July 01, 2010

Homebuyer Tax Credit Deadline Extended!

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Just yesterday Congress acted to pass an extension of the deadline to close a real estate transaction and take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit. The deadline for closing had been set at June 30, 2010 but due to delays many transactions were not able to close by the June 30th deadline. This legislation ONLY applies to transaction where a ratified purchase contract was in place by April 30, 2010. Transactions now must close by September 30, 2010 for the buyer to take advantage of the tax credit. This is not a new tax credit – only an extension for a qualified transaction to close escrow.

Posted by:  Kathy Mardiros



June 25, 2010

Zippy Shell Better than a POD

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

We had a presentation yesterday at our sales meeting on the Zippy Shell. Zippy Shell is a storage unit similar to a POD (Portable On Demand) storage unit. Inside the shell is a cartridge that pulls out and is then stored at the Zippy warehouse.

How it works. You call the Zippy Shell 800 number and make a request. The Shell (trailer) is delivered to your residence. It can be parked on the street in most instances as it is a licensed vehicle. The tongue is locked and a boot applied so no one can drive off with the shell while you are loading your possessions. Normally the shell is there for 3-4 days. The unit is then taken back to the warehouse where the cartridge is unloaded from the Shell and stored.


If you need access to something stored inside, arrangements can be made for the unit to be returned to your home and left overnight to give you time to take items out of the storage, or for additional packing.


Currently there is an introductory offer of $99 per month for storage which includes free delivery. Additionally there is a Staging, De-Cluttering and Storage special of $699 which includes 2 hours of staging assistance, 2 hours of moving furniture either into the shell or around the house and up to 3 months storage. There are also packages available for weekend moves.


If you are in need of storage assistance, consider Zippy Shell. For information contact them at 888-947-7966 and be sure to mention that you got the information from Legacy Real Estate & Associates.


Should you need van line assistance, give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at kmardiros@legacyrealestateassociates.com as we have relationships with a number of van line companies and services.

Posted by:  Kathy Mardiros



June 24, 2010

California 2010 Tax Credits

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Every week on Thursday the State of California Franchise Tax Board releases the numbers as to how many applications have been received for the First Time Buyer Tax Credit. The Tax Board has indicated they will accept up to 28,000 applications to insure that there are enough valid applications to allocate the entire $100 million available. To check the latest figures go to www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/new_home_credit.shtml.

The $100 million allocated toward new home purchase on the site are estimates as at the present time the Tax Board is accepting RESERVATIONS.

If you are a first time home buyer and thinking of purchasing, now is the time. With interest rates low and the first time home buyer tax program still available, do not delay in starting your home search. For a referral to one of our sales associates, please give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at .

Posted by:  Kathy Mardiros



April 12, 2010

California Property Taxes

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Don’t forget the second installment of California property taxes are due today – really due on the 10th but since that was a Saturday you have until today to get them post marked before 5 PM.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



March 26, 2010

Good news for California: Governor signs Homeowner Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Yesterday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 183, the Homebuyer Tax Credit, into law. This legislation provides $200 million for home buyer tax credits - $100 million for first time buyers of existing homes and $100 million for new or previously unoccupied homes. See the press release here.

The credit is equal to the lesser of 5% of the purchase price to a maximum of $10,000. The credit is in equal installments over three consecutive years. The buyer must live in the home for at least two years or pay back the state for the credit.

The state’s previous home buyer tax credit ran out of tax credits by the end of June 2009 – long before it was due to expire. The previous tax credit only applied to new construction where as the new legislation includes existing homes.

The goal of the tax credit is to stimulate the California economy by helping first time home buyers purchase a home. It is hoped some of the homes currently sitting in inventory will be purchased and if necessary renovated helping stimulate jobs as trades people are hired to do the work.

If you would like a referral to a real estate agent who can help you find a property to purchase, give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at kmardiros@legacyrealestateassociates.com.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



March 25, 2010

Alameda County: Help for First Time Homebuyers

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

There is an interesting article in the newspaper this morning about helping first time home buyers with down payment assistance through the Cal-Home program. At the present time there is $480,000 in Cal-Home money available to help first time homebuyers in certain areas of Alameda County.

Participants need to meet income and other program requirements in order to qualify for the program. Buyers must be in a binding contract by the end of May to meet the deadline and close by August 1st.

The loan is deferred with no payment due until the home is sold, the home is refinanced or 30 years passes from the purchase date. What a great program for first time homebuyers (defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three or more years).

To read the article, click here.

If you are a first time homebuyer and need a referral to a real estate agent to help you find a home in Alameda County, give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at kmardiros@legacyrealestateassociates.com.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



March 15, 2010

Time is Running Out for the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Time is running out if you are thinking of purchasing a home and obtaining the Homebuyer Tax credit. In order to qualify for the tax credit you must be in escrow by April 30, 2010 and close before July 1, 2010. See the guidelines at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html.

Here in the San Francisco East Bay there is limited inventory in many price ranges and buyers are having to make several offers before they are able to get a property into escrow. Escrows are taking longer to close so anyone wanting to obtain the tax credit should be actively looking NOW.

Remember real estate is a local business and your best success of finding a property in the location you desire is to work with a local real estate agent. The agent will know the inventory, will know the neighborhoods and help you find the property that meets your needs and parameters. Your agent can help you find a loan counselor who can evaluate the various loan programs and help you determine which fits your financial goals and situation.

If you have not connected with an agent yet, give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at kmardiros@legacyrealestateassociates.com. I will answer your questions about the home purchase process and will be able to refer you to an agent who can help you in your search. If you are looking in the East Bay, a Legacy sales associate will be available to assist you. If you are looking elsewhere, I can refer you to a broker in your desired location through our membership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Time is running out – be pro-active and connect with a real estate agent today!

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



February 18, 2010

City of Livermore Report of Residential Building Record

Posted to Pam Dakan, Real Estate Tips

I am currently selling a house in Livermore and was unaware that the City requires a Residential Building Record report be sent to the Buyer before the property changes ownership. It just entails the Seller of the property filling out an Application with a payment for $60. Seller has to make sure they install a chimney spark arrestor and smoke detectors at the time of sale, and also is a record of any permits filed with the City, which is useful information for the Buyer.

You can call the City of Livermore Permit Center for the application at 925-960-4410, or go to www.ci.livermore.ca.us.

Posted by:Pam Dakan



January 25, 2010

California Mortgage Protection Plan

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

The California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program is designed to help California first time home buyers in the event that they lose their job. Eligible homebuyers may receive up to $1500 per month for up to six months to help them with their mortgage payment. Qualified co-borrowers may also be eligible for up to $750 per month for up to six months.

There are several qualification criteria which can be summarized as: The applicant must

  1. Be a first time buyer – someone who has not owned in the last three years (includes the co-borrower)
  2. Have opened escrow after April 2, 2009 and close before December 31, 2010
  3. Have used a California REALTOR® for the transaction
  4. Purchase a property in California
  5. Be a W-2 employee (not self employed).

With the first time home buyer tax credit available as well, now is a great time to buy a property. If you would like a referral to a real estate agent, give me a call at 925-287-0550 or email me at kmardiros@legacyrealestateassociates.com.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



January 05, 2010

Have an experience with an appraiser? Share it with others

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Real estate agents, buyers and sellers are now able to share their experiences with appraisers with the California’s Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA).

For more information on this, read the full article in this month’s Bay East REALTOR® Magazine at http://tinyurl.com/y9y3bc5 or visit the OREA website at http://www.orea.ca.gov.


Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 15, 2009

Tips to Protect Your Home From Termites

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Tips to protect your home from wood destroying pests:

  • Make sure gutter downspouts are diverted away from the homes foundation
  • Landscaping should be not be planted too close to the foundation
  • Keep plants away from vents and do not allow them to grow onto the home
  • Make sure the crawl space is appropriately ventilated to prevent humidity
  • Seal all gaps in the foundation and the exterior of the home
  • Remove dead tree stumps and roots from your homes yard

Dry wood and Subterranean Termites can thrive for years before being detected by a home owner. Protect your precious investment and schedule regular inspections by a licensed/certified pest company. Visit: www.pestworld.org for an inspector near you.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



September 17, 2009

Better Hurry - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

The First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit program is due to expire December 1, 2009. Properties in order to qualify need to close on or before November 30th. Under this program, the National Association of Realtors reports over 1.2 million people have purchased a home.

The California Association of Realtors supports an extension of the program through 2010 and to include all home buyers – not just first time buyers – but there is no legislation right now on an extension.

So if you are a first time home buyer and want to take advantage of this tax credit, now if the time to be actively working with a real estate agent and finding a home to purchase. Give me a call if I can help by referring you to one of our Legacy sales associates or if you are looking to purchase outside our service area, I would be happy to refer you to someone through our referral network.

This is a GREAT program so if you are thinking of buying your first home, now is the time!

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



September 16, 2009

Happy Home Shopping!

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Hurry…the clock is running out on your ability to utilize the (up to) $8,000 Federal tax credit for first time home buyers. Those who haven’t owned a home within the past three years and who purchase a principal residence between Jan. 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 are eligible.

To claim the credit, complete IRS Form 5405 and then insert the amount on line 69 of your 1040. Visit www.IRS.org for more information.

It’s a good life!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



September 14, 2009

Home Previewing is a Process Of Elimination…

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Previewing properties for sale can be an overwhelming task. It is hard to keep track of all the features of each of the available properties you visit. At times the available listings seem to ‘run together’ and are difficult to remember. As a buyer’s agent, I help my buyer clients by providing a house hunting checklist. The checklist is helpful to narrow a search and ultimately select the property that meets my clients specific needs.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



September 03, 2009

California Association of Realtors Insurance for First Time Home Buyers

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Here is another important reason to insist that your real estate agent be a member of the California Association of Realtors AKA a Realtor®. C.A.R. has reserved one million dollars to support a new mortgage protection program called C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund or (C.A.R.H.A.F.) The National Association of Realtors has added another $420,000-an insurance program that is used when the buyer looses their job. Here is a short list of eligibility and coverage. For more info visit: www.carhaf.org or ask your Realtor®.

  • First time buyers who haven’t purchased a home in the past 3 years.
  • The property must be a principal residence in California.
  • No caps on income or purchase price.
  • Buyers MUST use a Realtor® in their transaction.
  • Buyers must NOT be self employed or over 70 years of age.
  • For primary buyer, the coverage is $1,500 per month for six months in the event of a job loss.
  • $750 per month for co-buyers in the event of a job loss.

Please note, buyers MUST apply through their Realtor® at the time of the purchase and the deadline for this program is December 31, 2009.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



September 01, 2009

Energy Saving Ideas

Posted to Real Estate Tips

It seems that lately, few of us have enough time or money to spare. Looking for ways to save your hard earned money? Here is a list of energy saving ideas that will leave a bit more in your pocket each month.

Have you got a money saving idea you would like to share? Post a comment to this blog!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



August 25, 2009

Buyers Listings Service

Posted to Real Estate Tips

In the San Francisco Bay Area the real estate market is volatile just now. In some cities, it is a sellers market and in others a buyers market. What is a buyer to do? How can a buyer compete with an all CASH offer? How can a buyer get their foot in the door to home ownership? Identify a forward thinking Realtor, that is how. And that forward thinking Realtor is me! Here is a new method to buying real estate called a Buyers Listing Service. Here is a short list of why a buyer should consider using a (BLS):

  • Buyers can’t see who the eager Sellers are on a property listing website.

  • Buyers can search for a listing by price but what if the Seller is willing to negotiate, have you been searching in the wrong price bracket?

  • Market yourself as a Buyer and let Sellers come to you with private offers. Not marketing yourself as a Buyer is like smiling in the dark, you know you’re doing it but no one else does.

  • For every house on the market there is one in the shadow inventory. A Seller is “considering” selling. Open yourself up to this potential.

  • Chose a Realtor who is forward thinking and willing to put your best interests first. Widen your access to properties.

  • Not all Buyers are equal, you are competing against other Buyers to purchase a home so make sure you are pre-approved and authenticated by a forward thinking Realtor and Loan Consultant.

For me, a forward thinking Realtor; I will try a new system in an effort to assist my clients achieve the dream of home ownership. Look for my profile on www.NationalBLS.com. Let’s work together to make your dream of home ownership a reality. I live by my slogan, CATERING TO YOUR NEEDS!

It’s a good life!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



August 21, 2009

Can You Afford That Loan?

Posted to Real Estate Tips

When shopping for a loan, remember what a bank will lend you may not be the amount you feel comfortable borrowing. What you qualify for may be more than you feel comfortable re-paying.

FIRST Start with where you bank. Keep in mind; not all banks offer the same loan programs.

GET A SECOND OPINION Consult a mortgage broker; they will have more mortgage products from which to choose.

SHOP SMART Base your mortgage plan choice on your family’s financial goals. Consider property upkeep, principal and interest as well as taxes and insurance, when considering the affordability of a monthly mortgage payment.

DON’T GAMBLE Betting that housing prices will rise and that you’ll sell if times get tough.

DO THE MATH Click here to determine how much you can afford.

DEBT TO INCOME RATIOS This term refers to how much you earn versus how much you owe (excluding your mortgage). Typically, financial planners recommend that this ratio doesn’t exceed 20% of your take home pay or 40% when including your mortgage payment. Click here for more information.

It’s a good life!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



August 06, 2009

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

Posted to Real Estate Tips

A smart seller in today’s volatile real estate market should consult an expierenced, full time Realtor® and obtain a comparative market analysis that includes a comprehensive marketing plan. Next, ask trusted friends and/or neighbors for a referral to another full time Realtor® and obtain a second comparative market analysis that includes a comprehensive marketing plan. Compare the values in each report as well as the Realtor® plan for marketing your property. Next step is to consult with your tax advisor and or financial advisor concerning your specific tax benefits in detail. Married tax payers filing jointly may shelter up to $500K in capital gains. ($250K for single filers).

Click here for more information.


Posted by:Kay Korbel



July 14, 2009

Loan Modification

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

One of the principles on which Legacy Real Estate & Associates was founded was to make a better future for Legacy clients and their families. No where is this better exemplified than with the Loan Modification Service Program. This program begun by Bill Aboumrad, owner, was designed to assist homeowners to stay in their homes through modification of their existing loan.

Homeowners may be facing foreclosure due to loss of a job, increase in their monthly payment on an adjustable rate loan or other hardship. The Legacy program headed by Abe Summers begins with a client interview to access the situation – what are their housing costs, what is the family income, etc. After the initial interview it is determined whether or not a loan modification might be an option by reducing the interest rate on the loan, extending the loan term or possibly even reducing the principal balance on the loan.

Abe reports that as a result of the recent government programs most lenders are now responding to loan modification requests but it does depend upon the investor and whether or not the end investor is participating in the programs or not. Many homeowners try to modify the loan on their own with little success as a result of not completely understanding the questions to ask and the supporting documentation needed to successfully complete the loan modification package.

Legacy’s Loan Modification Program has been successful in helping many people who were well on their way to losing their home to foreclosure. In many cases, Legacy has been able to stall the foreclosure sale while working through the loan modification process. One example was a client 11 days from the trustee sale – the sale was postponed and Legacy was able to get her a reduction in her monthly payment of about $1800 per month!

Legacy does not charge an advance fee for this service but a fee is payable once a loan modification has been successfully completed for the homeowner. There is currently legislation in the California Congress which will prohibit companies from collecting a fee for loan modification services prior to the modification being delivered. This has been Legacy’s policy from the beginning.

The Legacy Loan Modification Program has been successful and continues to be successful and advances Legacy’s mission of providing a better future for clients and their families.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



June 22, 2009

Financing Options

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

While in recent years conventional financing with its many variations was the most popular financing option when purchasing a first home, today a myriad of financing options abound.

I attended a Financing 2009 seminar this morning where some of the new programs were discussed. One popular choice is the CalHFA program. The borrower must be a US citizen, permanent resident alien or qualified alien and must plan to occupy the property as a primary residence. There are income limits by county and the borrower must meet credit and loan requirements of the originating lender and CalHFA. There is a mortgage protection program should the borrower become involuntarily unemployed.

CalHFA has a Community Stabilization Program (CSHLP) designed to help first time buyers purchase vacant homes that are owned by participating financial institutions in certain areas of California hard hit by the financing crisis. Currently 13 counties are involved in the program including designated zip codes in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

The CalHFA SMART program is designed to help first time buyers purchase vacant homes owned by CalHFA statewide. The Cal30 conventional loan program is a conventional loan with 30 year amortization schedule and a fixed rate. This program allows for a 95% maximum loan to value ratio but must meet income limits by county location as well as family size and private mortgage insurance is required.

If you would like additional information on any of these programs, give me a call at 925-287-0550 and I will put you in touch with one of our loan counselors.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



June 02, 2009

First Time Buyer Story

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

With all the incentives available for first time home buyers, now is a good time to talk to people who may be able to take advantage of these incentives. I have a friend whose daughter graduated from college about four years ago and she has a good job down in Southern California. I mentioned to the mother that now might be a good time for her daughter to think about buying. The mother’s initial reaction “Oh now, she cannot afford to buy.” But she did pass on to her daughter some of the information I had provided.

Next thing I know the mother asks me to refer her daughter to a real estate broker in Southern California. Great! I call one of the member companies in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network and passed on the contact information for the daughter indicating that I wanted an agent who worked well with first time buyers and would be able to explain the process every step of the way.

Imagine my surprise when not two weeks later the mother comes to me all excited that her daughter is now in escrow to purchase her first property – a condominium in Southern California. The payments on the new condo will be less than the daughter is currently paying in rent and the mother is smiling ear to ear and so excited for her daughter.

Now is a great time for first time buyers due the various incentives being offered combined with low interest rates, prices at levels lower than in years past and inventory in many areas offering a great selection of properties from which to choose.

I would be happy to refer you or your friends to real estate agents – just give me a call at 925-287-0550. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World member companies are the leading real estate firms in their market area and will take wonderful care of any referral received.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



May 22, 2009

Ways to Know When the Real Estate Market is Up or Down

Posted to Real Estate Tips

It pays to search for clues to gauge the market’s directions. Here are measures and issues to consider:

POPULATION Rising population creates demand.

NEW HOME STARTS More units create supply and that can keep a check on prices.

PRICES Call me today at 510-676-2731 for customized pricing data for your neighborhood.

DAYS ON MARKET The length of time it takes to sell a typical home is an important measure of what the local market is like. Some homes will sell fast; some homes will take longer to sell. There is a general average that gives us a sense of what the market activity is.

NARROW YOUR INQUIRY Use care when looking at general statistics; they may give you an incorrect picture. For instance, broad market trends may include both condos/townhouses and single family/detached homes. It may be that the local market is doing well generally but condo prices have stalled or vise versa.

GET REAL PRICING INFORMATION Recorded sale prices may not reflect actual transaction values. If a home sells for $750,000. but the seller credits a $15,000. concession to the buyer; the real price is $15,000. less than the reported sales price.

WATCH THOSE INTEREST RATES Lower interest rates are good for real estate, whether you are buying a home or selling a home. Higher interest rates constrict demand and reduce sales.

CHECK FOR JOBS If local employment is on the rise, this is a good thing for real estate. When jobs are declining, you will notice fewer home sales and moderated prices.

READ THE LOCAL PAPER Are there any new road openings? New factories or planned malls? Watch for school construction and building permits. All of these items suggest where local growth is headed.

If I may ever be of service to you, a colleague, friend or family member please call me at 510-676-2731 and I will help!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 07, 2009

First Time Buyer Tax Credit

Posted to Kathy Mardiros, Real Estate Tips

Part of the economic stimulus package includes a tax credit to first time home buyers. The credit is designed to encourage first time buyers to purchase now. Combine the tax credit provided with historically low interest rates and falling home prices and first time buyers could lead the way to economic recovery.

When first time home buyers purchase, it often starts a chain of events leading to additional home purchases. Oftentimes sellers are unable to purchase a move up home until a buyer is found for their present home. By enabling a first time buyer to begin the chain of events, often multiple home sales result - one of the things economists point to as a sign of the beginning of the economic recovery.

Paula Iacomini of Executive Metro Mortgage (paula.iacomini@prospectmtg.com) provides the following information on the first time home buyer program:

One of the most exciting provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The credit was expanded as part of the most recent economic stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). The credit is designed to encourage first time home buyers to go ahead and make the leap to purchase their first homes. Combine this tax credit with the fact that home prices and interest rates are at historical lows, and it is indeed an ideal time for many first-time homebuyers to purchase a home!
Here are some things to keep in mind:
  • A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years.
  • Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
  • You cannot purchase the home from a related party like a spouse, direct ancestor, or direct lineal descendent (child or grandchild); however, you can still qualify for the credit if you purchase a property from siblings, nephews, nieces, and others.
  • If you are married, both spouses must be first-time home buyers.
  • If more than one unmarried individual is buying the property, the credit can be split up among all the individuals who qualify. However, the total credit taken cannot exceed $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009.
  • The credit amounts to 10% of the purchase price of the home, not to exceed $8,000.
  • The tax credit does not need to be paid back if you continue living in the home as your primary residence for three years without selling it.
 How does a tax credit work?

A tax credit is a special provision that reduces income tax liability on a dollar for dollar basis. When filing a tax return, you must include income items, deduction items and the number of exemptions, among other things, to figure your total tax liability. For example, if your total tax liability for the year is $8,000, and you qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit, this credit would wipe out all of the tax due. If your employer already deducted the $8,000 from your pay checks throughout the year, you would receive a tax refund of $8,000. If you owe less than $8,000 in taxes for the year, you are still eligible for the full $8,000 credit when you file your tax returns. In that case, the IRS will write you a check for the difference between $8,000 and your actual tax bill.
Should you be considering your first home purchase, give me a call at 925-287-0550, and I will introduce you to Paula as well as a real estate agent who can assist you in your home search.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros


May 06, 2009

Distressed Options - Important Information for Homeowners

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Here is a very useful resource on “Distressed Options” that I’d like to share with everyone. Any homeowner can benefit from reading it. This resources covers best practices for short sales, discusses barriers for investors and home owners, and much more.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



May 04, 2009

Smart Moves for Home Sellers in 2009

Posted to Real Estate Tips

WHAT DOES ‘MARKET VALUE’ MEAN?:
It is not what your friend sold their house for a couple of months ago or a year ago. It’s not the value on your property tax bill or what an appraiser said the house was worth last year. Your property is worth what a ready, willing and able buyer is willing to pay for your house today, nothing more and nothing less.

AS-IS SELLER:
Most buyers aren’t looking for houses they can fix-up today. Foreclosed properties are already being sold as fixers and most auction properties are in poor condition.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL:
In this market, you need a Realtor® who works full time and has the respect of her colleagues and routinely achieves excellent sales numbers. I posses an innate sense for that right price and I have a winning marketing plan as well as 100% client satisfaction. I can target your home to the appropriate buying niche. I am a tough negotiator, for you!

KNOW YOUR LOCAL MARKET:
No two markets are similar. In many areas, moderately priced homes have bigger buying pools because tighter lending qualifications are keeping buyers out of more expensive homes.

INTERNET:
Half of all prospective buyers start their home shopping on the internet. My proven marketing plan includes comprehensive cutting edge internet marketing of your property.

CARRY A NOTE:
Consider carrying part of the buyer’s note with interest, secured by an asset belonging to the buyer or a deed of trust. Only do this after a careful credit check and only if you have enough money to wait for the balance of the purchase price.

REDESIGN:
Focus on curb appeal, de-personalize and de-clutter. My professional team includes a Redesigner to assist you presenting your home in optimal condition and give prospective buyers the opportunity to envision themselves living there. Please contact me today to schedule a personal appointment convenient to your schedule to discuss your specific real estate needs. I look forward to cater to your needs. Until then, I remain, very truly yours.

OH BY THE WAY… If I may ever be of service to you, a colleague, friend or family member please call me at 510-676-2731 and I will help!



Posted by:Kay Korbel



April 29, 2009

Home Inspection Check List

Posted to Real Estate Tips

A home inspection is an objective examination of the condition of the visible and accessible components of a home. When you find the house that is right for you, you need to find a home inspector who will review the condition of your new home. You should insist on a written report detailing the visible defects noted in the property. You may have to consult a contractor to estimate repair costs on any defects found.

Here is a short list of inspection points that a home owner or potential home owner can and should perform on their own. Read the complete article >


April 27, 2009

Quick Tips for Staging Your Property…

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Before you show your home to any potential buyer be sure to hire an Accredited Staging Professional to prepare your home for sale. Work together with your Realtor and Stager to ensure that your property will sell faster and for top dollar. Get ready to move…Start packing!

Inside Your House

  • Clear unnecessary items from furniture throughout the house. A lightly decorated home helps the buyer emotionally ‘move in’ with their own belongings.
  • Reorganize or take away some of the furniture in your home, if needed.
  • Remove needless items from the kitchen countertops. Take off any messages, magnets, pictures, etc. from your refrigerator doors.
  • Remove unnecessary objects from bathroom countertops, tub, shower stall and commode top. It’s best to organize towels in one or two colors only.
  • De-personalize, take down, reduce or reorganize pictures and objects on walls.
  • Evaluate the inside of the house, room by room, and paint any room needing paint, clean carpets and drapes and remember to clean windows.
  • Turn on lights & lamps for all showings and play soft music.

Outside Your House

  • Survey the perimeter of the house, remove debris, stow garbage cans out of sight.
  • Sweep and clean gutters, prune bushes and trees around windows and walkways.
  • Weed all planting areas and lay down brand new mulch.
  • Keep your grass and lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized during the growing season.
  • Clear patios of small items such as toys, flower pots, barbeques.
  • Freshen the exterior paint and trim as needed.

Call me at 510-676-2731 or email me at KayKorbel@comcast.net and I can put you in touch with this month’s featured vendor. One that you can rely on!

Oh, By the Way™… whenever you come across people who would appreciate the same level of service I currently provide, please forward their name and address to me and I will gladly follow up with them.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



April 22, 2009

Tip: Whether you are buying, selling or just fixing up your home...

Posted to Real Estate Tips

Loose electrical outlets can be dangerous to you and your appliances.

Electrical outlets should hold the plug they receive firmly in place. When the outlet is subjected to heavy use it starts to wear out and lose its grip. This creates a “voltage drop” and starves your appliances of the quality power they need to operate to their full potential. Loose connections cause electrical wiring and equipment to heat up and in extreme situations can lead to a fire. Electrical work can be dangerous and in my opinion, it is always a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to do the work.

Posted by:Kay Korbel