Orange County Real Estate Success » Orange County Real Estate

First Time Buyer Fears – 5 Reasons Renters Hesitate to Buy a Home

angieweeks — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:39:10 +0000

As first time buyer specialists, we’re constantly helping buyers address their fears about purchasing real estate. Some are very valid, while others are simply fear of the unknown. If you know someone going through pre-homebuying drama , please share this post with them, so they know they’re not alone, and understand how to overcome!

1. Fear of getting rejected.

There are WAY too many renters missing out on today’s buyer’s market simply because they are afraid to get qualified. They’re afraid that one bill they forgot to pay 5 years ago or those charged off accounts from college will keep them from buying a home forever. This is NOT true!! Everyone has dings on their credit, it does not mean you’ll be excluded from buying a home. At least talk to a lender and see what steps you need to take next to get qualified. Interest rates are ROCK BOTTOM right now, you owe it to yourself to try :)

2. Fear of losing good faith deposit.

A typical California ‘Good faith’ deposit (GFD) is 3% of the purchase price. Buyers write a ‘Good faith’ check and submit it with their offer, and if their offer is selected, the check is cashed and the escrow process begins. We’ve seen lots of buyers hesitate to write this check because they believe once the check clears, they MUST buy that property. In California, this is FAR from the truth. Your GFD is simply funds you as the buyer put forward to show your commitment to the property as you do your due diligence. During this due diligence contingency period, you can decide against the property and have your deposit returned for any reason, so don’t lose a great property because you are in fear of making a deposit!

3. Fear of overpaying.

Even though today’s buyers know the market better than ever with access to the MLS via internet and home value apps everywhere, buyers are still afraid to make a move in fear they will have ‘overpaid’ for a property they fell in love with, and be stuck underwater for years and years. (Sound like any renters you know??) Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless you are paying CASH for a property, it’s impossible for you to overpay, because there are systems of checks and balances in place to ensure this does not happen. During your ‘due diligence’ period, your lender is also doing their due diligence to make sure this is a solid property to loan you money on. The lender will send out an appraiser, and the appraiser’s sole job is to confirm the property is worth the price you offered on it. So rest easy knowing the bank will never loan you more money than the property is worth, even if you wanted to overpay. Plus, having an experienced buyers agent as your Realtor will also help you avoid overpaying, so you’re double covered

4. Fear of choosing a lemon.

We’ve all seen “The Money Pit” with Tom Hanks….YIKES! There are a lot of people out there who believe sellers will lie, cheat and steal to get their property sold. (and sometimes they may try to!) Fortunately for today’s homebuyers, a property inspection is conducted to ensure the home you love is not a lemon. There are quality home inspectors all over Orange County and they will inspect your property while its in escrow to make sure all the electrical, plumbing, appliances and structure is in working order. After a buyer’s inspection is complete, it is also typical to submit a ‘request for repairs’ to the seller with a list of items you would like addressed before moving into the property. Every property will have its problems, but buyers will always go into the situation with eyes wide open as long as they get a a property inspection with a quality inspector.

5. Fear of overextending.

Another completely valid buyer fear is over extension. “What if I bite off more than I can chew”? “What if I get laid off”? “What if I need to move”? These are all GOOD things to consider, but, they are not reasons why you should rent in fear the rest of your life. Actually, if you rent until you retire, you’re going to have a lot of reasons to worry how you’ll keep the roof over your head. Ideally, you’ll purchase a property, pay down the mortgage, and live in your paid off property after retirement In order to safeguard your investment, its a really good idea to have 3-6 months worth of reserves in the bank in case you do lose your job or need to move and find a renter for your property. Talk to your financial advisor about how much you should have in reserves so you don’t overextend and have to eat ramen noodles for the rest of your life. Its bad for your health.

What makes you hesitate to buy a home? If you’ve already bought your first property, do you remember your biggest fear when you took the plunge the first time? Please share by commenting below or tweeting @weeksteam or @angieweeks – we’d love to hear your story!!

Do You Qualify for a Loan Modification?

angieweeks — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:42:05 +0000

I’m astounded at how many Orange County homeowners qualify for a loan modification. And I’m even more astounded that they never seize the opportunity, generally because there’s so much misinformation floating around. As a result, hundreds of distressed homeowners never get the help they need. Mike Hatcher, seasoned modification advisor with the Ascent Network, is here again to offer a wealth of valuable insights –

The best thing I can do is clear away all the debris of misinformation. So, in no particular order, here’s a list of GREAT loan modification candidates:

Those yearning to save an average of $1,000 a month — our average improvement.
Those with W2 income between $40k-$130k. Or the self employed, who usually don’t qualify for a refinance. We are 99% successful securing modifications for this group.
Those who never “rob Peter to pay Paul” in order to cover the bills.
Those who have perfect payment records but wonder how long they can afford to make their payments.
Those in default and are 14 days from a foreclosure sale on their property.
People worried sleepless because they fear losing their home and fear seeking help. This reluctance typically is the result of mass misinformation.
Those who want to shoot their spouse (or realtor) for deciding to purchase the house back in the mid-2000s.
Individuals seeking a long-term mortgage solution with a fixed rate.
Those who realize that renting ultimately costs more, don’t want to pay for or expend the energy for a move, and don’t want to live in someone else’s rental property.
Those who fail to qualify with their lender, or are given a token $30-$100 monthly savings modification as a consolation prize.

Quite a list, with more than a few surprises, eh? So, are you ready to learn how a loan modification can put $1,000 extra in your pocket every month? Just call Mike at 877.871.2400 x15. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to cast your financial worries to the wind.

And, of course, if you’d like to learn more about the variety of opportunities the Orange County real estate market offers, I’ll be delighted to help. Just call, tweet, or email me at 949.338.7408, @AngieWeeks, @WeeksTeam, or angie@askangie.com. I’m ready to assist you in any way I can.

Why Loan Modifications Are Great For Investors

angieweeks — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:31:44 +0000

You all know that Orange County homeowners can reap substantial rewards from loan modifications. But were you aware that loan mods are a great avenue for investors as well? Believe it or not, most investors can qualify for this excellent financial option. Here’s a quick overview by Mike Hatcher, seasoned modification advisor with the Ascent Network –

Here at the Ascent Network, a faith-based, non-profit organization, we offer a number of outstanding options for investors. Thanks to our experienced and knowledgeable team, we’ve helped thousands of clients since 2007. And one of the major ways is by securing loan modifications for investors. Why should you pursue a loan mod if you’re an investor? Here are the five top reasons:

1. Income qualification is based on Profit and Loss (P&L), which we help put together for you, not your tax return. A P&L is a great asset. That’s because, depending on your debt to income thresholds, deductions may or may not be applied to ensure the best fit for a client.

2. Our average, the investor modification rate is 4.25-4.5%

3. This is a fixed rate.

4. The term typically is 30 years, with some going as long as 40 years. For the record, 30% of lenders consider a 40-year term.

5. We negotiate successful outcomes with 80% of our clients.

Would you like to learn how modification can help you leverage the value of your investment property to put more cash in your pocket on a monthly basis? Call Mike at 877.871.2400 x15, and boost the cash flow from your investment property.

First Time Homebuyers Have a New Reason to Rejoice

angieweeks — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:38:36 +0000

As if there weren’t a bonanza of incentives already available to first time homebuyers, newbies have yet another excellent reason to purchase a house. Called Homepath, this very generous program currently enables Fannie Mae to offer buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through October 31, 2011. In addition, a $1,200 selling agent bonus is available to agents who close on an owner occupant property and meet all eligibility requirements and terms and conditions.

Remember, Homepath is available only for Fannie Mae properties and to first time buyers. If you and your chosen property qualify, the program offers you a fantastic way to get some amazing benefits. Possibilities include getting your closing costs paid or changing a prohibitively costly condo into an affordable dream home.

If you’re interested in Homepath, here are some of the conditions you should be aware of.

Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer.
Initial offer must be submitted on or after June 14, 2011 and close by October 31, 2011. Initial offers made prior to June 14 are not eligible for the June 14 – October 31 incentive.
Sale must close on or before October 31, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline. (Note: Initial offers submitted after September 15, 2011 may not close by the incentive deadline of October 31, 2011.)

If you’d like to learn more about Homepath, I’ll be delighted to help. Just call, tweet, or email me at 949.338.7408, @AngieWeeks, @WeeksTeam, or angie@askangie.com. I’m ready to assist you in any way I can.

A Good Deal Starts With a Realistic Investor Strategy

angieweeks — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:31:41 +0000

Like any investors, those delving into Orange County real estate want the best possible deal. Great. But investors also need to temper their profit quest with a sound strategy and realistic expectations. Getting a good deal boils down to four essentials:

1. Decide how much you want to spend.
2. Determine your intention. Do you want a portfolio piece or a buy & flip?
3. Know how to recognize a good deal. After determining market value and identifying the desired neighborhood, an investor who gets a property at 10 percent below market value definitely is getting a DEAL.
4. Factor in the REAL numbers. How much are expenses, upgrades, commissions, rents, etc.?

I gained a few additional insights from John, a full time courthouse steps investor. According to him, if you make 10-15% on a foreclosure, you’ve done mighty good for yourself. Remember, the key to making a profit is how fast you can move the property or turn your money.

John added that many investors seek unfinancable condos. That’s because the more difficult it is to buy a home, the more its value drops. Many investors buy condos to hold for 5-10 yrs, hoping the hoa recovers and the property significantly appreciates. He pointed out that condos in college towns are in fairly high demand because of their proximity to the local campus.

If you’re scouring the marketplace for investment possibilities and want to do some number crunching, I can provide you with a very useful spreadsheet. Just call, tweet, or email me at 949.338.7408, @AngieWeeks, @WeeksTeam, or angie@askangie.com. I’m ready to assist you in any way I can.

Don’t Just Upgrade, GREENgrade!

angieweeks — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:08:38 +0000

Alright, you’re thinking about upgrading your home. But along with those new faucets, fresh paint, and vinyl tiles, did you ever consider all the eco-friendly improvements that will add pizzazz to your property and boost the health and well being of our planet? These days, the possibilities for GREENgrading your home are virtually limitless. The choices fall into three budget categories. Here are a few suggestions from each category –

LOW COST

Use CFC or LED light bulbs – Far more energy efficient than conventional bulbs
Insulate hot water heater – Can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%
Install motion sensors in offices and other common use area conference rooms to turn off lights when not in use
Install water efficient restroom fixtures – Reduces water use and saves you big bucks
Provide recycle bins

MEDIUM COST

Tune up HVAC – Improves both efficiency and comfort
Replace hardwood flooring with bamboo or cork floors – Will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Insulate attic and other areas
Buy recycled office products and equipment
Provide on-site bike room to encourage environmentally friendly commuting

HIGH COST

Buy ENERGY STAR appliances – Lower utility bills, better performance, and greater durability.
Replace roof with reusable/recyclable materials
Replace cabinets with sustainably harvested wood and low-VOC finishes – This type of wood comes from a certified wood harvesting site, not an unsustainably logged region, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Low VOC substances have less odor and impact on air quality.
Implement super energy efficient transformers – Reduces energy use and CO2 emissions.
Implement on-site water reclamation system – Save water and money on water bills.

Those are just a few of the GREENgrading options you can take advantage of. Hopefully you have some of your own eco-friendly tips. We’d love to hear about them. Just fire off your ideas below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Owning Laguna Hills Real Estate May Take Some Creativity

angieweeks — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:17:06 +0000

“As Orange County realtors with specialization in Laguna properties, the Weeks team has been successful at helping folks just like yourself actualize your dreams and own a piece of Laguna Hills real estate. It is always recommended that you consult a financial advisor when it comes to a large purchase, but don’t be surprised if you find out that you may qualify as a candidate to own Laguna Hills real estate!” – “Laguna Hills Real Estate – Creative and Savvy Ways to Own”, OC METRO.

Though many people don’t see themselves as potential homeowners, most people with somewhat decent credit just need to think outside the box a little to get into a home. Whether its sharing payments with roommates, using another property as leverge, or having a family member co-sign, it may take creativity to get that Laguna Hills real estate you’ve always wanted. Find out what some creaive homeowners did to afford their Laguna Hills real estate!

Click here to read the full article, entitled, “Laguna Hills Real Estate – Creative and Savvy Ways to Own”.

Home Grown Tips For Landscaping Green

angieweeks — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:32:08 +0000

Alright, you’ve decided to enhance the value and the beauty of your Orange County home with some first-rate landscaping. In preparation, you’ve no doubt pondered issues like space, style, and plant choice until your head hurts. But have you stopped to consider the environmental impact of your home improvement project? The good news is that you can boost the beauty of your home and help keep our planet green simply by considering factors like water use, runoff, and sustainability in your landscaping strategy.

How Green is Your Roof?

One good way to score high points in these areas is by growing native fruits and veggies on your property. Indigenous plants already fit perfectly into the ecosystem. Since this type of foliage naturally belongs in the region, it requires less irrigation and less pest control than your average outsider. To save even more precious H2O, group together all plants with similar irrigation needs. Plants that drink together, save water together.

You’ll also want to retain the maximum amount of natural landscaping. Keeping an abundance of native plant life in place does wonders to minimize runoff.

On the fertilizing front, composting is an effective, eco-friendly way to liven up your soil. Check out Home Depot. They offer an excellent selection of easy composting solutions that will jump start your future of fertilizing.

OK. That’s it from this end of the planet. Does anyone else out there have some eco-friendly landscaping suggestions? We’d love to hear about them. Just fire off your ideas below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Making the Orange County Move Green Style

angieweeks — Sun, 29 May 2011 20:30:43 +0000

Whether you’re moving into or out of an Orange County home, you probably have a ton of stuff to lug along on your journey. And that, of course, means you’ll be needing an assortment of boxes and other packing materials for the thousand and one household belongings you’ve accumulated over the years. Now what if you could get your hands on the required packing materials and be a friend to the environment all at the same time? You can with Green Packaging. This outstanding service will provide you with everything from boxes made of recycled materials to biodegradable poly bags. Once you have the needed boxes, make sure you reuse the heck out of them. And when the hard-working boxes have served their purpose, give them to somebody else to use over and over and over again. Both the recipients and our planet will appreciate the gesture.

But packing is just a starting point. Here are a few other eco-friendly solutions for folks on the move –

Don’t trash unwanted items. De-clutter by connecting with CraigsList or freecycle.com. And be aware that the Habitat for Humanity Restore will gladly accept virtually any of your donated belongings. After all, one person’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Request a green termite clearance.
If re-doing landscaping, consider using native plants to reduce water use and runoff.

Does anyone else have some eco-friendly suggestions for people on the move? We’d love to hear about them. Just fire off your ideas below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

What Does Green Mean?

angieweeks — Mon, 23 May 2011 22:11:11 +0000

We all want a greener planet earth. But exactly what does green mean? This is a tough question to answer. Seems everyone has a very personal set of standards.

As far as housing goes, you know your home is making the green grade when it’s blessed with a high LEED rating, Energy Star certification, or HERS score.

One thing green doesn’t mean is bland functionality pitifully short on good looks. Just feast your eyes on this selection of remodeling solutions to see the excitingly aesthetic side of eco-friendly.

Interested in introducing some eco-friendliness to the place where you hang your hat? Try these to enliven your Orange County home with green goodness.

Low or no VOC (volitile organic compounds) materials.
FSC certified wood products displaying the greenseal logo.
Low waste construction

But deduct major points if you dispose of non-green refuse in a landfill. Far better to recycle, renew, or reuse. Maybe you’ve heard of Habitat RE stores or freecycle.com? Both are superb remodeling or updating partners.

No doubt you have your own ideas about eco-friendly. So what do you think makes a household green? Feel free to fire off your comments below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And, of course, be sure to reach out to us with any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Brownfields, Greyfields, and Greenfields…How They Impact Your Community

angieweeks — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:21:36 +0000

Chances are you’ve heard the terms brownfields, greyfields, and greenfields. But do you know what the differences are? A basic familiarity with these terms can help you make a tremendous impact on your community. Here’s the quickie course:

Brownfield – This is a former industrial site, particularly the kind filled to the brim with hazardous contaminants. Among the contaminant-oozing culprits are former dry cleaning facilities and gas stations.
Greyfield – This is the designation for a large structure such as a shopping mall or commercial facility that has been abandoned. What remains, of course, is a large, empty development used only by assorted rodents, insects, and other creatures that have no place better to go.
Greenfield – Undeveloped section of land. Rapidly becoming a rarity.

Is there a brownfield or greyfield upsetting the natural balance of your own Orange County community? Consider joining forces with your neighbors to convert one of these eyesores into a thing of beauty, such as a spectacular new commercial building. A great example is the NAR headquarters in Washington, DC. This impressive structure was built on a former brownfield and has achieved lofty LEED silver status.

Are there any brownfields or greenfields in your Orange County community screaming for your attention? We’d love to hear about it. Just fire off your comments below.

And if you’d like to learn more about contributing to an eco-friendly community, you can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

How Sustainable is YOUR City?

angieweeks — Sun, 08 May 2011 19:40:39 +0000

Imagine a city designed with a major focus on environmental impact. As part of the plan, all citizens would strive to minimize usage of energy, water, and food, as well as waste output of heat, air pollution, and water pollution. This is a description of a sustainable city. And with green consciousness on a rapid rise, count on a lot more of these eco-communities developing in the future.

Our ‘green team’ has put sustainable cities high on the list of topics to stay in tune with. In the process, we’ve compiled a list of measurements that apply to this type of community:

• length of commute to work
• air quality
• surface water runoff
• greenhouse gas emissions
• road congestion
• housing affordability
• locally grown food availability
• amount of parks and greenways
• percentage of trucks that use alternative fuels
• car pooling / car sharing initiatives
• public transportation
• city sustainability departments

Did you ever consider how your own beloved city compares to other sustainable cities? Find out at Sustain Lane. And if you’d like to go a bit more global, you can learn how your own country compares by checking out Yale University’s environmental performance index.

As part of the Weeksteam green effort, we’ve integrated with Walk Score in order to provide a walk score on our listings whenever you search for Orange County property. It’s all part of our commitment to helping you create a satisfying sustainable lifestyle. Register today to get your property listed, complete with walk score and much more.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Orange County Home Staging – need a FAST sale?

kerenshamay — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:48:04 +0000

Many of you have heard of Home Staging and thought “OK, maybe, but does it really work? Is it really worth the money?”

Last night I got a call from a home-owner I worked with at the end of March to pick up some props. When I staged their house I left some items behind and told them to give me a call when the house sells so that I can pick them up. In today’s market houses usually sit for a few months before an offer is made so you can imagine my surprise when I got the call. What happened? Why did they ask me to come pick up the props? Surely the house could not have sold so fast.

Orange County home sells 4 Days after staging – accepted offer was above asking price!!!

Let’s look at how much this staging saved them. For each month that a house is on the market a seller has to pay mortgage, utilities, insurance, taxes and any other owner related bills. Assuming the average mortgage is around $2,000 that is a lot of money spent each month the house is on the market. Knowing that, how much would you be willing to pay for a service that can help sell your house faster? Would it be worth $1000 to save months of those expenses? My services for this house cost these owners well under $1,000 and we used only what was already there. The owners were still living in the house and had everything we needed on hand.

If you are considering selling your house make the investment in Staging. It will save you so much money in the long run, and get your house sold much faster.

For more information check out our website dedicated to Orange County Staging!

OC Green Realtor Issues Eco-Footprint Challenge

angieweeks — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:40:21 +0000

Once again this ever-vigilant Orange County green Realtor has been scouring and searching for eco-friendly ideas to share with the world. And I’m pleased to say I recently discovered a unique set of resources for anyone who’s ever wondered what kind of impact they’re having on this planet’s ecology.

OK, even if you haven’t exactly been sitting up nights pondering the matter, you definitely should know about this opportunity. I’m talking about five super websites that will reveal how big a footprint you’re leaving on earth’s precious environment. If you’re the least bit curious, please take a moment visit at least one of these sites –

earthlab – Invites you to learn how big a carbon footprint you’re leaving on the earth. Just provide a bit of info, and you’ll get your carbon score free of charge. Take this challenge, and prepare to cut back on the carbon.

Conservation Internaitional – Organization that provides smart solutions to protect our natural resources. Offers user-friendly carbon calculator gives you a quick peek at your pollution.

Carbonfund – Another wonderful site dealing with … you guessed it, carbon and how you can contribute less of it. Features CarbonFree^® Partner program, a unique way to help your business calculate, reduce, and offset carbon footprints.

National Wildlife Federation – Works across the country to protect the ultimate life-sustaining resource, water. Features water calculator.

Center for Neighborhood Technology – This organization has been a leader in promoting urban sustainability, or the more effective use of existing resources. Airhead, the site’s emissions calculator, will teach you just how much air pollution you create.

After You Know the Size of Your Footprint…

We’d like to know how you did. And, what positive changes you plan to make. Don’t worry. This won’t affect your FICO score. But your efforts will have a positive impact on our planet. You can fire off a comment below. Or or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And, of course, if I can be of help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Green Realtor Has Great Opportunity for Orange County Homeowners

angieweeks — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:16:06 +0000

As an Orange County Green Realtor, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our eco-system. That’s why if you’re a homeowner, I’ve got some really fantastic news. We’re talking a super opportunity to save big bucks and save a little wear and tear on the very thing on which all life depends – our environment.

Right now if you own a home, there are dozens of rebate and incentive programs available for those who bring green improvements to their property. You’ll actually get paid to go green. Or as I say, ‘you get green for green.’

Among the many outstanding programs are:

California Solar Initiative – Cash back rebates for those who install solar energy systems
Emerging Renewables Program – Rebates for wind and fuel cell energy systems
Energy Upgrade California – Wide range of home improvement projects that lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources, and make your home healthier and more comfortable.

If you’d like to learn more about helping yourself as well as the environment, there’s a mountain of interesting information available from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Have Some of You Already Gone the Green Route With Your Homes?

Great! I hereby grant you bragging rights. Go ahead and spill it all out about what you did and how much $ you saved. You can fire off a comment below. Or or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And, of course, if I can be of help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Four Tips for Serious Real Estate Investors

angieweeks — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:24:08 +0000

For success in today’s marketplace, a Real Estate investor definitely needs a realistic strategy and set of expectations. Before you plunk down your hard earned money on an Orange County property, you’ve got to cut through all the debris and determined exactly what IS a good deal, who gets them, and how. From my experience, investors should adhere to the following guidelines to maximize their chances of success.

1. Determine how much you want to spend.
2. Determine your intention. Is the property you’re eyeballing a portfolio piece, or buy & flip?
3. Know how to recognize a good deal. Once you’ve pinpointed market value and neighborhood, grabbing a property at 10% below market value is a DEAL.
4. Get the REAL numbers. How much are expenses, upgrades, commissions, rents, etc.?

I had the good fortune of interviewing John, a full time courthouse steps investor. According to him, a profit of 10-15% on the courthouse steps is good. Remember, you make your $$ not on a per deal basis, but by how fast you move the property or turn your money.

John added that many investors are going for condos that are un-financeable. Why? Because the less people can buy, the more the value drops. Good ol’ supply and demand at work. Many investors are buying to hold for 5-10 yrs, hoping the hoa recovers, and the property significantly appreciates. And while we’re on the topic of condos, investors should have a good long look at those located in college towns. Since these properties are a short walk to the local campus, they have a built-in appeal.

Need a spreadsheet to help with your numbers!? Just call, tweet, or email me! I’ve got just what you need. And, of course, if you have any questions about buying or selling Orange County homes, I’ll be delighted to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

Protect Your Orange County Investment and Your Family

angieweeks — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:05:37 +0000

Hey, folks. March is Green & Sustainability Month, and I thought I’d pitch in by sharing a few thoughts about an issue affecting us right where we all live – our home. The issue is an insidious substance known as radon, the silent threat. Radon was the primary topic on a recent episode of Dr. Oz, which stressed the importance of scheduling radon inspections for homes, businesses, and schools.

Here are a few things all Orange County homeowners or business owners should know about this silent threat:

Radon results from the decay of uranium in soil, water, and rocks, all of which can be found beneath a home’s foundation. From this starting point, the gas can seep into homes and eventually lead to very serious health problems.
Thousands of radon hot spots exist in the U.S. These locations demonstrate much higher than average levels of the gas. Specialized tests reveal evidence of a clear link between breathing high concentrations of radon and lung cancer. Clearly, radon testing is critical to ensure the safety of any home, business, or school.
While radon sampler kits are available, thorough testing by a professional environmental inspector is recommended. Such testing may utilize charcoal canisters, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, alpha-track detectors, and electric ion chamber detectors.

For more insights regarding this silent threat, check out this very informative video courtesy of the Dr. Oz show.

If you’d like maximum peace of mind, consider getting your home tested for radon levels. In my book, the best person for the job is Mike Cantor with 20/20 Home Inspections. He’s friendly, fast, reliable, and state-certified. So give him a call. You’ll be glad you did.

Naturally, if I can be of assistance with this or any other issue pertaining to your Orange County home, please feel free to reach out to me. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

10 Ways to Avoid Short Sale Delays

angieweeks — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:42:42 +0000

If you’re involved with a short sale for an Orange County home, the last thing you need is a mountain of delays. Fortunately, there are 10 steps you can take to help minimize logjams and power through the sale at a reasonable pace.

Make sure buyers, sellers, and agents are all on the same page as far as expectations go. Everyone needs to understand that the process is complex, and things don’t exactly happen overnight.
Homeowners should complete all necessary financial hardship documentation. It is important to update these docs on a consistent basis.
Get the sale property up on MLS and market the heck out of it.
Come to an agreement regarding any external third party fees before submitting HUD (agreement should be valid for 60 days). Possible external fees include short sale negotiation, reconveyence, document preparation, and notary.
Before submitting short sale documents and/or images, go over them with a fine tooth comb for accuracy.
Lagers can cause some serious delays. So make sure customers and agents complete all necessary tasks in a timely manner.
Do your best to get a purchase offer that reflects the best possible fair market value and highest return for investors.
Submit fully executed purchase offers, making sure all addenda have been signed by buyer and homeowner. Provide any supporting documentation with offers.
Get busy and obtain a release on outside liens as early in the process as possible.
Be on the lookout for any of the following situations, as they invite delays:

a) A change in buyer, agent, or terms
b) Customer files for bankruptcy or divorce
c) Changes after approval letter is issued (please note expiration date)

If you’d like to learn more about short sale opportunities in the Orange County Real Estate market, I’ll be delighted to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

OC YPN Striding Forward With 2011 Lunch & Learn Series

angieweeks — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:00:19 +0000

I’ve been awarded the honor of coordinating the OC YPN Lunch & Learn series for 2011, and I’ve gotta admit, I’m pretty darn excited about the whole thing. With good reason. Not only are these monthly get-togethers designed for maximum fun, they’re offering agents the education of a lifetime. Come to the luncheons, and you’ll acquire dozens of proven techniques to better serve you clients. You’ll also gain a gold mine of insights on utilizing the full arsenal of contemporary Real Estate tools. This includes everything from mastering the art of negotiation to unraveling the secrets of effective social networking. It’s all here. Lock, stock, and barrel.

Remember, the high-energy luncheons have been designed for the enjoyment and edification of all ages of the YPN membership. So come one, come all. Experienced professionals as well as newbies.

For more details about this spectacular series, including an amazing lineup of speakers, please consult our official Lunch & Learn Calendar.

And, of course, feel free to contact your loyal Lunch & Learn coordinator for additional information. You can connect with me at @ 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.

So meet, greet, and eat as you learn the inner secrets of the Real Estate profession. It’s the OC YPN Lunch & Learn series. And it’s all happening in 2011! See you there!

You’re Invited to Tee It Up Fore Marines

angieweeks — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:27:05 +0000

Good news, people. The city of Mission Viejo is offering you a golden opportunity to strut your stuff on the golf green and lend a helping hand to some very special people. On Friday, March 25, the city will be holding its first annual Tee It Up Fore Marines golf tournament. Tee off time is noon sharp at the Marine Memorial Golf Course in Camp Pendleton. The event will benefit the marines, sailors, and families of Mission Viejo’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. Sponsoring the much-anticipated tournament are the Marine and Sailors Adoption Committee, Mission Viejo Community Foundation, and the city itself.

All community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate in or help sponsor the event. Sponsorships range from $200 to $5,000, but donations in any amount are more than appreciated. Auction and raffle items are also welcome.

Entry fees are as follows:

$200 per individual golfer
$800 for a foursome which includes a marine

In addition to feeding your hunger for competitive play, the event will feature a full course lunch and barbecue dinner. Plus an awards ceremony and much more.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available. All those offering their support should make checks payable to the Mission Viejo Community Foundation and mail them to the Marine Golf Tournament c/o Mission Viejo Community Foundation, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

For more information, visit www.teeitupforemarines.com or call 949-470-3061.

And if you really can’t get enough of the green, why not make your home where your heart is? Mission Viejo boasts an outstanding selection of gorgeous golf course homes guaranteed to keep you a put away from the action. We’ll be more than happy to set up a custom property search for you. Or simply contact me directly for more information. Connect with me @ 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.