I get it folks, we all like to use our friends if they hold a real estate sales license, but let's face some very real facts here: You the consumer are about to purchase what might be your largest single investment, your home. Working with an agent who has never been to that area or maybe doesn't even work in the same county let alone state is like asking an ear, nose, and throat doctor to treat you for sudden migraines. Sure, they can do it, but do they have the expertise that the neurologist has? I think not. Before I came back to selling residential real estate I owned a home in Woodland Hills, CA. I knew that even though a friend could probably do the job, I politely explained to him that in the spirit of continuing our friendship, I'd rather go to the local expert who could possibl... 08/08/2010

You know, I have to hand it to them, those lenders are quite crafty when it comes to approval letters and short sales. I've been through H E double toothpick and back with the best of them, yet it never ceases to amaze me that they think they can cut my income without neotiating or at least gaining my permission.  Let's face it, folks, when was the last time you asked your doctor how much your office visit was going to cost and then asked that them to reduce their bill? I am still in negotiations with a lender that I shall not name here but will tell you that my commission was cut even though it's clearly outlined and accepted in my listing agreement and was submitted months ago with the short sale package. Under HAFA, this lender is applying $3,000 for moving assistance to my Seller an... 08/03/2010

To knock or not to knock...that is the question! I've been in commerical real estate and recently got back into the residential end specializing in foreclosure prevention via short sales obtaining (so far) 100% successful results and a more positive outcome for my clients. I've leapt past the hurdle of cold calls, public speaking (holding short sale seminars, aka foreclosure prevention) and a few other intimidating aspects of our profession. I have yet to have anyone convince me that we are welcome wanderers in our community neighborhoods when we rap on someone's door without an appointment. As a consumer, I always found it intrusive, yet I was polite and listened to what the Realtor had to say. I feel what would have been far more appropriate would have been for the Realtor to wave hel... 07/31/2010

I'm a seller's agent. I love everything about the process...well, almost everything. There are a few sellers I could do without and have to admit the ones that don't get the process and the effort involved when they ask me to take an over-priced listing aren't exactly my favs. I make every attempt to ask them certain specific questions like, "If you were a buyer in this market and saw your home and some of the comps I just showed you, based on sales price, would you be inclined to make an offer anywhere near what you want me to list your property for?" I also inform them that we Realtors work in a community, much like they do at work or in their neighborhoods. We get to know each other, we network, we know negotiation style and which agents will take anything at any price, etc. My goal ... 07/26/2010

Don't get me wrong, folks, I love doing short sales. There's nothing like the pain involved in doing short sales  to remind you that you are indeed alive and most definitely kicking! But let's admit one thing, it has its highs and lows and today was exactly one of those days. While my latest seller is busy packing (back-breaking work in your 60s), I'm behind the scenes trying to negotiate the 2nd lien holder to accept that token $3,000 typically offered by the 1st. Now I know it's not the nicest parting gift when you're owed $156k, but some lenders understand that it is what it is and move swiftly through the process when the foreclosure time bomb is ticking. I woke this morning to the miracle of the 2nd lien holder giving the blessing on that $3,000 approval. Elated, I jumped into the ... 07/22/2010

A surprising amount of consumers are being scammed in different ways when they are looking for loan modifications. I've found that 90% of my Sellers have been hit for thousands of dollars only to find out months and months later that they don't qualify. A quick browse into their situation would have determined their eligibility, yet the average consumer is so trusting that they buy the song and dance that the "negotiator" sends them; month after month all the while asking them for more money to prolong the process. Even lowering the credit score of the borrower that much further. The trusting consumer generally dips into savings to fund these scams. The sad part is that even when the whistle is blown and the district attorney is brought in, chances these con artists have managed to clos... 07/21/2010

What started out Monday to be a "really promising" for me has been slowly dwindeling down to a crawl due to getting caught up in the red tape of two lenders on two different deals. Last Friday I went home feeling pretty good about how my negotiations were proceeding. I finally satisfied one 2nd lien holder with all the requested (and re-requested) documents and advised them that we had a close of escrow date of July 28 and were waiting for their approval. I stressed that there had been an appraisal done and it wouldn't be in their best interest to deny the cash we were gifting their way. The 1st lien holder won't give another dime. Take it or leave it. My other short sale was a bit different. Two open deeds of trust, all purchase money so therefore non-recourse in the state of Californi... 07/21/2010

I'm still surprised at how many homeowner's attempt to do loan modifications or short sales but opt to go it alone. After a number of private consultations, I've learned that the average homeowner simply doesn't understand that they can get all of this time-consuming work done for them for free! While your average loan modification still takes a lot longer to either be declined (which is mostly the case as of this writing) the short sale process is moving a lot faster. One of the primary reasons is that many banks are now staffed with the support needed to handle these files. Start to finish can look like anything from 48 hours to 4 months. Yes, I've had this experience with both. As for the loan modification, it's been my feeling that it's primarily a temporary solution on a long term ... 07/17/2010

A lot of my blog posts have to do with my short sales in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and Moorpark. I've worked with a number of lenders and no two lenders have solid, clearly defined, plans for effectively weeding through the hundreds of files that come in daily. Not only are you dependent on the system, but your sale is dependent on a good negotiator and then closer. The most current short sale I'm working is with Chase Bank and I'll tell you, the negotiator is courteous, knowledgeable, and on top of things; but she's so bogged down by numerous files that getting back to me has been difficult at best.  I just heard from her today as I phoned her, faxed her, and sent an over night letter explaining that I had an all cash buyer waiting for an answer. My clients are number one and they kno... 07/16/2010

No doubt about it, folks, these are trying times. My toughest hardship (medical and loss of income) case was supposed to have closed today, but what with the 2nd lien holder and their process and the 1st position stating that their offer of $3000 to release the 2nd won't be put in writing, I rolled up my sleeves and pushed through. Today was supposed to have been our COE. I needed an extension before the property went to foreclosure and I needed it fast as Monday's our date (July 18, 2010). I managed to track down the negotiator, get her to agree (again) to postponement and buy my clients 10 days! Yes, short sales are difficult at best, but for my clients and their future, it's worth it. 07/14/2010

It's amazing how the tables have turned. I remember the day, not so long ago, when if you could fog a mirror, you could get a home loan. Today getting a good rate on a home loan is like plugging the BP spill, nearly impossible unless you have impeccable credit. You'd be surprised at how many people I come in contact who've had perfect credit squashed merely because of a change in their credit due to the reporting agencies new guidelines. Let's just say you're a first time home buyer and you go through the typical process (today) of obtaining a loan. A look at your credit history in today's climate will be much different. Yesterday you could have a few open lines of credit (not a lot, but a credit card or two). Fast forward to today and BAM! Your credit card that you pay in full every mo... 07/12/2010

Negotiating real estate can be difficult, especially in today's market. I've spent countless hours negotiating short sales on behalf of my Sellers with outstanding results. After taking a number of courses to become short sale certified, I held my first seminar in Camarillo and was surprised at how many homeowner's showed up for my presentation. My audience was mixed. There were many homeowners who had been spending thousands of dollars on keeping up with their payments only to have the bank threaten foreclosure because they were denied loan modification. In frustration, many turned to outside resources to try to modify their loans and wasted even more of their savings only to be faced with foreclosure in the end. I recently closed a transaction with Bank of America in 1st position. The... 07/10/2010

What does energy conservation mean to you? Is it the monthly amount you're keeping in your pocket, instead of paying a high utility bill? Or is it a gloomy vision of global warming, polluting power plants, and acid rain? Whatever your reason, if you choose to save energy, you are making a wise choice. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spends more than $2,000 a year on home utilities. Moreover, fossil fuel-generated electricity used yearly by an average-size home puts more CO2 into the air than two cars. So how can you conserve energy in your own home? Here are some of the most significant and cost-effective ways: insulate walls, floors and ceilings seal air leaks around windows and doors, so heated or cooled air can't escape plant a tree to shade your ... 11/12/2009

Lately, I have heard from many Seller's across the nation, that their Agent's have used REO's and Short Sales for comparables on their Fair Market Value home. When I do some researching in  their market, I find that there are a plithera of  Fair Market Homes that can be used for their comparables.  So how do you help your client, when you don't know the Market?  Simple, Ask a local agent for a CMA on your client's property. If they give you a CMA package with REO and Short Sales, with no FMV properties, then they are probably not the agent for you.   Although all the markets are lavish with REO's and Short Sale properties, we don't want to forget about your Fair Market Value Seller's and Buyer's.  I have clients who want to buy a Move in ready, FMV home.  They don't want to fix up a hom... 09/08/2009

August 22-23 The 29th annual Camarillo air event "Wings Over Camarillo" will wow the audience with a thrilling three hour narrated flying exhibition, static displays of WWII, military, antique and experimental aircraft including two rarely seen P-38 Lightnings, an F4U Corsair (the fighter flown by the Black Sheep Squadron) and many others.  P-38 from Planes of Fame, Chino   "Wings" is the largest Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter event in the Western US.  It is produced with the support of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and the Ventura County 99s, the Pt. Mugu Sea Cadets and Ventura Military Explorer Post 2861.     P-38 from Allied Fighters       The day begins at 9:00 AM with the Ventura County 99's popular Pancake Breakfast.  Food booths, a variety of vendors, the Ve... 08/21/2009

Camarillo Hospice presents the Camarillo Country Music Festival & Chili Cook-Off Sunday, September 6th   12-5pm Sanctioned by the International Chili Society! Championship Chili Cookoff Wine & Beer, Live Country Music, Line Dancing, Wheel of Fortune, "Transformers" movie superbikes & motorcycle display, children's games, family fun, silent auctions More info: http://www.camarillohospice.org/Friends%20for%20life.html       08/21/2009

Saturday, August 29th The Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival will take place in Old Town Camarillo on Ventura Boulevard, as well as the Farmer's Market area and Dizdar Park. All Day Art & JazzThis day-long free to the public event features local professional artists and a range of musical guests. A juried art walk on the sidewalks along Camarillo's historic Old Town district, including art displays in various participating shops and restaurants. Music performances will be highlighted on three outdoor stages throughout the day. Terrific jazz from swing to Latin jazz to smooth jazz styles of music and entertainment will be presented. Dizdar Park Stage · 11:00 AM ~ Ulysses S. Jazz · 12:30 PM ~ Preachers Blues Band · 2:00 PM ~ Red Loquita • 3:30 PM ~ San Francisco Songbird   Palm Street Stage ·... 08/21/2009

Real Estate Activity for Camarillo As of 7/13/09  Breakdown of Active Listings: *does not include properties under contract   45 attached (condos, townhomes, duplexes) # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 1 $100,000 $249,999 14 $250,000 $299,999 15 $300,000 $349,999 11 $350,000 $399,999 3 $400,000 $500,000 1 $500,000 $600,000   115 detached # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 2 $100,000 $249,999 0 $250,000 $299,999 2 $300,000 $349,999 1 $350,000 $399,999 17 $400,000 $499,999 10 $500,000 $599,999 17 $600,000 $699,999 8 $700,000 $799,999 9 $800,000 $899,999 3 $900,000 $999,999 46 $1,000,000 $7,950,000  Statistical information used to create this report was obtained from VCRDS.  Information Deemed Reliable but not Guaranteed. 07/13/2009

Camarillo Market Update   There are likely more months ahead of gradually falling home prices & stricter loan requirements. However, for qualified home buyers, the low interest rates, large home selection and considerably reduced home prices are providing some remarkable opportunities.  In Ventura County over the last 12 months, home prices have fallen 38%! Homes are selling at an average of 97% of list price, when they are priced near market average. This is a strong sign of the beginnings of market recovery.  There are some rather compelling indicators from a variety of sources that indicate continued positive pressures on our markets since the start of the year.  Anything being offered for sale for less than $500,000 and especially in the $350,000 and below range is being snapped up ... 06/02/2009

Camarillo's Montelena 1 Tract   There are many wonderful neighborhoods in Camarillo, but one of the nicer mid-priced tracts is Montelena 1. Built 1990 through 1995, these are very comfortable Mission Oaks homes, with a number of view locations. They are 3 and 4 bedroom homes with 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms which range from about 1800 sq ft to almost 2800 sq ft. Lots range in size from about 6,000 sq ft to over 9,500 sq ft. The homes are all uniform stucco with red tile roofs, built with many luxury amenities, nicely landscaped and with no HOA!   The homes in Montelena 1 are located in the Mission Oaks area with a hilltop view overlooking the Calleguas Creek. Flynn and Lewis Roads are part of the expansive view to the North and West with mountain and partial ocean views on the horizon. This is... 05/11/2009