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

Should I Buy a New Home or a Newer Home in the Santa Maria – Orcutt CA Market?

04/30/2009
Buyer Info, Santa Maria

Buying a new home versus a newer home can be a difficult decision. I've found that some buyers just cannot see past the gleam of the perfectly manicured model home. I am often asked by buyers which they should consider, new or newer. In today's declining market, there is often a big difference price wise between the two.

Homeowners Assistance Program: Help for Vandenberg Air Force Base Homeowners?

04/25/2009
Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Short Sale Info

The Department of Defense has announced the Homeowners Assistance Program ("HAP")for eligible military personnel. The central coast is home to Vandenberg Air Force Base and HAP may assist those who have suffered due to the severe local housing bust. Several types of assitance are offered:

Bank Owned (REO) Delays in the Central Coast Market

04/18/2009
Central Coast Real Estate, Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info

You would think that once a bank found a willing buyer, who won the "highest and best" bidding process for a foreclosure property, they would be hot to close the transaction. Well think again. I've actually had an all cash buyer trying to close in 10 days (or less) and the bank and their escrow company simply were not able to do it! The buyer couldn't believe it, but having dealt with REO properties many times before I certainly could There are several delays that seem to happen time and time again in bank owned purchases:

Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in a Short Sale Transaction?

04/11/2009
Short Sale Info

The number one question I'm asked by home owners contemplating a short sale is "Who pays your commission?" Often people are already cash strapped in a short sale situation and they wonder if they have to pay a real estate agent out of their own pocket in order to short sell their property. The short answer is that is the bank. Of course, every real estate company writes their own listing agreements. Some require that owners make up any short fall in what the bank will pay with their own funds. But, most will settle for what the bank will agree to pay them.

Clean Up Your Credit Before Shopping for a Central Coast Home

04/04/2009
Buyer Info, Central Coast Real Estate

I've recently found a company that I feel good about referring people to for credit repair. I am often asked for credit repair referrals from prospective buyers. However, until recently I never felt confident sending people anywhere except off to a local book store to learn how to do it themselves -- which is a lot of work. For those who want assistance with their credit repair, please give me a call and I will provide you with contact information for this company. I feel confident referring people to them because they are using local representatives who have long standing relationships with the local community who can provide testimonials of people helped by the service, the price is reasonable at $500, and they offer a performance based gurantee.

Are Santa Maria & Lompoc Condos Good Investment Properties?

03/31/2009
Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

Prices of many condos are finally well beneath $100,000 in Santa Maria and Lompoc, which make some condos a good option for investors even with the added expense of a monthly condo fee. There have been some 2 bedroom condos listed as low as $59,000. If you compare a home in the local area that you can purchase for $100,000, you would be looking at a much older home or a smaller cottage with limited rental value and appeal. Everything on the exterior of the home is typically covered by the condo association, cutting down on the responsibility for landlords.

Best Sushi Restaurants in Santa Maria CA

03/26/2009
Local Interests / Events, Santa Maria

I know the Santa Maria Sun publishes a list of local favorites every year, but because I LOVE sushi so much, I feel qualified to publish my own list of favorite sushi restaurants in Santa Maria. If I were going on a business lunch or going out to dinner I would probably go to Ichiban (805) 614-9808 at 2011 S Broadway (next to Family Health & Fitness) great authentic food, private booths and sushi bar seating available.

Is it me or are Santa Maria CA Short Sales getting easier?

03/25/2009
Santa Maria, Seller Info, Short Sale Info

Are Santa Maria CA short sales getting a little easier? Maybe I'm on a high because I just received a short sale approval the other day, and I'm in escrow on another approved short sale that will close in less than 30 days. But, it seems like more and more short sales are being approved every day. A buyer of mine received an approval on another short sale they bid on this month, and lately I'm noticed an increase in the amount of "approved" short sales on the market.