Marlene's South Orange County, CA Real Estate Connection

Why Your Realtor® Won't Be Using An Ad to Sell Your Home Or Condo

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:53:30 -0500

We all decide to sell our homes for different reasons. No matter what the reason, most everyone I meet here in Orange County, California wants me to help them sell their homes and condos in the shortest period of time, for the most money with the least amount of hassle.

For years, print advertising was a great way to advertise properties that are for sale. If you've met with a Realtor® lately to discuss selling your home, you may have been surprised when they told you they wouldn't be advertising your home in the newspaper or in a glossy magazine. Watch this compelling video to see why...then ask your Realtor® how they will be using social media and other types of internet marketing to get your home S O L D...

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Orange County California it would be my pleasure to work alongside to help. Helping you achieve your goals and dreams is what I get to do...it's my profession and my joy...I'm here to help!

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2010

Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.

Elegant Senior Lifestyle at Budget Price of $89,900 - Laguna Woods Village California Carefree Coop

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:30:12 -0500

Elegant Laguna Woods Living Only $89,900

547-P Via Estrada, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 View Map

Spacious Upper Corner Unit Casa Blanca model features large living room and deck with tree and street view-Interior location easily accessible from gates 1,2 & 3. Walk to Laguna Hills Mall-Free bus to shopping, restaurants, medical, etc. HOA includes property taxes, water, cable tv, bus service, use of 7 clubhouses, guard gate & security patrol-This active 55 and better community has 2 golf courses (golf only $8 for 18 holes), lighted tennis courts, over 200 clubs, an equestrian center, garden center, lawnbowling, 7 swimming pools & much more-Laguna Woods Village is active senior living at it's best-Beautiful Laguna Beach is just minutes away-Use a City Taxi Voucher & ride anywhere in the city for only $2 or for $4 go to the Performing Arts Center or South Coast Plaza for the day-Take one of the many day trips to a casino or one of the longer trips to exciting ports of call-Lots to do here & fun people do it with! Buy this unit FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED-ALL FURNITURE AVAILABLE.

Details

Asking Price:

89900

MLS:

P691862

Sq. Feet:

1040

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

2 of 2

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

600

Garage Size:

Carport

Subdivision:

Laguna Woods Village-Formerly Leisure World

Year Built:

1964

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Marlene Bridges

Dir 800 777-1775
Email

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Carefree Coop in the Treetops - Senior Living at its Best in Laguna Woods Village (Formerly Leisure World)

Fri, 01 May 2009 09:39:48 -0500

Tree Top View - Casa Blanca Model

162-Q Avenida Majorca, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 View Map

Details

Asking Price:

109000

MLS:

P680384

Sq. Feet:

1040

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

2 of 2

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

600 est

Garage Size:

Carport

Subdivision:

Laguna Woods Village - Near Gate 2 & Mall

Year Built:

1965 est

Contact Info

Marlene Bridges

Dir 800 777-1775
Email

Orange County Home Sellers - Do You Know How Your Property Is Being Marketed On The MLS?

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:36:55 -0500

Today, while researching properties for a buyer I came across a listing that piqued my interest. The reason I decided to look further at this particular property is that it was priced at nearly double the asking price of any property in the development. The description suggests that the property is "A Must See" and that needs to be taken literally rather than figuratively...Why? Sadly, after 34 days on the Multiple Listing Service there is "No picture available". Here's what prospective buyers of this property saw on MLS:

GREAT REMODELED UNIT; NEW KITCHEN, BOTH BATHROOMS, NEW FLOORING, NEW PAINT, NEW WINDOWS, --- A MUST SEE !!!!!!! 3 LARGE BEDROOMS, MASTER BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BATHROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, PRIVATE PATIO, ---------------------- A MUST SEE !!!!!!

In today's market, people rarely sell because they want to. There is typically a need that causes them to put their property on the market. It may very well be that this seller needs the price they are asking. But it would be very surprising that anyone would even look at this property that appears to be so overpriced. Even if someone decided to look at it and make a full price offer (pretty much a long shot, but let's just say it happened) the buyer would need to be prepared to pay cash or pretty close to all cash to get it to close escrow. There simply is no loan available for overpriced properties. The buyer would need to come in with cash to cover the gap between the loan amount and the purchase price.

The simple truth of the matter is when hiring a real estate agent, which would you prefer?

Are you looking for an agent who tells you what you want to hear or a real estate agent who knows the current market and tells you the truth about what your home should sell for?
Are you looking for a real estate agent who will actually market your home or a real estate agent who does the minimum and of just placing a sign on your property and a cursory job of putting your property on MLS?

The agent you choose to represent you is a critical factor in how quickly your home is going to sell. The speed of the sale becomes one of the most important factors to consider when home prices are in a downward trend. To avoid becoming an example of what not to do when hiring a real estate agent ask good questions during the interview with your prospective agent. For a list of questions to ask your real estate agent during the interview, email me and I'd be happy to email you a great set of questions to ask your prospective agent.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Confessions Of A Happy Orange County California REALTOR®

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:56:22 -0500

This morning is a beautiful Spring Saturday. I came downstairs to check my emails and get ready for the day ahead. The first thing I saw was Sally Cheesman's email announcing the winners of her latest POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul.Group's contest - Spring Fresh Contest. So of course I needed to check the list to see how many of my old friends made the cut. I met some new friends there and of course saw the names of some great old friends and now have a great list of positive reading for the next couple of weeks as I work through the list.

Today in many ways is like a lot of Saturdays. I get to show property. That's not just part of my job, it's a privilege. There are some nice folks who have entrusted me with the responsibility of making the many phone calls to line up the properties that are appropriate for them to see. This task has become a bit more lengthy than in previous years. Selecting the properties, then calling each agent to see if the short sale truly is a short sale and if the agent is skilled at working with short sales or REO's is an added layer of effort. The few extra hours of effort in the office can save countless hours and possible disappointment for my clients.

Today, as I began collecting all the materials and staging them next to my front door, I thought about how many times I've gone through this process before. It's a little like a matador who prepares in advance for his work (my job isn't quite so glamorous or dangerous). I won't be donning a suit of lights, but I will be putting on appropriate attire for the day including flat shoes that allow me to keep up with the long strides of my 6'2" client. My shoes are also slip-on so I can easily kick them off to protect the freshly cleaned carpets in homes we will be seeing today. All the listings of the homes we'll be visiting are neatly organized in little books for both my clients. Pens have been attached for their convenience. My GPS has been programmed with the addresses we'll be visiting. The car is clean and has a full gas tank.

As I began preparing for the day, I thought of how many times I've done this before and yet each time it is brand new. There's a hint of excitement in the air as I think that today may be the day that we find the perfect house for my clients. Today may be the day that we all get to experience that wonderful AHA moment where we all know that this is it...the home we've been hoping to find. No matter how many times that happens, it seems new every time. That's just one of the best parts of what I get to do as a REALTOR®. I get to participate in one of the most exciting times of another person's life. I get to help them find their dream homes. What an extraordinary opportunity that is and one of the many reasons I realize that I love what I get to do for a living. It's an honor, privilege and joy. Today is a good day!

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Agents Are You Planning To Take A Vacation? Have Buyers Who Need To See Houses While You're Away?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:24:05 -0500

A Realtor® friend of mine called me today to ask my advice on what to do to be sure his buyers were able to see houses while he's going to be on vacation for the next week and a half. He hasn't taken a vacation in years, so wasn't sure how to make sure his clients needs were being met. He explained that in the price range his buyers are looking in they've been making offers, but have been getting beaten out in multiple offer situations. He wants to assure that while he's away they won't skip a beat in seeing properties as soon as they come on the market and getting their offers in early.

My friend plans to take his laptop with him and to write up any offers and negotiate them on behalf of his clients while he is out of state. He was wondering what kind of compensation he should offer to an agent who would show houses to a couple of his clients while he's away.

I suggested that rather than doing a commission split, he might want to consider paying one of the office agents an hourly rate ($25/hr.) just to set the appointments with the sellers and open the doors for his clients. I have done this in the past when I just couldn't be in two places at one time. It works well because your clients feel that you're making sure they get to see the houses as they come on the market. And, they know that you are still the one who will be handling presenting the offer, doing the negotiating for them and walking them through the process to closing.

It's a win-win-win situation:

Buyer's Agent is happy...he gets a vacation

Showing Agent is happy - he gets paid without having to much more than just show up

Buyers are happy - they don't feel that they are missing out on making offers on properties while you take a well-deserved vacation

Over the years, I have been surprised when I tell my clients that I'll be away for a few days to attend a seminar or to take a vacation that they consistently are very supportive and tell me to relax and have a great time because I deserve it. Try it, you'll come back rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to deliver even better service after more training or some well-deserved rest.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Is Your House For Sale Or Not? - Seller, Are You Being Represented By a 'Secret Agent'?

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:09:55 -0500

In working with a nice couple we came across a home that was listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Orange County, California.

Here are a few highlights that were included in the listing:

One picture of the front of the house
Good price for the current market and size of the property
Listing Agent's telephone number that when called had an outgoing message that said, "the subscriber is not taking calls at this time".
Listing Broker's telephone number - "The number you have reached is not in service at this time."
Lockbox location - "see agent remarks"
Agent Remarks - blank
Currently listed for sale for 1 1/2 years

My clients have been looking at this house off and on for a period of a couple of years. They first saw it when it was offered for sale by the builder at a much higher price. When they saw it on MLS they asked me to check on it for them. I was intrigued, so I drove by to take a look thinking maybe I could find a lockbox somewhere at this vacant property.

Here's what I found when I got to the property:

No sign on the property (that's what it said in MLS, but I didn't really believe it-why would you not want to let people driving by know the house is for sale?)
Lawn and shrubs dying for lack of water
Checked every door, hose bib, gas meter, everywhere I could think of...no lockbox

This is an absolutely lovely property that is scheduled for foreclosure in about 2 weeks. I've emailed the listing agent to see how I can get inside the home to assess the condition before we make an offer...no reply.

So, how does one make an offer on a property like this? I wrote another post about this particular listing that will tell you how we are going to be handling making an offer. Read it here.

In this interesting market, Realtors® are having to do far more legwork than ever before. Many homes have multiple offers, many buyers are having to make numerous offers before they actually get to buy a home. If you or someone you know needs help navigating their way to buy or sell a home, I'm here to help.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.

Just To Make You Smile-A Little Music To Put "Spring" Into Your Step

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:04:06 -0500

If you are a kid from the 60's this is sure to bring a smile to your face. Just imagine what you would think if you were waiting in a train station and this started happening around you. What do you think you would do?

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Is Orange County California Real Estate Market Beginning To Recover? Or Are We Just Beginning To Recover?

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:38:00 -0500

It's no secret that the flagging Orange County, California real estate market has caused many real estate agents and people in real estate related industries to take other jobs. Some of us have been fortunate enough to be able to afford to stay in this business to ride out the storm. There was a long period when the phone just didn't ring, so I began looking for ways to use the quiet time to improve my business for the days ahead.

A friend told me about a company that helps homeowners make a connection with lenders to do loan modifications. This isn't one of those companies that asks the homeowner for money and makes a lot of empty promises. They actually are contacted by the lenders to make a human contact with homeowners who have fallen behind in their payments that are good candidates for loan modifications. I've been working with them for about a month now.

This week, I met with a woman who has had a very tough time of it; Business failures, job layoff after 10 years, just a really hard time. We met on Friday morning and were able to get her approved to begin the loan modification process. There's still work ahead for her, but the chances are very good that things will work out.

There is so much negative press these days, but this one small success gave me so much hope. The hug that I got from this very grateful lady who appreciated someone who could come alongside her and give her some hope was like a tonic. I felt my step lighten, my shoulders lift and walked out of her home appreciating the sun on my face.

I know this sounds very sappy, but countless surveys have shown that what drives most real estate agents is that it is a profession that provides us the opportunity to help people. That dear lady helped me to remember what it feels like to be able to help someone. For that reminder and the hope of more opportunity to come is just what I needed for a complete attitude adjustment.

Here's a wonderful video that encourages me and is a wonderful metaphor for today and the days of recovery ahead.

Do you know of someone who is currently struggling to make their house payments? Please let them know that there is someone who is willing to stand alongside them and give them some help. It is my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions regarding real estate matters and when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

So You Think You Want to Make a "Lowball" Offer - Attention Buyers - Read What A Seller Told Me Today

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:22:52 -0500

Today I had an unusual opportunity to speak with an investor who has had an investment- gone-bad listed for over one year. It came close to being sold at Trustee's Sale this month. Just in the nick of time, an offer came through and the Trustee's Sale was postponed to next month. Unfortunately, the buyer just backed out.

The reason I was speaking directly to the seller was because the listing agent seems to have disappeared (temporarily I hope). The office phone number is no longer working and the cell phone number is not accepting any calls nor does it have voice mail. Fortunately, the owner is also a broker so I felt safe in contacting him directly for information.

I was calling with some pretty normal questions about the property and to check to see if it made sense for the buyers I'm representing to make an offer. When I asked if there had been any offers, the seller said, "Yes, there had been seven offers so far." He went on to say that, "There were only two that we took seriously and presented to the bank. The rest were ‘bottom-feeders' just scavenging to see what they could get. Frankly, I'd rather let the bank foreclose than to deal with that type (of buyer)."

Ouch. I found his response interesting because this was a seasoned investor who had purchased the property as an investment. His reaction was one that I might expect from someone selling their personal residence. But generally speaking investors tend to take things less personally and just see it as a business transaction.

I thought it was an interesting opportunity to hear this investor's opinion of people who make numerous ridiculously low offers. In this case, they were not even countered they immediately hit the shredder because in the investor's opinion they were not even worthy of being presented to the bank for review.

The price of a property whether being set by the seller or by the buyer in making an offer needs to be supported by facts. Market trends, recent sales, pending sales, property condition, and current demand for similar properties are just a few of the factors that need to be considered. Property prices should never be picked out of thin air or based on feeling whether you are the buyer or the seller.

If you are a buyer who is looking for a "good deal" I'm happy to assist you in making an offer that will be low enough to make it a good deal for you and high enough that it will be taken seriously by the seller...and the bank in the case of a short sale. If you are considering buying or selling a home or condo, it's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

When Not to Sell Your Home If You Are a Senior With A Reverse Mortgage On Your Home Or Condo

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:21:17 -0500

Recently I visited with a lady in Laguna Woods, California who called to ask me to help her sell her condo. She has a large, well-furnished and upgraded unit. She is no longer able to manage taking care of herself on a full time basis. She needs some assistance with bathing and dressing and meal preparation. She thought it might be time to consider moving into a place that could care for her needs. She is currently being assisted by a wonderful caregiver who will be returning to her native country at the end of the year,

So, just as I would with anyone who is thinking about selling their home, I prepared a complete package with plenty of information about the housing market and information about her home in particular. As we visited, she told me she had a reverse mortgage. She was concerned it might be a problem. As I reviewed the paperwork, it became apparent that this sweet lady had gotten a reverse mortgage a few years ago when her condo was appraised at over $400,000. Today, we'd be lucky to find a buyer who'd be willing to pay $250,000. Now, here's the interesting part. She's only used about $225,000 of her reverse mortgage and still has over $50,000 left to draw against her line of credit.

We chatted for a bit and I shared with her that I really think she needs to continue to use her Long Term Care insurance policy for assistance in her home until it runs out in about 3 years. Then, she can begin using her equity line on her Reverse Mortgage to pay for in-home care. Then, if the market has bounced back by then, we might consider selling her condo. She is so fortunate that she took advantage of the opportunity to get a reverse mortgage when her property value was at it's peak. She now has money that she'll be able to draw out even though her property value has declined in our current market.

It sure felt good to be able to let this lovely lady know that she would be able to live comfortably in her own condo for the next 5-6 years. It would have been perfect if I could have assured her that our market will come back up again in those 5-6 years, but alas this is not a fairy tale. This is real life.

As we parted, we hugged and she told me how grateful she was that we had met and that I didn't tell her what she wanted to hear, but confirmed what she suspected to be true. I didn't list a condo today, but I sure made a new friend.

If you are a senior or know a senior who is considering buying or selling a home or condo, I'd be pleased to provide you with information to assist you in making informed decisions. It's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Largest Home In California Is Now For Sale - The House That "Dynasty" Built - Aaron Spelling's Widow Puts $150 Million Mansion Up For Sale

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:56:48 -0500

If you've every wondered what money can buy, here's a video to give you a little insight.

Here's a fun link to some of the world's most expensive homes. Sure they have money, but are they really happy? Of course they are!

While I'm not the listing agent for any of these homes...actually they never even called me...I am available to assist you in buying or selling your home in Orange County, California.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Orange County California Short Sale Guide - What is a Short Sale?

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:00:56 -0500

Orange County, California home owners often ask, "What exactly is a short sale?" Many people have an idea what it means, but there are some interesting ideas percolating out there. Here are a couple of things a short sale is NOT:

A short sale is NOT a streamlined process so you can close escrow faster.
A short sale is NOT a way to get the bank to take less than you owe on your mortgage just because you don't like the idea that you owe more on your home than you could sell it for today.

A short sale IS when the bank agrees to accept less than you actually owe as payment in full on your home loan - IF you and your home qualify.

How to identify if you and your home can qualify for a short sale:

When the sales price of a home falls below what is owed on the home loan, the home owner(s) may qualify for a short sale.
There must be a documented hardship. If the home owner(s) is/are unable to prove a hardship, the bank will not consider a short sale. It is NOT considered a hardship if you simply owe more on your home than it is worth in the current market. Some examples of hardship are:
1. Divorce
2. Death
3. Job loss or job change that requires a move
4. An increase in interest rate that creates a mortgage payment that is beyond the borrower's ability to reasonably pay.
5. Extraordinary medical expenses

When a homeowner finds themselves in the position to consider a short sale of their home, one of the best resources is to work with a local REALTOR® who is familiar with how to list and sell a short sale. Not all agents are trained or even care to work with short sales. It is a lengthy process, there is a great deal more paperwork than for a traditional home sale, and there is an added layer of work involved in communicating regularly with the lender(s).

If you or someone you know is having difficulty making their payments and they need some help in deciding whether a short sale is the right thing to do, please give me a call as soon as possible so we can discuss your options. I have been specially trained to negotiate with lenders on your behalf and know what paperwork needs to be gathered to document a short sale.

It's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Create A Photo Collage The Easy Way Without Having to Write HTML Code To Be Able To Add To Your Posts - Fun Way to Do Collages For Flyers and Scrap Books, Too

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:49:05 -0500

Have you tried the new feature at Picnik.com? It's an easy way to make flyers, photo album pages, or to add multiple photos to your posts.

Here's a sample of one of the photo collages I created and used in a previous post:

To make a photo collage like this, jus follow these simple steps:

Go to www.Picnik.com
Click on the "Collage" tab - you'll get a screen that looks like the one below

Upload your images you want to use in your collage from your computer to Picnik
Pick a collage style
A template will appear
Drag and drop your photos into your collage
When you're happy with your collage - save it to your computer
Presto - a collage in less than 5 minutes!

Hope you enjoy using this handy new tool.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Property Tax Review for Reduction Just Got Easier In Orange County California

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:36:00 -0500

It just got easier to apply for a reduction of your property tax bill. Orange County, CA Assessor Webster Guillory has been quoted by the Orange County Register as saying that homeowners who are looking at reducing their property taxes due to the downturn in market prices don't have to provide comparable sales to prove that the value of their home has dropped. Orange County Homeowners who purchased after 2002 are likely to see a reduction in their property taxes by applying. You still have until April 30^thto request an informal review of your tax assessment.

Send this information to a friend copy and paste this link to to email to a friend http://tinyurl.com/SaveOnPropertyTaxes

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

The Making Work Pay Tax Credit Is On It's Way To Your Paycheck

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:14:55 -0500

You may notice a few more dollars in your next paycheck. The "Making Work Pay Tax Credit" goes into effect this week. Employers are supposed to have adjustments in place by Wednesday, April 1, 2009. This is a part of the economic recovery package passed in February.

You won't be able to buy a new car with it, but it could get you a pizza if you have a coupon! How much money are we talking about? For singles you may see $15-20 per week. For marrieds who file joint returns, probably about $15-20 per week. If you have earned income, you're eligible.

For more details, read the CNN story.

If you've been thinking of buying a home in Orange County, California, you may want to take that extra $40 - $60 a month and put it into a savings account. It doesn't seem like very much in each paycheck, but it could add up to an extra $400-$800 per year.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Seniors Real Estate Concierge Service – Available in South Orange County California – Laguna Woods and Surrounding Area

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:22:29 -0500

In attending numerous real estate classes, I've had an opportunity to hear other Realtors® share what drew them to Real Estate as a career. The majority of them have one thing in common...they love to help people. Theologians call this having the gift of helps. For me it was just one of the reasons I chose real estate as a career, but in reflection, I can certainly see it's one of the biggest reasons for staying in this business.

Today, I had an opportunity to speak with a lovely lady who has a coop in Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World) in Laguna Woods, California. She had found my name and credentials in the National Aging in Place Council's Seniors' Resource Guide. She called to say that she needed to sell her place in Laguna Woods and she doubts she'll ever move back as she has created a new life in the valley of Los Angeles. After getting married, she moved into her husband's home and her place has pretty much gone unused for the past couple of years.

What caught her eye about my services is that I offer a Real Estate Concierge Service. What does that mean? Well, for this lady who has accumulated many things that need to be given away, sold, discarded or passed on to family, finding someone who can choreograph it for her is a huge relief. She is currently living about 60 miles away and is close to giving up her driver's license.

We will be meeting to discuss the preparation for getting her coop on the market. When I meet with people who are in similar situations, it is so wonderful to see the relief in their faces when I'm able to give them direction and resources. Typically, when I work with a family or an individual who needs to clear out their homes, it takes anywhere from one to three months to get the home ready for sale. It is vey time-consuming, but the reward for me is that I know I've been able to help people move on to a different lifestyle. Once the all the belongings have been removed, we can begin cleaning and making any necessary repairs. The proceeds from an estate sale generally cover these costs. Then, I bring in some plants and decorator items to "warm" up the place and we put it on the market for prospective buyers to see. This way they're seeing the home at it's best advantage and have a better chance of visualizing themselves living there.

Assisting people and their families with lifestyle transitions is one of the parts of my real estate practice that I enjoy most. As a senior myself, I understand that as we age, we are no longer able to function physically the way we once did. And, we need to rely on others to provide the resources for things that in our younger years would have been a snap.

If you, or someone you know needs assistance in getting their home, condo or coop ready for sale, please let them know that there is an easy way to handle it. Just one phone call, and together we can begin to formulate a plan that will facilitate a gentle lifestyle transition.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Don't Give Up Too Soon If You Are A Buyer Who Has Made An Offer On A Short Sale In Orange County California

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:39:34 -0500

This is by far one of the most interesting times we've ever experienced in Orange County California real estate. It's like the wild, wild west! Lenders are inundated with short sales and foreclosures to process. Each lender has their own system or quasi-system for handling the deluge of paperwork.

When you make an offer on one of these short sale properties you actually have to get acceptance from two parties:

You make an offer that is accepted by the Seller (the owner of record)
The accepted offer (Purchase Agreement-signed by both buyer and seller) then needs to be packaged by the Listing Agent and sent to the Lender. The package includes your offer, your pre-approval letter, proof that you have enough money for the down payment and closing costs, and an estimated closing statement. The estimated closing statement will tell the Lender how much of a loss they will be taking against what is currently owed on the loan.

Step 2 above is where it gets tricky. The Lenders employ people called Loss Mitigators or Short Sale Negotiators who are trying to get the highest possible amount of money they can for their employers. It can take some time for them to even review your offer. It can take lots of time for them to review your offer. This is where you need to be patient. Your real estate agent should be in communication with the listing real estate agent. The listing agent is responsible for checking with the Lender and updating your agent and complying with any requests from the Lender.

If you find a property that is listed as a short sale and it you find out that it already has an offer on it, don't be afraid to submit a back-up offer. Many times, the offer that is in first position will drop out because they had offers on other properties and they may decide to go with first property that got bank approval for the short sale. I spoke with a local REALTOR® this morning who told me that one of his buyers just heard this week that his back-up offer that he submitted on February 10^th was accepted---today is March 30th!

So hang in there, the bargains are out there. You need to be patient and you need to have a competent REALTOR® to guide you. You need an agent who works full time not part-time and is focusing all their efforts in real estate. This complex market is simply too time-consuming and filled with new twists and turns every day for anyone to be able to service their clients on a part-time basis.

If you are thinking you are ready to begin your home search and need a professional REALTOR® to guide you in searching for homes and making offers that will get accepted, I'm here to help. It's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Attention Home Owners - Keeping Accurate Records Could Save You Big Dollars When You Sell Your Home

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:18:05 -0500

Chances are that if you've owned your Orange County, California home for ten to fifteen years or more and have never refinanced it, you have accumulated a considerable amount of equity. Equity is the difference between what you could sell your home for less the amount you owe in mortgage(s). I've had clients tell me that they really like to make a move, but just don't want to pay the taxes on the sale or have to pay higher property taxes when they move.

What's the answer? Well there's good news on both accounts. If you qualify, California Propositions 60 and 90 make allowances for senior (55 and over) who want or need to sell their homes and move into another one. You can actually keep your current tax basis if you qualify...Read all about it in my previous post.

For individuals and married couples who file joint tax returns The Taxpayer's Relief Act of 1997 offers up to a $250,000 exclusion for individuals and up to $500,000 for married couples who file jointly. One of the things that will help to offset gains over these amounts is keeping accurate records of all capital improvements that will increase your basis. Take a look at IRS Publication 523 Determining Basis. The IRS defines improvements as "things that add to the value of your home, prolong its useful life, or adapt it to new uses".

Some of the improvement expenditures you'll want to keep accurate records and receipts for are:

Addition(s) - Bedroom(s), Bathroom(s), Deck(s), Garage(s), Porch(es), Patio(s)
Heating & Air Conditioning - Heating System(s), Central Air Conditioning, Furnace, Duct Work, Central Humidifier, Filtration System
Insulation - Attic, Walls, Floors, Pipes and Duct Work
Interior Improvements - Build-in Appliances, Kitchen Modernization, Flooring, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Lawn & Grounds - Landscaping, Driveway, Walkway, Fence(s), Retaining Wall(s), Sprinkler System(s), Swimming Pool
Miscellaneous - Storm Windows/Doors, New Roof, Central Vaccuum, Wiring Upgrades, Satellite Dish, Security System
Plumbing - Septic System(s), Water Heater, Soft Water System, Filtration System

Plan to keep all the records associated with expenditures you make on your home. You'll need this information for your tax preparer for the year you sell your home; the cost basis of your home from your original purchase, the closing statement (also know as the HUD-1 - Your REALTOR® will be happy to furnish you a copy of this), and the records for all your improvement expenditures during the time you've used the property as your principle residence.

The foregoing information is provided to encourage you to begin keeping proper documentation for when you sell your principle residence and is not to be considered as legal or tax advice. Please consult your tax professional and www.IRS.gov for more detailed information.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009

Did You Know That You May Qualify To Sell A Home Every Two Years And Not Pay One Cent of Capital Gains? There Are Guidelines - SURPRISE - It's Actually Not Difficult To Qualify

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:44:44 -0500

There are numerous tax advantages to home ownership. One of the advantages is the included in the Taxpayer's Relief Act of 1997. Previously the Tax Code allowed for a once-in-a-lifetime capital gain exclusion. The Taxpayer's Relief Act of 1997 changed that rule to benefit homeowners who have accumulated equity in there homes and wish to move to either a larger or smaller home. Unlike the previous rules, there is no age requirement to qualify. However, this is great news for seniors who are considering downsizing or trading using their equity to buy a smaller home and a second home.

For couples who file a joint tax return, there is an exclusion of $500,000 of gain on the sale of a principle residence.
For single taxpayers there is an exclusion of up to $250,000 of gain on the sale of a principle residence.
Now that's big news for taxpayers who want to sell their homes and pull out the equity in the form of cash!

Here are some simple guidelines to see if you may qualify:

The principle residence must have been used for at least 2 of the past 5 years. (In the case of married couples, it must have been used by both spouses for 2 of the past 5 years.) The 2 years do not need to be consecutive time periods.

Note: Great news - there is no limit to how many times the exclusion may be used. So, during an "up market", you could conceivably move and pull out gain on the sale of your principle residence every two years---if you don't mind moving that often.

Sorry - the exclusion does not apply to vacation or second homes. But, if you are able to move into that vacation home for a few months each year, you could still qualify for the exclusion and meet the 2 years out of every 5 year rule.

The IRS has built in some additional ways to qualify if you need to sell yur home before the two year qualification can be met. If you have a change in employment that requires you to move, health issues or other unforeseen circumstances (See Internal Revenue Code 121 for complete information).

The foregoing information is provided to whet your appetite and not to be considered as legal or tax advice. Please consult your tax professional and www.IRS.gov for more detailed information - See Publication #523

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

Wow! What a Beautiful Difference A Few Hours And About $150 Can Make - An Upscale Garage Floor For A Budget Price!

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:07:33 -0500

You can sure learn some great things when you take a walk through your own neighborhood. Recently, while out walking, I saw a neighbor making an interesting improvement. He was painting his garage floor. Not with just any paint. He was using a kit especially made for garage floors. Beautiful garages have become a "must-have" in higher end homes here in South Orange County, California. Since our homes typically don't have basements or attics, our garages become a primary place to store everything from toys to kitchen overflow. Until now, I always thought that garages with those organized garages with gleaming floors had to cost a bundle.

I couldn't help asking this neighbor my usual million questions about what he was doing, how much it cost in time and money and how difficult this job was. Fortunately, he ccheerfully shared his wisdom with me. He explained that he'd picked up a couple of kits at the hardware store for about $70 each. He told me it was actually easier than painting a room in your house. The kit came complete with a degreaser. He used a putty knife/scraper for the paint spots, then the degreaser in the kit and hosed it down and waited for the surface to dry before beginning to apply the coating.

When I saw him, he'd been busy at his project for a few hours and had already completed about 75% of his two car garage. The process was "paint" a bit, then sprinkle with the little jar of flakes included in the kit - he said the trick was to hold the sprinkles up high to let them "float" down onto the damp surface until you got the pattern and coverage that looks good to you. Then, he picked up his roller again and "painted" an area, then started sprinkling again! He said it was really a very easy job.

Wow! What a beautiful difference a few hours and about $150 can make. An upscale garage floor for a budget price!

A few tips:

You'll be surprised to see that most of the materials you'll need (except for the garage floor surfacing kit) are probably lurking in your garage already...Hey, you'll need to clean it out to resurface the floor anyway. Here's a list of some of the things you'll need to gather for the project:

Garage floor coating - About $70 for a single car garage (includes degreaser) available at your favorite hardware store
Paint tray & roller (4' extension pole will save you knees)
Disposable Paint Brush-the cheapest you can find for cutting in
Scrub Brush
Scraper, Putty Knife and/or Utility Knife
Sandpaper
Duct Tape (What would any project be without this marvel of modern science?)
Knee Pads - Optional

You may want to move everything from one side of the garage to the other and do one side of the garage at a time. It takes 48 hours of drying time before you use the floor. It might be a two-weekend project.
This would be a great project for neighbors - help a neighbor with their garage and get some help with yours!

The directions and a video will come with your garage floor resurfacing kit, but it might be nice for you to see how really easy this project is in advance. DIYNetwork.com has an interesting video and step-by-step directions.

So often, I see folks make improvements to spruce up their homes just before they put it on the market. Then, they wonder why they didn't make the improvement sooner so they could enjoy it themselves. This is a low budget improvement that you can enjoy for many years while you live in your home. And, it may not be the one thing causes your home to sell, but it will show pride of ownership and attention to detail that makes your home stand out to a prospective buyer.

If you are thinking this might be the right time to sell your Orange County home or condo or just need to talk with someone who can give you some straight answers ~ I'd be pleased to give you information without obligation. If you are not looking for information on the Orange County, California home market, I am able to assist you by introducing you to someone in your area who will provide excellent service through my national and international affiliation with Certified Residential Specialists®.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

President Elect Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists® 2008-2009

One of the Most Significant Factors To Consider If You're Thinking About Buying A Home In Orange County, California - Affordability

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:34:46 -0500

One of the best ways to communicate the concept of affordability is with a real-life example. About a year and a half ago, I began working with a couple who had just celebrated their first anniversary. He had a steady job as a firefighter. She had worked in her own business for about 7 years. They had saved some money and decided it was time to move from their one bedroom apartment.

They got pre-approved by a lender. Their lender recommended they call me to help them begin their home search. When we first began looking in their price range, we looked at lots of two bedroom condos some had garages, some had parking spaces. Some were in beautiful condition and many needed a lot of work. About the middle of last year, the properties that began to pop up on the radar in their price range were single family homes that were either short sales or bank owned. Some needed work, some were in surprisingly good condition.

Finally, after about a little over a year of searching, and looking at over a 100 houses and condos, we found the one. They are now the proud owners of a four bedroom, two bath, single story home with a large lot (fenced for the dog they hope to adopt), a two car garage and a spa.

That is what Affordability is all about. Simply put, the prices have come down to the point that homebuyers can get more home for the money now than they could a year or two ago. Buyers who were simply not even able to think about home ownership a couple of years ago, may find they can actually afford to purchase a condo. Buyers who have been able to save some money and have been thinking about buying a condo are now pleasantly surprised to find that their dollars will now buy them a home.

So why not wait another year and take advantage of even lower prices? Great question...And, if you know of someone with an accurately operating crystal ball, you can time the market and buy just before it begins to go back up again. In the meantime, we are seeing some signs that indicate the downward trend may be ending. We are beginning to see fewer new listings each month while the sales are increasing each month. It's a case of Economics 101 - simple supply and demand.

If you are considering if this is the right time to buy...96% of economists are forecasting that the economy will make a turn around in Fall of 2010. Home prices rise and fall. It's a well documented cycle. You may want to begin looking at homes now and purchase even while prices are continuing to fall slightly, so you will be positioned to enjoy the rise as prices begin to go up in the upward cycle.

It has been said that no one knows or can accurately predict the precise moment when the market actually hits the bottom. No one rings a bell. We won't actually know when it happens until after it happens. So, the question is what kind of shopper are you? Do you enjoy getting a bargain and buying things when they are plentiful and on sale or do you prefer to pay full retail price? In buying a home or condo would you rather buy that property now while it's on sale or would you rather wait till the market turns around and pay full market price?

If you are thinking this might be the right time to buy or just need to talk with someone who can give you some straight answers without obligation ~ I'd be pleased to give you information without obligation. If you are not looking for information on the Orange County, California home market, I am able to assist you by introducing you to someone in your area who will provide excellent service through my national and international affiliation with Certified Residential Specialists®.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

Good News For California Seniors (55 and over) Who Are Considering Downsizing Their Homes - Tax Relief - Your Tax Base May Be Portable

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:12:36 -0500

Many people in California after raising their families discover that they no longer need the large homes they once had. If you've been in your home for a long time, you probably have a very low tax base. If you're considering moving into a new home, even though it's less expensive than your current home could create a property tax price tag that's higher than what you're accustomed to...Unless, you apply for Proposition 60 or 90 tax relief. You may be able to retain your current tax base when you move into your new residence. So, if this is one of the reasons you've decided not to make a move, let's see if you may qualify to take your current tax base with you.

When considering a move, here are a few questions to see if you may qualify for the tax benefit:

Are you or your spouse 55 or over? (At least one of you must be 55 or older)
Is your replacement home of equal or lesser market value than your existing home? (Market Value is not necessarily the purchase price.)
Does your existing home qualify for the Homeowner's Exemption? Is it your Primary Residence?
Was your replacement home constructed within two years either before or after the sale of your original home?
Are you moving within the same county? If not, your real estate professional can help you to research which counties share reciprocity.
Have you ever made a claim for Proposition 60 or 90 in the past? This is a one time benefit that can only be claimed once by you and/or your spouse. (In the case of divorce, a choice must be made who will choose to receive the benefit - it cannot be divided or used on two replacement homes.)

These are just some of the guidelines. It is important that when considering using either Proposition 60 or 90 benefits when planning your move, you work with a REALTOR® who understands the process and assists you in assuring that you meet all criteria necessary in order to receive the tax benefits.

If you have moved recently, you may still qualify. Claims must be filed within three years following the closing date of your replacement home. Claim forms are available from local Assessor's Offices in participating counties.

If you are considering a move and are seeking a real estate professional with experience in buying and selling Orange County, California homes and condos, I'm here to help. It's important for you to know that as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I've received specialized training for working with the specialized needs of seniors and their families. If you have questions or concerns or want to begin planning for a move, I'd be pleased to give you information without obligation.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

Why A For Sale By Owner (Sort Of ) Can Be A Do It Yourself Disaster - Landlord Tries to Sell His Own Home in a Buyer's Market

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:32:21 -0500

This week I received an inquiry from my website. So I immediately picked up the phone trying to respond quickly and demonstrate professionalism. When the man on the other end of the line answerd, he seemed pleased with my prompt reply to his web inquiry. I asked him how I might be of service to him as it appears from his inquiry that he is interested in selling his home and buying another one.

The would-be-client (We'll call him Ted) responds with, "No, I like the home I live in and have no intention of selling it, I just want you to sell my house." Huh? Pardon me, Ted, but I don't understand. Well, the conversation that ensued took about 25 minutes so I won't bore you with it in real time. Here's the gist:

Ted had used a wayyyyyy out of area broker to place his rental home in MLS. He paid $99 for this service. Ted was sending emails to all the agents within a reasonable radius of his rental home to ask them to sell his house.

Ted couldn't figure out why agents were unwilling to show his property and why this property wasn't selling. Since I had recently been working with a buyer who was looking for a home in the same area and in the same price range, I was curious why this listing had not been one of the ones my client chose to see. So, I took a look at his listing on MLS and here's what I found:

There were only 4 photos in MLS. Front of the house, a picture of a stairway, a picture of a granite counter in the kitchen and a picture of a small backyard that was landscaped with only grass and no shrubs and a 2 ft. by 1 ft. piece of concrete next to the back door...very sparce to say the least.
In Ted's email he had sent me a link to a lovely video of the home done on RealEstateShows.com. Yet this wonderful video was not on the listing.
Since the home was a rental, Sam didn't want anyone disturbing the tenants, so he was restricting showings and prequalifying anyone who wanted to see the property.
In the agent remarks (a portion of the listing that only agents and brokers can see) it read, "Agents to negotiate all terms of sale with the Seller."

Ted couldn't understand why the local agents weren't flocking to him with fistfuls of offers. I politely told him that in trying to save the commission he thought he was saving in not being represented by a listing agent he had:

Originally Overpriced his rental home and although he'd recently had dropped the price by $150,000 he needs to drop it by an additional $150,000 in order to get the property shown. And, had he used the services of a listing agent, he would have most probably priced it right to begin with six months ago and not been subject to the significant price drop we've experienced in the past 6 months while he's been on the market. Ted's rental home was originally priced at $1,300,000. He just dropped the price to $1,150,000. In my opinion Ted really needs to drop the price to just below $1,000,000 to even get it shown. It just does not compare with area homes currently listed in the $1,150,000 price range.
In sending emails to real estate agents who are working hard to market the properties they actually have listed and giving the impression he has a sincere desire to work with them, he's only wasting his time and ours. Most full time, practicing agents have wonderful clients that are willing to pay for our services to assist them in marketing their homes and appreciate utilizing the advantage of our expertise. I asked Ted if he'd be willing to work for months without receiving a paycheck and possibly never be paid for his work. The question of course was rhetorical and hopefully helped Ted to reconsider his options.
Hard to Show - There are homes on the market with tenants in the property. Most agents agree that typically, these listings are not as easy to show, but this is not always the case. If you are a landlord who is attempting to sell your rental home while it is still rented, make it worth the tenants while by offering them a slight reduction in rent for the inconvenience to them during the marketing period. A couple hundred dollars in rent reduction saves you thousands in price decline during a declining market. I also ascertained from Ted that there was no lockbox on the property so if the tenants were unavailable, the property was not available to be seen by prospective buyers. There was no sign on the property so neighbors who might know someone interested in moving to the area or anyone driving by would have no idea the property is even for sale.
Seller Trying to do the Job of a Professional - Buyer's Agents know that when they will be negotiating directly with the Seller in a transaction that invariably we must work twice as hard at best. Anyone who is unlicensed and not working in the real estate business daily is unfamiliar with the process and really need someone to help them to correctly furnish the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction. This is not the job of escrow, it is not the job of the Buyer's Agent, and do you honestly think the broker who placed the listing in MLS for Ted for $99 is going to be of any assistance? Trying to handle the sale of your own property is much like trying to do open heart surgery on yourself. Even if you have the skills, it is very difficult to make unemotional decision.

If you are a seller attempting to sell the property yourself, a word of caution...this is a very tough market. Seasoned professionals are having a hard time getting properties into escrow, pre-qualifying buyers, and once the properties get into escrow getting them to actually close is not happening with regularity. If you are seeking to save yourself a few dollars consider that in a declining market the dollar you believe you are saving in not hiring a listing agent to represent you and properly market your property could be costing you thousands in lost equity for every extra month the property lingers on the market.

If you need assistance in selling your home or condo in Orange County, California I'd be pleased to give you information without obligation.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®

800 777-1775

Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

Laguna Woods California - Real Estate Market Update - February 2009 Sales Summary

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:41:15 -0500

The City of Laguna Woods is home to one of the country's largest Active Senior Communities, Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World). The wonderful climate, close proximity to the ocean with Laguna Beach only 10 minutes away, the mountains only 1 1/2 hours away and the comfortble lifestyle are just a few of the reasons people settle in this wonderful community. But, hands down, probably one of the biggest draws is the golfing. You can play 18 holes of golf in Laguna Woods for only $8...that's not a typo...only $8 for 18 holes of golf.

COMPARISON

FEBRUARY 2008 AND FEBRUARY 2008 MARKET SUMMARY

SUMMARY:

Total number of sales declined from 39 sales in February 2008 to 37 in February 2009.
The ratio between list price to sales price is holding fairly steady with only a 1% reduction in February 2009 at 93% versus 94% in February 2008.
The average Days on Market (DOM) has increased from 89 days in February 2008 to 112 days in February 2009.

There are currently 425 active listings in Laguna Woods Village. If we divide that by the 37 sales in February 2009, that calculates 11.49 months of inventory (assuming no other properties come on the market.)

As in any market, properties are selling as long as they are priced well, in good condition, and easily available for agents to show.

Many people in Laguna Woods Village have asked me to prepare a no cost/no obligation evaluation of their home value prior to making a decision whether they would like to make a move.

If you are considering purchasing or leasing in Laguna Woods Village, it would be my pleasure to provide you with information to assist you in your search.

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®,

Certified Residential Specialist®,

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®,

President Laguna HIlls/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009

Sherman Smith & Associates-Laguna Niguel, CA

800 777-1775 or text me at 714 745-2592

www.LiveTheCaliforniaDream.com

All statistics compiled from SoCal MLS and are deemed accurate but not guaranteed.