The One Thing that Matters in Real Estate

Experts say you should choose your one thing.. the one thing that drives you, the one thing that inspires you, the one reason you do what you do. I truly believe that in real estate the customer (client) is the only thing that matters. Being straight with them and brutally honest when necessary is the best way to insure I make what they want happen. Honesty is the only policy.

In my career that has spanned over thirty years I have learned many lessons. Based on those lessons I have developed processes and procedures that guide me as I work with sellers and buyers of real estate as well as other real estate agents that I coach.

When it comes to sellers and buyers there is one particular rule I always follow. I do not work with uncooperative or inordinately demanding sellers or buyers. It is detrimental to both of our success. My clients are the only thing that matter so if it means letting some go to focus on the clients I can really help be a success in real estate, so be it.

Zig Ziglar said that you can have everything you want in life if you help other people get what they want. When it comes to selling and buying real estate, all I want is to help my customers get what they want. I do believe that is called a win-win situation.

Central Valley Real Estate Update: San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Stanislaus Counties

The real estate market has seen a dramatic trend the past 12 month with a surprising change in January 2013.

Available houses for sale have steadily declined in 2012 and are currently approximately half of what they were one year ago.

January 2013 experienced a sudden increase in pending sales (25% or greater).

The reduction of available inventory coupled with an increase of pending sales are clear indicators of a changing market.

My prediction for 2013 is:
- inventory levels will remain low
- Buyer demands will remain strong
- Housing prices will increase
- Distressed properties market share will decrease
- Equity sales will increase

Below are real estate trend charts for Sacramento, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties and are great examples of the trends in most California Counties.

Stanislaus County

San Joaquin County

Sacramento County

How to Prepare to Short Sale Your Home

Paperwork and proper documentation are extremely important to the short sale process. Most lenders still require a "hardship package" that is completely filled out. To adequately prepare to short sale your home, your real estate agent will provide you with a list of documents you will need to gather.

In addition, all documentation that is required must be submitted as soon as you have an offer on your property. Sellers must be extremely cooperative with their agents and negotiators to be sure they have the best chance of getting approved. Throughout the entire short sale process, it is important that home sellers send bank statements and pay stubs to their real estate agent every month.

If you have questions about the short sale process or would like more information, please visit my website at www.TheRealEstateDr.com or give me a call at 1-800-921-1900 ext 2502.

One Big Reason to Short Sale Now

When it comes to selling real estate in today's market there is a lot of confusion when it comes to short sales. It is often difficult for homeowners to understand why they can short sale or even what a short sale is and how they work. That's where I, as the Real Estate Dr. in the Central Valley, come in.

One of the biggest reasons to list your home as a short sale is that the bank pays all of the sellers closing costs. This includes paying for commissions, property taxes and normal closing costs. Sometimes, if a seller is nearly in an equity situation, it is still more advantageous to do a short sale because otherwise the seller has to pay these costs and repairs and inspections as well. With SB458 to remove deficiency and the Tax Relief Act to often remove taxation.. short sales rocks!

If you're unsure of the specifics of the short sale process, or if you want a clear understanding of your home selling or saving options, give me a call or contact me on The Real Estate Doctor website. Clarity, hope and relief is just one phone call away. Call me. I can help you.

Stopping Foreclosure Clinic on March 2nd by Christine Papworth The Real Estate Dr.

This Saturday I am conducting my Stopping Foreclosure Clinic in Stockton, CA at 1pm. At our clinic I will share information about new legislation, the Homeowner Bill of Rights (SB900), foreclosure avoidance options such as loan modification and short sales, and more. You will also meet my team of professionals: accountant, loan modification advisor, attorney, and of course myself, your Real Estate Dr.

This is information you need to know about stopping foreclosure. Know your rights!

Join us this Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Stockton. The Stopping Foreclosure Clinic will begin at 1pm.

Watch this introductory video below and then go register at TheRealEstateDr.com.

A Common Short Selling Myth

A common myth when it comes to a short sale is this... that they don't close. We actually close over 90% and it's getting easier with our specialized systems and programs at theREPhD.com. We've got this down!

Recently I was asked why someone should choose to sell their home with me, whether it was a short sale or equity sale, and this is what I told them...

I believe I am the absolute best agent for the job of selling a home, whether an equity sale or hardship. No one knows what I know when it comes to this process. I consistently tell the truth, pay attention and have the sellers best interest at heart...even if they may not agree with everything I suggest. I work everyday to hone my craft... to be the best of the best. I treat sellers, other agents, and buyers agents with respect. That is the best way to take care of my client. I also have a fabulous, well educated and committed staff who help me in this endeavor.

If you are thinking about selling your home, we should talk. Call me now at 1-800-921-1900 ext. 2502. The Real Estate Doctor is in!

What is Happening with Short Sales in San Joaquin County?

The short sale market in San Joaquin County is changing along with the entire real estate market. Where we used to have an almost 90% hardship market it has lessened to around 60% today. So though many of our sellers are still in trouble, it is very much a sellers market.

We have very little inventory, multiple offers, and many times those offers are way above asking price.

To be in the game, buyers must be willing to fight for the home they want by submitting offers over asking prices, doing their own repairs, and paying their own closing costs.  They also must make decisions quickly. When buyers see a home they think will work, they must make an offer immediately.

In this market when hesitation can very well result in a missed opportunity. When you hesitate you will find there are 10-20 offers in a matter of days and your hesitating will make you lose.

Allow your agent to guide and assist you. Remember, they make nothing to write 20 offers for you and their expenses are high. If there are only 5 houses on the market and 20 buyers or 100 buyers for that house... what would you want your agent to do to ensure you get the house? Allow them to do that.