- Main House is

4 bdrms & 3.5 baths.Renovated in 2007. This home has antique

bronze hardware, three fireplaces, "Hot Water on Demand", gourmet

kit. w/custom cabinets and self-closing drawers, Granite island

& counter tops, six-burner Wolf cook-top & Wolf exhaust. Dacor

double oven & Kitchen Aid warming drawer, Fisher & Peykel

2-drawer dishwasher, in-wall pot filler, Travertine floor, and new

windows & Murano glass pendant lights. All Entry/Closet doors

are Knotty Alder. Five inch baseboards. Stunning Views of Lake

and Sunset. Solar-heated in ground Pool, outdoor grill w/stove

top burner and gas fire pit. The guest house is 2 bdrms w/one

bath, lrg kit. & inside laundry. Contact Lisa Long with Keller

Williams Realty at (805)610-4314. Visit www.centralCAliving.com Price was

reduced by $100,000! Now asking $1,198,000. Visit my website for a virtual tour

Price Reduced, Paso Robles, California, 20 Acres, Guest House and Pool,Luxury Home

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:07:25 -0500

This Luxury Home was just reduced $100,000 and is NOT a short sale or a foreclosure!

Price Right at $1,198,000

PASO ROBLES - Beautiful San Luis Obispo County- Main House is

4 bdrms & 3.5 baths.Renovated in 2007. This home has antique

bronze hardware, three fireplaces, "Hot Water on Demand", gourmet

kit. w/custom cabinets and self-closing drawers, Granite island

& counter tops, six-burner Wolf cook-top & Wolf exhaust. Dacor

double oven & Kitchen Aid warming drawer, Fisher & Peykel

2-drawer dishwasher, in-wall pot filler, Travertine floor, and new

windows & Murano glass pendant lights. All Entry/Closet doors

are Knotty Alder. Five inch baseboards. Stunning Views of Lake

and Sunset. Solar-heated in ground Pool, outdoor grill w/stove

top burner and gas fire pit. The guest houseis 2 bdrms w/one

bath, lrg kit. & inside laundry. Contact Lisa Long with Keller

Williams Realty at (805)610-4314. Visit www.centralCAliving.com.

Luxury Home - Huge Price Reduction In Paso Robles California

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:20:25 -0500

Price Reduced $100,000! - This is not a short sale or a foreclosure!

PASO ROBLES - Beautiful San Luis Obispo County- Main House is

4 bdrms & 3.5 baths.Renovated in 2007. This home has antique

bronze hardware, three fireplaces, "Hot Water on Demand", gourmet

kit. w/custom cabinets and self-closing drawers, Granite island

& counter tops, six-burner Wolf cook-top & Wolf exhaust. Dacor

double oven & Kitchen Aid warming drawer, Fisher & Peykel

2-drawer dishwasher, in-wall pot filler, Travertine floor, and new

windows & Murano glass pendant lights. All Entry/Closet doors

are Knotty Alder. Five inch baseboards. Stunning Views of Lake

and Sunset. Solar-heated in ground Pool, outdoor grill w/stove

top burner and gas fire pit. The guest houseis 2 bdrms w/one

bath, lrg kit. & inside laundry. Contact Lisa Long with Keller

Williams Realty at (805)610-4314. Visit www.centralCAliving.com.

Now Only $1,198,000 http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1778626

Re/max who? Keller Williams is BACK!

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:21:18 -0600

Keler Williams is a National Company. We are Strong and we are Growing!

www.centralCAliving.com

Via Chris Penner ~ Real Estate Consultant Keller Williams Valley Realty (Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and the Fraser Valley):

Hello to all my Fraser Valley and greater Vancouver readers out there I just wanted to take a minute to let you know what exactly is happening out in Port Coquitlam with the Keller Williams Results Realty. I have a talk to a few associates and other people in my life that have been asking and I am sure you all are asking and wondering the same things.

So before the rumors get out of control and everyone is saying KW is folding in Western Canada.

IT IS NOT. I repeat IT IS NOT!

It basically has been a complicated ownership change. Due to rules and regulations of KW international it is a bit of a process to get new ownership and certain people in positions approved. All the approvals where done in record timing and the new office will be open ASAP.

KW Results turned into a Re/Max Franchise at the discretion of the past ownership team. This is really to bad but they had to do what was best for them.

On the up note and why you are all reading this. On Monday March 2, 2009 a rally was held to see who was going to be staying with Keller Williams. There was over 100 agents there and we had to open a wall to make room for more.

This is an agent driven company run by agents for agents and it is no wonder why there was that much support. If you have any question about KW please feel free to contact me @ 604.807.9020.

New ownership is in place and the official name is Keller Williams Elite Realty. So have no fear there is still a KW agent near you ready and will to help.

The Abbotsford Office is not effected by this change other than the increased level of camaraderie between the agents.

LONG LIVE KELLER WILLIAMS.

Cheers!

For Evermore! Psalms 121:1-8

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:21:00 -0600

This Psalm just gives me comfort and hope. The last line says for evermore,not for a while or until we fall short (which we always do) But.. For evermore. Praise God and all his Love and Mercy today and Always!

Psalms 121: 1-8

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From whence does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will

not let your foot be moved,

he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel

Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

The Lord is your shade

On your right hand.

The sun shall not smite you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;

He will keep your life

The Lord will keep

Your going out and your coming in

From this time forth and for evermore.

Finally: The Man Rules

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:30:46 -0600

The Man Rules:

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally , the guys' side of the story.
( I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear ' the rules'
From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.

Sorry ladies I had to pass it on : - )

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered '1 '
ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it your self.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.

1. If w e ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball
or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

www.centralCAliving.com

How to set a listing price on your Home

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:20:26 -0600

Set the Listing Price

All owners want the best possible price and terms when selling their home. Several factors, including market conditions and interest rates, will determine how much you can get for your home. The idea is to get the maximum price and the best terms during the window of time when your home is on the market.

In other words, home selling is part science, part marketing, part negotiation and part art. Unlike math where 2 + 2 always equals 4, in real estate there is no certain conclusion. All transactions are different, and because of this, you should do as much as possible to prepare your home for sale and engage the REALTOR^® you feel is best able to sell your home.

What is Your Home Worth?

What homes are worth boils down to "what the market says it's worth." A home "value" also depends on who you ask: there's the price owners would like to get, the price buyers would like to offer and the point of agreement between buyer and seller that actually results in a sale.

In considering home values, several factors are important:

The value of your home relates to local sale prices. The same home located elsewhere could have a different value.
Sale prices are a product of supply and demand. If you live in a community with an expanding job base, a growing population and a limited housing supply, you have a seller's market, and home prices will likely rise. Alternatively, if the local community is losing jobs and people are moving out, then you'll likely have a buyer's market.
Listing prices should not be inflated. You should be strategic in setting your listing price and be sure not to overprice your home, because you may not be able to sell it. The longer a home is on the market, the more "stale" it gets, and the more likely that buyer agents will tend not to show it and that buyers will think there is something wrong with the home because it is not selling. If you overpriced your home, you many eventually have to bring the price down to even less than what you could've got if it was priced properly in the first place. And you will have lost the initial flurry of interest that new listings generate.
How quickly the owner needs to sell can affect sale values. Owners who " must" sell quickly will have less leverage in the marketplace. Buyers may think that the owner is willing to trade a quick closing for a lower price - and they may be right. Conversely, owners who do not need to sell quickly may have more marketplace strength.
Sale prices are not based on what owners " need." When an owner says, " I must sell for $300,000 because I need $100,000 in cash to buy my next home," buyers will quickly ask if $300,000 is a reasonable price for the property. If similar homes in the same community are selling for $250,000, the seller will not be able to sell for $300,000.
Sale prices are NOT the whole deal; look also at terms and conditions. Which would you rather have: a sale price of $200,000, or a sale price of $205,000 but where you agree to make a " seller contribution" of $5,000 to offset the buyer's closing costs, pay a $2,000 allowance for roof repairs, fund two mortgage points, repaint the entire house and leave the washer and dryer?

How Do You Set a Listing Price?

Because all transactions are unique there is price flexibility in the marketplace. The amount of flexibility depends on local conditions.

For example: you're selling a townhouse and there have been five recent sales of the same model townhouse and prices ranged from $200,000 to $210,000. You now have an idea of how your home might be priced. In a strong market perhaps you can ask for $210,000 or a little more. If the market has slowed, $210,000 may be a reasonable asking price, but perhaps more than you could get for a final sale price.

Here's another example: you live in a community of Victorian-style homes, most of which were built in the 1920s. All the homes are different in terms of size, condition, modernization, style and features. In such a neighborhood, an average sale price is just a statistic without much practical meaning. On a single block one home may sell for $400,000 while another is priced at more than $1 million. The average price may be outrageously high for one home and staggeringly low for another.

Knowing what listing price to set for your home can be difficult. That is why it is valuable to work with a REALTOR^®. Because experienced REALTORS^® have handled many transactions, they're familiar with the terms and conditions that went into individual sales, not just published sale prices that may not reflect various premiums, discounts, terms, conditions and adjustments. And, importantly, REALTORS^® know of the latest sale prices among competing houses and can offer that information to the home seller.

I love the saying "Are you ON the market or IN the market?" There is a big difference if your home isn't priced right.

www.centralCAliving.com

First Time Home Buying STEP 5: ITEMS COVERED IN PURCHASE CONTRACT

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:36:25 -0600

This was great for ALL buyers. It was worth a RE-blog!

www.centralCAliving.com

Via Regina P. Brown Real Estate on the California Coast:

STEP 5: ITEMS COVERED IN PURCHASE CONTRACT

This list VARIES widely by region and state. Depending on the county, transaction fees and closing costs are customarily split between buyers and sellers.

Major items in the sales contract

Sale price

Property address and APN (tax #)

Amount of initial deposit

Terms of mortgage financing

Closing date

Which party will pay which closing costs

Contigencies and conditions

Transfer and recording of deed

List of fixtures remaining in home

Home warranty

Repairs required of the seller, if any

Real estate agent representation

Escrow closing date

Details of escrow transaction

Major closing costs for buyers

Loan underwriting fees

Credit report fees

Appraisal fee

Inspection fees (building inspection, other inspections)

Insurance premiums

Pro-rated interest on loan

Pro-rated county property taxes

Escrow reserves (refundable pad)

Notary & Legal services

Escrow services

Recording services and Title-related services

Note: Real estate commissions are usually paid by the seller.

SEE ALL OF THE STEPS HERE (click on the links below)

1. PREPARE FOR HOME OWNERSHIP

2. GET READY TO SHOP FOR HOUSES

3. FIND A HOUSE

4. MAKE YOUR OFFER

5. ITEMS COVERED IN PURCHASE CONTRACT

6. NEGOTIATIONS

7. DURING ESCROW

8. CLOSING ESCROW

9. YOUR NEW HOME

Are you ready? Let's go! Take your first STEP today towards making your DREAM a reality!

Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House"

Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved

AVID Report- Minor Details

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:32:42 -0600

I don't know about you but I like to make sure I write down what I see. I feel Its my duty to my clients. I've noticed that most (not all) agents are careless in their report. If I see hooks in the ceiling I will write it down. Trivial and minor by some standards I suppose, but they were there. I was just wondering how detailed others get. I always express the importance of a home inspection, but that that will not show some of the things our visual report does.

Love being at Home - Funny Photo

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:19:04 -0600

Meet Blackjack (the dog) and Billy. My son took this picture for a school project. Our very spoiled Lab could careless about the guinea pig as long as we give him more attention hes happy. Billy on the other hand prefers to be not so close, I can't say I blame Him. They both just love being at home and being a part of the family.

Relocating to San Luis Obispo Area, We love the Military

Lisa Long (Platinum Team Properties) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:29:32 -0600

I'm available to help with relocating to the San Luis Obispo Area. Visit my website for more information on this area, Keller Williams Realty and me, Lisa Long. On my site you will find links to community events as well as other useful links, chambers, and a few of my favorites. Please call or email with any questions, I would be happy to help.