turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: Bank Owned Poway Home offers 10,000 SF on 4.65 acres for how much? - 05/11/11 06:26 AM
That is the $3,000,000 question?
 
Reportedly constructed for $6,000,000 in 2006, this classic 10,000 SF European/French Style Estate, located in the Presitgious gated community of The Hertitage in Poway on a 4.65 panormaic view lot will soon hit the MLS.  Listed by Turnkey Homes, the anticipated list price will be approximately $3,000,000 or $300/SF, which makes this one of the best values in San Diego County.
Watch the video below and schedule your personal tour today!

Click here to see the video tour of this home 
 
18625 Old Ranch Way
Poway, CA 92064
Please email or call me … (3 comments)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: Be Relentless When Tracking Your 'REO' Offers! - 12/09/10 09:57 AM
At years end, it is time to reflect on the year past and the nearly 50 offers written on behalf of my client's; paying very close attention to offers submitted in the last quarter.  In doing so, I rechecked the status of those listings and found that one was still active with a sizable price reduction.  Bank owned, It was originally listed on 9/15/2010 for $252,500.  When it was reduced a month later to $229,900 I forwarded the listing to one of my investor clients.  It seemed like the type of property they like to purchase, rehab and flip.  Upon review … (1 comments)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: 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)

turnkey: Make the most money possible at your next yard sale! - 06/30/10 07:10 AM
Yard sales are everywhere!  But, who is actually making the most money doing them?
My friend Karen West has written a comprehensive 24-page guide to making the most money at your next yard sale.
Topics include:
Tips help you to ~ • Build your inventory • Prepare your items so they sell • Price your items to get the best prices • Advertise to attract the most customers • Avoid common mistakes when making signs• Prepare your property • Display your items attractively• Negotiate prices• Protect your profits 
If you or someone you know wants to make the most of their next yard sale, check out Yard Sale SUCCESS!
BTW...They make great inexpensive gifts for your clients!
… (1 comments)

turnkey: "IF IT'S ACTIVE ON THE MLS, THEN IT'S... - 06/29/10 03:54 AM
AVAILABLE."  Really?
Or, "Email me with your questions"  Which would be awesome if you communicated in real time.
This past weekend I called on two separate properties that stated the very same message in the listing remarks.  But, when speaking with the listing agents, they both had accepted offers.  Why am I showing listings with accepted offers?
It seems that many listing agents are trying to avoid speaking with the buyer's agent.  When did this stop being a cooperative industry?  Why would a listing agent not want to speak with an agent who has questions prior to showing their listing or … (5 comments)

turnkey: TOO MANY BUTTS = A PLAGUE ON OUR PLANET! - 06/28/10 09:51 AM
While on my morning trash collection at the cul-de-sac leading to Moonlight beach in Encintas from the corner of 3rd and C Street, I collected approximately 2-Lbs. of assorted garbage following this weekends BroAm Surf Competition and Music Festival.  Of which, I collected an astounding 124 CIGARETTE BUTTS in a one block area.
As a former smoker in the 70's & 80's, I was as guilty as the next smoker when it came to tossing a butt out the window of my car or stubbing a cigarette out on the ground as I stood outside to have a smoke.  Like thousands … (1 comments)

turnkey: Encinitas's Newest Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria get's two thumbs.... - 06/27/10 09:32 AM
Not just another Italian Restaurante, the Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria's menu offers tasty, eclectic choices made solely from locally grown, organic ingredients.  
After a busy real estate day, writing two offers and showing property, my wife and I enjoyed a much needed evening break. And, while there is no shortage of restaurants in the Village of Encinitas, we've been eager to try one of Encinitas's newest restaurants, recently opened by owners/operators Wade and Kristi Hageman.  With years of collective experience and obvious pride, they have created a wonderful environment in which to enjoy their fresh and tasty offerings.
My wife … (1 comments)

turnkey: Why REO's can be a huge Bug-a-Boo; emphasis on the Bug(s)! - 06/13/10 07:15 AM
I got a call to show one of our REO listings in Lakeside, CA, about 40 minutes from my home office in Encinitas.  While, my brokerage has had the listing nearly 80 days, other than a few nicely cropped photos, I've never seen it. I made sure I had plenty of time to find the property and arrive before my appointment with the gentleman who was pre-approved for a conventional loan, interested in working only with the listing brokerages of the homes he was previewing.
Guided by my IPhone GPS, I navigated the cracked and curvy concrete road upward toward the … (3 comments)

turnkey: Come on, does this really work?!? Help me out here...! - 06/09/10 07:46 AM
I love "old school" tag lines like, "This is a Cream Puff" and "Bring your fussiest Buyers" or one of my all time favorites, "Priced to sell!"  Does this really work? My clients recently opened escrow on a home with the tag line, "Bring your fussiest Buyers" in the remark section.  Surprisingly (or not) their home JUST SOLD with another old school agent using the same verbiage in the remarks section (and a $100K price reduction!)  I don't mean to offend anyone by describing this verbiage as "old school", but really, is that the best copy writing we can do?  What old-school-of-thought … (5 comments)