orange county: OC Triathlete Makes a Move
- 07/09/11 03:54 AM
Boston Marathon qualified, Kona Ironman qualified, sub 3:30 Marathoner, let me introduce you to my Santiago Hills neighbor: Those of us in the hills of Orange have had the privilege of watching Arin Gilmer, a petite mother of 3, quietly work her way into the #53 spot in the USA Triathlon Association. Shortly after moving to Orange County in 2002 she began competing in local races and within a year began ranking in the top 10 of her division. At the 2008 OC Marathon she placed first in the female 34-39 division. This hard working mom proved herself as a winning … (1 comments)
orange county: CA Home Buyer's Loan Options in 2011
- 05/17/11 08:42 AM
2011 is the year of CHEAP MONEY! With interest rates so low it is a great time to buy a home, or refinance a current loan. Recently, I held a Home Buyer's Seminar where Mr. Jeff Parks, Bank of America Loan Officer, spoke about current financing options. Watch his video about Types of Loan Programs: GOVERNMENT LOANS: -FHA -203 K "rehab" loans for homes that won't qualify for financing or upgrades financed -VA -Fixed Period "Hybrid" Arm -15 and 30 Year Fixed -GIFT FUNDS can be used -LOW DOWN PAYMENT 3.5%/NO DOWN PAYMENT -NON OCCUPYING CO-BORROWERS Current Maximum Loan $729,750 CONVENTIONAL … (0 comments)
orange county: A Tale of Three Short Sales
- 02/25/11 01:41 AM
As Forest Gump says: [Short-Sales are] like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.
This past month I had the pleasure (and fortitude) to close three very different Short-Sales in Southern California. No two are ever exactly alike. I refer to them as "fluid" financial transactions. They can drip, flow, gush, or dry up.
Short-Sale #1 Anaheim Hills - Representing the Seller. My client bought at the height of the market and was ready to get out. We put it on the MLS in May 1, 2010 and closed January 28, 2011. … (1 comments)
orange county: Ssssh...Short Sales: Take One - Timelines
- 04/26/10 03:08 PM
Let me introduce you to a very misunderstood and often despised Real Estate transaction: Short-Sales. Some Realtors run from them, some buyers run TO them, and many homeowners are overwhelmed by them. Unfortunately, Short-Sales will be here to stay for several years to come, so it is time to get to know them. Each homeowner's situation and each Short-Sale transaction have its own nuances and variables. There may be a playbook but it is rarely followed and it is always being rewritten. In this series I will break down the components in their simplest forms starting with foreclosure timelines in California. Foreclosure Timeline: •· … (5 comments)
orange county: Marathons and OC Real Estate: Kindred Spirits
- 01/27/10 04:19 AM
Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with running and real estate. In many ways these two seemingly unrelated topics share much in common. Marathon training requires many months of building strength and endurance to run a 26.2 mile race. It is essential to be dedicated to your goal of crossing the Finish Line! Likewise, purchasing a home starts with laying the foundation. Creating a financial plan that starts with deciding on down payment amount and then securing financing with a direct lender Mapping out where you want to live and determining your wants, needs, and essentials in the home and neighborhood. Next comes the … (0 comments)
orange county: Home Sellers....This Tax Credit is for YOU!
- 11/23/09 09:15 AM
Like it or not, the Federal Government has extended and expanded the Home Buying Tax Credit. Considering the frenzy of home buying we have experienced in Orange County for the past few months it is clear that demand will remain high through the traditionally slow season. Homes often receive multiple offers even in the $600K to $800K range. Expanding the Tax Credit will bring more higher income Buyers into the market, thus increasing demand for higher priced homes. Since a large portion of the inventory listed for sale are Bank Owned, or Short-Sales that may not even result in a close, Buyers have few choices. … (0 comments)
orange county: Investing in Orange County Real Estate is NOT for Everyone
- 09/25/09 11:06 AM
Lately I have had several people mention they are considering investing in real estate here in Orange County, CA. People want to live in Orange County, that is an undeniable fact, however investing in our Wild Wild West housing market is not for the feint of heart. Getting a "deal" has increasingly become a challenge due to huge demand for homes/condos priced under $600,000. Cash is king, so if you can swing an all cash offer, you are golden. Banks will often take a low cash offer that can close quickly for their REO over a financed market value offer. There are a lot of people … (3 comments)
orange county: The REAL Tweeps of Orange County!
- 09/23/09 03:58 AM
The REAL Tweeps of Orange County! Despite our undeserved reputation induced by staged "reality" shows, Orange County is chock full of REAL people who freely give of their time, money, and knowledge. In the last few weeks I have had the privilege of getting to know some awesome Orange County Social Media Rock-stars. They may not be gifted musicians, but they are gifted with words and community. Just Spotted, an Orange County website, hosted the OC Blog Awards at Wowzville in August. Much to my surprise, I was privileged to be nominated for a Micro-Blogging award (Twitter). The place was packed … (2 comments)
orange county: Adieu, My Sweet $8,000 Tax Credit!
- 07/21/09 05:33 PM
Ah, my dear Federal Tax Credit, parting will be such painful sorrow. You have seduced my First Time Home Buyers with your irresistible offer of $8,000. They have been lined up waiting to catch a glimpse of your promising reward, but now they may not make it past the front door before you say goodbye on December 1. Before seeking you out they made sure their maximum AGI of $95,000 single and $170,000 jointly met your requirements. For their patience and bravado you offered them up to 10% of their new homes purchase price not to exceed $8,000. They swore allegiance that they would maintain primary residence and keep it for three … (2 comments)
orange county: What is Real Estate Truth?
- 07/14/09 04:49 PM
On Facebook awhile back I asked for suggestions about what people want to know regarding Real Estate. The most emphatic reply was: "THE TRUTH!" Well, here it is: "I DON'T KNOW!" •· I don't know when the banks are going to release all the foreclosed homes they are holding. •· I don't know when the market is going to bottom out. •· I don't know what interest rates are going to be. •· I don't know how many offers there will be on the Bank Owned home you really want, or if they will select yours. •· I don't know if the short-sale will … (0 comments)
orange county: Can You Sell Your Home on Facebook and Twitter?
- 06/29/09 03:46 AM
The explosion of Social Media has changed the face of marketing, information decimation, and socialization. The medium's incredible power begs the question: Will the buying and selling of Real Estate change? Since the internet has made home buying and selling a transparent process, information is a short click away. Likewise, advertising and marketing of real estate has changed drastically. Very few people use print media for home buying because online searching is targeted and current. We know the internet is where people are, but, what sites? Facebook, Twitter, Friendfeed, Flickr, YouTube, and similar social media sites are growing exponentially. Why? Because we are social … (0 comments)
orange county: East Orange, CA: A Place to Call Home
- 06/23/09 06:21 PM
When visitors discover my lovely neighborhood in the hills of Orange I almost always hear: "Wow, I never knew!" Flanked by prestigious Lemon Heights, Cowan Hills, Tustin Ranch, and Orange Park Acres, East Orange is a surprising gem and an excellent value. It was built from 1986 and 1992 and looks much like bordering Tustin Ranch, but with a more spacious and park like atmosphere. Climbing up the hill headed East on Chapman Blvd., Orange Hill Restaurant stands guard over East Orange. Just below the crest is Orange Park Acres with its abundant flora and fauna, dirt horse trails, and winding trails connecting nearby Santiago Hills. The community is rich in education and recreation. … (2 comments)
orange county: You CAN Buy Your First Home With VERY LITTLE Money Down!
- 06/02/09 02:09 AM
You CAN Buy Your First Home With VERY LITTLE Money Down. Hot Off the Presses: US Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Shaun Donavan, Announces That Home Buyers with FHA Insured Home Purchases Can Apply $8,000 Tax Credit Toward Down Payment and/or Closing Costs! All those first time home buyers who are having trouble coming up with the 3.5% required down payment + closing costs for a Federal Housing Administration insured loan have been offered a hand. They can now use their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 tax credit of up to $8,000 for the purchase of their first home if they meet … (0 comments)
orange county: How to Buy a Foreclosed Home: The Truth!
- 03/31/09 05:24 AM
Everyone wants a DEAL, but not everyone gets a DEAL when they buy a REO. THAT is the truth! One of the obstacles I have ran across is that many people think they KNOW how to take advantage of the system. In an effort to educate home buyers in the realities of the Foreclosure world I would like to dispel a few myths and offer some helpful tips. 1. You DON'T get a better deal if you make a purchase without a Realtor. Proper representation is key. You wouldn't go into a lawsuit without a lawyer representing you, so why would you … (0 comments)
orange county: TAX CREDITS = MORE CASH =?
- 02/24/09 01:58 AM
Tax Credits = More Cash =? Our governments, both Federal and State, are slinging cash like Flo slings hash at breakfast. Sometimes it makes it the right table and sometimes in the rush it ends up at the table by the door. We all want to know: "What does this mean to ME? Where's my cash, Baby!" If you are thinking of buying a home (primary residence not investment), have not owned one in the last 3 years, and you make under $75,000 single, or under $150,000 married, then our federal government will be handing you $8,000 after you file your 2009 taxes. This … (0 comments)
orange county: The Wild Wild West Real Estate Market: Don't Forget your Posse!
- 02/05/09 05:06 AM
Few rules, shady characters, and the survival of the fittest characterized the Wild Wild West in the 1800's. You needed a Posse you could trust to help you make it back alive. The same holds true in our current Real Estate market. I have the perfect real life example to illustrate my point. A smoking hot deal popped out of the MLS in Anaheim, CA. It was THE one for my client. Of course, it was a bank owned property and it happened to be priced WAY below market. Of course, I suspected that the listing office was shooting for the E-Bay effect: A bidding … (0 comments)
orange county: Where in the world is Santiago Hills, CA?
- 07/02/08 12:12 PM
When mentioning where you live have you ever been greeted with an enthusiastic head shake accompanied by a blank face? I have the good fortune to live in Santiago Hills. "Huh?" Most people have no idea where we are. Santiago Hills is in the hills of Orange on the border of North Tustin, Tustin Ranch, and Anaheim Hills. You may ask, "why not just say you live in Orange?" Although Orange is a fantastic city, rich in history, and ethnically diverse, Santiago Hills has a more rural identity than the City of Orange. We are surrounded by Irvine Park, Peter's Canyon, Irvine Lake, and Santiago Canyon, and the equestrian … (2 comments)
orange county: Real Estate E-Media
- 04/22/08 08:30 AM
HOW, WHAT and WHEN do we deliver electronic information to real estate clients? HOW? How do people want to receive their information? Blogs are the new rage, but there are always e-newsletters and e-flyers. it seems to me that with spam filters and the outrageous volume of e-mails that people receive these forms can be more of a nuisance than help. From my humble observations webinars and video seem to be the wave of the future. WHAT? What information is needed? Data is pinging here and there all over the web. Let's focus on what is necessary rather than superfluous. Personally, I don't want to … (0 comments)
Boston Marathon qualified, Kona Ironman qualified, sub 3:30 Marathoner, let me introduce you to my Santiago Hills neighbor:
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