Kathy Wall

A Few Bad Pennies….
April 26, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 12 Comments

About 3 weeks ago, I wrote an offer on a bank owned property in Hayward for a client of mine.     I tried contacting the agent representing the seller to let her know that I was sending an offer, but wasn’t able to reach her.     So, I emailed the offer and, also, faxed it to make absolutely sure that she received it by the deadline.  

Over the course of the next 3 weeks, I tried diligently to reach this agent.  I tried both calling and emailing.     Sometimes when I called, I would get her voice mail.  Other times, I got her husband who was listed as the co-lister, but knew nothing about the property.   He indicated that he had “taken the phone away from her, because if she kept taking calls, she would never get anything done.”  Read more

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Kathy Wall

Real Estate Jargon…What Do All of These Terms Mean?
April 6, 2009 · Kathy Wall · 11 Comments

We Realtors often bandy about tons of real estate jargon.  We talk to our clients and friends about short sales, REO’s, contingency periods, etc.     I have come to realize, however, that just because we know what all of this stuff means, not everyone does, so I thought it would be helpful to describe some of the terms we use.   Hopefully, this will give you some idea of what we’re talking about as we rattle on and on and your eyes are going bleary!  Here goes:

Contingency Periods:    We, generally, refer to these when doing our contracts.   As an example, we tell you that you will have a 10 day period to “remove  your property condition contingency” or 20 days to remove loan and appraisal contingencies.   What this really boils down to, is that these are the time frames during which you will have  the right to get your deposit back if  you cancel the contract.   Once you “remove these contingencies,” you are no longer entitled to get your deposit back, unless you can prove some sort of fraud.  Read more

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David Wang

Fannie Mae Short Sale Webinar
January 13, 2009 · David Wang · 6 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

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David Wang

Are Home Auctions a Good Deal for Buyers.
December 19, 2008 · David Wang · 3 Comments

                

Any type of real estate investment can be profitable.  Like the stock market real estate is about timing.  Auctions have become more prevalent in recent months and many buyers have asked if auctions are better deals than properties listed on MLS.

This very excellent question simplifies three bigger topics.  First are you interested in just the purchase price, without concern of repair or remodeling costs? Next, have you done all the research you need to do with regards to the property, traditional sales have a contingency removal period.  Finally will you be satisfied in focusing on the least desirable properties on the market.       Read more

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Roweena Nastor

Refinance, Loan Modification or Short Sale?
December 17, 2008 · Roweena Nastor · 6 Comments

Refinance, Loan Modification or Short Sale?

This is the biggest homeowner question when I attended a Foreclosure Help Clinic this last weekend.  There’s no magic answer to this…it’s a case by case basis and really depends who the lender is or are when there’s more than one loan.  Each lender is different.

Refinance – when you owe more than today’s fair market value of your property or if your income status has changed for the worst then refinancing may not be an option for you.

Loan Modification – when you want to keep your property because it makes more sense to stay than rent; when your income status has changed for the worst due to illness, job lost or decrease income, death, divorce… Read more

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Nicole Machado

SSF Real Estate… things are looking up
December 11, 2008 · Nicole Machado · 5 Comments

As 2008 wraps up and we all grasp onto our crystal balls to determine the fate of 2009… I wanted to end the year on a positive note with some statistics from the San Mateo County Multiple Listing Service that may help to give us all a positive outlook on the Real Estate market for 2009. South San Francisco was one of the Peninsula’s hardest hit cities with short sales and foreclosures, but by the looks of it, SSF seems to be bouncing back just fine. Read more

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Nicole Machado

Mixing Business with Pleasure… does it actually mix?
November 19, 2008 · Nicole Machado · 1 Comment

Have you ever felt obligated to use a family member when it came to a business deal? While most of us have, has it ever left you wondering if that was the best decision? In some cases, it is an ideal circumstance. While in others it may be an uncomfortable situation that you were strong armed into. Read more

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Terry Birt

Don’t Get Caught with a Bad Agent
October 26, 2008 · Terry Birt · 1 Comment

If you are in the process of selecting a real estate agent to represent you in the sale of your home, or in the purchase of your home, you owe it to yourself to be very selective on who you choose to represent you. 

 A good agent, who is knowledgeable, skilled and has a good team behind them, is a Read more

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