Orange County Real Estate Success

  • ,

    Why Loan Modifications Are Great For Investors

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

    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.

  • , ,

    Orange County VA Loans – 8 Things Realtors (and Vets!) Should Know

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    VA LoansHey Orange County Veterans!  Here’s a great article about VA loans from OCAR mag, reprinted with permission here on our blog.  If you’re interested in a VA loan or getting a home with your veteran benefits please contact the AskAngie team at 877-230-3211!

    VA Loans on the Rise

    With deployment looming and more veterans entering the workforce soon, Realtors might want to brush up on the basics of VA financing.  A VA (Veterans Administration) guaranteed home loan is the preferred loan program for Active (and non-active), Reserve, National Guard, and retired military of the armed forces because there is no down payment needed, the interest rates are low, and no private monthly mortgage insurance is required.

    An interesting fact — more than 27 million veterans and service personnel are eligible for VA financing.  This is a growing buyer segment for the real estate community.

    Veteran Loans – Do I Qualify?

    To be eligible for a VA loan, Wartime/Conflict Veterans must serve for at least 90 days and must receive an honorable discharge.  Here are the dates of active duty:

    • World War II – September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947
    • Korean Conflict – June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
    • Vietnam Era – August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
    • Persian Gulf War – Check with VA regional office for specific eligibility.
    • Afghanistan and Iraq – Check the VA’s Web site for eligibility guidelines for current service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Reserves and National Guard – Members who have completed six years of service and have been honorably discharged (or are still serving) may be eligible for a VA loan.

    For peacetime service, an applicant must have at least 181 days of continuous active duty with no dishonorable discharge. If discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability, the applicant must contact the regional VA office to verify eligibility.

    8 Things Realtor’s & Vets Should Know about VA Loans:

    1. 100% financing – No down, Zero Down.   Unlike an FHA loan (3.5% down) or a conventional loan (3-5% down), a VA loan requires no down payment.
    2. No monthly private mortgage insurance is required.  Unlike a low down FHA or a no down Conventional loan (which require PMI), a VA loan has no PMI.
    3. 4% seller credit is okay — There is a limitation on buyers closing costs.  FHA and Conventional loans allow for a 6% seller credit, but VA loans cap this credit at 4%.
    4. VA is not a lender — VA does not actually lend the money to you directly. Instead, the VA offers a guaranty to lenders, like me, that if the loan goes into default, they will pay the lender a percentage of the loan balance. The word GUARANTY does not actually guaranty the veteran will qualify for a VA home loan.  Instead, it’s a “guaranty” that the lender will not incur losses in case the VA borrower hits hard times and a foreclosure ever develops.
    5. Interest rates are low – The interest rates are similar to FHA rates.
    6. You don’t need perfect credit – Most lenders require at least a 620 FICO score, but some lenders will go as low as 580, if certain conditions are met.
    7. The VA defines allowable fees and charges that the veteran borrower can pay or closing costs that may be charged to the borrower. These costs are determined as reasonable and customary by each local VA office. All other costs in the transaction are considered non-allowable and generally paid by the seller when purchasing a new home or by the lender when refinancing your current VA mortgage. Allowable fees are appraisal, inspections, recording fees, credit report, prepaid items, hazard insurance, flood check, survey, title insurance, and VA funding fee.
    8. The VA also specifies what is NOT allowable.  Additional fees may be charged to the veteran only if specifically authorized by VA. The lender may request VA to approve such a fee if it is, (a) normally paid by the borrower in a particular jurisdiction, and, (b) considered reasonable and customary in the jurisdiction.  The following list provides examples of items that CANNOT be charged to the veteran as “itemized fees and charges.” Instead, the lender must cover any cost of these items out of its flat 1% fee.   Non-allowable fees include:  Loan closing or settlement fees, underwriting, processing, escrow fees, notary, document preparation fees, preparing loan papers or conveyance fees, attorneys services other than for title work, photographs, interest rate lock-in fees,  escrow fees, broker fees by third party mortgage brokers and tax service fees.

    PAUL E. SCHEPER, MBA, CSA, SRES is a devoted member of OCAR.  He is a graduate from Harvard University and USC.  He is a licensed mortgage banker and OC VA loan specialist since 1984.

  • Orange County Properties – Not on the Market Yet!

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    796 W Lambnert # 157, La Habra, Ca
    Condo  (not listed)

    1 bed/ 1 bath
    700 sq feet
    approx list price to be 125K

    6029 Moraga, Riverside, Ca

    SFR
    3 bed/2 bath
    2500 sq ft
    single story
    no HOA
    coming to market soon, no price yet
    estimated price to be 200-230K

    30542 Paradise Palm, Homeland, Ca 92548
     

    Senior living mobile home with golf course
    2 bed 2 bath
    2040 sq ft
    Listing Price: $65,000

    7223 Comstock #C, Whittier, Ca
    Condo

    2 bed/2 bath
    1291 sq ft
    assoc pool/spa
    HOA $225
    good condition
    model match in escrow for $225K
    List price is $213,000
    7722 Friends Ave, Whittier, Ca
    SFR needing a lot of work

    1234 Sq Ft
    3 bed/ 1 bath
    NO HOA
    detached garage
    28549 Cilla Ct, Romoland, Ca

    Coming to market

    SFR
    4 bed/2 bath
    1460 sq ft
    tenant occupied
    No pictures
    Call Angie Weeks (949.338.7408) directly if you’re interested in any of these properties 🙂

  • Help with Your Down Payment – Just Approved!

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    If you’re in the market for a new home, but don’t have enough money?  Now your problems are solved!  Kara Collacott, of Essex Mortgage, just told us about a new down payment assistance program for ANYONE, not just first time buyers!  This program will give you 3% down for an FHA loan.  The qualifications are:

    *ratios 39.9/49.9

    *1 month cash reserves after closing

    *AUS accept only

    *Single Family Residence or approved Condos/PUD NO UNITS

    *Purchase Only

    *Borrowers must complete 8 hour home education program

    *Must have 90 day income and expense analysis with no payment shock

    *Buyer is allowed to move without needing to refi or sell the property

    Seems easy enough with a promise of living in the house of your dreams!  Contact Kara at (714) 935-2581 ext. 294, or on her cell:  (714) 469-2629, or e-mail her directly at kcollacott@essexmortgage.com if you have any questions or want more information!

  • , ,

    First Time Homebuyers Have a New Reason to Rejoice

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

  • 5 Negotiation Tips for Dealing with HOAs in a Short Sale

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    This post is for any of the OCYPN members who didn’t make our Lunch & Learn today – the info is too good not to share!  Ryan Spitalnick, Prominent Escrow’s in house attorney, shared his strategies for getting HOA liens reduced so our OC short sale deals can get closed!  

    Spitalnick stated any reasonable HOA already knows they are in a 2nd or 3rd lienholder position, and they already know its very likely they  get absolutely nothing if the short sale goes into foreclosure 😦

    …but…sometimes Homeowner’s Associations are still stubborn about back dues owed.  This can cause good escrows to fall apart, and properties to go into foreclosure 😦  Ryan gave YPN 5 negotiation tips that he uses to get discounts on HOA demands.

    What to say to the HOA??

    Tip 1:  “The law is not in your favor” 

    Some HOA’s forget there is a pecking order in which property liens are paid.  The main mortgage always gets paid first, and then a 2nd mortgage and taxes, then HELOC’s, HOA’s, and other liens. 

    Tip 2:  “The short sale lender is offering money now that will not be there if the property goes into foreclosure”

    If a foreclosure occurs, all secondary liens mentioned above are NOT the responsibility of the new homeowner (bank or investor) to absorb.  The secondary liens are then forced to go after the foreclosed homeowner personally if they want to recoup the unpaid debt.  Now is a window of opportunity for the HOA to get something instead of possibly nothing at all.

    Tip 3:  “The HOA will end up spending good money chasing bad”

    Even though HOA’s have the right to go after the foreclosed homeowner for back dues, what is the likeliness that person has the ability to pay?  In addition to attorney fees, collection costs, and time spent, the HOA faces never getting their money after spending plenty of funds trying.

    Tip 4:  “Remember the bank or an REO sale is not responsible for paying back dues”

    Many HOA’s will say “I’m entitled” to the full amount.l  Technically, they are.  But in a short sale everyone involved is losing money, and the HOA should not expect to be any different.  Many times the HOA’s own CC&R’s state reminders they are not the primary lienholder in multiple places, so make sure you have a copy handy to point it out!  Short sales are designed for debtors to recoup as many costs as possible and cut losses.  Junior lienholders always get hit the worst 😦  Discuss this with your HOA contact and request a revised and discounted demand.

    Tip 5:  “Do you really want to force a vacancy for minimum 6-12 months on the slim chance you will get a payment?”

    If the HOA does not revise their demand and the property is foreclosed, it will be vacant and there will be nobody paying monthly dues for the unit.  On the other hand, if they accept less on the current amount owed, they will have a new homeowner within 60 days paying dues on the unit again.  Knowing there is a slim chance the old owner will pay anyway, why not cut losses now and save vacancy and possible vandalism fees?

    If you’re still having trouble, keep in mind that HOA’s typically have an attorney advising their board or property management company.   The person you are talking to on the phone is probably NOT the decision maker.  If you have to, work your way to the attorney or decision maker directly so you can be most effective in negotiations. 

    If you’d like more info on CA condo law, download the free Davis Stirling app or consult with a Real Estate Attorney like Ryan 🙂 

    Also, if you’re an Orange County Realtor interested in joining YPN, membership is FREE and you’ll get tons of valuable real estate tips just like this to help you close more deals and better serve your clients.  Like us on Facebook and check the group out!

  • , , ,

    Don’t Just Upgrade, GREENgrade!

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

  • Summer Savings

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    We asked one of our friends in lending to give us the sizzling summer deals.  Here’s an option for option for safely getting more home for less from Barry Zanck.  “I give away money” is my common reply when queried about my profession. Well, there is of course a hitch being that we take your house as collateral and, if you don’t pay us back..… Okay, my favorite loan program is a 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage that has a fixed rate for the first ten years. The advantage? Almost 1.5% below the 30 year fixed rate and still a Fannie/Freddie loan with no prepayment penalty. Since the average loan is kept only 4.3 years and you are allowed to prepay all the principle you want, this loan can offer some real interest rate savings. For example at $400,000 30 year fixed at 4.5 % (4.622%APR) has a 30 year payment of $2026.74. A 10/1ARM has a 10 year set payment of $1740.83 3.25% (3.421%APR) for a savings of $285.91 monthly! Now, throw just a little more than half that savings into principle reduction and you 10 year loan can be a 15 year fully paid off loan!
    Call me, I have other ideas that work just as well.

    Barry E. Zanck
    Americap Direct Funding
    DRE Brk #01082108  NMLS #243592
    (949)910-4445

  • , , ,

    Owning Laguna Hills Real Estate May Take Some Creativity

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    “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”.

  • Orange County Loan Modification you can TRUST

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    Loan Modification You Can Trust
    I say that you can trust because of the following four reasons.
     
    … Our Results
    80% Success with all clients.
    9 out of 10 of these — we negotiated a 2% rate.
    99% success rate for the self employed.
    The 20% we are unsuccessful are due to income loss/changes for W2 applicants.
     
    … Our Non-profit Status
    Law changes now require all Modification Entities to be a Non-profit.
    We started the process to change to a Non-profit two years ago.
    Now, the people of the state of California officially own the company.
     
    … Our Experience
    We have modification experience with all the major lenders since 2007.
    We know the modification guidelines require for success.
    Our process will stop the foreclosure sale of the property.
     
    …Our References
    Hearing from a past client is one of the best methods of building comfort to trust a company.
    We hope you take time to look at our website at www.theascentnetwork.org.
    There at the website you can read many statements sent to us by past clients.
     
     
    Here’s The Problem Many Homeowners Face
    ·         1 out of 3 homeowners are in trouble making their mortgage payments.
    ·         99% of homeowners are unsuccessful to negotiate a modification directly with their lender.
    ·         Many have sleepless nights worrying about whether they will lose their home.
    ·         Being self-employed, the tax return income is not enough to qualify for a refinance.
     
     
    And, The Solution We Offer
    ·         90% of our successful cases start with a 2% rate over 40 years.
    ·         Security to keep your home while we work on your modification.
    ·         We negotiate deferment of outstanding payments due on the loan.
    ·         During your modification process financial breathing room is created.
    ·         Our fee is only $1595 of which $100 is not due until we are successful.
     
     
    Most of our clients see in a new payment structure.
     
    Loan Amount                                 Payment
    $300,000                                            $600
    $400,000                                            $900
    $500,000                                            $1200
    $600,000                                            $1500
     
     
    These payments are usually half of what are currently being paid by most. There has never been a loan available that is this good for the very best of qualifying people.

  • , , ,

    Home Grown Tips For Landscaping Green

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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?

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

    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

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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?

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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?

    Published by

    kerenshamay

    on

    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

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

  • Orange County Foreclosure and Short Sale Advice

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    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.

Let’s connect

Join the fun!

Stay updated with our latest blogs by joining our newsletter.

Recent posts