Increased 203k Loan Limits for 2022Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter 2020-41, 2021 Nationwide Forward Mortgage Limits, which provides the maximum mortgage limits for FHA-insured Title II forward mortgages. These new loan limits are effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. Read today’s Press Release. This year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) increased annual loan limits by 7.42 percent for Calendar Year (CY) 2021 based on changes to the national median home prices. Therefore, FHA’s “floor” and “ceiling” loan limits will increase from $331,760 and $765,600 in CY 2020, to $356,362 and $822,3751, respectively, for a one-unit property. The following table lists the CY 2021 FHA loan limit th... 12/02/2020

What is in it for me, the Realtor? I find it interesting and a bit dismaying when I am asked to join a loan officer for a 203k talk. What gets me is they typically start off with the first ten to twenty minute of how many they have done and how important they are to the process. I may be missing something but I think it is more important to talk about what is in it for me, the Realtor. That is really what they want to know, right?I created a powerpoint presentation a few years ago and you can see it for FREE by sending an email to mike@my203kconsultant.com and in the subject line put "What is in it for me?"  I'll send you the power point and you can watch it at your liesure. You will learn1) How to beat "all cash buyers, every time"2) How to increase your housing inventory.3) How to imp... 11/17/2020

Are all 203k loans in old worn out communities?No, actually, this is one of my favorite 203k projects and as you can see it isn't worn hour or located in a rough neighborhood. 203k project are in every community and, as in this example the home was appraised for about $1.2 million. But you say, the loan limits in this area are only about half of that.Well, you would be correct. That means instead of getting this home and paying all cash then adding the $150,000 in needed repairs... it had been stripped of lots of amenities by the seller prior to the sale. Of course that is illegal but S*&( happens from time to time. Instead of paying $1.2 million and then adding another $150,000 the borrower could finance about half of this and keep the other half in his bank for his company's cash flow... 11/16/2020

Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, my new listing at 6781 Verde Ridge Road, has panoramic ocean and coastline views, and just came on the market today. This 5 bedroom, 4 bath, almost 2,800 square foot home is listed for only $1,398,000. Walking to the local park, and the elementary school is easy. Enjoy the homes formal living and dining rooms. The house has an extra large 2 car garage, views from almost all rooms, and most bedrooms have walk-in closets.You can also relax in the flat backyard area where the views go for miles.If you are interested in seeing this home, it will be on Broker’s Open House tomorrow (Tuesday) from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Originally posted to Tuba Ghannadi's real estate blog Aboutpv.com 05/02/2017

VA Mortgage Loans in Ahwahnee  CA and 100% VA Loans -the best loan program in the country! VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today for both honorably discharged Vets and active duty military personnel. Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program: - Up to 100% financing, with no down required. - No monthly mortgage insurance added to your payment. - More lenient credit qualifying standards than other types of mortgage loans. - Low rates compared to other loan programs. So how do you qualify for a VA Mortgage Loan in Ahwahnee CA? The first step is to verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. You can work with an approved Windsor  CA VA mortgage loan lender to order your COE q... 04/29/2015

Murrieta CA Condos and Townhomes for Sale: Jan. 28, 2015. Looking for Murrieta Condos and Townhomes for sale? Then follow the link to view the complete list of Murrieta Condos and Townhomes for Sale.  Murrieta Real Estate Market Reports: Follow the link to check out Murrieta Condo and Townhome Price Trends! Data courtesy of the California Regional MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed, and is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. 01/28/2015

March Home MarketA Lion and a Lamb By Ed Bailey March 2014 was like both a “Lion” and a “lamb,” for our local real estate market. Our dollar volume in sales of single family residential properties (excluding mobile homes, condos, etc.) was up 19% at $12,288,520 compared to $10,298,349 in March 2013, even though we sold 18% fewer homes. For the past year our dollar volume was up by 19% also, at $135,318,958 compared to $111,426,422 for the same 12 months a year earlier.The past 6 months shows a median price increase of 24%, and the past 3 months shows a 31% increase over a year earlier, indicating a continuing upward price trend. Are we heading into another bubble? I don’t think so, at least not any time soon. Our median home price of $229,000 is still 36% below the median home price of ... 04/17/2014

El Segundo, California is fast becoming the Avant-Garde Mecca City of Southern California for Creative Talent and Independent Blusiness Tech Individuals. Nestled next to the famous cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach El Segundo boasts of an influx of Intellectual and Creative Artistic Techies who are searching for a Country type Community in an advanced world of Business Tech. Being Next to the International flow of World Traffic, the Los Angeles International Airport is only Minutes away. The Charm of Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry can be seen to influence the city from not to far away, yet the city retains its charm and simple life where Millionaires mingle with the common folk in sidewalk cafes and friendly Parks. 06/05/2013

Fun and Easy Glass Transformation Project Do you have glass accessories in your staging inventory that you would like to easily transform into something new?  Here's a project that takes very little time and is SO-easy.  The results will give you a sea-glass look for very little cost. This photo shows the supplies you will need, plus a fine bristle paint brush:  1)Glass object (candlesticks, vases, plates +++), 2)Elmer's Glue (undiluted), 3)Food coloring, 4) Paint brush Make sure to wash the glass piece to remove any grease or dirt. I used concentrated food coloring and it took only one drop for this color.  For more depth of color add more food coloring. Mix the color and glue thoroughly and simply paint it on to your glass object.  It will appear quite streaky when first applied and w... 05/24/2013

Here are some recent sales statistics for Madera County.  Data is from Realist: Sales Statisticsfor MADERA County CA Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 02/01/2013  Single Family Residence  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Dec 2012 - $-   Dec 2011 156 $125,000   Nov 2012 - $-   Nov 2011 128 $129,750   2012 YTD 1,370 $133,000   2011 1,780 $130,000   Condominium  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Dec 2012 - $-   Dec 2011 - $-   Nov 2012 - $-   Nov 2011 3 $70,000   2012 YTD 3 $67,000   2011 14 $67,500  02/11/2013

Here are some recent sales statistics for Madera County.  Data is from Realist:   Sales Statisticsfor MADERA County CA Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 12/14/2012  Single Family Residence  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Oct 2012 120 $140,000   Oct 2011 133 $130,000   Sep 2012 113 $133,000   Sep 2011 167 $125,000   2012 YTD 1,370 $133,000   2011 1,780 $130,000   Condominium  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Oct 2012 - $-   Oct 2011 2 $56,500   Sep 2012 1 $40,500   Sep 2011 4 $107,000   2012 YTD 3 $67,000   2011 14 $67,500  01/07/2013

"I just never saw all of those issues"  This is what a local RE agent said to me after we visited a 5000+ square foot listing which she knew had issues but she didn't see them as a buyer would see them. Initially this agent gasped at my consultation fee but she decided to go ahead because she knew that she needed help with this listing.  This is an estate situation and the only heir that was willing to do anything to his parent's home was overwhelmed.  Well, when I got done with the consult he was even more overwhelmed BUT he had a list of priorities and he knew what he was facing and where to start.  You can see just a few of the glaring issues in the above photos.  Mauve carpeting in every room, wallpaper in most rooms, mauve tile in the entry which had a lot of damage, heavy draperie... 11/04/2012

Here are some sales statistics for Madera County.  Data is from Realist: Sales Statisticsfor MADERA County CA Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 08/10/2012  Single Family Residence  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Jun 2012 146 $129,750   Jun 2011 164 $132,500   May 2012 176 $135,000   May 2011 156 $125,000   2012 YTD 1,017 $130,000   2011 1,780 $130,000   Condominium  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Jun 2012 1 $67,000   Jun 2011 - $-   May 2012 - $-   May 2011 - $-   2012 YTD 2 $72,500   2011 14 $67,500  09/02/2012

Here are some Sales Statistics for Madera County, CA.  Data is from Realist: Sales Statisticsfor MADERA County CA Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 06/26/2012  Single Family Residence  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   May 2012 176 $135,000   May 2011 156 $125,000   Apr 2012 142 $125,000   Apr 2011 156 $122,250   2012 YTD 816 $130,000   2011 1,780 $130,000   Condominium  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   May 2012 - $-   May 2011 - $-   Apr 2012 1 $78,000   Apr 2011 1 $43,000   2012 YTD 2 $72,500   2011 14 $67,500  07/29/2012

(This is a mythical story about mythical people -- but it happens in the real world) Homer Hockputh is a “Do it yourself” kind of guy. So, to sell his house he ran a local ad under the FSBO (For Sale by Owner) heading, and put a sign on his lawn. He got some offers right away and decided, “hey, this is easy! I can do it!” And he did! He sold his house, but was disappointed because he had to settle for a lot lower price than he wanted. What Homer didn’t know is that savvy investors watch those FSBO ads carefully, looking to pick up properties at below market value. Most buyers of our mountain area property, come from outside the local area, and never knew that Homer had a house for sale. Homer’s neighbor sold his similar house, of about equal value, but he got a much better price. He lis... 11/23/2011

Even a "Neutral" Paint Color Can Be the Wrong Color.    Frequently our Oakhurst and Fresno area company is called in to help clients with paint color selections.  Sometimes it is for preparing a home for sale (Real Estate Staging) and sometimes it's for staging for living and interior decorating.  Many of our clients want to maintain a neutral color palettes in the living area of their homes and we've always promoted neutral colors for Real Estate Staging.  However, sometimes colors that appear neutral are just wrong in a particular room. The following photos are one example of a color consult where the clients didn't like the "neutral" color palette in their great room but they didn't know why.  It didn't take long for me to see the problem.  They had selected their neutral by grabbing... 10/02/2011

Three Little Words or Thoughts that will Scare Away Buyers.  Do you know what they are?    These illustrations may help.                           Savvy Realtors today know that today's buyers do not want to spend their hard-earned money on a seller's "TO DO" list.  There are many statistics showing that a large percentage of buyer's today are willing to pay more for a home that is move-in ready.  That being said, then a home that is less than move-in ready is likely to linger on the market until a significant price reduction occurs. Buying a home is a emotional undertaking for most people.  They want to envision themselves in a house living a lifestyle that reflects what they want for themselves and their families.  A major need in selling a house is to create a perception of relaxatio... 09/20/2011

Agents, would you ask your clients to do this?  When the sellers of this house called our Oakhurst California home staging company to help make this house more market friendly, we gave these clients a long to-do list and this closet was on that list.      To some people this space says, "Oh how handy or what a smart idea."  To others it says, "Mauve, oh great we would have to paint and where's the closet?"  First, it's important to understand the layout of the house where this "mini office" was placed.  This is a three bedroom house with no pre-defined office space.  Since the lady of the home had taken over the third bedroom for her crafts, this small space was her husband's office space. It was located in the second bedroom, which was still a guest bedroom, with a bed, BUT with this s... 07/28/2011

Do your fondest memories live in your heart or in your stuff? I first heard that statement from TV personality and organizing guru Peter Walsh many years ago on TLC's Clean Sweep.  One of his television clients was complaining about his asking her to part with items that had belonged to a family member that had passed away.  He politely replied that the memories of that person belongs in your heart not in their stuff and NO ONE can take that away from you. (As an after note please see my comment #9...I'm thrilled)  That was an ah ha moment for me. I have since used this line of thinking when considering what to keep and what to donate or trash from my own home. Now, I use similar statements with our Fresno, Madera and Mariposa County home staging and decorating clients.  When working wi... 07/06/2011

California Realtors®, the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), has been given approval for this continuing education class for agents, Earn 2 units in consumer protection and learn about the industry of Professional Home Staging. Learn how to present professional home staging to your clients and how to get them to move forward on showing their house at it's very best.  Ask your local home stager if they offer this class or check the RESA website for more information.  This class is also available in other states.    06/21/2011