california: Beware of Hidden Fees
- 07/14/08 10:59 AM
I know its been a while since I last blogged. I have been swamped with bank owned properties (REOs) and bringing sales to fruition. Over the last few weeks I have found that there are certain fees that buyers may not be aware of when purchasing REO properties compared to short and fair market sales. The first is an overinflated escrow fee. The escrow fee for a home that is $200,000 is generally around 250-300 dollars, but if it is an REO than the fee increases to $850.00 minimum just for being with an REO. The next is region specific. If … (3 comments)
california: Have we hit the Bottom?
- 05/06/08 02:48 AM
In my part of the country, many professionals are speculating that we are a year or so off on hitting the bottom. Every time it seems that things are starting to get better, another wave of foreclosures hit the market extending the inventory from 11 months to 15 or more. In Stockton, national figures assume that 1 in 30 homes are bank owned. That is just under 4 times the national average. There were almost 1000 homes put up for auction last month in Modesto, alone. With almost every home being listed in some state of foreclosure or being a short … (8 comments)
california: Consumers: Are you considering a short sale?
- 03/12/08 09:16 AM
Many people are in the situation where their home is actually worth quite a bit less than what they purchased it for. When they bought the home, they were told that refinancing it would be no problem and that they did not have to worry about the bubble bursting in that particular market. This type of thinking is what is causing the foreclosure crisis throughout the Central Valley of California and other parts of the nation. Now that the President has passed a law eliminating the taxation of short sales as income, a short sale is a very viable option if … (4 comments)
california: Are you doing your job?
- 03/03/08 07:47 AM
Being a Realtor in the Modesto, California area and helping people buy and sell houses is a passion of mine. It is a great way to meet people and help people realize the American Dream of property ownership. I only know how to exist in a buyers market. I got into the industry when the market was cold and it just now has started to get better. I have been doing farms, open houses, etc.. I am willing to go the extra distance to get results. The question I pose to Realtor's out there, is what do you do to get those … (12 comments)
california: Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure
- 02/25/08 06:15 AM
Being in the foreclosure capital of America, I thought the following tips might come in useful for people in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Here are some tips for avoiding foreclosure: If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house, and they have options to help borrowers through difficult times. Contact a counseling agency … (0 comments)
california: Introduction to group
- 02/16/08 04:09 AM
Hi! I am Matthew Zgonc. I wanted to introduce myself tothe Agents Who Want Referrals Group. I have been a Realtor for a few years and have been established in different systems. I try yo incorporate the best of these and apply them into my business. I have many contacts that are moving out of my area (due to relocation issues) and am looking to share these leads with agents in other areas. … (2 comments)
california: Staging the house right
- 01/22/08 08:05 AM
All realtors know the importance of staging houses property, especially when it comes to curb appeal. The difficulty that many of us face is when we are inside the house and trying to make sense of each and every room whether it be through the decor, being too cluttered, or being too personalized. I have always learned that if you do something, you make sure that you do it right or don't do it at all. The same can be said about staging. Making sure that it is done right is extremely important. There are some tips that I have learned … (4 comments)
california: Know if you use Deeds of Trusts or Mortgages
- 11/30/07 07:36 AM
I live in a state that is very unique. Half of the state has deeds of trusts, the others have mortgages. There are only a handful of states that use mortgages and the majority use the deed of trust. The major difference lies after a person defaults. With a mortgage, the laws are different and the owner can buy back the home after the auction for the default has occurred. While in a deed of trust the sale is the final piece to the house selling, which is why most states use it. I know that most people don't have to … (1 comments)
california: The Reason I got into Real Estate
- 10/26/07 06:41 AM
Real Estate! Those two little words. People envision being wealthy in this venture. To be able to create a lifestyle that they never possibly could dream of. That is why many people get into this occupation. I had bought a house in a very nice area of Stanislaus County, but I went through 7 Top Producing Realtors before I found one that I trusted enough to buy from. Why seven? For the most part because of the arrogance that they demonstrated. The customer service from most of them were almost Zero, and I don't need to be told that I am walking … (7 comments)
I know its been a while since I last blogged. I have been swamped with bank owned properties (REOs) and bringing sales to fruition. Over the last few weeks I have found that there are certain fees that buyers may not be aware of when purchasing REO properties compared to short and fair market sales. 
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