sizer: B4 You Help Fire Victims, read this... - 10/16/17 11:56 AM
No matter how challenged we may feel with our day2day struggles, many of us can’t begin to fathom the horrific grief our California neighbors to the north are experiencing. If you’re thinking about helping, you may want to read this first.
Before you donate to a charity, make sure you know where your aid is going. The Center for International Disaster Information recommends checking with a charity monitoring organization like GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or the Better Business Bureau before donating.
Make sure your donation is secure by going through an organization's official website or sending a check in the … (1 comments)

sizer: Firing your Aunt would really suck! - 07/24/11 11:56 AM
So, you're ready to start looking for a home and your parent's recommend you speak with Aunt Molly.  She's been in the business since there were single page contracts, and you know she'll be hurt if you don't.  Serious dilemma right?  It will be if Aunt Molly isn't a full time practicing agent, and doesn't know her way around Winforms, short sales, foreclosures or current lending practices.
Perhaps she's nice enough, and you might feel really guilty if you didn't use her; a friend or a friend of a friend - even though they may not be the most qualified to … (5 comments)

sizer: Don't submit that offer - yet! - 07/18/11 09:05 AM
I recently got a call from a client who wanted to see a newly listed bank owned property; PRONTO - THAT DAY!  Since it was bank owned and vacant, that wasn't a problem.  They were so excited by the MLS photos and description, they even brought up the "O" word (offer) even before seeing the property.
Once we got there, the buyer's quickly knew that they wanted to submit an offer right away!  It was Friday and the first day in the MLS.  While I was quite fine writing the offer, I advised them that I would wait until late Sunday … (8 comments)

sizer: Shortsales and Renters; ethical or not? - 06/21/11 09:42 AM
When was the last time a buyer said, "don't show me a short sale with a renter in it?"  This buyer went on to say that he didn't want to deal with (cheaters or liars) people taking advantage of the system, meaning, collecting rent while not paying their mortgage.  
His statement gave this ethical REALTOR® pause to consider his position.  Is the system being further corrupted by homeowners collecting rent while in the midst of negotiating a short sale? Or is this justifiable payback for the banks non-approval of loan modifications for anguished homeowners who can no longer afford the terms of … (2 comments)

sizer: Hello Mr. Brand Manager, please pick up... - 05/20/11 06:22 AM
 
In my experience, there are basically two types of REALTORS®; the hands on type who actually speak with other agents during the course of negotiations, expressing gratitude and appreciation for bringing them an offer... 
And then, there are the other types of REALTORS® who head up teams. They are "The Brand"and everyone on the team works to support "The Brand."  While the team can function quite efficiently, you rarely ever speak to the "The Brand", as He or She is far too busy prospecting for future business to express gratitude and/or appreciation to a mere real estate mortal bringing them an offer.   
… (3 comments)

sizer: The Jerk Store Called... - 05/17/11 09:03 AM
Our brokerage in San Diego County recently aquired a rather nice bank owned listing in the upscale gated subdivision of The Heritage in Poway, California, rumoured to be the home of many well known athletes and other lessor known successful professionals and their families.
While awaiting the final price from the bank, I've held the property open twice on consecutive weekends building an interest list.  Both times, I've signed the property well, swept the floors, served freshly brewed blueberry flavored coffee, bottled waters and brownies to all, while offering a personal guided tour of this luxury 10,000 foot estate with the help … (5 comments)

sizer: Who put the "ah" in Real-ah-tor?!? - 05/12/11 06:22 AM

The word "REALTOR®" (with two syllables) patented in 1948, is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.
Not sure who or when the "ah" was placed in the middle of REAL"ah" TOR®, but it's time to stop mispronouncing who we, collectively as a professional affiliation are!  
Recently, I attended a video conference for real estate professionals in Los Angeles. Dawn Wells, perhaps better known as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island was one of the guest speakers, who eloquently delivered … (85 comments)

sizer: Waiting Periods After: Foreclosure, Short Sale or Bankruptcy - 01/18/11 08:05 AM
 
Here are the 2011 mortgage guidelines for obtaining a conventional, FHA or VA home loan following a Foreclosure, Short Sale or Bankruptcy:
 
2011 Conventional Loan Programs:
·  7 year waiting period after a foreclosure
·  4 year waiting period after a bankruptcy
·  4 year waiting period after a short sale (Max 80% L TV)
·  Credit must be re-established with a minimum 660 FICO
 
2011 FHA Loan Programs:
·  3 year waiting period after a foreclosure
·  2 year waiting period after a bankruptcy
·  3 year waiting period after a short sale
·  Credit must be … (4 comments)

sizer: Changing perspective from Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, CA 92024 - 01/03/11 05:40 AM
It's only the 3rd day into the year, but I'm really liking the commitment I've made to bringing a different perspective each day by taking a short video of Moonlight Beach and sharing it with you.  If reality is 100% perception, then my reality today is like a rainy day at the beach!  
In speaking with my San Diego County Real Estate clients, it's important to first understand their perception ~ their reality.  Are they fearful and anxious, or do they have an unrealistic perception of the real estate market or the value of their property?  The only way to … (0 comments)

sizer: Life's a beach at Moonlight in Encinitas, CA 92024 - 01/02/11 04:30 AM
Today's short video clip of Moonlight Beach in Encinitas California was shot Sunday morning, January 2, 2011 at approximately 7:15AM.  Dolphin can be seen swimming along the wave-line heading south about 50 yards off the shore.
As a San Diego native and San Diego County real estate professional, it it my intention to share the amazing attractions and lifestyle San Diego County offers each and everyday.  If you'd like to see more video presentations like this, or learn more about the San Diego Housing market, I invite you to subscribe to: http://localism.com/neighbor/robertsizer

Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, CA 92024/01-02-11
Brought to you by:
Robert Sizer, … (2 comments)

sizer: What you should know about your San Diego real estate agent! - 12/23/10 07:07 AM
Whether you're thinking of buying or selling a home in San Diego County, it's time to choose your real estate professional.   But, how do you find just the right one? The one that you know is going to do a great job for you! So, you ask your friends, right? Who do they know, like and trust?  
I was recently hired to represent a seller who was interviewing several agents.  Most of whom are top in their fields. They all have marketing plans and a solid resume.  But, how do you know you will like working with them?  Everyone has different expectations. … (0 comments)

sizer: Encinitas home ~ where the art is! - 12/06/10 09:43 AM
Around our Encinitas home, if it stays still long enough, it's going to become an art project!  This is an old wooden window frame that my wife found, turning it into a work of art (Van Gogh ~ Interpretation) using acrylic paint.  See the original wood frame on top?  She backed it with a string of LED lights, which is on a timer, before hanging it.

This unique work of art illuminates a wall in our home.  People can actually be seen slowly passing by peering into the front window to get a better look.  Jami Lyn is currently painting holiday … (0 comments)

sizer: Schedule your Holiday Window Painting Carlsbad! - 11/08/10 06:50 AM
The Holiday Season is upon us!
Daylight savings time starts November 7th, so it must be time to schedule your Holiday Window Painting by Jami Lyn.  Jami Lyn is an accomplished artist and published illustrator of Cabo and Coral Go Surfing.  You can choose from one of her many designs, or create a custom design for your business or home to create a sense of Joy & Holiday Spirit for the season. Jami Lyn has designs to meet most budgets.  
Click here to see current samples.
 
Shoot Jami a call @ 619-436-8945 or email to: jamilyn@mac.com to discuss or book your holiday window painting.  Best before 11/15!  

… (0 comments)

sizer: Best Home Buying Experience ~ San Marcos, CA - 10/26/10 07:19 AM
In 16 years of assisting buyers and sellers in San Diego County, like many of my colleagues, I've had my fair share of challenging clients. Those who never quite tell you everything they're thinking.  They consult others who are not a party to the transaction for their "expert" opinions, and, find it difficult to believe that we are actually working on their behalf and not for ourselves.
As a service industry specialist, it is always my intention to serve my clients beyond their wildest expectation. Certainly, this requires awareness, empathy, leadership skills, team building and a degree of mind reading.
Strategic … (3 comments)

sizer: Keep your Butts off the beach. - 10/26/10 06:20 AM
When it comes to cigarette butt litter, we all pay.
 Residents and businesses “pick up” the tab.  Cigarette butt litter has to be cleaned up.  This requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, green-way and park maintenance, storm drain cleaning, and increased maintenance of storm water filters. And, business owners bear the expense of cigarette butt litter cleanup around entrances, exits, sidewalks, and parking lots.
 
Community quality-of-life suffers.  Not paying attention to quality-of-life issues can result in a decline in a city’s foot traffic, tourism, business development, and housing. Focusing on small improvements, like reducing cigarette butt litter, creates safer and more … (2 comments)

sizer: Best Painter, best price! Serving San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad & Encinitas - 09/28/10 05:57 AM
I have to give props to the painter I've been referring for 15 years.  Chin Chong (real name) owner/operator of RELIABLE PAINTING has once again blown me away with the quality and pricing his company delivers.  
In the beginning, I would alway refer two painters, but now, only one!  When someone performs above and beyond, year after year, while receiving RAVE REVIEWS from your clients, why would I recommend anyone else?
Plus, they are always providing value added services that my client's love.  I've recommended him to my million dollar clients, as well as my entry level clients, with the same positive results … (0 comments)

sizer: Encinitas, CA - One man+One hour+One block= ONE GIANT BAG OF... - 08/24/10 05:44 AM
...TRASH!!!
Having blogged previously about this this vary issue, I am again compelled to bring awareness to the atrocious litter problem that plagues our streets.  Who freaking likes litter?!  Anyone?  What are we as a community prepared to do about it?
It's going to take a village of environmentally conscious citizens that are fed up with the garbage over taking our community. Open your eyes next time you stroll through the village, or drive down virtually any street.  See the hundreds of cigarette butts, overflowing trash cans and debris on the sidewalks, streets and freeway exits?  This isn't going away by … (0 comments)

sizer: Coffee is for closers... - 08/11/10 04:26 AM
It's been 30 days as of today, and this deal is closing on time!  Everyone of my team performed extraordinarily well, even though Wells Fargo tried to do all they could to prolong the process.  Seems that everyone, from the processors to the underwriters are so freaking busy!  Are the banks just too busy for business?  Kudos to Home Mortgage Consultants Troy and Wallace Kennedy for stepping it up at the end.  They deserve a nice cup of coffee today, because as Alec Baldwin says in Glengarry Glen Ross,  "coffee is for closers only!"  (see clip)
The crazy thing is, W.F. already pre-approved my … (0 comments)

sizer: Lenders, can you help us out here? - 08/09/10 05:11 AM
My in-laws currently have an interest rate of 7%.  They would like to take advantage of today's lower interest rates, and yet, they refinanced in '05, taking money out for a remodel when their property value was nearly a million dollars.   They owe approximately $800K, but current value is estimated at $700K.  They are struggling to make the higher payment and they are asking themselves "WHY?"
Doesn't it make sense for banks to have a desk-top modification program for folks who want to stay in their homes, but don't have the LTV's to refinance?  
If the market dictates the … (2 comments)

sizer: Smoking responsibly is an oxymoron; do bans work? - 07/14/10 05:55 AM
As an environmentally conscious citizen of the world, I am determined to raise the awareness of issues detrimentally affecting our community.  While my views may be somewhat subjective, I believe that the golden rule applies in everything we do!  While I will fight to the death for human rights, I don't believe those rights should ever compromise the health and quality of life of others
----------------------  
As a former smoker, I protested in favor of my right to smoke when ever and where ever I pleased. If someone didn't like it or protested, they could kiss my stinky (cigarette) butts!!!
Since … (3 comments)