Homes For Sale in Irvine CA|Buying a House in Irvine CA|Foreclosures in Irvine CA|Short Sales in Irvine CA

Inside Real Estate
Build Your Wealth
(949) 929-6343
Follow My Blog
Di
Diane Gross, DRE Lic. #01217299
Realtor/Interior Designer
    Years of Experience: 18

    Re/Max Hall of Fame Award Recipient

Direct: (949) 929-6343

Email Me

» About Me » Visit My Website
Company Info

Keller Williams Realty
Newport Estates. 2 San Joaquin Plaza Ste 150
Newport Beach, CA

Real Estate Tools
Schoolsschools
Communitiescommunities
Calculatorscalculators

Preparing the Home to Sell

Orange County, CA Housing Market

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

I Want to Give You Helpful Information…

Why don’t you take me up on it?

I’ve just reviewed my Google Analytics Report to see what type of information I provide is reaching the majority of my readers.  There were two articles I wrote that received the most attention from you:

1)  SB458 Didn’t work the way it was intended, and

2) You can still buy a condo with only 5% down.

As a Realtor, I perceived all of my other topics to be extremely helpful information to both buyers and sellers alike; and, according to the comments received, they were found to be well written and good information.  However, for whatever reason, they are not causing you to spend a lot of time on my site when compared to those two topics above.  Does this indicate that the majority of the information I provide is not useful to you?

Next month, I complete 20 years of working as a Realtor.  Having been in the industry all that time, I should have the ability to communicate to you just about anything you would want to know about Real Estate.  And, what I don’t know, I can find out for you.  The time I spend writing my Blog is significant and it should count for something.  I’d certainly like to have an open dialogue about my topics, and want to hear from you about what information you would be most interested.

So that you can track how successful this request is in receiving my reader’s suggestions, or to get an answer to your own burning question(s), sign up below to receive an automatic notice of new Blog entries.

 

If you’re interested in allowing me to assist you with your Real Estate needs, don’t hesitate to contact me at 949-929-6343 or, click here to see how I work.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Being Foreclosed On, Buy a House, Community, Condos, First Time Home Buyers, Foreclosures, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Luxury Homes, Neighborhood, Preparing the Home to Sell, Property Investment, Questions and Answers, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, Relocation, Selling a Short Sale, The Right Time to Sell, Townhomes | 1 Comment »

A Realtor with Heart — Part 2

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

PART 2

It literally pains me to be working under these current economic circumstances.  I went into this business to help others personally when purchasing their most important investment in their lifetime.  As many of my clients will probably admit, that comes with a lot of personal and familial counseling.  To top this off, as my Business Slogan says:  to “Build Your Wealth Through Real Estate.” wherein many would become financially independent.  For the first time in my Real Estate career, many clients are not financially better off than they were when they bought their home. 

Often, my Title Rep will come by and ask me how I’m doing.  My willingness to share more than most, I told her that it was not a good day.  I had just received a phone call from another of my clients telling me that they thought they were not going to be able to keep their home.  My Title Rep reminded me that my clients need me to help them for this too; not only do I recognize this, I’m completely capable of doing so.  I simply wish it were not to assist them in this way. 

I NEVER looked at Real Estate as a Job.  It was a joy!  I knew I was improving my clients’ situations and that’s what I wanted from my life’s work.

When I first moved to California in the mid-90′s, I assisted a top realtor in Irvine, CA while getting my California license.  I didn’t understand the depression all around me because I came from a market that was thriving.  Now I get it, but I wish I didn’t!

There was one bright light about that time period in the mid-90′s.  It’s because the prices had decreased that my family and I were able to move from the mid-west and afford to purchase a home in Irvine, CA.  Just like 15 years ago; today, lots of people who otherwise would not have been able to buy a home in Orange County, California can buy something.  I have faith that those who have been pushed out of their homes will be able to, and will want to, buy again.  In the meantime, I’m here to help you make your way through it… whatever direction that might be!

To receive the next Blog entry, be sure to sign up below:

 

As always, I’d love to hear your comments and questions!  Should you require assistance in these tough times with the disposition of your home, or you’re not sure which direction to turn, click here to schedule a phone conference or evaluation session.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, First Time Home Buyers, Foreclosures, Homes, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Preparing the Home to Sell, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, The Right Time to Sell | 2 Comments »

A Realtor with Heart — Part 1

Friday, June 10th, 2011

PART 1

You may be wondering how Realtors can “live with themselves” after having helped people into homes “they could not afford.”  Along with some personal thoughts that follow in Part 2 of “A Realtor with Heart,” below is a portion of a letter I forwarded to my client base and I thought it would give you some insight.

“I’ve enjoyed working with you throughout the years in Real Estate; and, as I’ve always indicated:  I want to be your Realtor for Life.  Unfortunately, when we have a life-long relationship; it’s not always going to be about happy times.  Because of the prolonged economic downturn, I’m finding that as much as I advised you to try, at all costs, to hold onto your homes; I’m really sad to tell you now that my experience has been that many cannot; or maybe, should not continue to try to make things work with their current homes.  If you or someone you know is finding it more and more difficult to make your mortgage payment(s); please be sure to contact me as soon as you recognize you have a problem.  I am here to advise you! 

Many who call themselves short-sale specialist are just looking to add your listing to their hundred’s of others and you will not be a priority to them.  Don’t think because I choose not to market myself in that way, that I cannot assist you by facilitating whatever steps your particular situation warrants … I CAN.
 
I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss the different options that are available to you, allowing for the best outcome; and possibly avoid a short-sale or foreclosure; preserve your credit; or, at the very least prepare you to rebuild your credit for a future purchase.  If you’ve already gone through the steps of a short-sale or foreclosure, I have an information sheet that will give you some sense of how long it will take for you to be able to buy your next property.  Just reply to this email and I will forward it to you. 
 
Di”

If you appreciate and want to work with Di, be sure to click here for her website where you can also find numerous property listings.

To receive notice of the publication of “A Realtor with Heart,” PART 2, sign up below.

 

As always, I look for your comments and questions!  Thanks to those of you who have left comments.  They’re much appreciated!!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Foreclosures, Homes, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Preparing the Home to Sell, Questions and Answers, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, The Right Time to Sell | 18 Comments »

Can You Trust Any Realtor? – Even Me!

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

Boy, I hope so; but…   Part VI

Choosing the Right Realtor for you!

In today’s market, I hate to say it, but using a new Realtor, a family member, or at the very least, someone who has never sold before, should not be considered in the least.  Things have gotten way too complicated.  It’s difficult enough for me to decipher right from wrong when, for instance, this person or that person is talking about whether you should sell short or foreclose or whether you will need to go bankrupt; however, at least I can tell when something ‘sounds’ awry.  For instance, as I’ve probably said in some earlier blog entries, when attending three different classes on the same subject I hear three different perspectives.  How does one know which is correct?

In this particular case, it’s about how your sale might be handled after a short-sale or a foreclosure.  People are uncertain as to whether your debt will really be forgiven; and, should you need to sell or leave your home, what is the safest way for you to proceed.  It’s also unclear as to whether you would be required to go bankrupt to alleviate the risk of having to pay the debt in the future.  These are not small issues; and many Realtors believe they know they know the answers to these questions.  How could they, based on this or that person’s opinion?  This issue is untraveled waters and I believe no one really knows for sure what’s correct.  There are people representing themselves as professionals or specialists in this arena who just might be giving you the wrong advice.  Early on, anyone could advise on this subject and charge for their services up front.  Mor recently, last I knew, the person advising you now must have a real estate license.  Well, I’ve talked to people running this type of ‘advice giving’ business and I’m not sure the information they’re giving their clients is correct!  I certainly wouldn’t want to put my stamp of approval on it!!  I’ve asked attorneys, CPAs other Realtors and those that ‘say’ they’re experts in the subject; and no one agrees!  My chosen Title Rep believes come 2012, when a law that deals with bank losses runs its course, the Banks might choose to come after people for their deficits created during this time when, in fact, they were lead to believe their debt would be free and clear and that there would be no tax ramifications, either.  Others say:  “There’s no way the Banks are going to come after all of us!”  Have you ever seen the banks turn their backs on a money making opportunity? 

There are some really strange money-making plans going on out there right now and this is just one of them.  I can tell you, by me not trying to represent you in a matter such as these, I AM looking out for you … and I believe that is what’s most important—to have a Realtor that you know is looking out for you!

Di wants to hear your opinion. Feel free to comment herein or call her at 949-929-6343 or email:  diane.gross2@gmail.com. To see more about how Di works, click here.

Sign up below for more valuable real estate tidbits and current market happenings in Irvine CA and other Orange County CA communities.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, First Time Home Buyers, Homes, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Neighborhood, Preparing the Home to Sell, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, Relocation | 12 Comments »

Can you Trust any Realtor? — Even me!

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Is the Farmer in the Area the Right Realtor for you?

Most of you probably have at least one if not three or more Realtors that ‘farm’ your area.  This means that they work almost exclusively in your area, and they tout themselves as the area expert.  They’re the ones that have gotten the most listings in your area.  They might not even care whether they have you as they’re buying client as listings are all they really want.  Even their manager has told them listings are where the money is.  I’ve often wondered if that isn’t just because it gets the name of the brokerage ‘out there?’

The truth is I’d like Sellers to reconsider who they’re hiring to sell their home.  Think about it.  If the area farmer is selling a lot of homes in your area, are they just trying to show they’ve gotten another notch in their belt to stay popular in the neighborhood; and, is this in lieu of doing their utmost to sell your home for the highest price possible?  It probably goes without saying, selling a home slightly under the market moves your home more quickly…

You’re probably rationalizing:  ‘I’m moving on, so really, what do I care what happens to this old neighborhood?’  Have you considered that it’s happening in your new neighborhood too?  And, someone’s there pushing your values downward to show they’re listing more homes in that area, too.  So, I pose these questions.

  1.  What is the effect of this on pricing in your neighborhood? 
  2. Why is it really that some areas go up while others stay stagnant?

I want to know:  What is it that you’re looking for in your Realtor?  Do you want someone who’s down on the market if you are?  Or, someone that’s up because that’s just their personality?  Or, are you looking for someone that’s up on the market’s pulse and shares that with you, even if you don’t see it that way; or, one that would just go along with what you want to hear?  I’m not trying to morph into what you want in a Realtor, but just like you’re trying to learn more about today’s market, I’m trying to learn about what you’re looking for in a Realtor so I can be the best Realtor for you.  All I can say is:  I make every attempt to tell you the truth about what I see and what I have to offer is timely information and oodles of experience!  I must admit, I can see why Buyers and Sellers lack trust in Realtors; but, I like to work with clients that choose to work with me for a lifetime.

Di wants to hear from you! Let her know your opinion about this series and answer the questions she has posed above by calling 949-929-6343 or emailing:  diane.gross2@gmail.com. To see how Di works, click here to go to her main website.

To receive email notices for the next and last installment in this series:  “Choosing the Right Realtor for You,” sign up below:

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Homes, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Neighborhood, Preparing the Home to Sell, Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, The Right Time to Sell | 3 Comments »

Can You Trust Any Realtor? – Even Me!

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Boy, I hope so; but… Part IV  

Sign Here — More Realtor Tactics: 

As soon as you became a homeowner, I’ll bet you were contacted by a Realtor either knocking on your door or sending you a letter, telling you they have a buyer for your home?  I’ll bet most of you have experienced this; so, how do you differentiate fact from fiction?  Using a Realtor that comes highly recommended might be one way, but I’m certain you don’t want to take a chance on losing that ‘potential’ buyer, right?  It wouldn’t take but a few minutes for your trusted Realtor to look into the opportunity that has been presented to you and figure out if the Realtor truly has a ‘ready, willing and able Buyer.’

Sometimes, a Realtor will even bring someone into your home and say they’re a buyer just to get their foot into the door, and to try to show you how hard they will work for you, just to get your listing.  Don’t get me wrong, sometimes when Realtors say they have a valid Buyer they really do.  It is important for you to know this.  The reason it’s so easy to pull the wool over your eyes is the Realtor can bring anyone in and just say ‘the home is not for them.’  Now, it may be a real Buyer and the home may really not be for them; so how can you recognize the difference? There may be some things to look for:  

  1.  When the Realtor first contacts you, can they describe the Buyer?  In other words, is it a family or a single individual, why they’re moving here, where they’re moving from and probably most important, why the Realtor believes your home to be the right home for that Buyer. 
  2. How did the Realtor come to know about this Buyer?  Are they a past client looking to buy up or down? 
  3. Maybe ask where the Buyer lives now? 
  4. What other homes have you been showing the Buyer?  Anything that you can think of that will assist you in determining if there really is a ‘ready, willing and able Buyer.’
  5. Your last, and most important option is to contact your Trusted Realtor and have them represent you.  Go ahead and give them the listing.  They can then contact the other Realtor and let them know they’re welcome to show your home.

Di would love to hear from you regarding your opinion on this topic and any other.  To see how she works, click here to go to her main website.  She welcomes your questions and can be reached by phone at 949-929-6343 or email:  diane.gross2@gmail.com.

Sign up below for an email notice for the next postings: “Is the Farmer in the Area the Right Realtor for you?” and then:  “Choosing the Right Realtor for you.”

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Preparing the Home to Sell, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, Relocation, The Right Time to Sell | 2 Comments »

Ready, Set, Go – It’s time to Sell

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Or, is it?

I wanted to bring your attention to an article regarding how to prepare your home for sell and why now may be the right time, as many of you might be considering doing so as your New Year’s Resolution.  If you look at some of my previous entries, you’ll see that I have already addressed the subject of preparing your home to sell, but sometimes it’s nice to hear it from someone else.  If you are considering listing your home for sell, it explains why now is the best time to do so.  Click on the following to see what others have to say:  http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/111704/resolutions-for-home-sellers-in-2011.

Remember, however, that this is a national article and things are a little different in Orange County, CA and especially in areas like Irvine, CA.  The article mentions there is a lot of inventory out there; and that may simply not be the case in your specific area(s), and in your price range.  I recommend you seek out your Realtor (me!) to have an evaluation performed on your home.  Not only do I utilize my more than 18 years experience in the business to suggest your listing price; but also the SmartZip HomeScore system that you may have been noticing in the media, both newspapers and websites.

If you would like your own personal SmartZip report and a price evaluation for any property in Orange County, CA, please do not hesitate to contact me at 949-929-6343 or email:  diane.gross2@gmail.com.  Since I have a Certificate in Real Estate I can also advise you on stagging.  In fact, if you’re not thinking of selling now, but you want to make some improvements in your home, I can guide you on  items that tend to give you the most return on your investment when you do sell.

I also hope you’ll look back to some of my older blog entries and sign up below to receive an email notice when the next entries are posted.

 

I look forward to hearing from you; and working with you in the future.  For more about how I work, click here.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Preparing the Home to Sell | 2 Comments »

Preparing Your Home for Sale in Orange County, CA

Friday, December 10th, 2010

It’s difficult to know exactly what to do when preparing your home for sale in today’s unique market. Once you decide to sell, the first and most important consideration is by what method you will sell the property — will it be an equity sale, a short-sale or an REO?  If you decide to test the market and wish to avoid a short-sale or foreclosure; but just barely, it’s probably still best to set up your home to show so that you can get the highest dollar possible.  If you can afford it, I recommend the following:

Keep watering the lawn, cutting the grass and plant colorful flowers.

If you have a pool or spa, keep the water clean and the equipment running.

If the exterior needs to be painted, paint it.  (If your Realtor’s talented in design, utilize their assistance as a color consultant and choose popular colors, not necessarily what you would like.)  Click here to see samples of my interior design completions.

Make certain your front door is clean and clean your windows.  A good trick for an extra clean look is to remove screens.

Stage your home with your Realtor’s assistance.  When the home is occupied, I try to make use of what you already have.  You may want to put items in storage or garage.

Put away valuables.

Paint the interior if necessary.  (Maybe only the bottom half of the walls is needed.  Your Realtor can evaluate this.)

Clean the carpets; and yes, you may have to do this at the end too.

Do a major cleaning of the home, wipe down cabinets.

Minimize odors from pets or smoking.  (Again, with tips from the Realtor; you don’t want it too sweet.)

When showing the home, turn on lights and open blinds or draperies.

If you cannot afford to do everything listed above, have your Realtor recommend the items that will give you the most benefit.  That’s what we’re there for.

To sign up to receive notices by email when new blogs are posted:

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Preparing the Home to Sell | 1 Comment »

- Copyright © 2010 Inside Real Estate, LLC

Inside Real Estate does not endorse the agents on this site, and does not guarantee the content submitted by the site's members. Blog and page entries, content, and other information contributed by agents that are members of the site are accountable to the particular agent. Inside Real Estate and Omnia Alliance LLC take no accountability for the content contributed by members to the site.