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Modesto, CA Real Estate News

By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
After showing a few short sales and bank owned homes and comparing the two, I've realized that they are running neck in neck on the type of condition that they are in. Being an agent in this market, I have developed a certain empathy and understanding for the situation that distressed homeowners are in. However, when listing a short sale property we make it a point to ask the homeowners to keep the home clean, especially when showing it to buyers.  What I've realized is that although buyers understand the market that they are purchasing in, not much has changed in the way that they visual the space. The expectation of the condition for bank owned homes is minimal to say the least, but the expectation of the condition for a short sale is higher because homeowners and tenants are occupyi...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
Pesticides by Nick Gromicko and Rob London, and Brian Smith     Pesticides are poisons designed to kill a variety of plants and animals, such as insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and mold or fungus (fungicides). They are each composed of an inert carrier and a pest-specific active ingredient, both of which are toxic to humans and pets.   Human Exposure   Pesticides may enter the body in one of the following three ways, which are ordered from least to most dangerous: absorbed through the skin. People can get pesticide on their skin because it is likely to splash or mist while mixing, loading or applying the chemicals. Skin contact may also occur while touching protective clothing, a piece of equipment, or any other surface that was exposed to pesticides; swallowed. Numerous rep...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
Protect Your Property From Water Damage Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes as well as commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential loss is to ensure that the building components which enclose the structure, known as the building envelope, are water-resistant. Also, you will want to ensure that manufacturing processes, if present, do not allow excess water to accumulate. Finally, make sure that the plumbing and ventilation systems, which can be quite complicated in buildings, op...
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
  Homeowner Associations can and do file foreclosure quicker than lenders, sevicers, and investors will. Associations may begin the foreclosure process as soon as 75 days after the payment was first due. Associations are not required to go through a court to foreclose, as a homeowner would have to evict a tenant. This is very important because the association payments are often one of the first items homeowners stop paying. Here is an idea of the steps involved, if a homeowner is behind on their assessments:    The association will send a reminder letter.  Within 15 days of the due date, a delinquency occurs (Depending on the association, an additional fee may apply. This late fee will be in the amount of $10 or 10% of the monthly assessment amount, whichever is greater).  After 30 days...
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
WHAT IS A COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPMENT (CID)?  Common Interest Development (CID) allows homeowners the use of common property and facilities and provide for a system of self-governance through an association of the homeowners within the CID. CIDS come in a variety of types and styles, such as single family detached houses, two story townhouses, garden style units with shared "walls". When a homebuyer purchases a home, townhouse, condo or PUD in a common interest development, they become a member of that association. During the home buying process, the homeowner obtains a copy of the Declaration of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), which are the ground rules for the operation of the association. Every CC&R obtains the rules and responsibilities of the association and ho...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home. Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely. Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites. Remove items...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
Household Hazards This list of terms covers most of the common household dangers likely to be encountered by InterNACHI inspectors.   algae: microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles; often described as "fungus." alligatoring:  a condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils, and the oxidation caused by solar radiation; causes a coarse, "checking" pattern characterized by slipping of the new paint coating over the old coating to the extent that the old coating can be seen through the fissures. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks resembling an alligator hide, and is ultimately the result of the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion and contraction. asbe...
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
What are My Closing Costs Going to Be? This question can cause much anxiety new Homebuyers. Having an idea of what to expect at closing helps first-time homebuyers get over that anxiety easier.  The closing process can be confusing and involve many people, documents, and fees. Understanding the costs associated with buying AND protecting your home helps buyers' to have a smoother transaction AND helps save them money. With the New Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) that began January 1, 2010, HUD requires that loan originators provide borrowers with a standard Good Faith Estimate that clearly explains the key loan terms and closing costs. The lender is required to give you a "best estimate" of the costs of the loan (including some closing costs) within 3 days. This is good ne...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
Safeguard Your Home From Burglars By Nick Gromicko, Rob London, Kenton Shepard, Brian Smith   Some interesting statistics concerning break-ins in the United States: Theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime. In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported more than 2 million burglary offenses. According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations:  81% enter through the first floor; 34% of burglars enter through the front door; 23% enter through a first-floor window; 22% enter through the back door; 9% enter through the garage; 4% enter through the basement; 4% enter through an unlocked entrance; 2% enter through a storage area; and  2% enter through anywhere on the second floor. Some interesting statistics concerning break-ins in Canada (2002): The ...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
House Numbers Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more important than you probably realize, and a lot of thought goes into making sure they are visible. House numbers should be clear enough so that police, the fire department, paramedics, etc., can quickly locate properties in an emergency. Numbers are often the only way that first-responders can identify their intended destinations. Your city might even have laws requiring your house number to be of a certain size or color. Also, think of the poor pizza delivery guy who runs late because he can't find your house, or frustr...
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By Brian Smith
(Professional Roof & Home Inspection)
10 Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home By Nick Gromicko, Ben Gromicko, Rob London, Kenton Shepard , and Brian Smith Most people don't know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at InterNACHI, we want to change that. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want their homes to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in home energy-efficiency, InterNACHI energy auditors can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your particular home.  Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons: Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions' financial incentives, suc...
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
In March 2009, President Obama Administration introduced the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). HAMP was designed to assist 3 to 4 million homeowners that are facing foreclosure. This program was to allow home owners to have their mortgage interest reduced considerably for a five year time period. Under HAMP, the homeowner would have to meet the following eligibility requirements: Homeowner MUST be in financial hardship Homeowner MUST have the ability to modified mortgage payment. Homeowner MUST be delinquent on their mortgage or faces imminent risk of default.   Property is occupied as borrower's primary residence.  Mortgage was originated on or before January 1, 2009 and unpaid principal balance MUST be no greater than $729,750 for one-unit properties.  First mortgage paymen...
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is a dynamic professional organization to be affiliated with. The NAREB is a national trade association dedicated to bringing together nation's minority professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about our real estate business and how best to serve its clientele. NAREB is the oldest minority trade organization in the country, founded in 1947. NAREB's mission is to serve the un-served, and develop creative and effective methods of doing so. Even though, the members are composed principally of African-Americans, however, membership is open to any ethnicity or gender being that believes in the "Democracy in Housing."  The NAREB offers many opportunities to any Real Estate professional to expe...
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By Chuck Bukhari, "Let's find your Dream Home and make it Reality!"
(Exit Realty Consultants)
If you have not been there you should.  It is a weekly meeting every Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am.  There are weekly speakers and property discussions and a chance to network with others from Realtors, lenders, title reps and officers, to inspectors, insurance and marketing experts.  We even have restarted the property tour (once a month on the third Wednesday of the month) thanks to Nino Pascolati's help getting it started.  Check the video of the tour that Sarah Fields made.  you can check it at www.cvmarketingmeetings.com So if you have never been there it is time to start and if you have not been there for a while we all love to see you back.
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
 Real Estate Agent's wear many, many, many…many hats.      As and Short Sale or REO Agent we MUST be efficient at managing several properties at a time and making sure that those properties are being maintained property. Within the last two years, Real Estate Agents and Firms have received a bad rep for not taking care of the properties. Even Agents, who put their best foot forward to convince Asset Managers and Lenders to give more allowance to get repairs done and keep the property in good condition. Unfortunately, agents weren’t always getting the support that was needed to keep property in the recommended condition. It is imperative that agents pay special attention to the properties they are managing so they do not remain or become a Public Nuisance. The Modesto Municipal Code defi...
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By Chuck Bukhari, "Let's find your Dream Home and make it Reality!"
(Exit Realty Consultants)
On Friday May 8, 2009, I gave a training on WinForms to Realtors in the area.  The training was held at Phoenix University which was sponsored by CVAR (http://www.CVAR.ORG). There were 50 participants and within the 2 hours training, I was able to cover the basics of using WinForms Desktop and Online and featuring the DocuSign (an online digital singing). CVAR will be providing this training free to Realtors quarterly or as needed at different location to accommodate its association members as an added benefit. Part of the the topic in the training is to demonstrait the difference between the Destop and the Onloine versions and how to utilize the templates to streemline writing a CAR purchasing and listing agreement forms. Make sure to join http://activerain.com/groups/CVAR for updates ...
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By Aly Vizcarra
(Castle Real Estate)
We have much to be thankful for! Professionally, this year has been so challenging compared to years past... but with the support and trust of our family and friends, we have seen our way through. We are greatful for the relationships we've built over the years and I hope that together, we can continue to prosper.
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By Kammi Malhotra
(Keller Williams)
Short Sales My partner and I specalize in short sales, we have been through numerous short sales and closed them  successfully. Call our team and let us do the foot work for you.
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By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
    The truth of the matter is your down payment effects everything and it says a lot about the potential buyer. The down payment is the difference between the purchase price and the mortgaged amount. Lenders recognize the importance of the size of the down payment. As the down payment increases, the lender's risk decreases. The size of the down payment is one of the most important factors in determines whether a loan will be approved.     With large down payments there is less need to worry about the borrower's qualifications. Few borrowers are willing to allow a loan to default and lose a large equity. If a buyer purchases a home at $150,000 and made a down payment of $30,000, you would do everything possible to maintain the payments. If it became impossible to keep up the payments, y...
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By Ben Allustiarte
(PMZ Real Estate)
It just might be the perfect opportunity to sell your rental property, or exchange into another investment property.  Prices of real estate are at their highest level in 15 years.I specialize in 1031 Tax Exchanges and the new reverse exchanges.  Put one of Modesto's Top Listing Broker/Associates and the Power of PMZ Real Estate to work for you.  Our tremendous PMZ Real Estate advertising campaign and internet marketing is second to none.Please feel free to contact me on my direct line, any time day or night at, (209) 491-3826 or call my cell (209) 345-0621.  The summer market starts now, get top dollar for your rental properties while the market is peaking.
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