Orange County Real Estate Success

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    Blockchain and how it’s changing the future of Real Estate

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    angieweeks

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    Blockchain and how it’s changing the future of Real Estate

    Tuned in to an interesting webinar this week hosted by Dan Smith with Eric Bryant from First American Data & Analytics; they were talking about real estate on the blockchain. Personally I can’t wait for this to happen, I spend half my life ‘grown up babysitting’ to maintain timelines and accountability during the escrow process. I know the blockchain will eliminate quite a bit of that.

    Fibree is one of the first adopters, and they are now in 70 regions. They are a real estate technology platform that works with blockchain – keep an eye on them. Rather than talking about too many companies…let’s talk concept first.

    What is Blockchain, and how does it affect real estate?

    Blockchain defined: Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or intangible (intellectual property, patents, copyrights, branding). Virtually anything of value can be tracked and traded on a blockchain network, reducing risk and cutting costs for all involved.

    https://www.ibm.com/topics/what-is-blockchain

    Now that you understand what blockchain is, here are a few specific ways it can positively affect the real estate industry as a whole:

    • Decreases time necessary to close property transactions (from 30-45 days down to possibly just minutes or hours)
    • Offers security, trust, and transparency to the transaction
    • Creates an unhackable public record
    • Reduces potential for real estate fraud or data entry errors
    • Streamlines the escrow process
    • Upholds accountability

    Question? Will real estate transactions on the blockchain eliminate escrow agents? Transaction coordinators?

    Notice we say “how does blockchain”, not “how can blockchain” affect the space. Blockchain is already starting integrations with real estate transactions, and it is likely the future of our industry, similar to the way the Internet disrupted the status quo (in a good way) many moons ago.

    Fractional Property ownerships and Tokenization using Blockchain

    Tokenization is simply digital fractionalization – it allows you to own a piece of something. Ever wanted to own a piece of a property? Or maybe you already own a traditional timeshare. Bet that was fun to buy, LOL. But what about finding your next investment from the comfort of your own home? RealT based in Detroit is currently selling real estate on the blockchain, and there are many others in the space expected to follow.

    Investor groups and investment firms are already successfully selling STO (Secure Token Offering) properties and this opens doors for thousands of new buyers to enter into investing. Want to see? Check out SolidBlock – it looks like any normal property search site…BUT… you can pay with wire, check, or crypto. Soon enough, property search platforms like this will be popping up all over the world.

    Another place you can buy land, the entire plot of it, is Fabrica, which allows you to buy or sell your land completely digitally with blockchain technology.

    Smart Contracts and Real Estate Transactions

    Smart contracts are digital transactions being coordinated on the blockchain, and they will help maintain timelines and accountability. Smart contracts are very similar to paper contracts, working on ‘if –> then’ scenarios, but everything is done virtually instead of with paper. Smart contracts have a higher level of security and they always report and record progress honestly…which does NOT happen all the time with our current escrow process.

    One thing I found interesting is our local board of Realtors has over 10,000 members, and there were less than 50 of us watching this webinar. As usual, it seems like the real estate industry tends to cling to their ways. As a techie, I embrace new technology and try to help my clients ride the wave.

    Crypto loans – Something to keep an eye on

    One thing that could completely change the mortgage space is cryptocurrency loans. Wallets like Celsius and others use actual data to digitally approve loans, much better than the ‘preapprovals’ that lenders offer today. I would personally love to see more of this, because it eliminates loan discrimination and assures the seller a buyer is qualified. Plus, a crypto loan will close much quicker than the traditional big banks. Less headaches will equal more people in the space, and more homeowners, which makes my heart smile to think about.

    If you’re sitting on a pile of crypto from the bull run and would like to ‘take profits’, we can help with escrow companies who are familiar with cryptocurrency closings. If you’d like to cash out crypto to buy a home, OR just transfer crypto coins for a home purchase without cashing out first, we can help with the proper referrals or team. Feel free to reach out and text Angie at 949-338-7408 or comment here anytime you’d like to talk tech & real estate!

  • First Time Seller? Prepare Your Home for Sale – Our Top 5 Suggestions!

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    angieweeks

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    First Time Seller? Prepare Your Home for Sale – Our Top 5 Suggestions!

    Our Top 5 Suggestions for preparing your home to sell. First impressions make an impact! From the online presentation, to the first home tour, the goal is to have buyers clearly vision how they will decorate and live in the home. Here are a few of our suggestions to making your home ready for the market and attracting excited buyers!

    1. Consider Your Curb Appeal

    Once your house hits the market, buyers will be eager to drive by your property to scope out the area. It is important that buyers feel welcomed in their potentially new neighborhood.

    Here are a few things you can do to improve your curb appeal:

    • Mow the lawn
    • Place freshly potted flowers/plants on porch or around garage
    • Hide trash cans, recycling bins, garden hoses, toys, and any yard clutter
    • Remove vehicles from the driveway
    • Sweep off the porch
    • Add a cozy welcome mat to the porch

    You want potential buyers to envision themselves in the property. Minimizing clutter and things in their way will help them see envision themselves in the new space.

    2. Remove Personal Items

    Personal items make a home feel like your home. Limit the amount of personal items and photos on display in your home so potential buyers feel like it could be their space, too.

    Here are a few items to consider removing from your home:

    • Framed family photos
    • Collectables
    • Dog beds / cages
    • Artwork with busy patterns
    • Children’s toys
    • Magnets on fridge

    3. Clean Up

    Clean up the interior of your home and remember – less is more. You want potential buyers to imagine how they would decorate the house, where they would put their furniture, and see the potential.

    We suggest removing the following items from the interior of your home:

    • Laundry / Clothes Piles
    • Dirty dishes
    • Appliances on countertops (toaster/blender)
    • Remove clutter from top of fridge
    • Floor mats
    • Wash rags
    • Trash cans
    • Tooth brushes and holders
    • Unraveled hoses

    4. Organize!

    In an effort to declutter your home, organize your space. That includes closets, cupboards and garages. Potential buyers will want to see it all! Try to avoid shoving items into closets and cluttering the cupboards. Full closets might scare buyers that the home does not have enough storage.

    Here are a few suggested areas to organize:

    • Bathroom closets
    • Bedroom closets, including guest bedrooms
    • Linen closets
    • Storage closets
    • Kitchen cupboards
    • Kitchen drawers
    • Fridge (especially if the buyer will be keeping the fridge)
    • Laundry Room
    • Make all beds
    • Desk / Office
    • Clear off all surfaces, this helps the rooms feel bigger

    5. Maintenance

    Broken items around your home? We suggest fixing those items prior to listing your home.

    Here are a few items we suggest checking and fixing if needed:

    • Replace all burned out light bulbs
    • Replace light bulbs with warm tone lights
    • Replace any broken curtain rods or blinds
    • Close toilet lids
    • Close shower curtains/doors

    Questions? Feel free to contact our team to prepare your home or grab a second set of eyes!

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    Women finding freedom through the sharing economy of AirBnB

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    angieweeks

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    Women finding freedom through the sharing economy of AirBnB

    Let’s be honest, a lot of females are juggling household schedules, making beds on the daily, and working full time jobs in customer service or hospitality type industries. A lot of these same females are also searching for a way to spend more time with loved ones, and to find a better work-life balance. 

    This brings the question: How can we live richer, more fuller lives while making a difference in the world? Keep close connections with our families & still sprinkle what we were meant to do into the ethosphere?

    For those who have a passion to roam and to create, enter the opportunity of vacation rental management, AirBnB experiences, and niche property rental platforms.  

    If you have a unique property or space, big or small, this is an opportunity for you. People love to rent not only stick & brick type properties, but also RV’s, boats, cars, treehouses, yurts, water towers, and land. 

    We now live in a world where you can tow a trailer, link up to solar, put out a cell booster, charge devices, and work / connect from almost anywhere. As the clouds from Covid continue to lift, people are ready to explore this new world. Are you ready to connect with them? 

    I recently had the opportunity to interview some of these women who have opened their spaces in the home-sharing economy. Each has a unique story to tell, weaved in with their life passions and experiences. 

    Take for example entrepreneur Heather Carter, running Eureka Springs Coffee House with 2 AirBnB units above. Guests enjoy the main strip of historical Eureka, Arkansas; and also have discount offerings at the coffee shop below. Travelers include vacationers and business professionals alike. In a recent video interview with Heather, she said “We used to live above the coffee house ourselves, but we soon discovered we had a unique opportunity for rentals here”. Indeed she did!

    Heather advised she prefers the niche with commercially zoned properties, so she can avoid any roadblocks with residential vacation rental limitations. If you aren’t sure about STR rules in your community or city, be sure to research accordingly to avoid pitfalls.

    Another go-getter making the most of her skills is April Snow-Kass, a Realtor in LA specializing in harmonious homes for musicians. April recently branched out to nearby Joshua Tree as a vacation rental host. Now, not only can April sell property in a new area, she can speak to personal experience on the equity gains and the rental income her ‘Retro Ranch‘ in the JT desert is recently experiencing. 

    Let’s not forget supermom and High School Counselor Carolynn Cribley. Her and financé Matthew Herman in Grandville, Michigan, are putting an extra room in their home, coined ‘The Barnhouse,’ to STR use. They stated in a recent interview that it’s brought such great results, they not only bought another property, but looped parents in on the opportunity. They inspired and guided Matthew’s parents to a short term rental purchase as well. Not only has Carolynn & Matthew created additional monthly cash flow (partly used to build a fun new pool!), they’ve hopped the family on the path to generational wealth.

    According to the NAWRB’s website and WHER report:

    “…research found women seek homeownership for these primary reasons:

    As a “Sanctuary”
    A sanctuary is defined as a place of refuge, an oasis or a retreat. Women value creating a unique space from which to retreat from the outside world—one in which they control the climate, the decor, the layout. One’s home is a psychology of space…”

    https://www.nawrb.com/one-tough-mother-how-single-mothers-are-defining-the-homebuying-process/#more-18821

    Vacation rentals are a method to live this ‘sanctuary’ lifestyle, and create income. Win-win.

    Another example is Corporate Executive ‘girlboss’ Vanessa Montanez, who explained to Homeownership Day attendees in January easy steps to enter into investing. Vanessa discovered the benefits of renting her Temecula wine country home on AirBnB recently, and as a lender herself, was kind enough to share strategies with other would-be investors at Homeownership Day. 

    Admittedly, all of these hosts know STR life is not as ‘passive’ as long term rentals; but it can be more profitable, plus it allows the ability to vacation in your own property, afford *more* units, & / or meet new friends. Yes, you may still be making beds, running multiple schedules, and rocking your 9-5. But it’s a way to squeeze the most out of almost any property. 

    Best of all, homeownership is open to many, regardless of education level or background. With low interest rate loans and programs like FHA allowing as little as 3.5% down, many females are opting into a property purchase. Additionally, SBA loans for Women Owned Businesses have opened even more doors to run a viable business from home. There are many options to sell creations of any kind from home, be it via online avenues or to guests traveling through your space.

    Speaking of online avenues, the fast-track growth of property rental apps makes the marketing side become much easier. You don’t have to do your own Search Engine Optimization anymore – these apps are paying to get the word out on your behalf. Platforms to easily start your sharing economy hosting on are AirBnB, VRBO, Hipcamps, Harvest Hosts, Furnished Finder, Outdoorsy, Turo, and more. 

    For additional information or a guide into the vacation rental lifestyle, reach out to NAWRB Delegate Spokeswoman Angie Weeks, or watch her video interviews at http://www.YouTube.com/HomebuyingRegistry/ 

    This article was written for Women in the Housing and Real Estate Ecosystem; NAWRB. If you would like an article for your publication simply comment below or reach out to Angie at 949-338-7408.

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    Buying Property in South America: Ecuador, Columbia, & Argentina

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    Buying Property in South America: Ecuador, Columbia, & Argentina

    Thanks to our Global Committee for bringing together speakers from National Association of Realtors and South America today for some online networking. It was really neat to interact with people across the country and across the world through our Zoom webinar. The Internet continues to bring us together so we can collaborate about buying and selling across the country. As a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), I’m excited to bring you this great info 🙂 You can certainly click around this blog as well as our YouTube channel to learn about buying property in other areas including Jamaica, Spain, Iceland, and Costa Rica.

    First of all, if you’re considering moving to the US, and wondering which US states have the most foreign purchases, here’s a map to help you:

    California is only 2nd in line behind Florida, with 15%. This makes CA a great place to call home for both investment, and immigrant opportunity angles. But we’re here to talk about South America…not Cali.

    Buying property in Ecuador

    Adrian Rodriguez welcomes us to Ecuador – discussing the tropical climate and beautiful beaches, as well as the fact the economy is strong in Ecuador. You can purchase using US dollar, which always tends to make things a little more comfortable – especially if this would be your first foreign purchase.

    Ecuador offers fun festivals such as Corpus Christi, where you’ll find native foods, fireworks, and fun. Carnaval is another yearly celebration that brings tourism and fun.

    Infastructure for health and medical is strong, which adds to the booming economy. Business opportunities are aplenty as well. Cost of living is also affordable, which makes it a popular spot for vacation homes as well.

    Tourism activities include:

    • Beaches
    • Surfing
    • Music festivals, including Opera
    • Art festivals
    • Machu Picchu

    What is the cost of living in Ecuador?

    Wow, pretty affordable! Adrian said a monthly food budget of $100, and a monthly vehicle budget of $100 will have you eating and riding like royalty. A couple things that foreign buyers should know about purchasing property in Ecuador: Foreign owners must own 5 years before cashing out, and there is a 5% tax upon selling.

    If you’d like more info about buying property in Ecuador, comment or contact us – we can connect you with Adrian for a Zoom meeting to answer all your questions 🙂 Now, let’s move on to Columbia…

    Buying Real Estate in Columbia, South America

    Andres Fernando Correa shared some great info about owning property in Columbia with us today. Columbia has SO much nature from birds, to fruits, to frogs…. you’ll find a plethora of bright and beautiful varieties here! The country is basically split into regions, here’s a graphic of them all:

    In order to buy property in Columbia, you can use your US Passport, but if you’d like to STAY there longer than 180 days.. you’ll need to purchase at a certain price. Mompox, Santa Marta, Cartagena are some of the Caribbean region popular cities. Here’s a little more about all of them:

    We know, you are wondering what region of Columbia is the coffee region… where all the famous coffee is produced???! It’s Andina! Andina is mountainous, hilly, and has mild and cold weather due to the high altitude. It’s great for ‘the coffee belt’. Andina is also well known for cycling, and has a popular pastime of biking with award winning teams. Tourists also enjoy horseback tours, birdwatching, rafting, and other outdoor fun.

    Have you ever wanted to explore the Amazon? The jungle of Columbia has wildlife, plantlife, water features, and history to explore.

    But let’s talk about Columbia real estate, not just all the fun things to do and see. One important thing to know is that a real estate broker in Columbia is NOT required to have any licenses or education, so buyer beware. You’ll likely want to work with a company you are already familiar with. One of the most popular ways investors are buying property in Columbia is through Social Housing projects. With a lot of developments currently under construction, you can buy a portion of a development in Columbia for as little as $20K. Here are some of the most popular Social Housing projects to explore:

    Other popular housing opportunities and developments in Columbia are senior living, shopping malls, strip malls, and tourism clusters. No matter what type of property is your ‘sweet spot’, Columbia has something for you. Remember, just reach out if you’d like a consultation about what type of investment in Columbia may be the best fit for you 🙂

    Now, let’s travel to the south of South America for some information on Argentina.

    Learn About Argentina Vacation Homes & Property

    Argentina isn’t just about the sports and football teams. Santiago Arnoldi presented for us today, and shared all about Argentina. Argentina is located at the bottom of South America, and they have a smaller population. Argentina is a diverse country with residents who have immigrated there from all over the world – including Spain, Australia, and France.

    Health and education are both strong in Argentina. Argentina is also rich in tradition and smiles. The culture and community enjoy coffee, matte, and regular BBQ’s – they are a social bunch! Top that off with all of Argentina’s famous wine & olive oil, and you have a perfect place to retire or vacation.

    What cities in Argentina are popular for vacation homes?

    Buenos Aires is one of the most popular cities in Argentina, with 2.9 million people. You can find a detached 3 bedroom home with a private pool in the metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires for around 300K, and you can get condos or flats in the city for around 400-550K USD. Here’s an example:

    Another popular city in Argentina is Rosario, where you can get beautiful homes for the 150-300K range.

    Other cities that are growing and great to buy property are Cordoba, Mendoza, and Patagonia.

    One thing you need to know about buying in Argentina is they aren’t big on loans. Banks don’t really offer them. Most properties are bought with cash, or private loans, so you’ll want to plan for your financing well in advance. If you’d like to be introduced to some ways to buy property in Argentina, don’t forget to comment or contact us so we can put you in touch with Santiago to show you the ropes.

    Please think of us if you’re a US citizen looking for an introduction to buy a foreign investment property anywhere in the world. The CIPS designation allows us to connect you with the best of the best, and you’ll want the highest level of service when you’re making such a large investment in a different country. Happy world traveling!!!

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    Building affordable housing on church properties and faith based campuses

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    angieweeks

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    Building affordable housing on church properties and faith based campuses

    Today we’re bringing you notes on a feel good panel we recently attended offering unique properties for affordable housing – churches! There were over 100 attendees on the zoom webinar from various faiths, geographic areas, and careers. It was neat to see the path of convergence among so many diverse and brilliant minds. Thank you to our friends over at YIMBY for putting this together ❤

    Our Affordable Housing Panelists were:

    Jill Shook, Making Housing Happen
    Jill assists churches in exploring housing in site. She’s also an author.

    Sarah Walker and Alexa Washburn, National Community Renaissance
    National Community Renaissance is a non-profit affordable housing developer.

    Honorable Rusty Bailey, former mayor of Riverside
    Mr Bailey is now the director of Path of Life, a nonprofit with programs for housing, outreach, employment and more. 

    Bishop John Taylor 3rd, Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
    A faith based community of 147 congregations, 40 schools, and 18 major institutions.

    Elizabeth Hansburg, YIMBY
    Thank you to Elizabeth & YIMBY for bringing this panel together. YIMBY advocates for affordable housing in California.

    ———

    Bishop John Taylor 3rd led with some thoughts of ‘why’ from the perspective of the church. He said “We follow a savior who cares for the least among us. Helping with housing is literally showing love to our neighbor.” Furthermore, from a Christian standpoint, he mentioned one should note plenty of examples in the Bible where Jesus or the disciples expressed gratitude to someone who put them up for the night, or served them a meal.

    One of the core values of most churches is to care about their congregation and the community, basically to be a salt and a light to everyone, regardless of their belief system. Obviously some churches have really missed the mark on this, which has caused attendance decline, and possibly some unused space(s) on the property. Churches who have stayed in touch with the daily needs of congregations know that there can be many temporary housing needs to fill. This can include members who are experiencing job loss, abuse, or catastrophe in their lives. 

    One way churches can help serve these needs is by offering affordable housing. It helps further a shared mission, helps the community, creates a legacy, and builds bonds for that organization to become a trusted staple in the neighborhood. Heck, if you’re a church in LA…just sharing your parking is a huge blessing :). But to promote Fair and affordable housing – now that’s a big stride toward The Great Commandment.

    Here’s a helpful video YIMBY made for the city of Carlsbad, CA that explains why all cities need to plan for affordable housing. One can easily see how churches and city governments can build a bridge to Affordable Housing together by repurposing unused or under utilized space:

    Nice concept repurposing church land. But what does it REALLY look like, and what’s the timeline?!

    Southern California has a great example in Riverside with Mayor Rusty Bailey – and his ‘Love Your Neighbor Initiative’. Here’s a timeline screenshot that Mr. Bailey discussed for the City of Riverside, CA.

    Interested? According to the experts, just 1/2 acre can work. Close to transit is helpful, but not required. Would you like an example to take to your town? We love those, and the city of Riverside in the spirit of ‘teaching a man to fish’ has shared a template for faith-based affordable housing with all of us. Check it out!

    National Community Renaissance’s Sarah Walker has been working on an affordable senior housing project called Orchard View Gardens in Buena Park. Sarah also mentioned a development in Santa Ana, and has been bringing various affordable housing projects to fruition in OC. Here’s a site plan Sarah shared of Orchard View Gardens. As you can see the space offers multiple uses for both seniors and the community:

    Getting your church started with affordable housing

    It is possible to add income to various faith based properties and help with needs in your city – you can get started by contacting any of the experts on the panel, and your city planner. They need you to get the ball rolling. 

    We get it…you’re thinking this all sounds really cool… but how can someone reading this blog post who isn’t involved in building, zoning, or church leadership help?? Glad you asked!

    5 Ways YOU can promote affordable housing in your community:  

    1. Join YIMBY www.peopleforhousing.org & donate.
    2. Advocate for the city you live in to put in plans to change zoning. 
    3. Particularly, encourage cities to do an ‘overlay zone’ for church properties to allow anyone who wants to develop this overlay zoning ability. This includes adaptive reuse.  
    4. Order & read Jill’s book: Making Housing Happen, 2nd Edition: Faith-Based Affordable Housing Models
    5. SHARE this post with a decision maker at a church, or on your social media. Let’s spread more good word.

    Want more info? You can watch the full replay here: https://youtu.be/GntTXqYXcfQ?t=22

    Have other ideas for affordable housing or how churches can help incorporate extra land to serve the community? Comment below!

  • Find Your Next Home in Panama!

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    angieweeks

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    Find Your Next Home in Panama!

    Your next home on the beach is waiting for you! Panama may be tiny in size but it is booming with features. From the culinary scene, incredible climate, biological diversity, rich culture and affordable cost of living, we are breaking down our top 5 reasons to move to Panama and find your perfect paradise!

    1. Gorgeous Culinary Scene

    What better way to enjoy an amazing meal than with an incredible ocean view? The cuisine in Panama is filled with rich fine-dining menus comprised of dishes that blend the immigrant culture and local ingredients.

    2. Affordable Cost of Living & Great Connectivity

    From the housing, to clothing, food and living expenses, Panama has an affordable cost of living compared to other comparable destinations. Direct flights to Panama from around the world make this destination accessible and easy to travel in and out of.

    3. Pleasant Climate

    For most of the year, you can enjoy waking up to an average temperature in the mid-70s and enjoy the afternoon with mid-80s and pleasant breezes. Have your house windows open all day long!

    4. The Beauty!

    Panama is full of beautiful sceneries. The geography encourages adventure and the beautiful beaches encourage relaxation. The lush forests, lakes, rivers, volcanoes, provide you with peace and paradise. We know location is key, and this location is at the top of our list.

    5. Modern Infrastructure

    Panama has invested significantly and heavily in the infrastructure that it can be very proud of. Due to its booming economy and the strategic location, this country has become the world’s second largest free-trade zone.

    Panama also offers multiple reasons why a second residency makes sense for investors, digital nomads, retirees and frequent travelers:

    – Low Cost of Living
    – Foreign-Earned Income Exclusion
    – Political Stability
    – Modern & International Cities
    – Advanced Medical Care
    – Stable & Secure Banking
    – Incredible Tourist Attractions


    Register Here to join ECI Development as they dive into discovering paradise in Panama.

    March 2nd, 2021 @ 5PM ET. Virtual Zoom Webinar.

  • AirBnB Cancellations – What to Do?

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    AirBnB Cancellations – What to Do?

    As coronavirus continues to spread across the world, many vacation rental companies, such as Airbnb, continue to expand their policies to allow more leniency in cancelling. This change, welcomed by travels, has allowed many travelers to cancel their reservations penalty-free. We have noticed many renters cancelling their bookings and reservations and choosing to stay home during these uncertain times. While we understand the desire to cancel, this puts pressure on the owners and hosts of these rentals. The cancellations are resulting in an unexpected loss of income. There are many discussions happening on the Airhosts forums, a forum for Airbnb hosts, sharing their financial concerns about the abrupt loss of income and inability to refund that money.

    We wanted to share 5 Tips on how you can find local renters that might be interested in renting your AirBnB.

    1. Separated families that need somewhere to stay

    As recommended by the CDC, social distancing and quarantining is crucial in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately many families have faced this reality and have had to quarantine away from their family. This reality can cause a lot of stress and uncertainty, having a place to stay where renters feel safe is important. As mentioned in our previous blog post, linked here – we love & care about our family, clients, prospects, & fellow humans. We want to do whatever we can to make them feel safe and comforted. These families might prefer staying in an Airbnb for the comfort, cleanliness and more distanced from others than a hotel would be.

    2. Traveling Nurses On the Front Lines

    According to a recent poll, there are approximately 25,000 traveling nurses in the U.S. right now. The demand for travel nurses has continued to rise as healthcare needs increase due to COVID-19. As these nurses travel and remain on the front lines, they may be interested in renting an Airbnb to comfort them through these unprecedented times.

    3. Other Essential Industries Are Traveling for COVID-19

    The demand for typical grocery store items has significantly increased. As we saw with toilet paper, hand sanitizer and bottles of water….People are eager to stock up their homes to be prepared. With this increase in demand, the agriculture and food service industry has increased their travel to ensure stores are stocked around the world. This, among many other industries, have increased travel frequency during these times to ensure essential needs are met. As travel increases in this fields, people are searching for safe places to stay to ensure they stay healthy as they travel.

    4. Have a Furnished Rental via the MLS

    Attract local renters with a furnished rental on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a search tool that helps find listings for sale or rent by Realtors and other realty professionals that are members of your local MLS. Once you have identified your ideal guests, understand the needs of your core audience and furnish your rental accordingly. Comfort is key so achieving a cozy ambiance is important. Check out more tips and tricks here for furnishing tips.

    5. Add Your Airbnb to Industry Travel Sits

    Here are some we recommend!

    For more information on COVID-19, check out our recent blog post here: 5 Things We are Focusing on During Covid-19

  • AirBnB Cancellations – What to Do?

    Published by

    angieweeks

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    As coronavirus continues to spread across the world, many vacation rental companies, such as Airbnb, continue to expand their policies to allow more leniency in cancelling. This change, welcomed by travels, has allowed many travelers to cancel their reservations penalty-free. We have noticed many renters cancelling their bookings and reservations and choosing to stay home during these uncertain times. While we understand the desire to cancel, this puts pressure on the owners and hosts of these rentals. The cancellations are resulting in an unexpected loss of income. There are many discussions happening on the Airhosts forums, a forum for Airbnb hosts, sharing their financial concerns about the abrupt loss of income and inability to refund that money.

    We wanted to share 5 Tips on how you can find local renters that might be interested in renting your Airbnb.

    1. Separated families that need somewhere to stay

    As recommended by the CDC, social distancing and quarantining is crucial in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately many families have faced this reality and have had to quarantine away from their family. This reality can cause a lot of stress and uncertainty, having a place to stay where renters feel safe is important. As mentioned in our previous blog post, linked here – we love & care about our family, clients, prospects, & fellow humans. We want to do whatever we can to make them feel safe and comforted. These families might prefer staying in an Airbnb for the comfort, cleanliness and more distanced from others than a hotel would be.

    2. Traveling Nurses On the Front Lines

    According to a recent poll, there are approximately 25,000 traveling nurses in the U.S. right now. The demand for travel nurses has continued to rise as healthcare needs increase due to COVID-19. As these nurses travel and remain on the front lines, they may be interested in renting an Airbnb to comfort them through these unprecedented times.

    3. Other Essential Industries Are Traveling for COVID-19

    The demand for typical grocery store items has significantly increased. As we saw with toilet paper, hand sanitizer and bottles of water….People are eager to stock up their homes to be prepared. With this increase in demand, the agriculture and food service industry has increased their travel to ensure stores are stocked around the world. This, among many other industries, have increased travel frequency during these times to ensure essential needs are met. As travel increases in this fields, people are searching for safe places to stay to ensure they stay healthy as they travel.

    4. Have a Furnished Rental via the MLS

    Attract local renters with a furnished rental on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS is a search tool that helps find listings for sale or rent by Realtors and other realty professionals that are members of your local MLS. Once you have identified your ideal guests, understand the needs of your core audience and furnish your rental accordingly. Comfort is key so achieving a cozy ambiance is important. Check out more tips and tricks here for furnishing tips.

    5. Add Your Airbnb to Industry Travel Sits

    Here are some we recommend!

    For more information on COVID-19, check out our recent blog post here: 5 Things We are Focusing on During Covid-19

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    Where is YOUR happy place? Homeownership Day 2021 is going virtual, nationwide, & global.

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    Where is YOUR happy place? Homeownership Day 2021 is going virtual, nationwide, & global.

    Hi friends!

    Although 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, it has not been without some unexpected benefits. One of them is the new age of virtual employment, which has opened doors for so many to have an opportunity at homeownership. Individuals previously forced to rent in expensive urban areas are now free to move to a larger place, for less money, and have more options. We’re all about that – and Orange County Young Professionals Network is here to support your adventure!

    Simple Solutions to Buying, Selling, & Investing in Real Estate

    To that end, in 2021 YPN will do our annual Homeownership Day event virtually, and it won’t just be about investing in Southern California real estate. Instead, we’ll be offering local expert agent guidance in many popular cities across the United States, and actually the entire world.

    If you haven’t looked at your home as an investment, or considered property as a path toward early retirement, we encourage you to attend the event on January 23, 2021 and look at your real estate in a new light. YES, it’s a place to thrive, to make memories, to customize your taste, to raise your family. But it can be so much more.

    You can turn one property into a legacy, and that’s the session I teach & am passionate about. This year’s title is “Concepts to Become An Automatic Millionaire in Southern California & Beyond”; you can register for this 30 minute session by filling out the form below. I’ll educate you on a safe, secure, and timeless strategy for building up your real estate portfolio. These concepts don’t encourage you to stretch yourself too thin, take on a second job, or become a handyman; they are simple and easy to follow. And you can learn them in 30 minutes. I’ll tell you what – if you’ll just commit the time – I’m here to cheerlead you to the finish line.

    Owning Property Can Change Your Future

    As many of you know, I have been personally working on this strategy for over 15 years now! Because Real Estate is my full time job, we’ve taken it to the next level with vacation rentals, and the creation of Flower Den Retreats. I have found that owning property allows me to truly express myself, whether I’m creating art within, or dreaming up the next concept for a therapeutic space with the ones I love.

    I want you to be able to flourish in your space too – are you? If you are, please comment what you love about your home below. Its fun to share our unique ideas 🙂 If you aren’t, fill out the form here and let’s get you on your way in 2021.

    If you’re curious to hear what other previous attendees have to say, success stories, or info on the sessions we’ve held in the past, just subscribe to our YouTube Channel. We’ll be uploading new content on the regular. Here’s a video from a couple previous attendees who were able to buy a townhome with barely any money down, and now they are happily raising a family there.

    Let Homeownership Day Lead You to Your Happy Place

    Sometimes, change is good 🙂 To have a supportive tribe around you as you grow is so helpful, and that’s exactly what you’ll get out of Homeownership Day. Like minded people who want to learn and level up too. All the speakers are no-pressure, happy to answer questions, and excited to connect with you. The vibe of this event will be fresh, fun, educational, and there won’t be a single pitch. Promise. We’ll see you online Jan 23rd!

    PS. If you know someone who should be presenting at this event, just connect us by emailing ochomefair@gmail.com & the committee will reach out to them – we love new angles of education and to connect with other professionals across the globe.

    Homeownership Day 2021 Sign Up

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    Thank you for your response. ✨

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    2021 Real Estate Market Predictions for Orange County, CA

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    2021 Real Estate Market Predictions for Orange County, CA

    Today one of our favorite forecasters, Steven Thomas, gave his thoughts on closing out the crazy 2020 Covid real estate market and what we expect to see here in 2021. If you love stats, be sure to subscribe to our email list, as we send out Reports on Housing statistics monthly. These reports will keep you on top of exactly what is happening right now with property prices, average days on market, and demand.

    More space or a home office are very common reasons to move in 2020, which will also likely roll over into our 2021 season.

    We’ve had a really interesting year in real estate, almost flipped from our normal Orange County trends. We were slower in the spring, obviously due to quarantine and virus setbacks (coined ‘The Pandession’). Then we heated up in summer and are still going strong here in fall, when things usually cool.

    The pandemic really made people think about what they wanted in a home. And now, they are going out to get it. Sometimes it’s a larger yard, other times a pool, being closer to loved ones, or relocating to a rural environment. Change is brewing in all levels of our housing market.

    2020 has seen a SURGE in Luxury demand and sales, and we are seeing it in our team deals as well. Here’s a visual for a better picture:

    Demand far outweighs supply, so almost every listing is selling with multiple offers at this point in time. Will it continue? Read on…

    One of the factors that will affect our market significantly is Coronavirus numbers and which way they are swinging. If we end up in quarantine again, it WILL affect all markets, including housing, so keep that wild card in mind as we enter into 2021.

    Foreclosure Predictions for 2021

    Should you be worried about foreclosures? Waiting for that screaming deal on one??? Not really. Less than 6% of homeowners are on forbearance or late on their mortgage. That’s not enough to create a ‘foreclosure wave’…even if ALL of them get foreclosed on. This chart helps to tell part of the story. In 2006, owners didn’t have much equity. In 2020, owners have a LOT of equity.

    Due to this equity, the forbearance options, and the rates driving buyers, Steven does NOT expect any wave of foreclosures in 2021.

    What about the Rental Moratorium?

    Approximately 20% of renters are late on their rent. At first that number seems like WOW…but…rewind to Oct 2019… and the tardy-on-rent number was ALSO…20%. So landlords aren’t hurt that bad, even though renters are on a break until Jan 31st 2021 with the rental moratorium here in the state of California.

    Will Housing Demand Stay High in 2021?

    Demand is strongest it’s been since Sept 2012 – eight years. If you think we’ve been busy hustling homes, this year is even busier. Demand is expected to slightly drop during the holiday season for November and December, but it will still be higher than the last 8 years. If you have a home to sell before Dec 31st – get in touch – it’s totally a possibility!

    Inventory is the lowest it’s been since 2013 – pushing the average days on the market in OC to under 40. A hot seller’s market is under 60 average DOM….so we are in a hot HOT seller’s market, which not even the election division is extinguishing.

    Should I buy a home in OC before 2021?

    Short answer: Yes. Interest rates are LOW. Demand is high. Prices continue to go up. Lucky for our buyers, even with these prices.. the payment is more affordable than it would have been a few years ago. Check out this comparison:

    Interest rates drive affordability. Right now your payment is SO affordable. If you can qualify to buy, it is a fabulous time to make a purchase. In Steven’s words…’You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t’ LOL. We know, you don’t have the down payment saved. But let’s have a conversation with a parent or grandparent who has equity, or get you crowdfunding your down payment with Vow2Save.

    2021 Forecast according to Reports on Housing

    Uncertainty with Covid, vaccines, Washington DC, travel, and employment can all make things sticky. If we continue to experience the same demand, things can get sticky.

    • Prediction: Real estate will enter 2021 strong and remain that way for at least half the year.
    • Prediction: Appreciation 4-7%. Prices are NOT expected to go down at all in 2021
    • Prediction: Upper ranges will continue to rise
    • Prediction: Closed sales should double what they were in 2020. (from 4 to 8%)

    Want to stay up to date on the Orange County real estate market? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll start sending you Steven’s Reports on Housing via email!

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  • 4 Ways to Decorate with Upcycled and Repurposed Items

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    4 Ways to Decorate with Upcycled and Repurposed Items

    Due to COVID-19, we have all been spending more time at home than ever before. Making your home feel cozy and inviting has never been so important.

    We all have those random “it might come in handy some day” or “I might find a place for that…” items that we have been staring at for the last few months.. We just aren’t ready to let go of it yet. There’s no better way to revamp your home and your dated items than repurposing and upcycling!

    To help you get started, we’ve picked four of our favorite (and…realistic) ideas for repurposing, resuing and upcycling your items.

    1. Bookcase to Coffee Bar

    Transform your space and coffee game by upcycling an old book case or storage cabinet. Staying in more means bringing the coffee shop to you!

    2. Repurpose Your Caddy for Craft Organization

    Caddy’s have a unique look but don’t serve a clear purpose. Upgrade your craft room with this repurposed caddy for storing all of your utensils!

    3. Repurpose Your Ladder for Blanket Storage

    Ladders add height and texture to your room. To make the ladder functional, add your extra blankets for a cozy inviting look!

    4. Repurpose Woven Baskets

    Have baskets laying around that really don’t serve a purpose anymore? Spice up your wall decor by adding those baskets to the wall. The baskets add a unique look to your space and make a statement. Just simply place a nail in the center of the basket and create your own gallery design!

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    History and Current Rules of Fair Housing

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    History and Current Rules of Fair Housing

    It’s important to remember and understand where we have been, to have the best future possible. Today I had the pleasure of attending Young Professionals’ Network webinar on The History of Fair Housing. 

    Equality is an important topic of discussion in our country right now. One of the best ways we can honor our Constitution stating ‘all men are created equal’ is through housing. 

    Not every race and color has had equal opportunities with real estate in America. It’s something to think about, since real estate is a cornerstone for wealth in our country.

    For the purpose of learning and growing, let’s start with a summary of

    Where we went wrong with discrimination in housing:

    • ‘Men’ in the quote above meant white men who owned property; not women, nor men of color
    • Real Estate boards prohibited women or blacks in the early 1900’s
    • Redline (racially segregated) areas where residents could not get a mortgage were established
    • Racially restrictive CC&R’s
    • Federal Fair Housing Act was not passed until 1968
    • Realtor Code did not prohibit discrimination until 1974 (that’s under 50 years ago…)
    • Protected class of marital status only recognized since 2005 in California
    • Gender identity was not protected until 2012 in CA
    • AFFA Rule is rescinded in 2020 by POTUS. This took the teeth out of Fair Housing enforcement.

    Yes, we went horribly wrong, but there are many ongoing efforts to bring about equal housing in the last few decades and today. This includes lobbying efforts from the National Association of Realtors, and California Association of Realtors to bring back the important elements in AFFA. 

    Did you know that nationwide there are 7 Fair Housing protected classes? In CA, there are 24 Fair Employment & Housing protected classes. When it comes to Fair Housing, the greater of regulations apply, not the lesser. So… if you are a landlord in California, you have 24 classes to remember to truly make unbiased decisions with your tenants. To help you, there is a new Fair Housing disclosure that is now included in each California purchase or lease agreement. 

    California’s new Fair Housing & Discrimination Advisory; prewritten into every lease and sale transaction.

    Sometimes discrimination can be subtle, or without malice. Here are just a few examples of Discrimination in Housing…some may come as a surprise to you.

    What Discrimination in Housing Looks Like:

    • Treating anyone unequally
    • Failing to show a home or lease 
    • Offering unequal terms 
    • Advertising specific terms or preference
    • Inquiring about a protected status
    • Refusing to accomodate a disability (aka emotional support animals)
    • Denying a family with children’s offer because you don’t think your pool or busy street is safe for them
    • Refusing to rent an upper unit to an elderly tenant because you feel stairs are too dangerous
    • Showing preference for one protected group above another (i.e. preferring a family with children over a gay couple)
    • Not renting the home to a family with multiple kids because ‘the children will destroy the home’.
    • Not treating everyone with the same professional courtesy (greetings, returning calls, tonality, response time)
    • Buyer or agent ‘love letters’; especially those with photos

    Up until this year, I was an agent sending & receiving love letters. I had no idea they were an indirect method of discrimination; and our stories previously helped my clients get the deal. 2020 brings about many changes, and I am happy to adjust course to assist in offering a better opportunity for all. Please, encourage other professionals in the industry and owners to practice making selling and leasing decisions based on criteria that does not exclude. I will recommend future sellers do not read letters during the decision making process. We can all improve from here and be better at this. 

    Here’s an interesting infographic with the most common Fair Housing complaints from 2018:

    If you know someone who has been party to discrimination in housing, it’s important to educate, and to speak up. Here’s a link to submit a violation:

    hud.gov/fairhousing/ 

    The only way we change the cycle and truly offer equal housing to all humans is through a system of ethics, awareness of implicit bias, and accountability measures. Feel free to comment your thoughts or experiences below – let’s bring about some positive acknowledgment to build better, stronger, more diverse communities together. 

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    Endorsed by NAR for Foreclosures and Short Sales

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    Endorsed by NAR for Foreclosures and Short Sales

    Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource

    Struggling to make your mortgage payment?

    Today we sharpened our short sale and foreclosure sword – YES, it’s a battle! Armed with a new designation from the National Association of Realtors (NAR); called Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), now we’ve got the most recent tools to fight a foreclosure and win.

    There’s plenty of talk about a potential foreclosure wave once all the COVID forbearance terms have come to an end.. so its important to stay fresh on bank policies, foreclosure timelines, and tools to use to save your property from foreclosure, right?!

    Yes, we made it through the recession of 2007-2011 closing plenty of bank owned properties and short sales, but that was 10+ years ago. Platforms and policies have changed.

    REO stands for ‘Real Estate Owned‘, and is a common term for a property that has been foreclosed. REO’s are property the bank comes to own because the borrower defaulted or could not financially afford to remain in the property. As a foreclosure resource, we can help you STOP your property from becoming a foreclosure, and we can also assist banks in selling off their REO inventory.

    Who’s involved in distressed property situations

    Servicer – who you make your mortgage payment to, they may or may not own your loan.

    Investor – beneficiary entity who owns the promissory note & mortgage or deed of trust on a property.

    Borrower – party in distress; typically struggling to make payments or need to sell when equity is negative.

    Buyer – potential purchaser of the home

    GSE – Government Sponsored Enterprises (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and others in the secondary money market)

    Important Foreclosure Terms to Know

    Deed in Lieu – Involves swapping your keys in exchange for relief on the mortgage. Sometimes this will lead you to a 1099 for the money returned. Never do a deed in lieu before you understand the tax ramifications.

    Loan Modification – Loan Mods are a permanent change in one or more of the terms of your loan. These must be approved by the investor, servicer, and you. It typically reorganizes the mortgage into something more affordable so you are able to stay in your home.

    Notice of Default (NOD) – Official notice of default, and begins your foreclosure timeline. All borrowers have at least 90 days to bring a loan current after a NOD is filed.

    Notice of Trustee Sale (NOS) – Official notice of when the foreclosure or auction will take place.

    Foreclosure Sale – The actual sale of the property where the title is transferred. Homeowners become tenants upon sale, and lose rights to property ownership.

    What are my options to avoid foreclosure?

    There are many, but you need to act fast and regularly. One place to check is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to help you resolve any shady practices in your loan.

    Another option is HHF – Hardest Hit Fund which has been extended through Dec 31st 2020. This program is in 18 states and it helps struggling homeowners with mortgage assistance.

    MakingHomeAffordable.gov has many trusted routes you can take, be sure to research so you know your most up to date options. Here are their current tips to avoid foreclosure.

    Furthermore, there are local nonprofits in many areas who can connect you with the right resources to save your home. Contact Angie by text at 949.338.7408 ASAP if you would like an Orange County referral.

    Reinstatement vs Redemption period

    Reinstatement is the 90 days you have to reinstate your loan after you’ve received your official Notice of Default (NOD). Redemption periods do not apply to all states, and they begin after the property is sold in a judicial foreclosure. California is NOT a redemption state with judicial foreclosures…once the property is sold at auction it is gone.

    How long does it take to foreclose on a property?

    Every state is different, and has different laws. It usually takes anywhere from 90 days to 3 years, depending on the condition of the market.

    Short Sale to Avoid Foreclosure

    In order to complete a short sale, you must show hardship. Every bank defines this differently; but it can include illness, job loss / unemployment, divorce, 50+ mile job relocation, business failure or natural disasters.

    Most banks have a ‘Short sale package‘ available on their website, and this includes a list of the documents you need to submit in order to be considered for a short sale. Some of the common items requested in a packet are:

    Listing agreement
    Short sale disclosure form
    Listing agreement addendum
    Authorization to release info form
    Federal & State disclosures

    Before you fill out the paperwork above it’s important to check for recourse in your state, or you could owe a tax bill on the amount you’ve been forgiven. If you’re unsure about this, check with your CPA.

    Furthermore, you must get approval. Approval is a gift.. even though it doesn’t feel like it 😦 Not only do you need approval from your mortgage company, you’ll also need approval from any and all junior lienholders including 2nd mortgage, HELOC, & other liens. If you do not have approval from ALL liens then the short sale will not happen, which is why you need to communicate with your debtors early and often!

    Sometimes additional costs will be paid by the investor, but you have to know how to work this into your Estimated Closing Statement (HUD1).


    Short sales and foreclosures are TOUGH to navigate. Please reach out to us if you need help. Angie keeps everything confidential and will always help you with creative thinking so you have the most options with your home. Contact her at 949-338-7408!

    Furthermore, Angie would love to connect with Asset managers, outsourcers, distressed property managers, and others in the banking industry who are looking for a quality agent who effectively works bank systems to get REO properties sold.

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    New Property Trends: Modular Net Zero Homes

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    New Property Trends: Modular Net Zero Homes

    Hi friends! Have you been looking for a cheaper, better, faster way to build a home? Read on for some new trends in modular housing that might suit exactly what you’re looking for!

    What is a modular home?

    tesla-model-22-_-9
    S2A Modular Model #GreenLuxHome 22

    Modular is NOT manufactured. They are not your rectangle box mobile homes that might come to mind. They are created 90% in the factory, and about 10% on site, and they look and feel like any normal home. Modular homes aren’t different than a traditional stick built home, other than they are built indoors in a controlled factory environment, instead of outdoors.

    Brian Kuzdas, CEO of S2A Modular, presented an interesting webinar today and told us about ways that modular homes are more sustainable for the Earth, take less time to create, have a 35% potential ROI for investors.

    A couple of the main benefits of modular homes are they save you from shady contractors, and there is no compromise when it comes to design.

    Other advantages of modular homes:

    • Time (traditional home build time: 1 year; modular home build time: 3 months)
    • Price (15-20% cheaper to build in factory)
    • Strength (modular homes have to survive a literal transport, traditional homes don’t)
    • Neighbors (much less stress on the neighborhood)
    • Contractors (get to work inside instead of out in the elements)
    • State inspections (less time waiting for inspectors)

    One of the downsides to modular is financing. There aren’t a ton of lenders familiar with modular housing loans, but US Bank is one of them. Just reach out if you’d like a contact!

    Want to build a modular home of your own?

    tesla-model-13-_-10.29
    S2A Modular Model #GreenLuxHome 13

    Modular homes can be built ‘tiny’ as ADU’s, and size all the way up to 10,000+ sq ft mansions. There are 7 steps if you’re interested in building a custom modular home from start to finish:

    1. Feasibility study (cost $3500, and helps you determine how big you can build)
    2. Design (a modular architect is recommended, it will be less expensive in most cases)
    3. Construction agreement (firming up your choices)
    4. Engineering
    5. Permitting
    6. Site construction / setting modules
    7. Onsite completion (this is the last 10% of building that assembles the pieces & happens on site. These last materials also dictate the style and make your home exactly as you want it)

    Check out https://www.s2amodular.com/ for various design styles & ideas to build a modular home of your own. Endless customization – so neat!!

    Sustainability & Modular Homes

    The modular homes that S2A builds are ‘Net Zero’ & ‘Net Positive’ when it comes to net metering. They also use high performing, affordable, solar panels and solar roof tiles with Graphene technology. You won’t have any utility bills.

    Smart windows, doors, heating, cooling, insulation, & lighting are all used in these custom modular homes. Furthermore, organic building materials are used, and they are all resistant to termite, dry-rot, and mildew free….which saves money down the road. Li-Fi technology is used instead of Wi-Fi, and there is a singular app that controls these homes, which makes the systems un-hackable.

    If you’re interested in planning your modular home build, just reach to Angie via text at 949-338-7408, or fill out the form below. We’ll help you plan for your perfect pad, & get you all connected to the right contacts to create your custom home 🙂

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  • Need to Improve Your FICO Score? Women’s Credit Connection Can Help!

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    Need to Improve Your FICO Score? Women’s Credit Connection Can Help!

    No Better Time to Buy

    Mortgage rates fell to an all-time low last month and borrowers are rushing to buy. As the housing market enters the spring selling season, falling interest rates are encouraging people to purchase homes. There has never been a better time to buy!

    As you start the home buying process, it’s important to have good credit score health before submitting a mortgage application.  Your credit score will play a significant role in the rates you qualify for. As mortgage lenders review your credit score, they use borrowers’ FICO scores along with credit reports to determine the risk and likeliness that you might default on your mortgage loan. The better your FICO score is, the less risk from a mortgage lenders perspective.

    Generally, a FICO Score of 670 or above is considered a good credit score, while a score of 800 or above is considered great. If you need help improving your FICO score before submitting your mortgage application, Women’s Credit Connection can help.

    Women Educating Women

    Women Educating Women offers multiple core services through platforms such as automative assistance, credit assistance, mechanical assistance and real estate referral services. Their credit service, Women’s Credit Connection, works to maximize your credit score as much as possible so that you can achieve your financial goals.

    By working directly with credit bureaus and creditors to challenge negative items on your credit report, Women’s Credit Connection will maximize your scores as much as possible. With over 25 years of experience in evaluating credit, Women’s Credit Connection offers:

    • 100% Money Back Guarantee
    • Experienced Tools for Consumer Credit
    • Intimately Involved in Your Credit Repair Experience
    • Active Support Throughout the Entire Process
    • Affordable Prices and No Long-Term Contracts
    • Easy access to your account 24/7
    • Live status updates regarding improvements on your credit report and score

    Here is how it works:

    To request a free consultation and credit analysis, click here. For more information on Women Educating Women, visit their website or contact them by phone at: 949-475-6883. 

     

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    Global Real Estate – Hot Spots & Tips to Buy in them

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    Global Real Estate – Hot Spots & Tips to Buy in them

    Global & International Real Estate is GROWING

    IMG_6359Did you know 1 in 10 US residents are considering owning international real estate? But how can you protect yourself from making a lemon investment? Thanks to OCR’s Global committee, we have some pointers for you! Michael Cobb CEO of ECI development started off our International Real Estate Forum today reminding Realtors that we bring value to international transactions by helping our clients know to ask the right questions. In foreign countries, hot water, running water, and other conveniences (like plumbing) we take for granted in America are not alway included in the price tag. It’s critical to be careful and make sure you align with multiple professionals to ask ALL the right questions when you buy internationally. One way to do this is to work with a CIPS Realtor to help you find the most reliable real estate contacts in your preferred country. CIPS agents are Certified International Property Specialists, and have special training to help you avoid international buying nightmares.

    Nicaragua – an International investment gem

    Depositphotos_236823284_xl-2015Nicaragua has been a growing spot to get deep discounts in real estate, and Michael personally lived there for 14 years, while raising 2 young daughters. It usually takes about 6-9 months after you visit Nicaragua and sign documents to receive your title, and buying is friendly to foreigners. The country has beautiful scenery, and also offers the following benefits:

    • Safe
    • Inexpensive real estate
    • Low cost of living
    • Low cost medical care
    • Fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing
    • Social projects & involvement
    • You CAN own the land and get freehold title
    • Property tax is only 1%
    • Easy residency programs

    Foreign Property Investments in Belize

    DSC01964Belize is a tiny country that wasn’t on the radar at all until recently, and now it’s exploding. The title process is 3-6 months, but you can complete a property transaction in just an hour if you’re there in person. English is the official language, so it’s easy to read contracts. Prices are reasonable right now, and the hotspot to check out is Ambergris Caye. Belize was also voted the “most wished for place to visit” on AirBnB, so an excellent consideration for your vacation rental. If you’re thinking of AirBnB, you will have to pay hotel tax, so be sure to factor that in. Speaking of air…air travel has doubled over the last 3 years to Belize, and there is still plenty of room for growth. Baymen Gardens by Best Western currently offer options under 100K for a residence if you’re looking for an affordable vacation rental. Some benefits of owning property in Belize include:

    • Political stability
    • Short easy flights
    • 17% tourism growth the last 3 years
    • Property is still affordable

    US Citizens are now buying property in Costa Rica easily

    IMG_8066
    Beautiful Ocho Bungalows in Costa Rica – Sean the owner used to live in US, and now calls Tamarindo his home. He built these gorgeous bungalows there.

    Costa Rica is an absolutely stunning country, with 27% park-protected land. Costa Rica has a “Pura Vida” (Pure life) mindset, so this is the place to go if you like a healthy lifestyle. Hunting is banned, no zoos, and animals cannot be pets. No tornados or hurricanes there, however, they do have earthquakes. Ocean temp is about 80 degrees all year long, so it’s perfect for a vacation home or rental. Weather is typically nice, but they do have rainy season. You can stay for 90 days with a US passport, so plenty of time to research areas, builders, and pick your perfect property! Costa Rica is also a solid consideration for a second home because:

    • Democracy for 196 years, stable society, tradition of peace
    • Mostly Bilingual
    • Foreign property rights
    • Blue zone for longevity, excellent health care
    • Quality national public health system, as well as private healthcare
    • Wildlife tours, river rafting, hikes to waterfalls, hot springs, zip lines
    • US Babies born there get dual citizenship
    • Property tax only .25%-.40% (niiiice)
    • Food has no hormones or weed killers

    An update to our previous video about buying real estate in Costa Rica —> there’s now NEW foreign mortgage opportunities for US citizens in Costa Rica!!  Previously you had to buy with all cash, so this is really cool! It’s for residential only, no business or land. Interest rates in Costa Rica for locals run high, around 12%. This program comes from a lender in TX, and currently has a 7.5% rate for loans over 100K. No coastline foreign investments closer than 200 meters, though. 720 credit is required, and 30% down is required. If you’d like more info just contact us at 949-338-7408 and we’ll help you on your way to a Pura Vida lifestyle 🙂

    Mexico beaches drive global condo buyers

    IMG_4057Real Estate expert Alvaro Quirante presented about Riviera Maya and the consistent growth of traffic into the Cancun airport, which creates opportunity. Travel is consistent all year long, so there is no on or off season. Currently they are creating a huge marina, and a theme park, which will create 5000 new jobs in the area. Tulum has been one of the cities that gets the best capital gains each year. A few reasons:

    • Eco-friendly
    • Mayan ruins, top TripAdvisor destination
    • Tulum famous beaches
    • Stable economy with multiple sources of income
    • Properties start around 75K
    • Availability to have major companies back your investment guaranteeing 8-13% yearly ROI, with Lux properties for example.
    • You can buy property with a self-directed IRA

    What does the buying process in Mexico look like? We tried to explain it in this video about buying real estate in Cabo…but here’s an easy slide from today’s presentation that guides you through the process:

    Mexico buying process

    As you can see, each country is really different when it comes to process, ability to get a mortgage / title, and the various property options you have. We LOVE international real estate and would love to help you explore your next global property investment. Simply fill out the form below or text 949-338-7408 and we’ll send you some international property buying tips!

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    California Mortgage & Rent Help During COVID-19

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    angieweeks

    on

    California Mortgage & Rent Help During COVID-19

    Hi friends!

    Worried about paying your California Mortgage or Rent Payment?

    Wanted to share this video with you and let you know about some important financial resource links if you’re struggling to make your mortgage or rent payments due to the recent Coronavirus Pandemic.

    Renters, you should know there is a moratorium on evictions until May 31st. Click here for more info on the California rental moratorium: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/27/governor-newsom-takes-executive-action-to-establish-a-statewide-moratorium-on-evictions/ . If you are working virtually and in a position to pay your rent, please don’t use Coronavirus as an excuse not to. This will put undue pressure on the people who really do need this relief.

    Landlords & small business owners, you’re likely eligible for some financial assistance through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection program. Here’s a PDF from the US Chamber of Commerce with more info to see the criteria to qualify:

    Click to access 023595_comm_corona_virus_sma.pdf

     

    Additionally, you can click here to apply for the SBA Disaster Relief Fund. This online form takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. Funds can deposit into your bank account in as little as 3 days:  https://covid19relief.sba.gov/

    Homeowners, you’ve got help as well. Most banks and loan servicing companies are offering a forbearance option. It’s ok if you don’t know what forbearance is – here’s the Wikipedia definition:

    Forbearance, in the context of a mortgage process, is a special agreement between the lender and the borrower to delay a foreclosure. The literal meaning of forbearance is “holding back.”

    When mortgage borrowers are unable to meet their repayment terms, lenders may opt to foreclose. To avoid foreclosure, the lender and the borrower can make an agreement called “forbearance.” According to this agreement, the lender delays its right to exercise foreclosure if the borrower can catch up to its payment schedule by a certain time. This period and the payment plan depend on the details of the agreement that is accepted by both parties.

    Historically, forbearance has been granted for customers in temporary or short-term financial difficulty. If the borrower has more serious problems, e. g. the return to full mortgage payments in the long term does not appear sustainable, then forbearance is usually not a solution. Each lender is likely to have its own suite of forbearance products.

    Now a word of warning. Homeowners, PLEASE read the fine print from your bank, and only use this option if you need to. Many times you’ll get more interest in the end, or a really big payment after a forbearance, so you need to understand what you’re getting into.

    We’ll also offer the same advice as the renters here..If you’re able to pay your mortgage, please pay it. This will keep funds flowing to the banks, and allow the banks to keep lending to new buyers that need a place to live. Our real estate market has slowed, but it hasn’t stopped. We definitely don’t want to add fuel to this fire and create a bigger issue.

    If you’ve been doing research on various financial assistance programs out there, feel free to share. Please comment any links you’ve found for Coronavirus or financial relief below.

    Hope all of you are feeling healthy and excited to go out and do great things once you’re back into the world! Consider reading our post on 5 Important Things to focus on during COVID-19 next, and let’s make some long term progress while we’re here at home. If you’re not sure what to do, you can always setup a website to crowdfund your next down payment with Vow2Save, install CreditKarma to check your score, or call your lender about a low interest refinance 😉

     

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    5 Things We’re Focusing on During COVID-19

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    5 Things We’re Focusing on During COVID-19

    Welp, in a matter of 2 weeks… our world has completely changed with the Coronavirus  COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re scrambling along with the rest of society to find a ‘new normal’. That said, it’s refreshing to have the opportunity to rethink everything we’ve been doing; both professionally and personally, to reprioritize what’s most important.

    Our Top 5 Focus Areas During Orange County Quarantine

    1. Relationships – Above all, we love & care about our family, clients, prospects, & fellow humans. We’re moving to Zoom meetings, FaceTimes, and other online communication forums to ensure everyone’s safety and flatten the curve. Checking in on people who might be lonely or struggling with kind texts. I’ve committed to doing more regular videos, and virtual open houses. One action item was a comfy space at home to do virtual meetings – have you created yours yet? It’s fun! Feel free to comment a pic for us 🙂
    2. Immunity – Clearly, we’ve got nothing without our health. We think and act better when our body is functioning at it’s best. During this time, are you eating for health & wellness? Taking vitamins? For sure….dark chocolate is still aplenty in our home, but personally I’m watching my sugar, soy, hormone, and gluten intake, and drinking more alkaline water. We’ve got handsoap filled by each sink – one of our fave brands is Jade Bloom if you like delivery & to support small business 😉 Another thing we did was up our Farm Fresh to You order. They deliver all kinds of healthy fruits, veggies, & even organic eggs to your door. Why go to grocery if you don’t have to? Also made a nightly routine of essential oils, because they are soothing & help immunity. Favorites are lavender, protect, & lucid for sleeping. Please share…what are your secrets for immunity?

    3. Depositphotos_168021158_xl-2015
      We’re seeing a lot of our clients on social media baking & crafting with their kiddos. We love to watch everyone embracing this family time in their homes.

      Mental health – This is a BIG one. People’s lives just got disrupted and they are angry, scared, and upset. Ignoring it, shaming yourself, or attempts to drown it away won’t help. We need to come to terms, choose LOVE, and a new path to move forward. My preferred way to handle this is to ask: “Is my inner child happy today?” If I do something to make my inner child happy, then I usually feel good about life. When I cage my inner child, shame her, or ignore her because I’m unbalanced in some way….THEN my mental health seems to go sideways. Usually ‘little Angie’ wants to make something, hence the artist studios we’ve been building through Flower Den Retreats. Cooking, yoga, meditation, and prayer are also great daily exercises for mental health. What are you intentionally doing to protect your mindset right now? Are you at peace with yourself & love yourself? This is the space where smart & strategic decisions come from…be ready to make them. And it’s OKAY if you’re down in the dumps. Please reach out to someone you love for a life rope. The national suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255 – save this number in your phone – you may never need it, but a friend just might!

    4. Budget – Not gonna lie – things could get tight. Are you handling this on a proactive or a reactive basis? You probably have the time to be proactive, so do that. Check online to see what relief your mortgage company is offering, and stay subscribed to our YouTube & blog here for regular updates on national mortgage relief options. Think….Where can you cut more? What small businesses can you support more? For example, we’re planning to cut our 800# & moving to WhatsApp – seems to be the preferred international & ‘long distance’ platform anyway. What apps are you paying for that you don’t use? Subscriptions? This is a great time to organize your finances, put everything on autopay, or even take the time to improve your credit. We recommend the CreditKarma app to get started on credit, and Mint.com for an overall picture. Let us know what resources you use to plan your budget.
    5. Investments – No time like the present to watch your favorite experts on YouTube! Consider sharpening up your knowledge and exploring some new areas to invest in. Ask hard questions like: Am I diversified? Stocks, mutual funds, crypto, property? How can I spread my risk? Do I have all my eggs in one basket? WHO am I trusting to get my facts from? Since we’re experts on the Orange County real estate market, we’ll help you with quality local resources to trust. A couple favorites are Reports on Housing & California Association of Realtors.

    woman and hands with paper house
    “Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.” – Billy Graham

    For most of our clients, their home is their biggest investment, and they’re spending a LOT of time in it right now. Hopefully, you’re happy with your space and embracing this time to improve upon it. If you’re worried about your property value going up, down, or sideways… you’re not alone. We offer monthly home value reports to show you what’s happening in your neighborhood. Just text Angie your address at 949-338-7408, or fill out the form below to receive your property’s value.

    We want to wish you and your family health, healing, and happiness during this quarantine. Please reach out if we can help you with anything – we’re here for you & care about our fellow humans!

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    Thank you for your response. ✨

  • , ,

    Down Payments Holding You Back? Home Buying Hack: Silent Investors!

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    Down Payments Holding You Back? Home Buying Hack: Silent Investors!

    Ready to Own a Home?

    Owning a home is the American Dream yet this dream has become more and more challenging to achieve. With the increasing burden of student loan debt, high interest rates, rising rent costs, and a competitive housing market – it seems impossible to purchase your first home on your own.Screen Shot 2020-02-15 at 8.51.14 PM

    The costs of owning a home go beyond what you can afford in a monthly payment. Monthly mortgage payments and interest rates depend on how much you can afford for the down payment. But how can you afford a down payment when the cost of living continues to rise? The upfront costs associated with purchasing a home often intimidate people from owning a home. The ease of transferring rental deposits from rental company to rental company seem easier when comparing upfront costs. So, how do you secure your dream home that could be a great investment for your future, without cashing out all of your assets or taking out MORE loans?

    Insert Unison!

    Unison is a San Francisco-based company that helps homebuyers get the home they want by providing them with the money they need to AFFORD the down payment.  Screen Shot 2020-02-15 at 8.52.03 PMUnison shares the down payment cost with you, lowering your upfront costs, reducing your overall mortgage loan, while also lowering your monthly payments. The money is given to homebuyers in the form of an investment, its NOT a loan! That’s right – that means you have no monthly obligations to Unison – interest free! Imagine walking into your dream home and having confidence that you can afford it. 

    How It Works: Unison Invests in Your Home

    • Unison helps you purchase a home by giving you money to put towards your down payment (contributions ranging from 5-20% of the homes value).
    • You don’t owe Unison any money until you decide to sell your home. Yup, no monthly obligations, no interest, no extra loans!
    • Once you decide to sell your home, you send Unison a single payment equal to the initial investment offer. If your house has increased in value (appreciated) or decreased value (depreciated), Unison will add or subtract the difference.
      • If your home appreciates, you’ll make a payment to Unison equal to the original amountUnison provided for the down payment + (or -) the appreciation value.

    See If You Qualify for Unison: Apply Here! 

    View Unison’s approved lenders here.

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    Looking to Buy or Sell a Home? See You January 18th!

    Published by

    angieweeks

    on

    Looking to Buy or Sell a Home? See You January 18th!

    8th Annual OC Home Fair 

    oc-home-fair-square-e1546558544860.jpg

    Looking to buy or sell a home? Investment property? Just curious about becoming a homeowner? Renting and want to own? WE have an event for you! 

    The Southern California Home Fair is a *FREE* community event designed to provide home owners, home buyers, renters, and seasoned investors with free, personalized and comprehensive information from some leading experts in real estate! Attendees can choose from a variety of relevant topics including: hassle-free home buying, investing to be an automatic millionaire, buying a home under your business umbrella, and much more. Below are 5 OC Home Fair highlights. 
    The Southern California Home Fair is next Saturday! Join us next week, January 18th at the 8th Annual OC Home Fair and experience Homeownership Day.

    5 OC Home Fair Class Highlights

    #1 Easy Tips to Improve Credit 

    #2 Finding up to 90K to Buy Your Home – Down Payment Programs

    #3 Real People – Real Estate Success Stories

    #4 How Student Loan Debt Can Fit Into your Home Buying Picture

    #5 Home Buying 101 – Pre-Purchase Counseling

    View the full class schedule list here.
    homeownership-day-2016

    Click here to register, just enter your information and select the class you want to attend!

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