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

Posted on January 2, 2012. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , |

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 [...]

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Do You Qualify for a Loan Modification?

Posted on November 10, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Lenders & Loan info, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , |

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 [...]

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Why Loan Modifications Are Great For Investors

Posted on November 9, 2011. Filed under: Lenders & Loan info, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , |

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 [...]

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First Time Homebuyers Have a New Reason to Rejoice

Posted on September 1, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , |

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 [...]

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A Good Deal Starts With a Realistic Investor Strategy

Posted on September 1, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , |

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 [...]

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Don’t Just Upgrade, GREENgrade!

Posted on June 5, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 [...]

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Home Grown Tips For Landscaping Green

Posted on May 31, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 [...]

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Making the Orange County Move Green Style

Posted on May 29, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , |

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 [...]

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What Does Green Mean?

Posted on May 23, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 [...]

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

Posted on May 15, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , |

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 [...]

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How Sustainable is YOUR City?

Posted on May 8, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 [...]

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Orange County Home Staging – need a FAST sale?

Posted on May 3, 2011. Filed under: Home Seller Tips, Making Life Easier, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , |

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 [...]

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Green Realtor Has Great Opportunity for Orange County Homeowners

Posted on April 22, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 – [...]

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Four Tips for Serious Real Estate Investors

Posted on April 15, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Informed Investor Alliance, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , |

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, [...]

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Flex Your Solar Power – Orange County Solar Options

Posted on March 25, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Making Life Easier, Orange County Home Improvement | Tags: |

As we roar into the home stretch of March, I thought I’d squeeze in one more reminder that this is Green & Sustainability Month.  Being the environmentally-conscious citizen that I am, I’d like to pitch in by covering one more topic related to the health and well-being of our planet – solar power. Those of [...]

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Protect Your Orange County Investment and Your Family

Posted on March 14, 2011. Filed under: Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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. [...]

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10 Ways to Avoid Short Sale Delays

Posted on March 14, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Orange County Real Estate, Orange County Short Sales | Tags: |

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 [...]

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OC YPN Striding Forward With 2011 Lunch & Learn Series

Posted on February 14, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Orange County Real Estate, Orange County things to do | Tags: |

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 [...]

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You’re Invited to Tee It Up Fore Marines

Posted on January 31, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, OC Charities, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

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 [...]

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Orange County Moving Company Offers YOU a 10% Discount

Posted on January 26, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: |

If you’re moving or planning to move, the Weeks Team has a great way to eliminate headaches, as well as save time and money. We’re teaming up a with an amazing group of local professionals who’ve dedicated themselves to making your move as simple and hassle-free as possible. Bigs & Smalls Moving & Storage Services [...]

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    Orange County, CA Real Estate for hip first-time buyers and investors. Plus, fun things to know and do in OC.

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