Deborah Burroughs' Blog

I killed my grass... finally!! (Part II)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:36:41 -0500

Last July, I carefully planted a "California Native Plant" garden. We live in a condo and our yard is fairly small (8 X 30 feet), but still enough room to have a little fun with plants and flowers. I spent a day digging, planting and providing lots of water to give the young plants a fighting chance. Little did I know that planting in July wasn't the greatest time (too hot), but what's done is done. Most of these hardy plants survived the heat and dry Santa Ana winds. Throughout the fall and winter months there was very little growth above ground which discouraged me, but it was explained to me that these plants were doing most of their growing under ground and I was promised that in the spring they would take off. I was not disappointed.

I have had so much fun watching these plants grow - I've even taken cuttings off some of them and started new plants which I was then able to give away to friends. The interesting thing about California natives is that they really don't require much water - in fact, you can kill them with too much water. There were times when I thought a plant looked stressed, and my first thought was to give it more water. But when I resisted that temptation I would quickly see that they plant was fine (in most cases). That's not to say that I have not killed a few plants, because I have - but my guess is that they were over-watered.

Since we live in a condo - there is regular irrigation on the hillside above our garden - so we are getting water from that. If not for that source, I would possibly have to water more.

As you can see these plants are fairly happy - they provide lots of interest for us and the pollinators around here. We love to hike, and we see many of these plants in our local foothills and mountains - so it's such a treat to walk outside into our back yard to see these plants and smell the scents that we would normally smell on an afternoon hike. As they become more established, I will water less and less. With the irrigation on the hillside above - my guess is that I won't have to water more than a few times a year. Saving water around these parts is a good thing right now - it's a good feeling to know we don't have to sacrifice the garden due to water shortages. I'm glad I made the decision to kill the grass and put in a more interesting yard that requires minimal care and water. More and more folks are doing the same here in San Diego County - it's a good thing on so many levels (saves money and is good for the critters and environment).

Happy planting!!

Information Overload!!

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:23:10 -0600

Do you ever sit down at your computer to read an email and the next thing you know you've just spent an hour clicking through various links to get to "important" information? I hate to admit how often that happens to me.

I've decided to give myself a time limit for reading emails and other informative material. All too often, I open an email that has a link in it, and once I click on it, I'm carried off to some other source, a blog or website, which promises to have the information I need to be a better real estate agent, salesperson, friend, co-worker, wife, mother, and etcetera!!!

I think of it like a sponge - I'm absorbing all this information - but a sponge can only absorb so much before it has to be "squeezed out".

So, from now on, I'm going to take in just enough material to stay informed - but move on to other important tasks before I'm pulled into the information vacuum where I become ineffective because I'm overwhelmed with all the "stuff" I'm learning about doing, but never get around to "doing" because I'm still learning. Yikes!!

There are considerable amounts of good information out there, especially for those of us in the real estate business; and it's so easy to get distracted by these helpful resources. So, one of my goals for 2009 is to spend less time learning about some new thing, and more time perfecting what I already know.

Are there things in your life and business that you'd like to get better at, but can never find the time?

I'd love to hear about it...

Here's to a balanced 2009!!

Biotech Meets Tree-trimming – Genentech (DNA)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:04:05 -0500

Community efforts don't go unnoticed. A wonderful group of people from Genentech, an Oceanside bio-tech firm, planned a day of hard (volunteer) work at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center in Oceanside earlier this week.

Genentech was voted one of the best 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine. A small group of employees donated their time, tenacity and resources to the grounds at the nature center.

They cut down trees, pruned shrubs, dug up island planters, hauled the brush and planted native plants. They accomplished a tremendous amount of work in a very short period of time. I still can't get over the improvements that were made that day. It was so fun working with them and sharing stories. One gentleman told me about a new cancer drug that they are developing, others talked about their kids and many asked questions about the native plants. It was a blast to see everybody getting dirty!

Joan Bockman, Native Plant Director, had the idea of using a boulder as a source of water for birds to bring them close enough for folks to view while visiting the area. Genentech graciously donated a 1000 pound boulder for the project. Once the pump is installed, water will always be available for visiting birds.

When all the work was done, the cheerful group took a guided nature walk led by the center's manager, Annette Schneider, where they got to see ruddy ducks, coots, frogs, osprey, monarch butterflies and other critters.

The Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center draws people from throughout the community - many come to learn and many come to help out. It's a great spot to bring kids (young & old) to get up close to nature and an opportunity to donate your talents to a local community jewel. A huge thank you goes out to the employees of Genentech for selecting the center as a place to spend their volunteer day.

I killed my grass... finally!!

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:37:33 -0500

Last fall, I began volunteer work at the Buena Vista Audubon Society in Oceanside in their California native plant garden. I became an instant convert to native plants. So, I decided to kill the grass in our backyard, and plant a native garden. Killing the grass wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I used undiluted table vinegar, and then I had to be very patient. It took about three months.

The grasses in the backyard were extremely hardy, and didn't go without a fight. Eventually, the grass was dead, and I was able to plant many native plants, which is so exciting because it's like have a little bit of San Diego's wildlands in our backyard. I planted Ceonothus, Encelia, Sunset Manzanita, Salvia (Pozo Blue), Buckwheat, Mountain Mahogany, Western Redbud, and more.

But again, I have to be patient. The garden doesn't look like much right now because everything is so small. But, if the plants survive the summer, they should really take off next year. (I can't wait!!)

Why plant natives? First of all, they're beautiful and unique; but also by planting species that occur naturally in the wild together, in your garden, you create an environment that will draw various birds, insects and other critters. This is the sign of a healthy garden.

Also, native plants require a lot less water than non-natives. In fact, I keep checking the soil under the surface to see if I need to water, but it's still damp under there; it's been more than three weeks since I've watered my plants. You really have to check the soil to determine when watering is needed. Because I live in a town-home, there are sources of water that surround our yard, which is most likely why the soil is still damp. So, really this native garden is low maintenance, and it provides us with a little piece of our natural landscape right here in our backyard.

Local Volcano Plug Sits Adjacent to North County Communities (Part V)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:26:40 -0500

Mt Calavera & Vista

Now, we're talking... aaahhhh Vista. This is where I live, and I love this town. It's about 7 miles from the coast; but where we live, we get a nice onshore breeze to keep us cool for most of the year. There are some valleys in Vista where it can get fairly warm, but still our temps are mild for the most part. Lot's of beautiful rolling hills here in Vista, and a sense of rural living in many areas. We've got beautiful horse ranches, great schools, stunning neighborhoods and plenty of agriculture to boot.

Vista is growing and changing everyday! The Vista Business Park is forecasted to grow, and as a result, add thousands of employment opportunities to our community. Our city draws people from surrounding areas to visit our parks, cultural events and historical sites.

In 1845, Governor Pio Pico issued a land grant to Felipe Subria where the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe stands today - Buena Vista Park drew people from the surrounding regions for social gatherings. This historic site, along with the Guajome Regional Park and Agua Hedionda Y los Manos Adobe, are just some of our historic treasures.

The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe looks basically the way it did when it was built 150 years ago, but it has some modern upgrades and was used a residential home as recently as 1989 when the City of Vista purchased it. In 1851, the property was given as a wedding gift for $1.00. I've lived in Vista for many years, and making my first visit to the Adobe was delightful. I plan to visit again, to get the full tour! I spoke with the Rancho Program Coordinator, Beverly Fisher, who graciously allowed me browse around and take a few pictures. (Thanks Beverly!) I felt a reverence as I walked through the rooms of the old adobe; I could just imagine the families and stories that took place there.

(Photos courtesy of Rancho Buena Vista Adobe)

Guajome Regional Park is part of the San Diego Founder's Trail, and offers camping, horse-back riding, fishing and beautiful natural landscaping.

Fun things to do in Vista!!

The Wave waterpark, take the kids to play on the water slides, and wave pool, and more!

Vista our fairly new Vista Village Center, where you can shop, eat (of course) and go to the theatre. Be sure to talk a stroll along the Buena Vista Creek!!

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum where you can view interesting collections and exhibits of early California farming.

Moonlight Amphitheatre & the Avo Playhouse Coming up in November "Drivng Miss Daisy"

Our great city adopted a Marine Corps squadron, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 36. The purpose of the adopt-a-unit program is for an American city to connect to, and provide support for, a unit abroad who, by their very nature sacrifice so much for us here at home. Click here to learn how you can get involved. Good job, Vista!!

In 2005, Vista was named one of the nations 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family. I agree!!

Local Volcano Plug Sits Adjacent to North County Communities (Part IV)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:34:49 -0500

Mt Calavera & Oceanside

In the late 1700s Father Juan Crespi arrived in the Oceanside area, and he felt the location was perfect for what is now known as the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.

After the completion of the railroad from San Diego to San Bernardino, the city of Oceanside began to take shape. Folks who lived inland would take day trips to the ocean-side, and eventually the two words became one. When the town petitioned for a post office, they wrote ‘Oceanside' down as its name. In 1888, Oceanside's population was approximately 1000 individuals. Today, there are more than 160,000 people living in Oceanside.

Oceanside sits next the Marine Corps base, Camp Pendleton, and has benefited economically from the close proximity. Oceanside, like Carlsbad, has a pleasant climate and many crops of tomatoes, avocados, citrus and flowers are produced here as well. It also is a popular tourist town with miles of pristine coastline, a fishing (and dining) pier and small-craft harbor.

When the pier was built in 1979, it was known as the longest pier on the west-coast measured at 1900-ft. Currently, you can dine at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier while overlooking the ocean and sailboats as they pass by.

The Oceanside harbor has several fine restaurants with gorgeous views, as well as many shops to visit, a lighthouse, tour boats and fishing boats (take a tour boat to see the magnificent gray whales migrating). Be sure to join the upcoming annual Harbor Day celebration during the third weekend in September.

Sailing, fishing, bicycling and lots more fun can enjoyed in Oceanside.

Visit the Buena Vista Audubon Society for a glimpse of a replica of the recent archeological find of a mastodon, which is only the third such find in San Diego county. Children love to visit here where they can hold a live tarantula, see wildlife displays and take guided insect tours. You can also view the native California Coastal Sage Scrub plant community here, and learn about the area's habitat and important role in the surrounding ecosystem. (If you stop by on a Friday morning, you might just find me there, working in the garden with Native Plant Director, Joan Bockman. Stop by to say hi!)

Go visit the ocean-side....

Local Volcano Plug Sits Adjacent to North County Communities (Part III)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:11:59 -0500

Mt Calavera & Carlsbad

The Luiseno Indians lived on the coast of Carlsbad back in the late 1700s-they lived on seafood, food crops and reportedly led peaceful lives-they worshipped the Great Spirit, the Sun-God. They currently live on a reservation near Palomar Mountain approximately 60 miles away. The area changed hands when the Spanish arrived. In 1886, the town of Carlsbad was established after the artesian wells were found and the Carlsbad Land & Water Company purchased the land.

Today, Carlsbad is rich with history and has a distinctive mix of homes, parks and many businesses. It was known as the Avocado Capital in the 1920s and the Flower Capital in the 1940s.

Visit the Carlsbad Historical Society on Beech Street where you can see a variety of beautiful gardens and learn more about the fascinating history of this town.

Carlsbad is an enjoyable place to visit and an pleasant place to live. What can you do in Carlsbad? Go to the beach-swim, surf, kayak and much, much more!!

Check out one of the many local restaurants and listen to live music at the Coyote Bar & Grill on Carlsbad Village Drive-great southwestern food and drinks.

There are so many fabulous restaurants to choose from.

Take the kids to Legoland and play!

Visit the La Costa Resort & Spa--get a relaxing and rejuvenating massage and/or play a game of golf.

Living in Carlsbad-great schools, nice neighborhoods and plenty of unique boutiques for you shoppers. Nice open space and beautiful views.

I'm just scratching the service of this magnificent town!! You've got to get there to see for yourselves how special this little village by the sea truly is. Go and enjoy!

Fire in Southern California

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:02:34 -0500

We have had some devastating fires in the past several years here in So Cal. There has been much discussion about how to prevent this devastation in the future. One of the solutions has been clearing of brush around the perimeter of the home. While keeping brush cleaned up can help, it can also give homeowners a false sense of security.

It is customary after a fire for the experts to investigate and analyze the path, and causes, of wildfire. Recently, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reported their findings after the Witch Creek Wildfire in 2007. IBHS inspected approximately 3,000 homes in an attempt to discover why some survived and some didn't. Interestingly, homes that were built within 15 feet of each other were at great risk, as well as homes next to wild lands.

One idea that is often accepted is that brush alone is the cause of these fires. Of course, fuel is required for fire, but that is only one element of fire. Heat and oxygen are also required for a fire to start. Next, add high winds (Santa Ana winds) and you've got a wildfire, and quite possibly, a catastrophic wildfire or firestorm.

When considering fire safety, keep in mind, the elements required for a wildfire. If there are strong winds, heat, and fuel, a fire will move quickly and without a predictable direction. No one's house is safe in these conditions, even those who have diligently (and sometimes excessively) cleared brush. High winds carry embers for miles and where these embers land is anybody's guess. That is why it is important to make sure the exterior of your home is sealed properly. A small gap in the roof and/or siding is an ideal place for an ember to get caught and burn.

Also, it is important when clearing brush that is done correctly. Clearing everything creates an environment for grass and weeds to grow quickly before other (slower burning) plants have time to become established-grass and weeds are highly flammable.

There are many resources to help homeowners assess their homes' condition. The community of Rancho Bernardo is conducting several workshops for homeowners. Please click here for more information on fire safety.

Be informed, and safe, this fire season.

Local Volcano Plug Sits Adjacent to North County Communities (Part II)

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:50:26 -0500

Mt Calavera adds a bit of natural history and intrigue to the surroundings communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. Not many people realize what the 513 feet hill actually is. For years, scientists have only been estimating how old the volcano is, but the North County Times recently reported that local geologists from the San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego State University have taken samples of the minerals and plan to age-test it sometime this year.

According to Tom Demere, curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum, when Mt Calavera blew many many years ago, it threw out rocks and ash that can be found as far as Chula Vista and National City which are more than 40 miles away.

The three towns surrounding the preserve each have their own unique character. Carlsbad and Oceanside sit on the coast, and have many visitors and beach-goers. Both coastlines offer miles of beach where locals and tourists alike spend their days.

Vista sits inland with rolling hills and beautiful views (hence the name).

In addition to the typical businesses throughout these towns, each has agricultural areas where avocados, citrus, strawberries and tomatoes are grown, many horse ranches, and excellent neighborhoods to choose from.

Each town has easy access to major freeways, making it convenient to get to Los Angeles, Riverside or San Diego.

Carlsbad was named for a famous European spa. In the late 1800's, a fresh-water well was dug to provide water for the trains when they stopped in the village. Later, another well was dug and it was discovered that it produced mineral water--once analyzed, it was found to have equal mineral quality to the popular mineral bath in Karlsbad, Bohemia.

In part III of my volcano series we'll take a closer look at the City of Carlsbad-it's history, culture and commerce.

I've lived in this area for many many years--it's amazing how much you can miss when you're not paying attention. Sharing this with all of you helps me to take note of the many treasures that I see everyday, but don't always appreciate.

Having lot's of fun! Hope you visit again!

Local Volcano Plug Sits Adjacent to North County Communities

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:17:19 -0500

In a previous blog, I wrote about my top 5 things to do in the North County. One of the items on my list was a visit the local volcano.

There are only three of them in southern California and we have one right here in Carlsbad. This 513 ft volcano is extinct and poses no harm to the many surrounding neighbors, but a very, very long time ago, it did blow!! The lava cooled, solidified, and over time the surrounding minerals eroded away leaving behind what is known as a volcanic plug. I participated in a "geology hike" last month, which was so interesting because this is an area that I hike in at least once a week-I had no idea that what I was seeing on the hillsides was really lava (and other stuff)!! Known as Mt Calavera, the volcano sits within the boundaries of Preserve Calavera. While the preserve itself is in Carlsbad, its surrounding neighborhoods include Oceanside and Vista.

The preserve is only 2 miles away from the Pacific Ocean--neighbors have great access to, and views of, the preserve.

Some lucky folks are able to walk out their front door and head down the trail for views of bunnies, lizards, birds, geese, ducks, flowers and more!!

The preserve is such a nice place to escape to--when you get out on the trail, you feel like you're miles away from the hustle and the busy-ness of life.

This is an introduction to the area... there's so much to talk about, like the Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside communities that benefit from being adjacent to the preserve. More to come...

Top 5 Things to do in North San Diego County

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:13:31 -0500

Check out the volcano in Carlsbad

A volcano in San Diego? You bet ‘cha!! Mount Calavera is located in Carlsbad, less than 5 miles from the beach. Many of us drive by Mount Calavera every day on our busy state route 78 and never even notice it. It's located in Preserve Calavera just south of the highway between the College Blvd and Emerald Ave exits. When molten volcanic rock emerges from underground, it cools, and then becomes a solid. When the volcano becomes inactive, and over time, the surrounding the earth erodes, as rain and sun have their effect on the soil and rock. What remains is the solid volcanic rock which is visible. There are only three volcano plugs in Southern California. I highly recommend an outing to the Preserve Calavera -there are many trails to hike, jog and/or ride your bike while visiting the volcano.

Take a botany hike and learn about native plants

Let's stick with Preserve Calavera for a second time, there is an amazing display of native plants and flowers to be admired there (and lots of critters, too). I recently went on a botany hike led by a member of the California Native Plant Society, James Dillane, and I was surprised to see how many colorful flowers were in bloom this year at the preserve. As our group walked more than 4 miles to admire the display of many different plants and flowers, James graciously answered our questions as we oohed and aahed over the splash of color on every slope and in every meadow. The native plants in California are quite spectacular and unique, but are often overlooked, because our climate allows almost anything to grow here. Non-natives sometimes get all the attention; but in addition to being beautiful, native plants promote healthy gardens and require a lot less water than non-natives. With our current water shortage in Southern California, planting natives is a great alternative to planting other types of gardens that require a lot of water. (Keep in mind the best time to see wildflowers is in spring.)

See a live performance at the Moonlight Amphitheatre

Right here in North County we have a lovely outdoor amphitheatre in Vista's Brengle Terrace Park. It is a relaxing venue where there are many live plays and other events. Moonlight is a place where you can bring your lawn chairs, a picnic lunch/dinner, and some fine wine; and then kick-back as the sun is setting and enjoy the outdoor experience. One of my favorite shows to see at the amphitheatre is the annual free concert that precedes the Scottish Highland Games. In past years, we've seen great Celtic performers like the Wicked Tinkers and Alasdair Frasier, as well as traditional Celtic dance performances. It's a great show, and did I mention it's free? In July, the performances will be Guys and Dolls, as well as, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Enjoy a delicious meal at a great restaurant and brewery

The top five would not be complete without mentioning a good food hang-out in the area--this place has much more than a fabulous menu! The Stone Brewery Co. located in Escondido, is quite impressive in many ways. Some of the features at the restaurant and brewery are the unique architecture, and exquisite grounds that include a Koi pond. This beautiful outdoor area is perfect for a before or after meal stroll. There is so much to share about this remarkable establishment. The ingredients used in their meals are primarily locally grown and mainly organic products. Their meats are 100% naturally raised. Almost everything on the menu is organic. They pride themselves on providing quality, and an atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Enjoy a P, B & J sandwich-peanut butter & jelly? No, it's pistachio butter and apricot jam with Delice De Bourgone cheese. How does a grilled Buffulo burger sound? The menu is truly unique and it changes regularly. In addition to the great food, they have a store where you can pick up novelty items, t-shirts, beer mug, hats and more. Oh, did I mention the beer (and wine)? They make beer there... yummy beer...world famous beer! You can drink it there, and you can buy it from their store to take home. I asked my son, Jonathan, who is a server there, what his favorite thing is about Stone--He said, hands-down "it's the beer!" If you stop in, please say hi to him! Great atmosphere, food, beer, wine, shopping and movie nights, too. You gotta check them out!

Listen to jazz in the park

The City of Carlsbad presents a free concert series in the park each year-June through August. The free concerts have been very popular for the last 23 years-in fact, it was reported that 3000 people attended each of the concerts last year. This year, every Friday evening, from 6-8pm, at the Stagecoach, Pointsettia or Calavera Hills Park, folks can bring their chairs and picnic dinners, and enjoy the live music. The music is diverse and is reportedly going to be great to dance to (as in years past). On the 4^th of July, Ruby & the Red Hots will be performing at the Stagecoach Park venue. It's a fabulous way to end the work week (well, for those who work M-F). Even if your work week doesn't end on Friday, it's a wonderful way to break up the monotony of the week.

There's so much more "going on" in the North County... but this is a good start!! Enjoy the summer....

One Man's Garbage

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:07:51 -0500

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so the saying goes.

Recently, while holding an open house, I saw this saying played out for me beautifully. A gentleman entered the home that I was showing, and began to offer some "constructive" criticism about the design, décor and price. He didn't like anything about the home.

In every room there was something wrong. We had a good conversation about what the felt the house should be priced at. I valued his opinion enormously, and even asked him questions about what he thought would help the house sell. He was a delightful man with very good ideas; bottom line--he just didn't like the house and wasn't afraid to share his opinion.

After he left, I began to look around the home to see what could be done to make some of the improvements he recommended. But before I got too far in the "brain-storming" process, a small group of ladies entered the home, and as they toured the house and made comments, I realized that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. One of the women loved the house.

She walked around pointing out the things she liked. The man hated the back yard and the way the sliding glass door opened up to it. She loved the lay-out. I could go on, but you get the point....

I could only inwardly giggle because you just never know what people will say and how they will react to the same set of circumstances-in this case, a home for sale. I giggled at myself, too, because I got caught up in one person's opinion, I had briefly forgotten another old saying, "One man's garbage is another man's gold." I learned a good lesson that day.

It’s Time to Refinance that ARM

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:56:26 -0500

Another shaky month in the real estate industry with so many conflicting reports on the news. Every day, the experts speculate about what will happen next. What will happen next? For many consumers, the ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage) was the only answer to their home loan needs. A couple of years ago, with home prices soaring in California, it seemed like a good idea. It was a way to get into a first home, or to refinance in order to take out some equity for various necessities, e.g. home repairs, appliance purchases, etc. Many were reassured that they could always refinance when the time came for the monthly mortgage payment to reset. And many families will be able to refinance because they still have equity in their homes and they still have good credit. They are the lucky ones. Those who are in these ARMs are now looking to refinance into a fixed rate mortgage with steady payments because the time has come for their loans to be recalculated.

It is still possible, folks!! That's the good news. There are still good loans out there-it's true that lenders are tightening their belts and re-establishing standards that were in place not so long ago. The loan process may not be as speedy as it used to be, because many lenders are dropping out, leaving only the most solid and reliable companies to service the public's needs. That means these companies now have more loans to process and the same amount of staff to process them. Things will take a little longer. For those who managed their loans well-and still have equity in their homes-now is the time to refinance. What's the next step?

How do you know who the good companies are? It's essential to establish what is important to you. Do you want to work with your local bank? Great!! They're right in your neighborhood, and for many people this is a reassuring feeling. What about a broker? The advantage of a good broker is that they have several, if not many, lenders to choose from, so they can shop around for a loan that meets your financial needs.

There are many excellent reliable loan officers out there willing to help direct you through the maze of home financing.

Find the one that answers your questions-and who will research your questions if they don't have an immediate answer for you
Find one that will guide you through the process of home loans/refinancing
Find one who has the vision to evaluate your credit standing for future financing

Refinancing is available-even in today's market!! Please don't stay in a loan that's too expensive for your lifestyle simply because the media has been telling us that loans aren't being funded these days. Find a reliable real estate loan professional and find out for yourselves what your options truly are!!

"Knowledge is power." Francis Bacon 1561-1626

It’s All About Your Client

Deborah Burroughs (Prudential California Realty) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:10:28 -0500

Consumers are savvy-they are spending time on the web researching available products; but at the same time, they are busy and they are relying on us, the experts, to provide them with the information they need to make solid financial decisions for the purchase of a home, financing for the first time or re-financing a loan. We work closely with our clients, making sure they get a loan that they can truly afford-it ought to be our goal that clients would consider us trusted advisors.

With all the news reports about the sub-prime market and the unethical practices of some, many people I talk to don't trust lenders or brokers anymore. We have to work harder to obtain their trust and then we must maintain it by giving them the service they deserve-mainly, providing them with a loan that will fit their lifestyles and budget. With home prices dropping in many areas, people believe they won't qualify for a refinance. Economists are reporting that we should see a turnaround in the market by mid-2008 or perhaps early 2009. Real Estate is not for the faint of heart. This is the time when dedicated individuals like us will continue to give quality service to our communities and help to restore the public's confidence in our ability to provide great customer service to prospective clients.

Many will have credit problems and with our training, we can help clients get their credit squared away, by preparing them for the loan process. But more than just preparing them for a loan, we can help educate our clients about good money management and teach them skills that will benefit them in the future, too. Why not take the time to help out? Becoming a trusted advisor to our clients promotes respect in our ability, and in turn, they will provide us with referrals for our businesses.

With a business built on referrals, we need to treat each client with care and respect. We are in a unique position. People allow us to look over their financial history, we then make an evaluation of that history-we can simply qualify them for a loan, or we can take the time to help them clean things up and learn better financial skills. Remember, most consumers are savvy; and they know when someone is sincere. Provide them with service they can rely on and grow from--they just might remember your name and tell others about your services.