Brad's Blog

Who Would You Recommend to Your Family & Friends?

2012-01-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to take a moment of your time to introduce a complimentary service I provide for all of my referral partners. My Client Appreciation Program! It's part of the commitment I have made to run my business exclusively by referral. Every month I will be sending information that I believe you will find useful.

This first piece (click here to download), explains how my decision to work by referral benefits you and your referrals. It allows me to devote my time and energy to meeting the needs of my clients. There are a number of ways that I can be a valuable resource to you, such as providing market updates and referring other reputable professionals when you need them.

I will make a constant effort to provide your referrals with excellent service, because in my business, the most profound assets I possess are your respect and trust. Feel free to call if you need anything at all, I am always here to help.

DRE License# 01869321

Get Techy in the New Year!

2012-01-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Over 35% of American cell phone owners have a smart phone.* While the majority of smart phone owners use the device to access the Internet daily, one-in-four conduct most of their online activities on the device, which is expected to grow in the coming years.

Technology is being developed every day that allows us to carry our favorite photos, books, songs, videos and business and personal documents; organize our lives, and connect with loved ones and colleagues from a gadget that fits in the palms of our hands.

This month (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value), I’m sharing information about the latest smart phones, tablets and e-readers that are designed to entertain, streamline productivity and boost connectivity anywhere in the world. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Now that you've bought that new device, what do you do with all your old electronics? Don't just throw them away! Click here to download and learn how to dispose of them properly.

*Source: Wall Street Journal, July 11, 2011

Setting Attainable Goals in 2012

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again, when we begin to think about the future and what we’d like to accomplish in the New Year. Clearly defined goals are vital to creating the life that you imagine.

Setting goals can be an intimidating process for many. However, the information I’m sending you this month explains how to create feasible and measurable goals that will drive you forward and help you achieve your dreams. (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value)

While the first page explains how to set SMART goals through visualization, page two offers suggestions to help you overcome the common obstacles to achieving your goals. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Get the Most out of Black Friday Retail Deals

2011-11-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

This holiday season is right around the corner and you know what that means: Black Friday. While many people brave the crowds before dawn to capitalize on big savings from major retailers, others sleep in and surf the internet for similar deals.

Whatever your strategy, This month’s information (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value) helps you prepare for the holiday shopping season. The first page offers tips and tricks to help you score deals on gifts for everyone on your list. Page two provides valuable information about how to avoid scams and protect your credit and debit card information both in the store and online. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

As an extra bonus this holiday, Click here for Smart phone apps “5 Free Apps” to save you even more money this Holiday Season.

The Average Kitchen Renovation has a Return on Investment of 68.7%*

2011-08-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

The kitchen remains the most popular room in the house to remodel. Homeowners renovate to modernize the space with the latest appliances, to accommodate changing needs or to add value to the home in anticipation of a home sale. Although it’s tempting to spend thousands on the latest trends and brands, it is possible to revamp the kitchen without breaking the bank.

This month Item of Value (Click here to Download) contains valuable information about conducting a cost-effective kitchen remodel. The first page outlines cost-saving alternatives of the most common elements of a kitchen remodel. Page two offers valuable tips for a pre-sale kitchen renovation. Feel free to share this information with family and friends who may be interested in remodeling their kitchens.

Please call me for more information about kitchen renovations or for a referral to a contractor.

*Source: National Association of Realtors 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report

Detox Your Home!

2011-06-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in many states and municipalities across the country, it’s illegal to discard household hazardous waste into your regular trash? A tiny AA battery may seem harmless; however, as part of the 4 million pounds of household hazardous waste that Americans generate every day, the battery is part of a potent mix that can create lasting consequences.

The information I’m sending you in this months Item Of Value (Click Here to Download) outlines how to properly dispose of common household hazardous materials to keep your family and community safe. Goods we use every day, including CFL light bulbs and computers, contain harmful chemicals that when released can pollute the air, soil and water.

Since identifying these products can be tricky, page two provides a helpful list of items containing hazardous materials that you may have in your household. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

Please call me for more information about household hazardous waste or for a referral to a disposal site.

Have You Ever Thought About Moving?

2011-05-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Buying a home or selling the place you have is more than just a major lifestyle change; for many people it’s the largest financial transaction they will ever undertake.

In This months Item of Value (Click HERE to Download) I have sent some valuable tips that provide sellers with strategies they need to get their home sold quickly and for the best possible price. On page two, buyers will learn how to master the current market and acquire the home of their dreams. Know someone else who would find this information helpful? Share it with family and friends!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling soon, or know someone who is, it’s important to lean into the knowledge of a local agent who can guide you through the process, and you know that I am always here to help.

Please call for an estimate of your home’s current value or to discuss your situation, goals and options.

Fantastic New Listing in Penasquitos Bluffs!

2011-05-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Get the Most Bang for Your Home Improvement Bucks

2011-04-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Replacing drafty windows and exterior doors with energy-efficient new technologies often pays off immediately in the form of lower energy bills. It can also provide a dramatic lift to your home’s curb appeal and market value.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value Report, these projects delivered some of the highest returns of all moderately-priced home improvements. This month’s resource discusses a number of reasons to change out older windows and doors. It also includes tips for picking the perfect windows to suit your home, climate and pocketbook (Click Here to Download).

I hope you find this information useful. Please call if you have additional questions or would like to discuss this topic further—I’m always happy to help!

Sincerely,

Brad Michels

Are you Prepared?

2011-03-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks we have seen the devastating effects a natural disaster can have on the lives of millions of people. No one ever really knows when a situation like the ones in New Zealand or Japan will occur. It is for this reason that one of the largest problems when disaster strikes is the lack of preparedness by individuals.

Do you have an emergency plan? Where would you meet? How long would you wait there? Who would get the kids or the animals? Do you have enough food and water to last everyone in your household? How long will it last? These are all questions that can and should be answered before a disaster strikes.

This months Item of Value (click here to download) was developed by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to help families be prepared in the event of a disaster. The Family Disaster Plan is a template and guide that will help you prepare for and survive a disaster. While this plan was developed for San Diego it's practices are valuable anywhere.

My job is to help you obtain one of your most important assets, but you, my clients, friends and family are my most precious assets, so please take the time to protect yourself and your family.

In addition to this months Item of Value is FEMA's in depth disaster preparedness report. This comprehensive and informative guide covers preparedness topics from earthquakes to electrical storms....just over 200 pages of useful "must-have" of information to keep your family safe. Please make sure to download it and go over it yourself or with your family.

Would You Like to Save an Extra $1000 This Year?

2011-02-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Many of us would like to adopt a more environmentally-responsible lifestyle, especially if it happened to lower our living expenses at the same time. Fortunately, there are some easy, cost-effective ways for your household to help preserve the earth’s natural resources and keep harmful chemicals and pesticides out of our air and water supply.

In this month's Item of Value(click here to download) I've sent a resource that details a number of relatively simple changes that could save you as much as $1000 in utility costs each year. The suggestions are just a few of the great ideas detailed in a recent book called “Shift Your Habit,” by Elizabeth Rogers.

The payoff just might include a healthier home and a more livable community. I hope you can take advantage of these insightful tips, and save a bundle, too.

Are You Leaving Money on the Table at Tax Time?

2011-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dig out your files, envelopes or shoeboxes full of records and receipts—it’s time to get your tax information organized! Preparing your returns can be a daunting task, but it’s one that should never be taken lightly.

In This months Item of Value (click to download) I have sent helpful information about the range of tax deductions and credits available to taxpayers for 2010, many of which are specific to homeowners.

Taking full advantage of the breaks you deserve may reduce your tax burden or get you a bigger refund from the IRS. Keep in mind that the sooner you file, the sooner the government can return your money. I’d be happy to recommend a knowledgeable professional if you could use some help.

Is Opportunity Knocking?

2010-12-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

Historically low interest rates and bargain prices have made homeownership the most affordable it has been at any time during the past 40 years.* And while the market won’t shift overnight, dramatic decreases in new home production and household formation suggest that as demand for homes returns over the next couple of years it could outpace supply in some places.

This month (click here to download the Item of Value) I have sent an interesting piece about the current state of the national housing market and the opportunity it presents for those who are ready to take advantage of it. Nobody knows exactly how the recovery will unfold, but over the long run, owning property in America has always been a solid investment.

Keep in mind that all real estate is fundamentally local. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to tell you more about the housing situation in our area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask!

Have you sent or received a friend request today?

2010-11-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

The average Facebook member has 130 friends and is connected to 80 community pages, groups or events. The growing popularity of social media is a global trend that is difficult to ignore. Teens and young adults were the first to spend time socializing online, but their elders have recently discovered the benefits. Statistics show that adults over age 50 are the fastest growing category of social networkers.

In this months Item of Value (click here to download) I have an interesting piece about how social media use is changing the everyday lives of many families. It also includes information on some serious problems that teens could potentially encounter and tips to help parents protect their kids online.

I hope you are enjoying all of the wonderful things associated with the holiday season. Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Huge Potential!!

2010-11-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in San Diego, CA, $239,900

A Holiday Budget is a Beautiful Thing!

2010-10-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

40% of Americans start shopping for holiday gifts before Halloween.
- National Retail Federation

The holidays are fast approaching. Have you started to prepare for this fun and exciting time of year? Unfortunately, many people could end up paying for the merriment long after it has passed.

Click Here, because this month I have sent some tips to help keep spending in check while still enjoying the fruits of the season. You’ll also find some practical gift-giving strategies.

I hope you and yours have a warm and wonderful holiday season! As always, please call if there is anything I can do for you personally.

Are you a Winner or a Loser!?

2010-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

You may ask yourself, what kind of question is that?
Well, check out this great article from my mentor and business coach Brian Buffini!!

Buffini

Are you Protected??

2010-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

September's Item of Value is a great jumping off point in getting you prepared for the future and protecting your estate. Please download and read this very important information, as it could save you thousands of dollars in the future!

Click here to download the Item of Value

State of the market!

2010-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Things are looking good in SD real estate!

After a bit of a false inflation of the market with all the tax credits (proven by what we saw reported in July with record low numbers for real estate sales) the sky wasn't falling the market was re-adjusting, we're back to normal, or at least whatever we can call normal right now!

Home prices have crept up a little in lower end of the market and are still falling at the high end. Interest rates, while seeing some fluctuations over the past few days, are still at all time low's!

If you can afford to sell it's a good time to look at making a step up, or (if you're qualified) start looking for that investment property! And buyers can still make some great deals!

Remember there are twice as many millionaires made in a down market as there are in an up one!

If you have any questions about what's going on in real estate feel free to contact me anytime, I'm here as your resource!

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in La Mesa, CA, $119,000

2010-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in La Mesa, CA, $119,000

Should You Be a Trend Watcher?

2010-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

In this month's Item of Value I have sent information about the most recent trends captured by a prominent survey of American architects.(Click Here to Download this months Item of Value)

July Item of Value Video

2010-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

2010-07-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

It Just Keeps Getting Better!!!!

2010-06-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Not only have interest rates continued to remain at an all time low, but today they have dropped again!!!!! 30 yr Fixed 4.375%!!!!!!

June Item of Value Video

2010-06-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

Great Investment Opportunity

2010-05-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

What is HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative)?

2010-04-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

Times they are a changing!

2010-03-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the next new thing coming down the mortgage pipeline!

This is a reminder that as of April 2nd, 2010 the UFMIP (or Mortgage Insurance Premium) for all FHA case numbers ordered on or after this date will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This means the closing costs to purchase your home are increasing! If you intend to do an FHA loan in the immediate future, you must order your case number NOW!

If you need a referral to a reputable, reliable lender. Call me and I'll be happy to get you connected with someone I know who will take excellent care of you!

California New $10,000 Tax Credit for 1st time Buyers

2010-03-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Homebuyer tax credits are almost certainly returning.

California buyers can begin claiming $10,000 tax credits starting May 1 under a bill expected to be signed soon by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The legislation allocates $200 million for more state tax credits – twice what was offered last year to 10,659 buyers of new, unoccupied homes. The state's newest housing stimulus will grant $100 million in tax credits to first-time buyers of existing homes and $100 million to anyone who buys a new, unoccupied home.

The state Franchise Tax Board on Tuesday estimated nearly 32,000 homeowners statewide might get the tax breaks. Buyers must close escrow or reserve a credit on or after May 1 and before or on Dec. 31 to qualify.

The governor signaled his intent Monday while signing two other budget bills. In a signing message, he commended the Legislature for approving the tax credit bill, saying it will stimulate "the housing industry, creating jobs for thousands of Californians."

Schwarzenegger proposed the housing stimulus in his January State of the State Address to help revive the California economy. The new state tax credit would take effect one day after expiration of a federal $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

As was the case last year, buyers won't be eligible for the full $10,000 credit if they owe the state less than that amount over a three-year period. Buyers can get up to $3,333 off their tax obligation in each of the three years after buying a house.
Buyers must be at least 18 years old and be unrelated to the seller. They must live in the home they buy. First-time buyers are defined as those who have not owned a home in the past three years

"The eligible taxpayer who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit.

This credit is equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183 purchasers will be required to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e. repay it to the state)." - Added exerpt from C.A.R.

This information was taken from:
Schwarzenegger expected to sign new $10,000 California homebuyer tax credit
By Jim Wasserman
jwasserman@sacbee.com
Published: Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2010 - 12:00 am Page 1B
Last Modified: Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2010 - 10:48 am
Read more:
http://http//www.sacbee.com/2010/03/24/2629239/schwarzenegger-expected-to-sign.html#ixzz0j7qfCh0M

The Short Sale Solution!!!

2010-02-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Short Sales are the new solution for solving today's real estate crisis! Many of us bought or homes thinking that one day we would be able to refinance or sell. Due to recent economic times both of these options, to most, have become impossible. Trying to work with the banks to obtain a modification is almost a joke and the banks aren't working with homeowners to reduce their balances or recast their loans!

If you are like many of the 1 out 6 (that's 15%) people who are distressed (either in foreclosure or in default (30+ days past due)) then a Short Sale may be your best and only option.

I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and I understand what it takes to navigate through the short sale process and I have the tools and skills necessary to get deals done. Take a look below at the outline of the many benefits of doing a Short Sale versus a Foreclosure. One of the most attractive benefits is that in the majority of situations all fees are taken from the proceeds of the sale. This means, in most cases, you pay nothing!

Don't trust just anyone to short sale your home. This is a job for an expert! A Certified Distressed Property Expert! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Call me today and we can work together to find a solution that works for you!

CDPE Interview

2010-02-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

90 Day Flip rule Changes!!!

2010-01-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

Just in case you didn't see this...

90-Day Seasoning Waiver Expanded!
This update from FHA was released on Friday January 15th, 2010, as an excerpt from the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) without a corresponding Mortgagee Letter and contains information about FHA's policies regarding the waiver of the 90-day seasoning required for sellers.

Here are the 6 things you need to know about these changes:

1. Waiver takes effect February 1st, 2010 for 1 year unless extended.
2. Investors are now exempt from the 90-day seasoning rule.
3. All transactions must be arms-length.
4. No identity of interest can exist between buyer and seller.
5. If sale price is 20% or more of the seller's acquisition cost, the lender must:
a. provide supporting documentation and/or a second appraisal and
b. order an inspection of the property and provide it to the buyer.
6. The waiver is limited to forward mortgages only.

To read the text of this waiver and specific details: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/waivpropflip2010.pdf

Auld Lang Syne

2009-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

December Item of Value- Happy Holidays!

2009-12-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-11-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Some great information about the extension of the tax credit from my good friend Laural Spindler at Net America Lending.

General Rules:

A "first time home buyer" is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years. If you are a "first-time home buyer", your tax credit will amount to 10% of the purchase price of your new home not to exceed $8,000.
A "long-time resident" is defined as someone who has lived in the same primary home for 5 out of the past 8 years. If you are a "long-time resident", your tax credit will amount to 10% of the purchase price of your new home not to exceed $6,500.
The tax credit does not need to be paid back if you continue living in the home as your primary residence for three years without selling it.
The home must be purchased for less than $800,000 before May 1, 2010. If you sign a binding contract to purchase a home before May 1st, you would need to close on the transaction before July 1, 2010.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit
You cannot purchase the home from a related party like a spouse, direct ancestor, or direct lineal descendent (child or grandchild); however, you can still qualify for the credit if you purchase a property from siblings, nephews, nieces, and others
If you are married, both spouses must qualify for the credit
If more than one unmarried individual is buying the property, the credit can be split up among all the individuals who qualify. However, the total credit taken cannot exceed $8,000 (or $6,500 for "long-time residents"). Alternatively, if only one of the unmarried buyers qualifies for the credit based on their income or past home ownership status, the individual who qualifies for the credit can claim the full credit.
The credit applies even if you have co-signers on your mortgage loan
The credit applies to 1-4 unit homes as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence - you could live in one unit and rent out the others!

How does the tax credit work?
A tax credit is kind of like a gift certificate that you can use to pay your taxes - it reduces your income tax bill on a dollar for dollar basis. Imagine paying your bill at IRS Restaurant, and then later getting an IRS Restaurant gift certificate. Normally, you would need to go back to IRS Restaurant and buy more food in order to use your new gift certificate. But what if IRS Restaurant allowed you to just turn in your gift certificate for cash? That's how the home buyer tax credit works! All you need to do is file a form with the IRS after you buy your new home and they will send you a refund check for $8,000 (or $6,500) - just like the example of IRS Restaurant that allows you to exchange your gift certificate for cash! Remember though, you'll receive the $8,000 (or $6,500) from the IRS AFTER you purchase your new home, so you cannot use the funds to help with your down payment.

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication. I recommend that you consult with properly licensed legal, tax and investment advisors for specific advice pertaining to your individual situation.

Rehab E-Item of Value November

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

E-IOV Intro

2009-11-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Just Be Aware!!!! - LOAN MODIFICATION ATTORNEYS UNDER INVESTIGATION

2009-09-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is an important article I received today that I felt needed to be brought to your attention.

Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The State Bar of California has recently launched numerous investigations against attorneys for misconduct related to loan modifications. In a rare move, the State Bar has released the names of 16 attorneys under investigation, by opting to waive investigation confidentiality in favor of public protection. These attorneys have allegedly taken fees for promised services, but failed to perform those services or even communicate with their clients who face the possible loss of their homes. Their non-attorney staff may also be under investigation for unlawfully practicing law.
Not all attorneys engaged in loan modifications are unscrupulous. However, this announcement from the State Bar serves as a good reminder for REALTORS® and their clients to be careful when dealing with attorneys and others for loan modifications. Scam artists may intentionally associate or affiliate themselves with attorneys in an attempt to lend credence to their fraudulent schemes. The list of attorneys currently under investigation is available at http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10144&n=96395.

C.A.R. provides REALTORS® with many legal articles covering a wide range of topics of interest. Some of the new or newly revised legal articles available at http://qa.car.org are as follows:
Signs: Can They Be Regulated?
Firestorms: Basic Real Estate Legal Issues.

Realegal® is published by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a trade association representing more than 175,000 REALTORS® statewide.

Edited by:
Stella Ling, stellal@car.org
Executive offices:525 South Virgil Ave.,
Los Angeles CA 90020
phone (213) 739-8200;
fax (213) 480-7724

Legislative offices:
980 Ninth Street #1430,
Sacramento CA 95814
phone (916) 492-5200;
fax (916) 444-2033

To view C.A.R.'s Privacy Policy click on this link:http://www.car.org/aboutus/privacypolicy

Written inquiries regarding Realegal® should be directed to Stella Ling, stellal@car.org.

It's Time to Look Ahead

2009-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Ok people, the worst is behind us and it's time to prepare for the future. There are still some rocky times ahead and many of us are having to deal with some tough times right now, but there's light at the end of tunnel. Before you get there make sure you have a plan so when it hits your prepared.

A huge problem that I see so prevalent in today's society is instant gratification. In the olden days when you wanted to buy a home (or anything of value for that matter) you had bite, fight, scratch, scrimp, and save just to barely have enough money for a down payment. So when you finally had that money saved and you got that home, it meant something to you! That was your blood, sweat and tears that went into that down payment. In recent years, all you needed was a heartbeat and the lender told you you were qualified, you'd need zero money for a down payment and the seller would give you a credit for all your closing costs! Can you see the problem!!! There's no vested interest, there's no skin in the game!! I'm not saying I'm perfect or immune to it either. I've been caught up in myself, but the time has come to see things for what they are, make ourselves better and look and prepare for the future.

A great we do that is to start a budget. We know we've over spent before, but now we can learn from those numbers to help us have more money in the future. Here's a few simple steps to help get you on your way.

1) Go back over all your expenses for the past 6 months (this will take some time, but it's worth
it)
2) Separate them into home or Business expenses
3) Categorize each expense - Here are some examples of what I use
Groceries
Parking
Mortgage/Rent
Marketing
Bank Fees
Personal Grooming
Pet Care
Savings - (Yes, this is a category!! You must always remember to PAY YOURSELF
FIRST!!!!)
You get the idea. Do this for each of the past 6 months
4) Now look at What your income has been for the past 6 months (break it down monthly).
Have you been living within your means??
Where can you make cuts? What have you been spending too much money on?
For me it was food! I love to eat, but I was spending way too much money on it!
5) Use the average for the past 6 months of each of your categories to come up with a budget
amount. Now you have budget for this month, see if you can stick to it! Remember it's a
working budget make changes to each category as needed!

Here is a great rule to live by when it comes to your finances. 70-10-10-10
Live off of 70% of your income

10% goes to Savings (once you have at least 6 months of reserves (that means you if you lost your income you could still live with NO money coming in for 6 months) then you can start using this 10% for investment)

10% goes to Charity (Remember, you have to give to receive, you deal it out in slices and it'll come back to you in loaves)

10% goes to Investments (I'll leave this up to you!)

Take a few hours Tonight and get this done! It's the start of a new month and just think come December you could be buying all those holiday gifts with CASH instead of putting yourself further into debt!

Think about it, it's worth it!

And remember, I'm never too busy for you or your referrals!

Short Sales!?!

2009-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

What are they?
First, for our purposes of real estate, a short sale is someone selling their home for less than what they owe.

Example:
Soju bought his home for $300,000 now he has to sell due to financial hardship, but his home is only worth $250,000. He has to ask his lender to accept a payoff of $250,000 and release him from having to payback that remaining $50,000.*
$300,000(amount owed)- $250,000(current value) = $50,000

Why do a short sale?
Loss of job, Death of a Spouse or significant other are the two main reasons why a bank would even consider such a thing. But there are other financial hardships that could be reason for a short sale, if you have questions or would like to discuss your situation please call me.

Avoiding foreclosure. Many banks will lose a lot of money if they have to foreclose on a home. By negotiating a short sale they can save themselves thousands of dollars, and instead of tarnishing your credit with a foreclosure your lender looks at it as a "settlement of debt."

Statistics show that 70% of homeowners facing foreclosure or who are in danger of losing their home never contact a real estate professional for help!!* There is help out there and many banks are working with homeowners to either modify or short sale their homes. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance please call me, I'm here to help!

*Short selling can have major tax implications. Be sure to consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for all possible consequences.
*According to the Mortgage Bankers Association®

4th of July

2009-07-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hope Everyone had a safe and Happy holiday! Happy Independence Day America!

State of the market

2009-06-30T13:02:00.001-07:00

Despite what you may be hearing in the news all signs point the fact that the real estate market has passed the bottom! This is great news for all you sellers out there, there are buyers in the marketplace who want to buy your home (providing of course you have enough equity to sell). And for you buyers GET OFF THE FENCE before you miss your chance, interest rates will slowly start to creep up, which equals less buying power! This of course is just my opinion, I have no crystal ball, but if you have questions or would like to talk about buying or selling a home, feel free to contact me! I'm never too busy for you or your referrals!