O.C. Real Estate Consultant

Lower your energy cost with…

by Jeffrey Simons on October 4, 2011 in What's New? Comments { 0 }

I thought this was some excellent information and I’m hopeful that you or someone you know can benefit from this… enjoy.

Know when to say “NO”!

by Jeffrey Simons on October 1, 2011 in how can I get a loan modification, how do I get a loan modification, how do I get financial help, Short Sale Updates, whats happening with my loan modification, who can help me get financing Comments { 0 }

*THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SHORT SALE LISTING AGENTS IN THIS MARKET ARE THE ONES THAT KNOW HOW/WHEN TO SAY “NO”*

1. DETERMINE IF THE HOMEOWNER CAN/WANTS TO STAY IN THE HOME.
With the push for lender’s to keep people in their homes, a loan modification is a possibility and your homeowner needs to know about it. Be knowledgeable and be able to explain to them their options. For example, if a homeowner has not made a payment in 12 months, know how to calculate the payment to determine whether or not they can afford the terms of a modification. Review the statement with the homeowner and determine the following:

Add the current mortgage balance + missed payments + penalties
Amortize the balance at 2% over 30 years
Add in the taxes, insurance and/or HOA
Determine if they can afford it and that it is not greater than 34% of their gross income

2. REVIEW ALL THE MORTGAGE STATEMENTS WITH THE HOMEOWNERS

3. PULL A PRELIMINARY TITLE REPORT AND CHECK FOR ALL LIENS

If a client determines the best option for them is a short sale, help them understand the process, discuss the scenarios, explain what may or may not happen with the buyer, with the appraisal, and with the lender/negotiator. The best chance of a successful short sale starts with an educated, understanding and cooperative client.

If they choose not to cooperate, or they just want to stay in their home, help them find comfort in that decision, and educate them on what to expect. You never know if they will change their mind and call you later.

If you or someone you know needs the help of a skilled short sale consultant, like me, feel good knowing that I’m here to help you. Simply give me a call or send me an email…

INSIGHT AND THOUGHT PROVIDED BY SCOTT CHAPLIN, BANK OF AMERICA

Opportunities in your improvements… read on

by Jeffrey Simons on August 6, 2011 in Selling your Home, This month in Real Estate, What's New? Comments { 0 }

An inspector passed this along to me and I thought it may be worth sharing… check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Any questions on what the right improvements in your home may be… simply give me a call and I will happily meet with you, make some cost saving suggestions, and introduce you to the professionals that can get it done right, and a great value to you. Talk to you soon…

Have you heard about SB458?

by Jeffrey Simons on July 25, 2011 in Short Sale Updates, What's New? Comments { 0 }

This is some major news…

In a major victory for REALTORS®, Governor Brown signed into law today a C.A.R.-sponsored bill, Senate Bill 458, prohibiting a deficiency after a short sale for one-to-four residential units, regardless of whether the lender is a senior or junior lienholder. Effective immediately for transactions closing escrow from this day forward, both senior and junior lienholders cannot require a borrower to owe or pay for a deficiency in a short sale. This law also prohibits any deficiency judgment to be requested or rendered for senior or junior liens after a short sale of one-to-four residential units. Any purported waiver of this rule shall be void and against public policy.

Although a lender cannot require a borrower to pay any additional compensation in exchange for a short sale approval, the new law does not prohibit a borrower from voluntarily offering a monetary contribution to a lender in hopes of obtaining a short sale. A lender is also permitted under the new law to negotiate for a contribution from someone other than the borrower, such as other lenders, agents, relatives, and the like.
Exceptions to the new law include a lender seeking damages for a borrower’s fraud or waste; a borrower that is a corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or political subdivision of the state; a lien secured by a bond as specified; a public utility lien; and additional rules apply if a note is cross-collateralized by more than one property.

Now the real question is, how will the second lien holders negotiate towards a settlement? You should expect that they will increase their demands to close and make the negotiating process that much more challenging. Your thoughts?

Be Careful….

by Jeffrey Simons on June 22, 2011 in Tip of the Week!, What's New? Comments { 0 }

There is a new scam taking place with Mortgage Servicing Companies…

Please let me know your thought by sending me an email or leaving a comment below. Thank you!

Where’s my charger?

by Jeffrey Simons on June 17, 2011 in Tip of the Week! Comments { 0 }

Check out this great little tip that you may benefit from:

Please send me an email and let me know what you think or leave a comment below. Thank you for your time and have a great day!

Stay cool this summer with these A/C tips…

by Jeffrey Simons on June 10, 2011 in Tip of the Week!, What's New? Comments { 0 }

Air Conditioning not working the way that it should? Try a few of these “quick fixes” to save yourself time, money and headaches.

Remember, air conditioners are designed to keep your home 20-25 degrees cooler than the temperature outdoors.

Common Reasons and Possible Solutions to Get Your Air Conditioning Unit Running Cool Again.

The power may be out.

Check the circuit breakers, fuses and plugs. Ensure that the circuit breakers are not tripped, or the fuses blown. Reset the circuit breakers if needed.

The batteries in the thermostat may need to be replaced.

Check the batteries in the thermostat and replace them if needed.

The thermostat may be set incorrectly.

Ensure that the thermostat is set to the A/C setting, COOL.

The thermostat may be set too high.

Set the thermostat on the air conditioner below room temperature.

The selector switch may be set to FAN ONLY.

Set the selector switch to circulate. Seal any leaks where the housing meets the window.

The outdoor temperature may be too cool.

The outside temperature must be over 70° in order for the air conditioner to work to capacity. Set the thermostat to COOL first thing in the morning to maintain the temperature throughout the day.

There may be obstructions or debris in the ductwork blocking the flow of air.

Clear the ducts and the unit of any debris or obstructions for proper air flow.

The registers may be closed.

Open the register(s) to let air flow into the room(s).

If these solutions don’t solve your problem or you still need help, feel good knowing that I have a great referral for you. All you have to do is take out your cell phone, look up my number and give me a call so you can get the help you need from some you can trust, like me. Have a great day and make sure you share this with your friends and family.