One house I visited recently had nothing, no cabinets, no bathtubs, no toilets, nothing! But some days are just golden, take my latest clients, we went out looking on their first day, they found a cute little house, backing up onto a park, in what seemed a quiet residential neighborhood. We submitted an offer which was accepted 3 days later and we then went and had our property inspection done. All seemed very good and right in the world. Until…
Right after the property inspection we were taking some measurements when we were visited by three very large members of the local Police Gang Control Unit, asking if they could enter the property to search for a weapon that had been used in a drive-by homicide the night before. It was a first for me, and definitely a first for my first-time homebuyers who were devastated to hear this news. The crime had taken place in the park behind and although no evidence of any weapon showed up, my buyers knew immediately they did not want to proceed with their purchase.
We are still looking, all is good now, but you just never know, we really do earn our money out there in this crazy world, our days are never, ever the same, we learn to expect the unexpected, to go with the flow, and to keep our thoughts and chins up.
Crazy is usual sometimes, as is frustrating, exciting, amazing, satisfying and much more! Our days are always an adventure, we have properties to preview, sellers to contact, buyers to organize, ads to place, appointments with sellers to make, schedules to arrange, and always, properties to navigate.
You can always keep up with me at http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego and http://www.twitter/com/sdrealestate
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://janeloveday.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Multiple Offers - what to do ....
What is a Multiple Offer?
Multiple would-be buyers submit bids for the same house and end up competing for it, creating a bidding war in some cases, and only one successful bidder in all cases.
With combined record low interest rates and sales prices, short sales everywhere, how can you prepare?
Find a competent and knowledgeable Realtor – http://www.janeloveday.com
You may be competing with investors delivering contingency-free, all-cash offers, be prepared to deliver your best offer, also get prequalified for loans, have all paperwork in order and know precisely how high you can afford to bid.
Don’t low-ball - Despite market challenges, don’t automatically make offers dramatically below asking prices. If you’ve been eyeing a property that has seen multiple price reductions and you’re ready to jump, others likely have been doing the same.
Buy less - just one reason to look at property below your means is that you’ll have money in reserve to bid up if you need to.
Short sales – they can be lengthy and tedious, acceptance dates can run two weeks to six months or more.
Bank-owned property – you may be working against investors again, consider making your best offer, have a larger down payment, don’t ask for closing costs and request a shorter escrow.
I am here, I can help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
Multiple would-be buyers submit bids for the same house and end up competing for it, creating a bidding war in some cases, and only one successful bidder in all cases.
With combined record low interest rates and sales prices, short sales everywhere, how can you prepare?
Find a competent and knowledgeable Realtor – http://www.janeloveday.com
You may be competing with investors delivering contingency-free, all-cash offers, be prepared to deliver your best offer, also get prequalified for loans, have all paperwork in order and know precisely how high you can afford to bid.
Don’t low-ball - Despite market challenges, don’t automatically make offers dramatically below asking prices. If you’ve been eyeing a property that has seen multiple price reductions and you’re ready to jump, others likely have been doing the same.
Buy less - just one reason to look at property below your means is that you’ll have money in reserve to bid up if you need to.
Short sales – they can be lengthy and tedious, acceptance dates can run two weeks to six months or more.
Bank-owned property – you may be working against investors again, consider making your best offer, have a larger down payment, don’t ask for closing costs and request a shorter escrow.
I am here, I can help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
Friday, March 5, 2010
Foreclosure Bargains are Harder to Find!
Homebuyers hoping to snag a really good deal on a foreclosed home are finding it increasingly difficult because supply is shrinking. Foreclosures are now down over a year ago, There are mixed signals for 2010: It's unclear how much of the drop in mortgage defaults is due to shifting market conditions, and how much is the result of changing foreclosure policies among lenders and loan servicers.
"Clearly, many lenders and servicers have concluded that the traditional foreclosure process isn't necessarily the best way to process market distress, and that losses may be mitigated with so-called short sales or when loan terms are renegotiated with homeowners," said John Walsh, DataQuick president. (http://www.dqnews.com/Articles/2010/News/California/CA-Foreclosures/RRFor100127.aspx)
Not only have attractive homes in popular neighborhoods already been snapped up, but also government help for distressed buyers is delaying more foreclosures. See http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html
Demand is driving up prices. Investors say typical prices have climbed from 75 percent of appraised value to 85 percent or higher when there are bidding wars on foreclosures. While California ranks 3rd among the States with the highest rates of foreclosure, (Arizona and Nevada are 2nd and 1st respectively) the amount of foreclosed properties currently available has dropped significantly, with the majority newly listed are short sales.
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.janeloveday.com
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
"Clearly, many lenders and servicers have concluded that the traditional foreclosure process isn't necessarily the best way to process market distress, and that losses may be mitigated with so-called short sales or when loan terms are renegotiated with homeowners," said John Walsh, DataQuick president. (http://www.dqnews.com/Articles/2010/News/California/CA-Foreclosures/RRFor100127.aspx)
Not only have attractive homes in popular neighborhoods already been snapped up, but also government help for distressed buyers is delaying more foreclosures. See http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html
Demand is driving up prices. Investors say typical prices have climbed from 75 percent of appraised value to 85 percent or higher when there are bidding wars on foreclosures. While California ranks 3rd among the States with the highest rates of foreclosure, (Arizona and Nevada are 2nd and 1st respectively) the amount of foreclosed properties currently available has dropped significantly, with the majority newly listed are short sales.
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.janeloveday.com
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Refinancing your Home affordably!
The government is giving homeowners another year to refinance their loans under a little-used program designed to help borrowers whose homes have plummeted in value.
The Obama administration effort, known as Home Affordable Refinance Program, had been scheduled to end on June 10 but will now run out on June 30, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Monday.
The program allows borrowers who owe up to 25 percent more than their homes are worth to refinance to lower interest rates.
It was originally projected to help 4 million to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. So far, it has helped around 220,000, according to the Treasury Department.
Click here for more information: http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
The Obama administration effort, known as Home Affordable Refinance Program, had been scheduled to end on June 10 but will now run out on June 30, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Monday.
The program allows borrowers who owe up to 25 percent more than their homes are worth to refinance to lower interest rates.
It was originally projected to help 4 million to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. So far, it has helped around 220,000, according to the Treasury Department.
Click here for more information: http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Monday, February 22, 2010
Mortgage Protection Program for Californians Only is Extended!
If you were a first-time homeowner last year (2009) your agent should have registered you with the Mortgage Protection Program through the California Association of Realtors (CAR) - certain restrictions apply - you cannot be self-employed or owned a home within the past 3 years for example. The Mortgage Protection Program offers you benefits if you lose your job during the first year of your home purchase. It is only available to California home buyers.
This benefit offers you up to $1,500 per month for up to six months if you lose your job due to layoffs, and qualified co-buyers can receive monthly benefits of $750 per month for up to 6 months, and it is free to you! The Mortgage Protection Program was due to end December 31st, 2009 but has now been extended through to the end of this year.
Buying a home is one, if not THE, most stressful thing you can do, this program helps alleviate some of that giving you an added layer of security. The California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Fund (CARHAF) is a non-profit organization which receives donations primarily from Realtor members and associations, committed to addressing housing challenges in California. For more on the Mortgage Protection Program visit http://www.car.org/members/hafmainpage/carhafmortgageprotection/ and don't forget to call/email me with any questions - I am here - I can help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.janeloveday.com/
http://www.facebook/realestatesandiego
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
This benefit offers you up to $1,500 per month for up to six months if you lose your job due to layoffs, and qualified co-buyers can receive monthly benefits of $750 per month for up to 6 months, and it is free to you! The Mortgage Protection Program was due to end December 31st, 2009 but has now been extended through to the end of this year.
Buying a home is one, if not THE, most stressful thing you can do, this program helps alleviate some of that giving you an added layer of security. The California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Fund (CARHAF) is a non-profit organization which receives donations primarily from Realtor members and associations, committed to addressing housing challenges in California. For more on the Mortgage Protection Program visit http://www.car.org/members/hafmainpage/carhafmortgageprotection/ and don't forget to call/email me with any questions - I am here - I can help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.janeloveday.com/
http://www.facebook/realestatesandiego
http://www.twitter.com/sdrealestate
Friday, February 19, 2010
Advice on Your Possible Short Sale
A short sale occurs when your lender agrees to accept a lower price on your home than the current mortgage balance, provided you meet the lender's requirements and have a qualified buyer.
To prove your case, you'll need to spend some time on a cover letter explaining your hardship and provide full financial disclosure; the original purchase contract; a balance sheet of your income and expenses; asset statements, proof of income; bank statements; two years of tax returns; and a professional who knows the ropes.
Simply stating, 'My house is worth less than the loan and I don’t want to pay any more,' will not be acceptable. Lenders would rather foreclose than develop a reputation as an easy target.
Along with the required documentation, you stand the best chance of getting through the two- to seven-month short sale ordeal if the home is marketable; the second mortgage holder (if there is one) gets a cut or otherwise goes along with the deal; the same lender holds all mortgages; and there is enough time before foreclosure (at least about 4 months).
Don't count on a short sale if you can't prove hardship; you are current on your mortgage; are in bankruptcy; have recently completed a cash-out refinance or have a lien with a third party.
Because a short sale forgives a portion of the debt owed, that portion could be considered as taxable income and you should seek the advice of a tax attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent or other person fully schooled in the tax ramifications of a short sale.
According to FICO, the leading credit scoring system provider, there also may be some credit score implications.
You may also need legal and tax counsel. A solid professional team is best for determining the viability of the short sale, assembling the package and pricing and listing the property to find a buyer.
It’s a tough decision, but I am here if you need help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Pacific Coast Properties
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
To prove your case, you'll need to spend some time on a cover letter explaining your hardship and provide full financial disclosure; the original purchase contract; a balance sheet of your income and expenses; asset statements, proof of income; bank statements; two years of tax returns; and a professional who knows the ropes.
Simply stating, 'My house is worth less than the loan and I don’t want to pay any more,' will not be acceptable. Lenders would rather foreclose than develop a reputation as an easy target.
Along with the required documentation, you stand the best chance of getting through the two- to seven-month short sale ordeal if the home is marketable; the second mortgage holder (if there is one) gets a cut or otherwise goes along with the deal; the same lender holds all mortgages; and there is enough time before foreclosure (at least about 4 months).
Don't count on a short sale if you can't prove hardship; you are current on your mortgage; are in bankruptcy; have recently completed a cash-out refinance or have a lien with a third party.
Because a short sale forgives a portion of the debt owed, that portion could be considered as taxable income and you should seek the advice of a tax attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent or other person fully schooled in the tax ramifications of a short sale.
According to FICO, the leading credit scoring system provider, there also may be some credit score implications.
You may also need legal and tax counsel. A solid professional team is best for determining the viability of the short sale, assembling the package and pricing and listing the property to find a buyer.
It’s a tough decision, but I am here if you need help!
Jane Loveday
Windermere Pacific Coast Properties
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Property Searching via the Internet and your Realtor
Today almost everyone will begin to search for their new home on the internet. There are many different sites to visit - Trulia, Redfin, Homes.com, and the very comprehensive Realtor.com, which is the most up-to-date and accurate site other than using a Realtor's own website which is usually linked directly to the local Multiple Listing Service.
Whichever site, or sites you use, you will always need an actual Realtor to show you homes that he/she have found along with the ones you have found. Despite advertising claims to the contrary, the internet alone is not an experienced Real Estate Professional. It cannot consult, counsel, advise, have knowledge of local laws and market conditions. Nor can it make judgements, 'own' the results, negotiate or most importantly understand your goals and needs and care about you as a client!
To obtain an accurate interpretation of any information you're receiving online, please contact your Realtor, or better than that, contact me!
Follow me on twitter - @sdrealestate and facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
Whichever site, or sites you use, you will always need an actual Realtor to show you homes that he/she have found along with the ones you have found. Despite advertising claims to the contrary, the internet alone is not an experienced Real Estate Professional. It cannot consult, counsel, advise, have knowledge of local laws and market conditions. Nor can it make judgements, 'own' the results, negotiate or most importantly understand your goals and needs and care about you as a client!
To obtain an accurate interpretation of any information you're receiving online, please contact your Realtor, or better than that, contact me!
Follow me on twitter - @sdrealestate and facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Jane Loveday
Windermere Real Estate Agent
619-519-1615 Cell
http://www.JaneLoveday.com
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