Annie Chang

Simple Tricks to Show Your Home Like a Champ!

September 21, 2009 · Annie Chang · 3 Comments

after

First impression counts! The most saleable properties are those that show pride of ownership. That’s why most of the new developments display model homes and home-sellers hire professional stagers to “dress up” their home for prospective buyers. This may come with a price as staging may cost anywhere from $1,000- $3,000 depending on the size of the home and the elaborateness of the project. However, the reward is bigger! Sellers “have received 2-8% above market asking price and listings have sold in half the time of a non-staged home” according to Let’s Stage It (www.letsstageit.com).

On the other hand, if you still live in the property and/or you don’t want to pay the money to give your home a complete make-over, start with these simple “5C’s” tricks:     Read more

Kathy Wall

Doing the Right Thing…

July 27, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 7 Comments

As most of our readers know, our Prudential office has kiosks at Serramonte and Tanforan Malls.   Many of us agents do regular shifts at the kiosk each month in the hope that we will meet buyers and sellers.

Recently I was covering the night shift, which goes from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.    It was very quiet that night, but at one point, a very young man stopped by the booth and said he was thinking about selling a house he owns in South San Francisco.    I would, normally, be very excited by this (leaping up and down with glee, actually!)   Unfortunately, the more we talked, the more I realized that he shouldn’t sell this house.

It seems that he inherited it from his Grandmother and owns it free and clear.    He’s still going to college and living in the house.   And, while he isn’t thinking about it now, someday he’ll probably have a family and want a house.   If he sells it now, the money will be gone and he will be back to struggling like everyone else to afford a home.     Read more

Kathy Wall

Environmental Issues When Buying A Home

June 29, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 4 Comments

I recently had to renew my real estate license for another 4 years and, as part of that process, had to take 45 hours of continuing education.    I’ve been selling real estate for 16 years and, after all of that time, you start to think you know it all.    Clearly, I was wrong, because I learned a lot from taking these courses.    

The course that covers environmental issues in  homes was of particular interest.   I thought that some of the things I learned might be of help to my readers, so my next few articles will cover some of the environmental issues people need to be aware of.   Today, I’ll talk a little about asbestos. Read more

Julie Cleland

Nothing Personal…It’s Business!

May 29, 2009 · Julie Cleland · 8 Comments

You’ve lovingly taken care of your house for years, have loads of memories, plans for your future and you assume that all these factors will add value for a buyer. Or you’re a buyer and while the neighborhood you like is a little out of your price range, you want to write offers because you grew up there and want your children to have the same experience. Here’s the problem…if you are the buyer, the seller isn’t interested in your story and sellers, a buyer doesn’t really care about the sentimental attachment to your home. In short, buying or selling a home is a business transaction pure and simple. Read more

Julie Cleland

Come on In…the Real Estate Water is Fine!

May 7, 2009 · Julie Cleland · 8 Comments

Whether you are a buyer or seller you’ve made the decision to jump in the real estate waters. Come on in…just realize you are jumping into a moving stream and not a still pool. No matter what you are trying to do, know that it’s been going on long before you got involved and will continue long after you’ve completed your transaction. All you should focus on is the here and now.
Read more

David Wang

Fannie Mae Short Sale Webinar

January 13, 2009 · David Wang · 7 Comments
do you know what a short sale is?

Do you know what a short sale is?

Doing a routine search for properties today I came across a very good 20 minute video on what is a short sales put on by Fannie Mae.  We have been working with short sales for over a year and have had the explanations given and have had the explanation received many many times already but this is short and good.  The slides are good and to the point the Audio is clear and crisp it is short enough for clients to get through without losing focus.

 As a client I would believe this more than an agent i just met because we all recognize the name Fannie Mae and with all the government oversight they are receiving they have to watch their P’s and Q’s. Read more

Roweena Nastor

8 Reasons why you should have a real estate professional on your team

September 18, 2008 · Roweena Nastor · 1 Comment

Most of us do not purchase or sell real estate monthly or yearly but there is much more available from a real estate professional than buying or selling a property. If someone were to ask you, “Do you have a real estate agent?” what would your reply be? Read more