Archive for April, 2011
OC Green Realtor Issues Eco-Footprint Challenge
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.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Orange County Foreclosure and Short Sale Advice
When faced with a possible Orange County foreclosure is very tempting to move forward with a short sale or allowing the foreclosure without much thought. This is usually tempting for a homeowner because a short sale can function as a preventative measure on a pending foreclosure. There are a lot of facts about foreclosures and short sales that homeowners need to know about before they ever move forward with either one.
The good news is that there are plenty of companies out there whose business it is to help homeowners keep the homes they’ve work so hard to obtain. The first thing you need to do before letting a foreclosure complete or moving forward with a short sale is to contact a trusted real estate agent. He/she will be able to advise you on the best course of action based on a great number of things such as the length of time in your home, how much is left on the mortgage, and your eligibility for a number of anti-foreclosure programs. You also need to contact your lender to let them know that you’re interested in pursuing a course of action other than foreclosure. If a short sale is what you’re looking at then you’ll want to see if your lender will qualify you for one.
After you’ve spoken with your real estate agent and your lender you’ll need to evaluate everything and consider all possibilities. Those homeowners who have no choice or decide on letting a lender foreclose on their home should still work closely with with a real estate agent to help guide them through the process and make sure that the treated fairly and according to law. Homeowners who are able to take advantage of short sale should also work with a trusted real estate agent for the same reasons. Moreover those homeowners who are eligible for one of the many anti-Orange County foreclosure programs will also need to work with a real estate agent who has experience and extensive knowledge about these programs. This person will be able to help the homeowner makes sense of the complicated processes involved in all these programs and help them navigate the murky waters that surround them.
Whether it’s a foreclosure, short sale, refinance, or some other program that keeps them in their home, it’s extremely important to work with a professional when faced with any of these things. This is because there are some lenders who are less than fair to homeowners and there also numerous scams out there that aim to take advantage of people facing these types of crises.
Green Realtor Has Great Opportunity for Orange County Homeowners
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.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )Four Tips for Serious Real Estate Investors
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.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Touch the Lives of Children This Year
Right now you can really make a difference in the lives of some very special children. Metro Estates is proud to be sponsoring a 4th Annual Essentials For Young Lives campaign through HomeAid Orange County. Essentials for Young Lives is a community-wide effort to gather and distribute a wide range of necessities to homeless infants and toddlers. The number of young people in this category is swelling. In fact, mothers and children currently are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
For those wishing to contribute to this very worthy cause, drop boxes are conveniently located in the office. And be sure to ask family, friends, and clients if they’d like to participate.
Here’s What’s Needed
- Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Baby Food
- Baby Hygiene Products
Drop-Off Address and Hours:
120 Newport Center Drive #160
Newport Beach CA 92660
9:30am – 5:30pm
If you ‘d like any further information about Essentials for Young Lives, I’ll be happy to help. You can connect with me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )
Orange County Real Estate Success 