Why Should you Choose a CDPE agent to Sell Your Home When Doing a Short Sale? Today, 1 out of every 10 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. These are tough and frustrating times. Now more than ever, it's important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided and your financial future can be salvaged. In a short sale transaction, homeowners sell their property for less than the mortgage amount, but avoid the foreclosure process. The Distressed Property Institute trains real estate professionals to engage and assist homeowners facing hardships. The Institute has developed a course to provide the tools and knowledge to handle distressed properties, including short sales, deeds-in-lieu, mortgage modifications, forbearance, refinances, reinstatements and, if that fai... 12/19/2009

27889 Skycrest Circle Drive 32, Valencia, Ca. in Northpark Beautiful Courthome collection in the sought after Northpark area of Valencia close to award winning schools, parks, restaurants, shopping, paseos, and community pools. Enjoy low maintenance backyard with charming patio area. Cozy fireplace. Kitchen with white cabinets and wood floors. Master Suite features high ceilings, walk-in closet, & private full bathroom. 2 car direct access garage with laundry area. This home is short sale. $285K 12/15/2009

What is "Making Home Affordable" all about? The Making Home Affordable Program is part of the current government administration's strategy to get the economy and the housing market back on track. The Making Home Affordable Program offers two different potential solutions for borrowers: (1) refinancing mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and (2) modifying mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). You may be eligible for a refinance under HARP if: The loan on your property is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac At the time you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments ("current" generally means that you have not been more than 30 days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months, or, if you have ha... 12/13/2009

 Great Holiday Gifts that Support the National Autism Association! Looking for gift ideas for colleagues, friends, or neighbors? Maybe even something for yourself? Feel great about these holiday purchases by knowing that a portion of the proceeds is donated to support the National Autism Association.   NAA's Shop of Hope Featuring hope ornaments: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/products.php?cat=58  Christie Cookies - 20% donated to NAA! http://christiecookies.com Enter code 25K17  Whitney Wreaths - 20% donated to NAA! http://www.whitneywreath.com/ Enter code NAA at check out!  Wines for Autism - 1/3 of proceeds donated to NAA! Featuring Uva Negra with a special autism label http://www.winesforautism.com   Happy Holidays from Think Autism! 12/06/2009

Foreclosure Avoidance Options Foreclosure is one of the most devastating financial challenges that a family can face and one that many times can be avoided. The options available to residents for foreclosure are many, including but not limited to short sales. Following is a brief explanation of these solutions:Reinstatement A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, however it is often the most difficult. The homeowner simply requests the total amount owed to the mortgage company to date and pays it. This solution does not require the lender's approval and will 'reinstate' a mortgage up to the day before the final foreclosure sale.Forbearance or Repayment Plan A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to ... 11/30/2009

Reasons to avoid foreclosure, Valencia, Ca.       There is six main reasons to avoid foreclosure. As a certified distressed property expert I am constantly talking to people who are facing foreclosure. Many people facing hard times have no idea the ramifications a foreclosure on their credit report can have. What's more surprising to me and the reason why I am re-posting my list is the fact so many people don't know there are other options such as selling their home as a short sale verses just letting it go. It is much like selling your home with equity and no one needs to know that you are actually upside down on payments or equity in your home in terms of neighbors and friends. The effects on your credit report doing a short sale vs. foreclosure are dramatic. Take a look at the six re... 11/29/2009

Just posted at our Santa Clarita Real Estate Blog - Four new listings came onto the market for sale in the last 10 hours. We have had more activity in Real Estate during the time called "Black Friday".  Much more than expected in a time when Turkey and Thanks is on our minds. $379,000 :: 29027 Mirada Circulo, Valencia CA, 91354 from Valencia Real Estate for Sale by remax@paris911.com 3 beds, 2 full 1 part bathsSize: 2,129 sq ft Lot Size: 0 sq ftAdded: 11/25/09, Last Updated: 11/27/09Property Type: Single Family, ResidentialMLS Number: 12132305Community: Tesoro De ValleSpacious 3Beds+2.5 Baths+Den Family House in Gated Tesoro Del Valle community. Super Clean Home with Fresh Paint. Fabulous schools and amenities. Listed with Jason Chang, Re/Max Optima Brought to you by Connor and Paris Ma... 11/28/2009

Do you know where the rituals of our holidays came from?  The Easter bunny hiding eggs?  Carving pumkins? Turkeys and squash, bringing a Tree inside your home and decorating it?                                                            The traditions we follow today are actually ancient rituals whose history has gotten lost in the chronicles of time. Did you know that in ancient times, Easter had nothing to do with the Christ's Resurrection? The pagans celebrated the coming of spring, flowers and the planting season.  The Easter bunny was added later recognizing the rabbit's prolific mating habits and the egg, the symbol of birth.  Fertility was the lifeline of the ancient people that kept the bloodlines alive. It ensured that there'd be more children in the fileds to harvest crops so ... 11/25/2009

New Listing 22718 Rio Chico Drive, Valencia, CA. 91354  Gorgeously remodeled Valencia Racquet Club with two master suites ( one up, one down) and lots of sky lights so this home shows light and bright. Remodeled kitchen with with beautiful cabinets and granite. Enjoy added storage, vaulted ceilings, laminate floors and more. Outside enjoy covered patio with ample grass area or enjoy the amenities of the HOA. Community pool & spa, tennis courts, rec center, basketball courts, and playground. $365,000    For more information click here. 11/22/2009

Congress set to expand homebuyer tax credit! First-time home buyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. The measure was designed to stimulate additional demand for residential real estate and help absorb the overage of unsold properties that was putting downward slope on home prices. But with the tax credit program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the Senate voted Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit to include many buyers who already own homes. The measure, adopted on a strong bipartisan vote of 98-0, also would extend and expand a tax creditfor businesses with losses. The House is expected to follow suit within days, and President Obama is expected to sign it into law. Buyer... 11/06/2009

New Listings: 115Average Listing Price: $ 446,555Listings Under Contract: 21Average Listing Price: $ 377,804 Listings Sold: 92Average Selling Price: $ 399,148 % Difence Between Listing Price versus Selling Price: 98.19 %% Sales Price Versus Old Listing Price: 92.50 %Average Days on The Market: 79   http://www.stoppayingrentinla.com  Valencia Real Estate, Valencia Probates, Valencia Statistics, Mortgage Loans, Foreclosures  11/02/2009

New Listings: 105Average Listing Price: $ 427,107Listings Under Contract: 13Average Listing Price: $ 420,053 Listings Sold: 81Average Selling Price: $ 437,889 % Difence Between Listing Price versus Selling Price: 98.56 %% Sales Price Versus Old Listing Price: 92.07 %Average Days on The Market: 52   http://www.stoppayingrentinla.com  Valencia Real Estate, Valencia Probates, Valencia Statistics, Mortgage Loans, Foreclosures    11/02/2009

New Listings: 119Average Listing Price: $ 453,675Listings Under Contract: 4Average Listing Price: $ 312,350 Listings Sold: 75Average Selling Price: $ 442,526 % Difence Between Listing Price versus Selling Price: 97.96 %% Sales Price Versus Old Listing Price: 92.29 %Average Days on The Market: 72   http://www.stoppayingrentinla.com  Valencia Real Estate, Valencia Probates, Valencia Statistics, Mortgage Loans, Foreclosures    11/02/2009

I was attempting to relay a, "Once upon a time" story, but I think it more appropriate to start at the beginning with the text message that spun Paris and I into a spiral of deep conscious thought. We had sold a nice couples home and are waiting for a home to come onto the market in Southern California that is in a specific area.  There might be 80 homes total and with the restriction of Foreclosure Releases and the home values down, it has been quite difficult to get anything available to write on. Receiving a Text Message asking, "Connor, did we sign a Buyer Broker agreement with you?" - "I don't have all of the answers right now, but I wanted to know." That is when the spinning started and so did the questions to myself and Paris.  What was happening and what would be the reasons to ... 10/29/2009

Property Flipping guidelines extended by FHA , until May 2010!  What does this mean and who does this affect? What is property flipping?   No .......it's not flipping your home with another couple as seen in trading spaces on  TLC!                                                          FHA GUIDELINES STATE THE FOLLOWING:   Property flipping is a practice whereby a recently acquired property is resold, often for a considerable profit. Most property flipping occurs within days or a few weeks of acquisition and usually with only minor cosmetic improvements, if any. While there is nothing illegal with selling properties within days of acquisition, some of these transactions are fraudulent because the condition of the property is misrepresented and/or the value of it is artificially inflat... 10/08/2009

The streamline 203k is a perfect program for REO properties with minimal repairs. Did you know you can tell the bank that they will not be responsible for the repairs?  WOW!  The bottom line not to mention the headaches,  just looked a lot better!   And that FHA buyer that didn't look so great, just went from mediocre to a GREAT offer! The FHA 203k Loan allows for the client to finance the cost of repairs needed on a property into their mortgage.  The repairs are done after closing so this is an advantage to the seller or bank that owns the property because they aren't responsible for the repairs.  This is a great negotiating tool for your client who may be up against other offers which would require the seller/bank to do the repairs!  Are there any foreclosed properties out there in ne... 07/26/2009

Santa Clarita Home Inspector Carl Reese is posting this information for all residents that wish to know more about Water Softners and the Rebate program.  If you want to install a Water softner system that is approved contact our office or check out our website at www.carlreese.com for more details. To obtain an application for the Automatic Water Softener Rebate Program, please click the link below. Be sure to complete the application, and sign it prior to mailing. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. The application can be mailed or faxed to (562) 908-4224. Rebate Application Form (PDF) (DOC) Take the Rebate and Run: Up to $2,000 for your Automatic Water Softener The Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District (Sanitation District) offers an automatic water softener rebate progr... 07/26/2009

What is a 203k Loan? 203k MADE SIMPLE In Southern California, FHA loans were just not utilized much in the past because of the FHA Maximum Mortgage limits  But now that the limits have been increased and the prices have decreased, FHA loans have become the most utilized loan especially for first time homebuyers.  So what is a 203k loan and why use one? When a buyer wants to buy a home that needs repairs utilizing FHA financing, normally the repairs would have to be completed prior to the close of escrow.   The repairs would normally fall on the responsibility of the seller.  With so many foreclosures in today's market, the bank is the seller.  And many times the home in need of repair is listed "as is".  Which in the past would require a cash buyer or conventional financing.  This is an... 07/13/2009

I was in a meeting with about fifty realtors the other day who had not even heard about the hvcc petition! We can't assume that everyone has heard about it - as a matter of fact it's obvious the word has not gotten around since there are less than 50,000 signatures.  OR have you heard about it but chose not to take the two minutes to sign it?  I personally have forwarded the petition to all my current and past clients and asked them to sign it. So for those of you who STILL have not heard about it, I will make it simple: HVCC  stands for Home Valuation Code of Conduct. It was put into place to help curb the potential for fraud with respect to the valuation of residential properties.  This has changed the entire process for banks and mortgage companies to order the appraisals from the pr... 07/09/2009

Most of you know that the Santa Clarita real estate inventory of homes for sale is quite low right now, almost approaching 600's. This is apparently holding true for the Tesoro Del Valle master planned community, which is located at the northern edge of Valencia. I was browsing homes for sale in the Santa Clarita MLS, for a specific client, and was amazed to see that there was ONLY 1 home in Tesoro Del Valle that's actively for sale, that is a regular sale or foreclosure. I didn't even restrict the search to price, size, bedrooms, etc...I just queried for regular sales and foreclosures, and NO shorts sales. Click here to view the sole, regular/foreclosure for sale in Tesoro Del Valle (it happens to be a foreclosure by the way). What's even more interesting is that there are 39 Tesoro De... 07/07/2009