Lee Ginsburg

Is Your Home Under Water? New FHA Refi might help!!!
September 15, 2010 · · 2 Comments

 So many home owners in San Bruno, South San Francisco, Daly City, San Mateo and all over the country owe more than their home is worth (under water).  Some have tried to modify their loan, short sale, refinance and have run into a frustrating brick wall. 

Well here is a new alternative.  FHA has a new loan that will allow refinancing for homes under water.   They do have very specific requirement but it is worth a shot.  Please read the following article from the Sunday September 5, 2010 S.F. Chronicle written by Kathleen Pender in her Net worth column. Please do not hesitate to contact me for FHA approved lenders. lee@leesellsmore.com or 877-Lee-Sells    

  Read more

Lee Ginsburg

Bless San Bruno
September 12, 2010 · · 4 Comments

You know we have seen other natural disasters similar to the San Bruno Explosion. 

When we watch it on TV  and it happens hundreds or thousands of miles away it  a tragedy,  it is terrible.

When it happens around the corner from you and it is heartbreaking. 

When it happens to you, I doubt there are words to explain those your thoughts. 

When you see the outpouring of volunteers, donations, and support it is heartwarming. 
It makes me proud to say that I have lived and worked in San Bruno for 35 years ever since I moved from the East Coast.

Next time someone asks me where I work, I am going to say Loud and Clear;
Prudential California Realty in SAN BRUNO, “The City of Care and Compassion”!

Want to read more on the Care and Compassion of San Bruno  http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_16045332?nclick_check=1 

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Donations-rolling-in-to-San-Bruno-102643424.html

RecCenter 20100911_041003_scfirefighters1_300

Lets give credit where credit is due.  The Police Department, The Fire Department, Mayor Jim Ruane,  City Manager  Connie Jackson, City Council People, neighboring  Cities, Millbrae, Burlingame, South San Francisco, Daly City and others worked so hard and professionally.  Within hours an evacuation center was  set  up and within 12 hours many state and federal agencies, Red Cross, along with insurance companies had tables set up to help with the recovery.

Want to know where to Donate -http://http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_16045332?nclick_check=1

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/peninsula&id=7660232

Lee Ginsburg
www.leesellsmore.com

Lee Ginsburg

Baseball’s "Field of Dreams" for Sale
June 26, 2010 · · 3 Comments

Yes! The baseball Diamond that Universal Studios built in
Dyersville, Iowa is for sale.  Please let me know if you have interest. I would love to represent you in the negotiations. Maybe we can arrange to have it moved to San Bruno or South San Francisco. 

Follow the link
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7721998/Field-of-Dreams-for-sale.html

www.leesellsmore.com

Lee Ginsburg

Appraisal and Loan Contingency
May 17, 2010 · · 2 Comments

Thought this was very well explained for a confusing and very important matter.

“Q: I’m getting an FHA loan to finance my first home. I’m in contract right now. Our appraisal is done and the house appraised for the sale price but the loan process is not yet done, although I was preapproved. My agent says the lender has to review the appraisal.

I’m confused about the difference between the loan contingency and the appraisal contingency. My agent says I should remove the appraisal contingency, but I’m not sure about that.”

Check out Tara-Nicholle Nelsons answer:
http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/tara-nicholle-nelson/plan-a-contingencies-lessons-buyers

http://leesellsmore.com/

Lee Ginsburg

Remodeling? Don’t do it to resell!
May 8, 2010 · · 2 Comments

Midrange Remodeling Costs Vs. Payback from Remodeling Magazine
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/division/pacific/city/san-francisco–ca.aspx

repair man

Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Project Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Change vs.. 2008-09
$13,114 $10,674 81.4% Siding Replacement (vinyl) $10,607 $8,476 79.9% clip_image002
$12,760 $11,328 88.8% Window Replacement (vinyl) $10,728 $8,217 76.6% clip_image002[1]
$13,804 $12,175 88.2% Window Replacement (wood) $11,700 $9,044 77.3% clip_image002[2]
$47,052 $32,057 68.1% Bathroom Addition $39,046 $23,233 59.5% clip_image002[3]
$18,864 $14,517 77.0% Bathroom Remodel $16,142 $11,454 71.0% clip_image002[4]
$16,956 $13,922 82.1% Deck Addition (composite) $15,373 $10,904 70.9% clip_image002[5]
$12,838 $11,744 91.5% Deck Addition (wood) $10,634 $8,573 80.6% clip_image002[6]
$3,835 $2,930 76.4% Entry Door Replacement (fiberglass) $3,490 $2,275 65.2% clip_image004[3]
$1,353 $1,732 128.0% Entry Door Replacement (steel) $1,172 $1,470 128.9% clip_image004[4]
$100,023 $73,551 73.5% Family Room Addition $82,756 $54,051 65.3% clip_image002[7]
$83,463 $45,245 54.2% Sunroom Addition $73,167 $37,118 50.7% clip_image002[8]
$184,839 $143,073 77.4% Two-Story Addition $156,309 $107,286 68.6% clip_image002[9]
$63,803 $53,923 84.5% Major Kitchen Remodel $57,215 $41,260 72.1% clip_image002[10]
$124,579 $90,616 72.7% Master Suite Addition $103,696 $67,578 65.2% clip_image002[11]
$23,210 $21,991 94.8% Minor Kitchen Remodel $21,411 $16,773 78.3% clip_image002[12]
$24,712 $18,829 76.2% Roofing Replacement $19,731 $13,133 66.6% clip_image005
Lee Ginsburg

Realtors Help Seniors
February 16, 2010 · · 1 Comment

RSVP is Coming

May 3-7

Get The Word Out!

Register now at http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/RSVP10_homeownerAPP.pdf

repair

WHAT IS RSVP?
RSVP is an annual week-long community outreach program that takes place in May 3-7 during “Adopt-A-Senior” Week. Realtors of San Mateo County provides free assistance to seniors who cannot otherwise perform certain household tasks due to physical or financial constraints.
FREE HOME SERVICES FOR SENIORS & THE HOMEBOUND
Washing windows, changing furnace filters, turning over mattresses, vacuuming, changing light bulbs, replacing smoke detector batteries and other similar household tasks are just a few chores that Realtors will perform.
The program is one way Realtors and Affiliates can give back to their communities.
Who is eligible?  If you are a senior or homebound and live in San Bruno, South San Francisco, Daly City, Millbrae, San Mateo, Burlingame, Belmont, Foster City or  anywhere in San Mateo County.  
INTERESTED IN FREE HELP
Please call San Mateo County Association of Realtors at 650-696-8200 or
register now at http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/RSVP10_homeownerAPP.pdf

Lee@leesellsmore.com

Lee Ginsburg

An Open Letter to Potential Home Buyers and Fence Sitters
January 19, 2010 · · 2 Comments

Dear Home Buyer and Fence Sitter,

The window of opportunity is closing. Let me explain my thoughts. Prices in the Bay Area are already inching up, same with interest rates. The time to receive the Federal Tax Credit of $8000 or $6500 is rapidly approaching. (Must be in contract by April 30, 2010) FHA is talking about increasing the minimum required down payment and or increasing the cost of required mortgage insurance.

250px-The_Thinker_close

You can purchase a home today and your costs will be fixed for the next 30 years. What else can you buy and maintain the same cost for the next 30 years? Rents will continually go up. You are at the Landlords mercy. It is time to get off the fence. The first step is to get pre-approved. This will tell you what the bank will loan you. There are many loan programs out there. I could refer you to someone if you would like. The pre-approval process is easy, is no cost and with no obligation. If you don’t do it now you will never know.

You do not need a large down payment. You can purchase a home with only 3.5%. Yes you need mortgage insurance. I don’t like mortgage insurance but if that is the only way to own a home, then go for it. Mortgage insurance will go away once you have 20% equity. Economists think values will increase substantially in the next 3-5 years and that will more than make up for the mortgage insurance. Some people tell me they want to save for a larger down payment. That bothers me because from my experience most people cannot save as much as prices increase.     Read more

Lee Ginsburg

It’s Working and Working Well!!!
December 27, 2009 · · 1 Comment

You might ask, what is working and working well.  I am speaking about the $8000 Home Buying Credit.  A recent home buyer brought up the $8000 credit and told me that was the motivating factor for him and his wife purchasing a home.  The termination date creates urgency and action.  Low prices are motivating but not the cause of action. Many think they can time the market.  Good Luck to them.   People in the business think the lowest interest rates in 40 years should be creating urgency.  It certainly makes people think but low rates is all many of these young first time buyers know.  I purchased a home in 1982 at 14% interest and that was considered good.  Today’s 5% and below interest rates are like the “After Christmas Sale”.  But still does not create the urgency since many believe it will last forever.

    dollar-sign

The $8000 federal tax credit was extended and now sounds like it will really terminate April 30, 2010.   Now that creates urgency!  OK; the credit created a home sale and that helps stabilize pricing.  Let’s not forget all the mouths a home sale feeds: the realtor, mortgage broker, title people, escrow company, termite inspector, home inspector, city tax coffers, and more.  Now let me show you all the mouths my client fed by spending his credit on: landscaping, painting, double pane windows, window coverings, furniture and more.  Others may remodel a kitchen or bath, carpet, appliances, roof, etc.  My client purchased the home from a flipper who must have put $50,000 into the home.  Add that up, and the $8000 quickly turns into over $100,000 of added income to local people. That feeds lots of mouths.  Being employed in Real Estate and related fields, as Americans and Smart business people we should be ecstatic.  I know I am. I am a believer.       Read more