Hula and The Real Estate Market Today

They can either be a hinderance to your purchase or a compliment to your purchase.

Of course if your working with a buyer you want to know everything or do you? Actually what you really want are the items that matter most to health, safety and welfare of the home. You want your buyers to have confidence in their purchase and know that whatever needs to be done ASAP that it's do-able and they can fix or repair the items without huge costs involved. It doesn't matter whether you have a brand new property or a fixer upper you still need the same Inspection to be completed. This protects you for up to 4 years after the inspection has been completed.

There are different personalities of Inspectors to choose from and after using several of my own, have decided to go with the type that is thorough and doesn't give my clients a fear based report. They all check the same things but some make everything sound like its critical while others will point out the really critical and important fixes and suggest getting to the rest when you have time but it won't affect the safety of the home. Homebuyers today have the advantage of buying in a buyers market and don't need much to walk to the next property, but you still have to start the process all over again.

If you need a Home Inspector that you can trust to be accurate and thorough with your buyers, one who is realistic and of high integrity, give me a call. Sometimes they are a rare find.

Happy to Share,

Dee

This market is not for the weak or faint hearted. You have to watch every detail these days. Check everything, and keep on top of things throughout the transaction, it doesn't matter what side of the transaction your on it only takes one detail to hold escrow up.

Make sure to look over every disclosure, inspection report, buyers estimate, termite sign off if it comes pass your desk don't assume it's done right. I have thought about using a Transaction Coordinator but lately I'm glad to do it myself seeing all the mistakes first hand.

I guess it's that accounting background that I come from that keeps me paying attention to the details, and these days if you don't you could end up in court. I'm learning much more when I have to challenge every fee and charge that doesn't seem right so I'll keep doing what I'm doing for now.

Real Estate Agents, pay attention to the details.

Dee

Another beautiful day to preview homes in OC, the sun is up but not too hot, a very light breeze and blue skies everywhere.

If your in the market to purchase or invest in your next property, there really isn't a better time. Inventory is getting smaller while interest rates are still very low, there are some who believe the OC is beginning to stabilize. Working with buyers I can say that every property is receiving multiple offers and properties are sold in a matter of days. Short Sales are still difficult and time consuming but if your timing is right could be a good choice. Bank owned are the most popular due to the great pricing but very competitive. The best is to work with an equity seller the old fashioned way by meeting and presenting your offer face to face.

Actually as an agent I find I have to do the face to face with almost all parties involved in a transaction, I like to see who I'm working with and I like to put a face to the process. This is a people business and with internet, fax, cell etc....people have a disconnect. If your in the process, go see the people your working with it makes a difference.

Working hard, and working smart all benefit your client.

See you in the transaction.

Dee

Of course I could never name names...but I can tell you that there are differences so once you find a good one keep them.

Some things to look for and what seperates the two are:

Daily or Weekly Updates e-mailed or faxed to you, this is very helpful keeping your transaction on target. It's very easy to forget 1 or 2 details that can hold everyone up.

One to one contact with the Escrow officer so you can have confidence in the process. The Escrow officer should be happy to have this.

A company that stands behind their name in personal service to your client as well as the Agents involved.

If your chasing the Escrow officer to get information, your with the wrong company. If you have to re-check everything that comes from them, your with the wrong company and bottom-line is they are paid to enhance the transaction not hinder it.

Choose wisely, once the Transaction is in process you have to deal with the hand your given make it a Royal Flush. 

Need a good one...give me a call I have one.

Dee

Three intials COE, what is it? The best words a realtor will ever hear.

Close of Escrow, the day that the buyer, seller, listing agent, buyers agent, escrow officer all work toward. This is the day that the property is recorded with the County and a Trust Deed or Deed of Trust is issued in the new owners name. It's a smile all day long day.

I know that when the COE is nearing there are many details that need to be completed, negotiated, paid for, settled etc. but in the end it is worth it. There is nothing better than to see the smiling eyes of the new owner as they realize they have purchased their very own home. It's never just for today, the investment has moved them into the future.

Then.....the work begins....what..., just when they thought it was over.

Main things to do immediately....Change the locks, yes because you don't know how many old keys are still out there, so this is key.

Change your address.....just get the postcard from the post office and they will begin sending your mail over but....you still need to let everyone know your new address.

Turn on utilities....actually start with this one first.

Of course I can make a long list here, but it is better for you to ask your Realtor they are there before, during and after a transaction to help you.

COE has a nice sound to it.

COB, yep close of blog. Have an amazing day, Dee

OH, if anyone actually reads my blogs it's OK to send a comment.

A very special day and weekend that is of great importance to every Christian who's belief is based on the Resurrection of Christ. Without this detail the whole foundation would fall. As a believer I hold strong to this truth, my hope is complete and I have a calming peace about my future.

This Easter, I'm thankful for my family and all the blessings that God has given to me. No one knows when there last day on this earth will be but because Christ was the first to rise again I know that I will too.

For those of you who do not hold to this belief God has blessed you too, with the stars in the sky, the warm sun by day and the amazing beauty of flowers, mountains, oceans, babies and so many things too many to count.

I wish you and your family every blessing this Easter and pray that you will be safe and healthy.

Dee Fether

Many thanks for you

For those of you still shopping for a home in HB, you've probably noticed that prices are not dropping like the rest of Southern California. Why aren't they?

Because everyone still wants to live at the beach and there is very little land left to develop. The beach cities everywhere are holding fast. Huntington Beach is on the map for many activities, dog beach, surf competitions, volleyball competitions, band competitions, paint ball competitions, Tuesday Evening Markets, Friday Farmers Markets, pier side crafts, ton's of resturants and shopping and more. Tourists from all over the world come to HB and stay at The Hilton or The Hyatt along with different business seminars and conventions. Sounds crowded doesn't it. But it's a walking town, and people love to walk along the beach and Main Street with their dogs and family together enjoying the city. It's a great place to live and work, so much so that all the residents have HB stickers on their cars.

As a realtor I get to view the 4M dollar homes as well as the 400K homes (yes there have been a few) the prices may not be as low as some cities but although they haven't dropped much they have dropped a little and since the interest has dropped many can now afford to buy here.

If you have always wanted a home in HB, now is the time to buy. No one can guarantee how long the interest rates will be this low or how full the inventory will be don't wait until the prices move up by then you'll be too late.

Dee