Santa Maria Real Estate Blog, Author at Santa Maria CA Real Estate Blog & Information, REALTOR® Selling Santa Maria CA Homes

Pacific Crest Estates Homes in Santa Maria CA – 1st Quarter 2011 Market Update

04/03/2011
Neighborhood Updates, Santa Maria

Local developer, Inland Pacific Builders, began construction on Pacific Crest Estates homes in 2005. Pacific Crest is conveniently located on the south end of Santa Maria and is a short 20 minute drive to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB. The one and two-story homes include three to five bedroom plans, two to four car garages, grand master suites, spacious kitchens, and vaulted ceilings. The homes range from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet in size.

La Ventana Santa Maria CA — 2011 Market Update

04/01/2011
Neighborhood Updates, Santa Maria

The most exciting news about the La Ventana development in Santa Maria is the fact that it will soon be a gated community. I think this is a good decision and will improve the desirability of the neighborhood overall. There are many buyers looking for a gated community in the Santa Maria and Orcutt area, and the La Ventana community has a lot to offer: a beautiful community club house and pool, generous floor plans, gorgeous luxury town homes, and a convenient location near Marian Medical Center.

5 Common Mistakes the Central Coast FSBO Seller Can Avoid

03/31/2011
Seller Info

If you want to sell your home FSBO and are interested in receiving a comparative market analysis of your home, I can provide this to you. If you are offering a broker co-op, I would also appreciate the opportunity to preview your home. I will gladly provide a comparative market analysis without you having to endure a listing presentation - just let me know up front that you are a FSBO seller.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure When You Have a HELOC in California

03/29/2011
Short Sale Info

Just walking away may seem like the easiest way out, but it may in fact make things more complicated for you. If you have a HELOC, I do believe a short sale is usually worth the hassle. At the very least, a short sale gives you the opportunity to negotiate with your lender up front - and, foreclosure is always there as an option, but a short sale isn't.

Will the Bank Pay My HOA Dues As a Part of My Short Sale?

03/26/2011
Short Sale Info

Even without a lien, a large amount of unpaid dues can become an issue. And, if the bank won't pay and you as the seller can't pay - it could make your short sale difficult to close. A better solution is to start on your short sale early while not much is owed on HOA dues, keep those dues current, or, at the very least out of collections.

The IRS Filed A Lien on My Home, Can I Still Do A Short Sale?

03/23/2011
Short Sale Info

Has the IRS field a lien on your home for back taxes? Are you wondering whether you still can do a short sale with the IRS lien filed on your property? The answer of course depends on your individual situation. But, generally the IRS will remove its lien on your property where it can be shown that the lien has no value. If your property is worth less than the liens that are superior to the IRS lien, then the IRS lien probably has no value.

How Does the Bank Determine the Value of My Home in a Short Sale?

03/20/2011
Short Sale Info

In a short sale, the bank will typically order either a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) or an appraisal to determine the value of the home. Most banks use BPOs. The use of BPOs is the source of much controversy among short sale listing agents, short sale sellers and appraisers. Appraisers often object to BPOs and believe that only an appraiser can give an accurate depiction of value.

Is “Lease to Own” A Scam?

03/19/2011
Buyer Info

Well I told her that it sounded like a scam. Not a major league scam on the part of the people getting $160 for the “database” but there probably was a major league scam somewhere behind it. I explained that quit claim deeds and foreclosures aren’t typically a part of a lease option deal.