The Buyer Walked On This Beautiful Natomas Short Sale...And We Need A New One!

I can't understand it, don't get it, how could they leave this one behind?  My Sacramento Short Sale listing in Riverbend lost the buyer last week.  Sooooo, we need a new one, and we have lowered the price to $219,000, creating a HUGE opportunity for someone get a great home, in a great neighborhood.  If you, or someone you know, wants to live near the Sacramento River, close to Downtown, contact me about seeing this home...soon!

Short Sale Process: Things Are Looking Up!!

I was recently asked to be a "Guest Blogger" on a national Short Sale sight, called ShortSaleBlogger.com.  I'll be writing there periodically, and wanted to share the link to my most recent Post. 

Short Sale Process:  Things Are Looking Up! on ShortSaleBlogger.com.

It's a candid look at today's Short Sale...I hope you enjoy the read!

SACRAMENTO SHORT SALE: JUST SOLD!! Remodeled Starter Home in Natomas...$134,000





JUST SOLD!! Remodeled Victorian TriPlex in Midtown...$550,000.

Sacramento Short Sale: Riversgate 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, in exceptional condition!

Sacramento Real Estate: When Agents Use Unethical Practices...

I had a situation with one of my Sacramento Real Estate Listings last week, where another REALTOR showed up at my seller's front door.  Normally, that would be fine, if said REALTOR wanted to show the property to a buyer.  However, in this case, she was there to persuade my client to abandon her Exclusive Agency with me.

BIG NO-NO!!!

Now, my seller felt compelled to call me immediately, but due to the fact that she travels in similar circles as this OTHER REALTOR, she didn't want to give me her name. 

LUCKY BREAK FOR THIS CHICK!!!

Filing a complaiint with the California Department of Real Estate, and the Sacramento Association of Realtors, might make her want to reconsider her actions.

The big questions I have for this lady, "is one listing really worth losing your license, and your ability to practice real estate?  Is your pool of possible Sacramento Listings really that small?" 

As REALTORS, we sign a Code of Ethics, and are bound to abide by that Code.  Article 16 of the Code Of Ethics reads as follows,

"REALTORS® shall not engage in any practice or take any action inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS® have with clients. (Amended 1/04)"

"...Article 16 is intended to recognize as unethical two basic types of solicitations:



First, telephone or personal solicitations of property owners who have been identified by a real estate sign, multiple listing compilation, or other information service as having exclusively listed their property with another REALTOR®; and


Second, mail or other forms of written solicitations of prospects whose properties are exclusively listed with another REALTOR® when such solicitations are not part of a general mailing but are directed specifically to property owners identified through compilations of current listings, “for sale” or “for rent” signs, or other sources of information required by Article 3 and Multiple Listing Service rules to be made available to other REALTORS® under offers of subagency or cooperation. (Amended 1/04)

So, obviously this lady didn't read the Code of Ethics the day she signed it...maybe if she had, she wouldn't be in direct violation.  One day, she will knock on the wrong door, and her actions will not be met with such luck. 

Sacramento Real Estate: Why Do I Need A Full Time Real Estate Agent?

One of the biggest investments people make in their lives, is purchasing a home.  Buyers and sellers rely on the expertise of their Sacramento Real Estate Agent, to help them make sound decisions regarding their local real estate market.  Decisions that could follow them for the rest of their lives if they are not careful.  So, I asked this question to one of my new clients this weekend, who had previously been working with a part time agent: 
"Why would someone put that kind of investment in the hands of a school teacher, who has sold two homes in the last 3 years?"

The answer was shocking...  "She's a friend." (Gasp)

OK, so it really isn't that shocking, as many people make this choice when looking for a real estate agent.  They think a friend will work the hardest for them, which isn't out of the question.  But when that friend's primary income comes from an entirely different profession, one that dominates their time, how much attention will they really give to what, for many, is one of life's most important decisions?

The answer is, "NOT ENOUGH!"

A good, full time Sacramento Real Estate Agent is knowledgeable about their area, knowledgable about the different nuiances of the the market, and AVAILABLE FOR THEIR CLIENTS.

For example, over the weekend, I showed my clients a home in Arden Park.  I had previously shown this home to them, and two other clients over the month before, so not only did I know the house, I had developed a relationship with the seller.  My clients decided they wanted to write an offer, but that we wouldn't be able to get back together until the following evening (Sunday).  I notified the listing agent, that we would indeed be sending an offer over, and she let me know that she was presenting another offer the following morning. 

DING DING DING, game changer!

Getting together with my clients Sunday evening was no longer going to work.  Plans needed to be changed, mine included, and we needed to write an offer that was going to get attention.  We also needed to have the listing agent and seller push their meeting back, to allow us to get the offer in. 

Sunday morning was a scramble!  But, by Sunday evening, I was able to call my clients and let them know that our offer had been ACCEPTED!  The house they WANT, in the neighborhood they LOVE, and it came together in less than 24 hours.  If we had waited until the following evening to write the offer, we would have missed it.  Communication with the listing agent, my availablility for my clients, and ability to write a strong offer (by the way, both offers were for the same purchase price, but the rest of our terms made our offer much more attractive), got my clients the home they desired!

If my clients had used the school teacher, who dabbled in real estate, I strongly doubt they'd be in escrow today.

If you want a FULL TIME SACRAMENTO REAL ESTATE AGENT, who is available for you, and understands the Sacramento market, give me a call:

Folsom Real Estate: Immaculate Tri Level in Willow Creek Estates

My latest seller has equity, if you can believe it, and she's ready to downsize! Bring us an offer!!

MAKE THIS FLOOR TO CEILING REMODEL IN CAMPUS COMMONS, YOURS!

Find New Home in Charming Tahoe Park!

Tahoe Park is a quaint historic community built from the 1920s to the 1950s. If you appreciate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, I invite you to consider Tahoe Park.


The neighborhood of Tahoe Park was built in two stages: the first, in the 20s and 30s and the second stage after the war in the 40s and 50s. This created distinctly different styles in one cohesive neighborhood. The Tahoe Park tudor, cottage, ranch and bungalow style homes range in size from 750 to 2300 square feet and sit on lots from .13 acres to .25 acres.

Tahoe Park is situated near UC Davis Medical Center and less than a mile away from Cal State University Sacramento. It is close to shopping and a quick trip to highway 50. Downtown Sacramento is just 4 miles away.

This affordable community is mainly blue and white-collar and is a good consideration for first time buyers. A lot of the residents started out that way and this cozy community kept them here. Now, there are a lot of medical professionals, state workers and just long-time residents.

For leisure activities, residents enjoy nearby Tahoe Park. This 19-acre park offers a swimming pool, a wading pool, playgrounds for children and toddlers, BBQs, softball and soccer fields; basketball and volleyball courts; a jogging trail, picnic areas, and fitness stations.

Students in Tahoe Park attend schools in the Sacramento Unified School District. Local Schools include Mark Twain Elementary, Tahoe Elementary, Joseph Bonnheim Elementary, Peter Burnett Elementary, West Campus High School and Hiram W. Johnson High School.

Tahoe Park is bordered by Stockton Blvd to the West, Broadway to the North, 14th Ave to the South, and 65th Street to the East.

If you have any questions regarding property in this or other Sacramento areas, please contact me:

Discover Your Dream Home In Beautiful Land And Curtis Park

Land Park and Curtis Park are two of the most sought-after established neighborhoods in Sacramento. With their beautiful tree-lined streets and fairy-tale homes, it’s a community to aspire to.

The vintage homes here were built from the early 1900’s through the 1950’s. They are a mixture of Colonial, Tudor, California and High-water Bungalow, Chateau and Spanish Villa styles. Home sizes in this area range from 1000 to an impressive 4000 square feet and sit on extravagantly landscaped .15 to .25 acre lots.

You have to drive through to appreciate this neighborhood. Each home is unique and immaculately maintained. The wide variety of home styles here is kept true to the era with authentic details like archways, original hardwood floors and fireplaces. Most have been updated in the necessary kitchen and bath areas.

Land Regional Park is the center of neighborhood activity. With multiple sports fields, teams play almost every weekend. Also in Land is the WPA rock Garden and the Sacramento Zoo. Elementary School age kids enjoy Funderland. It’s a small admission free amusement park, complete with a roller coaster and steam train. And, for the littlest residents, Fairytale Town is a 2.5-acre children's play park and outdoor children’s museum all based on nursery rhymes! This venue hosts events for kids all year long. A major attraction for adults in the neighborhood is the Capitol City Golf Course.

Students of Land Park and Curtis Park attend Vallejo Middle School and CK McClatchey High School. Other schools in the area include Brett Harte Elementary, Crocker / Riverside Elementary and John Cabrillo Elementary. Sacramento City College is also nearby.

As you drive through Sacramento, you’ll find Land Park and Curtis Park located South of Broadway, West of Hwy 99, North of Sutterville Rd, and East of Interstate 5. This makes for easy access to freeways, shopping and everything downtown has to offer.

If you have any questions regarding this neighborhood or others in the Sacramento area, please contact me:

Huge Duplex in Citrus Heights! Over $24,000 in Gross Yearly Revenue!

Enjoy The Diversity of South Land Park Real Estate

South Land Park is an established Sacramento neighborhood with a wonderful family reputation. Located along South Land Drive, this neighborhood has all the amenities of Land Park.

Homes here range from 1500 square feet to 2500 square feet and sit on .20 to 025 acre lots. South Land Park homes were built from the 1950s to the 1960s. Some have the modernist Eichler design with a lot of floor to ceiling glass and open floorplans designed to bring the outdoors in.

Common amenities for these homes include: large windows, vaulted ceilings, indoor laundry rooms, sunrooms, fireplaces, cut stone countertops in updated kitchens.

The neighborhood of South Land Park is situated along each side of South Land Drive and is walking distance to the ever-active Land Regional Park. It’s a great place to raise an active family. With walking paths all around the park it’s perfect for a daily workout.

Land Park has a choice of sports fields and courts and there’s always a weekend game or match. Also in the park is the WPA rock Garden and the Sacramento Zoo. Elementary School age kids can enjoy Funderland, a small admission free amusement park, complete with a roller coaster and steam train. For the little ones, Fairytale Town is a 2.5-acre children's play park and outdoor children’s museum all based on nursery rhymes! This venue hosts events for kids throughout the year.

A major attraction in the neighborhood is the Capitol City Golf Course. The premier 9-hole course is a great place to keep your game sharp. Opening in 1924, the course is the oldest in Sacramento but has been completely refurbished. The surrounding park makes it a beautiful course to play. After a morning of golf, enjoy a quiet lunch at either Swanson’s Grove BBQ or Mulligan’s café, located on site.

South Land Park is overall a great choice to settle down and raise a family. If you have any questions regarding this neighborhood or others in the Sacramento area, please contact me at 916.214.2082.

Find The Perfect Sacramento Home in Fabulous Sierra Oaks

Sierra Oaks is a well-established executive neighborhood just west of downtown Sacramento and the State Capital. It is known as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the Sacramento area. It is bordered by Northrop Ave to the South, Watt Ave to the East American River Dr to the South, and Monroe St to the West.

There are a lot of upscale town homes and condos in this popular neighborhood making it more affordable. Single-family homes here range from 1800 square feet to 5000 square feet and are built on lots from .25 acres to a full acre. Homes are as large as five-bedrooms with four and a half baths. Sierra Oaks’ architectural style is generally ranch, built from the 1950s to the 1960s.

Sierra Oaks is known as one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the Sacramento area. It is bordered by Northrop Ave to the South, Watt Ave to the East American River Dr to the South, and Monroe St to the West.

A drive around this neighborhood will show manicured lawns and large well established trees everywhere. It is not uncommon for Sierra Oaks homes to be extensively remodeled and upgraded. Many homes offer updated kitchens and bathrooms with cut stone counter tops, sunrooms, bonus rooms, master suites, walk-in closets and fireplaces. Extensive backyard landscaping, outdoor kitchens and private pools are also common in larger homes.

Students in the area attend Sierra Oaks Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Hubert H. Bancroft Elementary, Caleb Greenwood Middle School and America’s Choice High School.

Oak Meadow Park and University Park offer yearlong recreation for local families as well as four miles of walking trails along American River Parkway.

This Sacramento neighborhood is walking distance to Sacramento State University, shopping, and restaurants. It’s a quick drive to freeways, downtown Sacramento and the capitol, which makes it a great commuter area.

If you have any questions regarding this neighborhood or others in the Sacramento area, please contact me:

Discover The Charm of Midtown Sacramento Real Estate

Just steps away from art galleries to fine restaurants and shops, Midtown Sacramento offers all the benefits of an urban lifestyle. Start your day at a local coffee or teashop and work just a short walk from home. Be a part of the monthly art tours or film festivals and meet friends every evening at local restaurants and nightclubs.

Midtown Sacramento offers a mix of business, culture and nightlife. The home choices in the area are just as diverse. From modern urban lofts and condos to High-water bungalows and cottages built from the late 1800s to 1940s. There is something here for everyone.

Bungalows and cottages in the area range in size from 900 to a large 2500 square feet and sit on lots from .12 to .2 acres. Many of these historic homes have been around since before a lot of Sacramento’s infrastructure.

These charming homes offer the benefit of period detail work and most have refinished hardwood floors, extensive woodwork, fireplaces and built-ins. Many have updated kitchens and bathrooms. It’s definitely the best of both worlds.

The Sacramento Midtown area is bordered by Capital City Freeway to the East, W St to the South, 16th Street to the West, and C St to the North. With easy freeway access, it’s a great area for commuters too.

Surrounded by daily culture and numerous libraries, students here also benefit from schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District. Local schools include Washington Elementary and David Lubin Elementary, Sutter Middle School, America’s Choice High School, Sacramento Charter High School and Met. Sacramento High School.

With such a mix of homes in Midtown, it’s worth strong consideration. If you have any questions regarding property in this or other Sacramento areas, please contact me:

Live In The Charm Of Hollywood Park in Sacramento

Hollywood Park is an affordable family neighborhood, perfect for first time buyers. It has all the benefits of its more expensive neighbors without the prestige or the price tag.

This little-known neighborhood is bordered by Freeport Blvd to the West, Sutterville Road to the North, 24th Street to the East, and Fruitridge Rd to the South. It is mostly single-family 2 and 3 bedroom homes but there are some condos in the area.

Hollywood Park homes are ranch style, built from the 1940s through the 1960s, with sizes ranging from 850 to 2000 square feet. The homes are built on lots ranging from .15 to .20 acres. The diversity of this neighborhood is one of its greatest appeals.
A walk through many homes in the area will reveal upgrades like walk-in closets, master suites, crown molding and granite countertops in remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. A lot of the homes have standard fireplaces and large back yards.

This Pride of ownership blue and white-collar neighborhood is close to Sacramento City College. It is home to many long-time residents and was once home to actor, Sam Elliot.

Hollywood Park is also close to restaurants and shopping and is walking distance to Land Park, with its sports complex, zoo and golf course. It is also easy access to freeways, light rail and the Sacramento Executive Airport.

Students in the area attend schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District. Local schools include Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary School, Hollywood Park Elementary, Ethel Phillips Elementary, Sutterville Elementary and Sam Brannan Middle School.

If your considering investing in rental property, there are some great investments to be had in Hollywood Park. With personal experience in this area, I can help walk you through choosing the right property.

If you have any questions regarding this or other Sacramento areas, please contact me:

 

Live In Elegant East Sacramento

If your looking for a neighborhood of refined elegance, East Sacramento is the best. This pride-of-ownership neighborhood holds its historic charm like a crown jewel.

A tour of the area includes the lush McKinley Park and McKinley Lake with a beautiful rose garden of 150 varieties of roses. The neighborhood homes follow suite with English style gardens and perfectly manicured lawns.

Homes in the area were built from the early 1900s through the 1950s. They are Colonial, Tudor, California and High-water Bungalow, Chateau, and Spanish Villas. They range in size from 1000 to 4000 square feet, built on .15 to .25 acre lots.

Many of the homes include pools, detached offices or workshops, formal dining rooms, partial basements and hardwood floors. They have updated kitchens with granite countertops and hardwood cabinets. In these homes you’ll find amazing architectural detail like archways, coved ceilings, crown molding, walnut inlays and stained glass.

Estate homes feature vintage lighting; marble, stone tile and lots of wood detail with master suites, and even wine rooms.

The neighborhoods in East Sacramento are some of the most sought-after in Sacramento, including the historic Fabulous Forties, McKinley Park, Bertha Henschel Park, River Park, and Elmhurst.

Schools in the area include Sacred Heart School, David Lubin Elementary, Theodore Judah Elementary, Sutter Middle School, Kit Carson Middle School as well as America’s Choice High School. California State University Sacramento is also nearby.

East Sacramento is located South of the American River, East of Capital City Freeway, West of the American River, and North of U Street.

It is within walking distance to downtown shopping as well as Sutter Memorial, Mercy General, and UC Davis Med Centers.

If you have any questions regarding property in this or other Sacramento areas, please contact me:

Find Your Family Home In Sacramento's Arden Park

Arden Park is the Epitome of an American family neighborhood. When you buy here, you’re buying more than just a home; you’re buying the whole neighborhood! It’s a great place to raise your family.

With peaceful tree-lined streets, it is a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of downtown Sacramento. Bordered by Watt Ave. to the West, Fair Oaks Blvd to the South, Easter Ave to the East, and Arden Way to the North its close to shopping and everything downtown has to offer.

Arden Park is an established neighborhood of ranch style homes built in the nineteen fifties and sixties. Sizes range from 1500 to 3500 square feet with homes sitting on large quarter of and acre to half- acre beautifully manicured lots. This is one of the many reasons for Arden Park’s popularity.

It’s not unexpected to find homes in the area with fine architectural detail, extensive landscaping, granite countertops, travertine or stone flooring, formal dining rooms, fireplaces and indoor laundry rooms.

Another reason for Arden Park’s popularity is the great schools in the area. Students here attend nearby Mariemont Elementary School, Arden Middle School and Rio Americano High School.

This family community offers two community parks with a Community Center, swimming pool, four tennis courts (not lighted), two basketball courts, a softball Field (not lighted), soccer fields, a horseshoe pit, play equipment and benches, a group picnic shelter, BBQs with picnic tables.

This active family area is also home to many community events like Easter egg hunts, soccer games, a 4th of July Parade and yearly concerts in the park.

I would like to show you more of this area. So, if you have any questions regarding this or other Sacramento neighborhoods, you can call me now using the link below:

Sacramento Short Sale Series-Part 2 "Building Your Sacramento Short Sale Team"

If you didn't catch "Part 1" of my Sacramento Short Sale Series, I encourage you to read it first…you can read it here.

So, what now? You've established your home's value is less than what you owe, and you have a legitimate, documentable hardship.

"Have you assembled your team?"

Many distressed homeowners seeking to Short Sale their Sacramento home, think they can simply call any Sacramento REALTOR® and be in good hands. A Sacramento Short Sale is a complex transaction, which takes knowledge, know-how, and patience from all involved. The common misconception is that all REALTORS® are Sacramento Short Sale Agents.

Additionally, many buyers and sellers mistakenly assume a Sacramento REALTOR® should have all the answers. A good Sacramento Short Sale Agent knows their limitations, and stays true to what they do well…Real Estate Transactions!

I receive a myriad of questions in today's market, many I can answer, but do not have the qualifications to do so. Questions like:

"What is my tax liability?" or "Will the bank come after me for the difference?" are questions better answered by professionals such as an Accountant, or Real Estate/Bankruptcy Attorney.

Another common question is, "How long will I have to wait to buy another home?" I can answer that question as well, but the answer should come from a Mortgage Professional whose expertise lies within real estate finance.

It is critical to have a solid team of professionals, and trusted advisors to help you successfully navigate the Short Sale of your Sacramento home. A good Sacramento Short Sale Agent should not give, and should not be expected to give advice they are not qualified to provide, however, they should have a team of go-to professionals to assist their clients, if the clients don't have their own.

When you decide it's time to explore the Short Sale of your home, give my team the opportunity to assist you!

Will Short Sale Work For You?

"Can I Short Sale My Sacramento Home?" -Part 1

"I want to Short Sale my Sacramento home!"   I hear this statement often from homeowners in our Sacramento real estate market. 

But is it true, that anyone with an upside down mortgage, can qualify for a Short Sale? 

It is true that Sacramento Short Sales have overtaken Sacramento REO's, a trend that started towards the end of 2009, with a gap that is widening in 2010. 

The number of Sacramento Short Sale listings is almost two times the number of current Bank Owned listings.  Additionally, banks are beginning to figure out this whole Short Sale phenomoenon, and approvals seem to be coming relatively faster. 

That being said, the answer to the above question, is "No, not everyone can qualify for a Short Sale!"

"Why don't I qualify for a Short Sale?"  First, I'd like to say that a Short Sale is NOT a "get out of my mortgage free card".  What it is, is a legitimate option for homeowners who are underwater, and have a legitimate financial hardship, such as:

     -Job Loss or Reduction in Pay
     -Divorce
     -Illness
     -Disability
     -ARM Adjustment
     -Job Transfer

These are some of the more prominent reasons, but there are several others.  If a "would be" seller is underwater, but does not have a legitimate financial hardship, the options become limited to:

     -Wait For the Market to Recover
     -Bring Cash to Close
     -Let Property Go Into Foreclosure

Now, of these options, the first option is the likely candidate for most people, and though I would never recommend Foreclosure to anyone, it has become an option for some.  People who have the financial ability to make up the difference with cash are few, however I did have a seller bring $54,000 to close a listing I had in January. 

7 out of 10 homeowners go into Foreclosure without any viable intervention. 

If you are not sure where you stand, or feel you might be close to qualifying for a Sacramento Short Sale, and want a professional's opinion, give me the opportunity to provide a FREE evaluation of your current situation.  Otherwise, this is Part One of my Short Sale Series, designed to help homeowners avoid the "F" word ("Foreclosure" if your mind went somewhere else).  Email, or before surfing to the next page, call me.

Will Short Sale Work For You?

Sacramento Real Estate Question Of The Week…”Can my second mortgage lender foreclose?”

As a Sacramento Real Estate Agent, I receive a lot of questions pertaining to our current market, and shocker, a lot of the questions I get center around foreclosure in Sacramento. It doesn't matter how much money you make, or have made, the Nation is captivated by the phenomenon that is "Foreclosure"!


An unbelievable number of people are experiencing foreclosure first hand, or are on the brink, and guess what, foreclosure does not discriminate.
 One question I got last week surprised me, but when I took a step back from the obvious answer, I figured this individual could not be the only person with the same question…, "Can my second mortgage lender foreclose?"


The answer: "Absolutely!"


When a second mortgage lender does foreclose, that lender assumes responsibility to pay the first mortgage, which in many cases in Sacramento, can be a bad business decision. But, it does happen.


Now, I'm not in the practice of giving legal advice, so if you've contemplated this move, I highly recommend talking to a Sacramento Real Estate Attorney, before moving forward.


Also, if the mortgage has gotten beyond the realm of affordability, and you would like to discuss your options regarding Sacramento Short Sale, I am always available for a Free consultation. Give me a call: