Donna Oehler "Antelope Valley Foreclosure Specialist"

Frame Your Future!!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:57:53 -0500

Wow.. it has been a very long time since I have had a few minutes to sit down and blog! There was a time when I spent hours on ActiveRain, but now the Real Estate in Palmdale and Lancaster is flying off the market and I do not have a lot of spare time!

Recently my step daughter entered an artwork contest "Frame My Future". I am proud to say that out of over 3300 entries she is in the top 24 to win a $1000 scholarship! When I heard the name of the contest it made me think of today's real estate market. Now is a great time to buy Real Estate and "Frame YOUR future!" Are you still throwing money out paying rent?? Don't do it! Many of the homes you can purchase in the Antelope Valley are equal to or less than what you are probably paying in rent! Why are you paying someone elses mortgage and "framing their future" of one day owning the home FREE AND CLEAR??

Call me today and I will gladly send you a list of home that may help you frame your future of home ownership.

Below is the photo my step daughter painted. Please help her attain her goal of receiving this scholarship. Click on the link below BEFORE MAY 15, 2009 and vote for her! Also, please ask all your friends too! Thx http://www.diplomaframe.com/entries/19_lovvik.cfm

This piece was painted in watercolors. It is representational of my future because I hope to inspire people to follow their dreams so that everyone can push to cross all boundaries and obstacles in their path. As an art teacher I will work to free society of apathy by helping my students experience art in a way that allows them to perceive the world in a more engaging and purposeful manner. Let's all jump over the moon. -Amy Lovvik

36073 43rd Street East Palmdale, Ca

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:40:03 -0600

Horse Property with an In-Ground Pool and a View!! Country Living with City Amenities!

Hurry!! Do not miss this great opportunity for a 4 bedroom 2 bath ranch style home on just under 1 acre in Palmdale. This property is fenced and cross fenced with a small horse barn just waiting for you to bring your animals! This bank owned home (REO) is priced to sell at onl $279,000

Please call me today to make an appointment (661) 618-9444

Donna Oehler
HomeBased Realty
www.AVForeclosureSpecialist.com
(661) 618-9444

Southern California Fire Storms

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:12:37 -0600

I just wanted to send my prayers and best wishes to all of those who have been effected by the recent Southern California Fire Storms. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost their homes, and my pride goes out all the men and women risking their lives to save so many people and their personal property.

Stay Safe and Well. If their is something I can do to assist in helping you rebuild your lifes - please let me know

Donna Oehler
HomeBased Realty
(661) 618-9444

www.avforeclosurespecialist.com

Stay in Touch WIth Your Clients, Family and Friends

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:59:12 -0600

Hello! It has been awhile since I have had a chance to post any blogs. With my busy schedule I have found it difficult to stay in touch with my clients.

I would like to invite you all to take a look at an inexpensive easy way to make custom greeting cards and post cards that can be used for business and personal for Holidays, Anniversaries, Birthdays or just because!

The website is easy to use, and you can earn some extra money, too! Please give me a call if you have any questions. (661) 618-9444 I love this product so much you can send your first card out for FREE and I will pay for it! https://www.sendoutcards.com/SendYourFreeCard

Donna Oehler
HomeBased Realty
(661) 618-9444

15972 Rexroth Mojave, Ca 93501

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:15:20 -0500

Front view Detached Garage

Are you looking for a nice first time home or rental property? If so, please call me to take a look at this nice bank foreclosre. It sits on a corner lot, has 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 1 Car Carage attached, Oversized 2 Car Detached Garage, Dining in kitchen, Gated RV Access, Block walls, Great starter or investment property. Property in good condition!Close to Mojave Space and Edwards AFB. Not a Short Sale just a very nice REO waiting for you! Please call me today at (661) 618-9444

Donna Oehler

"AV Foreclosure Specialist"

www.AVForeclosureSpecialist.com

Short Sale Approved!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:04:59 -0600

I just want to thank Select Portfolio Services for finally getting with the program and streamlining the short sale process. I have been working with them since October on getting a short sale approved. The first offer we got and they just did not have their act together. I submitted the offer 4 times and after about 1 1/2 months the buyer gave up.

About a month later we got another offer and although I did have to submit the offer twice - we were able to get it approved within 21 days. There are still some kinks I think they need to work out - but I was able to get the short sale approved and they took over a $125,000 loss.

Although they are taking a huge hit - they realize that a short sale was best for all parties involved. I think that the banks and servicing companies are finally starting to get what is going on and trying to make a very tough situation a little better

Southern California Home Auction!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:47:56 -0600

I just wanted to share with everyone the up coming auction January 27th, 2008 in Southern California! The auction will be 5 days and over 1,000 homes will be auctioned off! Two of my REO listing will be auctioned off on January 27th at the Los Angeles Convention Center!

Open House Dates will be January 12, 19 & 20th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm! Please contact me for further information. All of the homes have low starting bids! Who know- you may be able to save hundreds of thousands!

There will be auctions held in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County , Pomona, Riverside! Contact me today and I can help your find the home of your dreams!

Donna Oehler (661) 618-9444

www.avforeclosurespecialist.com

44614 Rodin Ave Lancaster 93535

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:11:32 -0600

I just wanted to share my wonderful new listing with you! Don't miss this opportunity for a great 5 Bedroom 2 Bath Single Story Home. A few of the many wonderful features include Living Room with Wood Floors and Fireplace,Large Family Room,Open Kitchen with Newer Appliances,Fresh paint throughout the house,all of the Bedrooms are very nice size,The Master bedroom is HUGE with a Fireplace and Skylight.There is a ton of storage in the halls and the indoor laundry has additional storage space. Do not let the age of this home fool you -it is has been updated with many custom features. This would be a great home for a large family or even as a rental. Don't miss out on this home- call and make your appointment today! This is NOT and REO or Short sale priced to sell at $249,900

Christmas Tree Danger!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:44:26 -0600

We all know that as fun and wonderful the Holidays are this time of year, there are additional dangers we must be aware of. Simple things like make sure your Christmas Tree has plenty of water and does not get dry and start a fire, check the holiday lights looking for short circuits so they do not burn down your house - and a family in Florida has a new thing to look for .... SNAKES!!!

YIKES - snakes and Christmas - not two things I normally put together. This family apparently purchased a Christmas Tree and left it outside a couple of days before putting in in their home. While decorating the tree they were shocked when the found a corn snake in the tree.

So - please be aware of the holiday dangers - do not leave presents in your cars, turn off the lights to your Christmas Tree when you are not home, and check you Christmas Tree before you put it in the house for snakes!

Happy Holidays!

Good Broker Price Opinion Manual (BPO)

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:54:51 -0600

With the changing market many agents are signing up with companies to do BPO's. I know that I have been doing them and along with the little bit of extra cash I have earned I have also gotten 3 REO listing referrals from the companies I have signed up with.

When I first signed up I really had no clue what I was doing, but the forms were easy enough so I was able to fke my way through them and on occasion have to make a correction.

Recently I signed up for First American Residential Value View and they have a very good BPO manual. This is the only company out of the 20 - 35 companies I signed up with that makes you take a test and read a manual. I wish I had signed up with them from the beginning.

If you are just startin a BPO business I would suggest signing up with First American Residential Value View http://www.farvv.com/. I believe this can save you a lot of time down the road if you do not have to struggle on how to do a BPO correctly

Ugly Home Needs New Owner! Investor Dream Home!!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:57:09 -0600

I know as an agent I am supposed to show all the positive aspects of a home ... but in this case- I am also realistic and honest.

I have a new listing - it is an investors dream. The property is in East Lancaster- 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2064 sq. feet and on almost 1 acre!

Although this home is a complete mess, with a whole lot of cleaning and repairs this home could make a great first time home or rental property. There is a large detached garage that could make a great workshop.This is an REO an the price has not been set yet - but all of you investors out there - give me a call and I will give you the details. Maybe we can save the bank some time and you can get a great deal!

The trash in this home is piled knee deep in spots - there will be at least 4 large loads of trash that needs to be hauled away. I am getting bids for the clean out - but maybe the bank will wheel and deal just to get it off the books!

Just remember - the uglier the house - the better the deal. This could be a great opportunity for a handy person looking for a fixer upper! This home is NOT a short sale. The bank has already taken possession so give me a call!

! front viewDetached GarageTrash in one bedroom

more trash - and there are about 6 more rooms like this!

Bring your boots, gloves and offers! This is a great home to jump into if you are looking for a diamond in the rough!

Important Holiday Safety Tips!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:10:19 -0600

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season is considered peak season for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters.

Last year my vehicle was broken into and my purse was stolen along with two bags of toys for Toys For Tots. This created a nighmare that to this day I am still dealing with since they stole my wallet with my ID in it and used my ID to pawn stolen guitars - but that is a whole other post in itself.

Anyway don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and pickpockets a chance to dampen your holiday spirit. Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.

You can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors. Remember these simple safety precautions and enjoy the excitement of a safe and happy holiday.

I found these tips and wanted to pass them on:

Take a Holiday Inventory:

The holidays are a good time to update - or create- your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.
Make sure things like TVs, DVDs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

Celebrate Responsibly:

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Anyone with a BAC of .08 or higher is in violation of Boston law and may go to jail. Remember that the risk isn't worth it - if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don't drive. Take a cab, use public transportation, or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.

If You Are Traveling:

Get an automatic timer for your lights.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're away.

If You Are Out for the Evening:

Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Hosting A Party:

Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

If You Are Attending A Party:

Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Remember: Only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body. Know your safe limit.
Never drink and drive.

Protect Your Vehicle:

Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they're in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car.
Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view - from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, iPods, cell phones, GPS or laptops - may tempt a thief.
Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store - even if only for a minute or two.
If you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location. Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.
When returning to your auto (or home) have your keys in your hand ready to open the door. A few seconds may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Also check the inside of the vehicle for an intruder. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

If You Are Shopping:

Walk confidently with your head up, stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction.
Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Open-weaved bags or purses without zippers or flaps are easy marks for pickpockets. Check your surroundings when opening your purse or wallet.
Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Be particularly observant when you are in crowded areas such as malls and stores, as places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.
Dress down while shopping instead of wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, which attracts thieves.

After Opening Gifts:

Don't advertise all the wonderful gifts you received over the holidays. Turn all gift boxes, bags, and wrapping paper inside out before recycling.

Temporary Ice Rink at Antelope Valley Mall

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:16:48 -0600

The Antelope Valley Mall in Palmdale will be installing a temporary ice skating rink for the holidays! This is the first time the Ice Rink has been in the mall. In the past it has been at Marie Kerr Park. Having the ice rink at the mall will allow us twice the family fun - shopping and skating!

The ice rink is scheduled to open on December 2, 2007. The hours will be 11:30 am - 7:00 pm on c Sundays and 10:30 am - 9:00 pm on Saturdays and 10:30 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Friday.

Single ticket prices are $8 for ages 16-21, $6 for children to age 15 and younger and seniors 62 and older. Family four packs are also available for $24 for 2 adults and 2 children.

When you come to the mall stop in and visit me in my new office at 1401 Rancho Vista Blvd. in the same area as 25 Hour Fitness! I hope to see you soon!

Littlerock High School to preform "Stuart Little"

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:44:31 -0600

One of the great things about living in the Antelope Valley is that we are a large growing town, but we still have many "small town" qualities.

I love getting out in the Antelope Valley and catching a show at the Palmdale Play House or the Lancaster Preforming Arts Center but it is also fun to support the local schools - who knows when the Antelope Valley will produce the next Sandra Bullock or George Clooney.

Littlerock High school is presenting "Stuart Little" at 8:00 pm Friday November 30, 2997 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and Saturday December 1, 2007 at the Lobo Theatre at 10833 East Avenue R in Littlerock.

The tickets are only $7 for adults and $5 for Children. For more details call (661) 944-5209 ext 350

Antelope Valley New Home Builders

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:26:39 -0600

Many home buyers do not realized that as a local real estate agent I can still represent them in the purchase of a new home direct from the builder. I just wanted to take a moment and recognize the builders in the Antelope Valley and offer my services to any buyers looking for a new home.

Here is a list of new home builders in the Antelope Valley (in alphabetical order)

American Premier, Beazer Homes, Capital Pacific, DR Horton, Eliopoulos Enterprises, Empire Homes (Anaverde) , Featherstone,Fieldstone Communities, First Pacifica, Forecast Homes, Frontier Homes, Gibraltar Homes, Grenhill Development, Harris Homes, Hearthside Homes, Heller Development, John Laing Homes, KB Homes, K. Hovanian Co., Larwin Co., Lennar Corp., Matthews Homes, MBK Homes, Mitchelle Development

New West Builders, Odyssey Homes, Pacific Communitis, Pacific Gateway Homes, Pinnacle Communities, Pulte Homes, Rancho Vista Development, Richmond American, Rising Star Communities, Standard Pacific, Stratham Group, Sun Cal Communities, Tandis Homes, Trimark, US Home Corp., Warmington Homes, and Western Pacific.

Please contact me if you wish to purchase a home in the Antelope Valley. I can help you with new construction as well as resale homes. I also specialize in short sales and pre foreclosure homes.

Don't forget about the pets during the holidays!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:47:39 -0600

This is the time of year when we sit back and give thanks for all that we have, and hopefully help those who are also in need. Most of us can not go shopping without hearing the sounds of bells trying to get donations for the less fortunate. Most of these are for very good charities- but there is one organization that you will not hear out there ringing bells - and that is the Antelope Valley Dog & Cat Rescue (more information).

The Quartz Hill Community Queens have put together a Pet Food Drive for the needy cats and dogs of the Antelope Valley. Donations can be dropped off from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Mondays through Saturdays and 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday at the Petco at 39522 10th St West in Palmdale.

Items needed are Pedigree canned dog food, Friskies non-gravy ground cat food, old blankets, towels, pet houses and any other pet donations you would like to contribute.

PS- All correspondence as well as donations of money should be sent to Antelope Valley Dog and Cat Rescue P.M.B. #E-22 2315 East Palmdale Blvd., Suite G Palmdale, Ca. 93550-6599

Tips for Shopping on Black Friday!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:11:48 -0600

I love the holidays. Friends and family getting together to eat and be merry - but besides all of the family I love to find the best holiday deals! I have been know to on more then one occasion to be out in the snow waiting for the "hot buy" of the day at 2:00 am.

Tonight will be no exception - I am getting ready to head out and hit the streets. I am at my in laws for this holiday - so my routine is a bit off but I thought I would share these shopping tips that I found online.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

Black Friday - The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year:
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving and has earned the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year. The name was adopted from an accounting term - red ink denotes a negative profit margin, where as "in the black" denotes a positive profit margin. Many retailers make or break their sales goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the season kicking off on the Friday after Thanksgiving, hence the name "Black Friday." 1. Check Out the Ads:
Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings and it will also help you organize your day to maximize savings since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m. 2. Do Your Research Before Friday:
If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions. 3. Compare Prices:
Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts, which will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink. 4. Early Bird Shopper Discounts:
The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering Early Day Shopper Specials usually run the deals between 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks" which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered. 5. Night Owl Discounts - Thanksgiving Eve:
Internet shoppers can beat the Early Birds by shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. Many retailers will be posting their Black Friday specials, which can be ordered, online and picked-up at your local store. Special "Web Only" deals will also be available starting as early as Thanksgiving eve. The aggressive stores such as CompUSA will be opening at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday with Early Bird promotions in hopes of capturing your dollars before their competition has opened. 6. Bring the Ads:
Many stores offer a "lowest-price" guarantee, however you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less. Most local retailers will not meet Internet prices even when the product is advertised on the same company's website, but it cannot hurt to try. Print the website page that details the product and shows the advertised price. It may give you additional bargaining power and push the sales person into waiving other charges such as assembly fees. 8. Know the Store Policies:
Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. A previous trend of extending "return days" during the holidays is being seen less this year. Many retailers are including restocking fees and shorter return deadlines. Almost all of the major retail chains have clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges and many keep a database of individuals who tend to abuse return policies. If you get onto an "abuse" list, prepare yourself to be turned down. 9. Gift Receipts:
Gift receipts generally include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Including gift receipts inside the gift box will make returns or exchanges easier for the gift recipient. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item or risk receiving an exchange for the current selling price of the item.
Since many retailers begin permanently slashing prices as soon as Black Friday is over, the difference between what you pay for a gift during December and what it sells for in January can be significant. Including a gift-receipt should help insure a hassle-free return experience for gift recipients.

10. Saying "Charge It" Can Pay Off

Obviously, there is no bargain in running up high credit card bills and paying big interest rates, however, with proper spending disciplines intact, using the right charge card can be of value to consumers. Many credit card companies entice consumers with free benefits, which include extended free warranties, return protection and sale price protection.

Warranty Coverage - Your credit card company may offer to double or triple a manufacturer's warranty for free on a product you purchase - a good option instead of purchasing a service contract that costs money and has a shorter duration period.
Return Protection - A credit card company may guarantee a refund on a product up to 90 days where as the store may not. This is becoming particularly more important as retailers stiffen the allotted return days.
Sale Price Protection - Some of the credit card companies will offer this protection and refund you the difference if a product you buy is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).

An enormous amount of advertising, locally and online, can be confusing and nearly paralyzing to the Black Friday bargain hunter. To maximize the benefits of hitting the stores on a day where there are big crowds and a better deal around every corner, developing a plan and doing preliminary research will help insure that the day is a shopping success.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:02:05 -0600

I just wanted to wish all of my friends, family and clients a GREAT Thanksgiving. I hope that everyone takes today to look back and see all of the things we have to be Thankful for. I know that some of my short sale clients have suffered and have lost their homes, but be thankful you have your health and family.

Take today and remember to give thanks and rest ... as tomorrow there is shopping to do!

A Few of the Banks do "Get it"

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:32:14 -0600

This is a follow up to my How do we get the banks to get with the Short Sale Program?? post a few months ago.

Today I called one the the servicing companies I have been working with to follow up on a short sale package I submitted several weeks ago. After staying on hold for several minutes, and getting switched to several different people they told me they could not find the package I submitted ... errhhhh "not again I though" - but then I heard s cheery "But wait" from the voice on the other line.

"We have recently streamlined our processes" - now my ears perked up a little

"Now when you submit your package we only need: listing agreement, offer, net sheet and HUD 1" WOW!! that was good news to me. He also said that their average turn around time is now 2-3 weeks as opposed to the 5-7 weeks before.

This could be GREAT news! I am going to be very optimistic that this process will finally be stream lined. Lets keep our fingers crossed that our voices have finally been heard!

What is up with the Christmas Lights?

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:09:05 -0600

It is amazing how moving the time up one hour changes your outlook on life. Well- I am not sure if out look on life is correct - but it does make me see things in a different light ... or better yet lack of light since it is dark by 5:30 pm these days.

This evening when I was driving home I noticed a bunch of Christmas Lights on and decorations already in the yards! Wow- I just barely got my Halloween decorations back in the garage, and what happened to Thanksgiving??

I know this is silly - but why do people put their decorations up so soon? I understand that it takes time to put up the great light displays (example of display) and you want to enjoy them ... but please, I hate to sound like a Scrooge, but can we just get through Thanksgiving before the lights go on???

Happy Veterans Day!! Remembering those who served us!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:16:44 -0600

I just wanted to take a moment to THANK all of the brave men and woman who have served our country. I believe no matter what political opinions we have we MUST continue to support those who serve us. This is a great country we live in and without those who have served who knows what our country would be like.

This morning on the news I heard some startling facts. According to the Nation Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients "Conservatively one out of five homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country...."

This statistic shocked me. But there are things we can do to help by supporting organizations out there that help veterans. A few of the organizations that are trying to help are:

The Veterans Administration Homeless Veterans Programs: 800-827-1000

Hire A Hero - 866-440-4424

Please take today to thank a veteran and pray for the safety of those who are surving us today and for those who have lost their life fighting for our freedom!

Moving and changing just like the housing market!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:33:24 -0600

In todays real estate market we have seen many changes in the past few months. So of the changes have been good - but many have been bad. Our office has decided to make a move that I believe will be a great one!

We are combining our Lancaster Office with the Palmdale Office! This will be an exciting move for many of us. There are many great perks about our new office - the biggest perk is we will be in the same parking lot as the Antelope Valley Mall!

This will be convenient so when you sign your closing papers you are just a skip and a jump to many great stores to purchase new things for your new home!

My phone number will remain the same (661) 618-9444 so you can still reach me without any change, but for those that need to send me a fax please call me first so I can let you know which office I am at. I am looking forward to the move. We should be in just in time for Holiday shopping!

Short Sale Listings Need Photos!!!

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:26:05 -0600

I know we have all talked about lazy agents not putting photo's in the MLS but come on agents - why bother taking a short sale listing if you are not going to at least put a photo in the MLS?? I was running comps in the MLS for a BPO and it's amazing how many agents who are taking the time to list a short sale home have no photo and the descriptions goes something like this:

"This is a Short Pay Listing,Price is not Guaranteed 4bed 3 bath home in great neighdorhood near schools, shopping centers and also close to new shopping center being constructed around the corner , Property is sold as is"

The above was copied from an MLS entry that was entered in July 2007 and as of today they have no photo so the photo looks like this:

They do not even have neighborhood spelled correctly. So seriously, why bother wasting space in the MLS for this?? Who is going to show this home? Why keep adding homes to the MLS count and wasting our time? If you can not upload a photo why would I show this house and think you would actually take the time to do a short sale package correctly??

So please- if you are going to take the listing - try to work it correctly or pass it onto an agent that will. When you do half A** work it does a disservice to all of us hard working short short sale agents out there trying to build the confidence in the real estate community that we can get the job done and close the deal, and the sellers who's lives are destroyed in many cases because of the foreclosure.

Certified Pre-Foreclosure & Short Sale Specialist

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:12:48 -0600

I just completed her training as a Certified Pre-Foreclosure and Short Sale Specialist. I am one of only 150 such Certified Specialists in the State of California.

There are several alternatives to foreclosure, such as a payment modification plan, a repayment plan on late amounts, or a short sale, which causes less damage to a homeowner's credit scores. I am trained to work with lenders' loss mitigation departments, and complete the specialized paper work needed for a successful short sale.

Please give me a call if you have any questions (661) 618-9444 or e-mail me @ DonnasDreamHomes@earthlink.net

Suze Orman - friend or foe??

Donna Oehler " A.V. Foreclosure Specialist" (HomeBased Realty) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:00:11 -0600

Lately I have had several phone calls from distresses homeowners saying they listen to Suze Orman and she suggested that they "Short Sale" their property if they are in trouble.

Well - this is a good suggestion IF you have a true hardship. A short sale is not a way to get out of your loan just because your home has dropped in value and you do not want to wait out the market. If you have cash in the bank your short sale will most likely not be accepted.

The most common reasons that qualifying hardships for a short sales are:

Loss of Job, bills, divorce, bankruptcy, involuntary job relocation, death of an immediate family member, business failure, military services, resetting loan

So Suze thanks for letting people know about short sales because they are great if you qualify, but please let people know that no every short sale is accepted and it is usually a long process