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Ron Mason, MBA
Realtor
    Years of Experience: 17

    (CDPE) Certified Distressed Property Expert
    (SRES) Seniors Real Estate Specialists

Direct: 408-445-5165

Office:



Company Info

Coldwell Banker
1096 Blossom Hill Rd # 200
San Jose, CA


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Foreclosure fears foster true grief

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Reports of foreclosures by the millions have been in the news so much over the past few years that to some, it might seem like the new normal. 

But as a real estate professional who is in the trenches with financially stressed homeowners every day, it never for a second feels to me like business-as-usual.

The prospect of losing ones home is right up there among the major sources of grief, and often, it goes hand in hand with other tragic setbacks such as the loss of a job, a divorce, death of a loved one, mounting medical bills or skyrocketing mortgage payments.

Unfortunately, the first stage of grief is denial, and that’s even more the case when the threat of foreclosure is looming. No one wants to talk about or admit financial troubles—even when millions of others have founds themselves in a similar spot.  It’s completely understandable, but for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, decisive action is often the most critical step toward ensuring the best possible solution.

As a real estate professional who has sought out the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I help homeowners to deal with every aspect of the grief and uncertainty that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable. In the process, I help them to get on a path of financial solvency.

If you or someone you care about would like to change the course of a life that’s facing foreclosure, I get it and I can help.

Contact me today at (408) 445-5165 or rmsjsu@pacbell.net

Ron Mason

Renewed Trust for tough times

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Renewed trust for tough times

Does it feel like trust is one of the major casualties of the economic meltdown of 2008 – followed by the “Great Recession,” the “Jobless Recovery” and now the threat of a “Double Dip Recession?”

Weren’t we assured that home values were destined to go up and up and up?

There have been lots of promises that help is on the way—and lots of warnings of scams and schemes that have only served to confuse the matter. So where’s a homeowner who’s underwater or overleveraged to turn?

Here’s the bottom line: the choices that homeowners make when they feel they are at the end of their rope will have ramifications for years to come on their ability to qualify for credit, their job prospects, their security clearance and their overall finances. When a family’s financial trajectory is rapidly heading in a negative direction, there’s no substitute for the helping hand of a knowledgeable expert who has the integrity, the experience and the training to reverse the course—someone who is tapped into regulatory initiatives and can separate fact from fiction.

It is my mission to serve as a credible source of information and perspective to homeowners who have found themselves in a tough situation and need help sorting through their options. That’s why I sought out the Certified Distressed Property (CDPE) designation—the most renowned and recognized credential in the distressed property field, and it’s why I continue to stay on top of regulatory and industry developments that impact options available to homeowners who are struggling with their current financial situations.

My message to homeowners who do not know where to turn: there is hope. Foreclosure is not inevitable and neither the government nor your bank wants to see that happen. No one expected to find themselves on the brink of foreclosure, but I have worked with countless clients who have managed to turn their financial trajectory around and get on a path of financial recovery. 

It CAN be done! And it would be my privilege to help.

Real Estate Industry Facts

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Industry Facts for the United States

  1. The National home ownership rate in the U.S. is nearly 67%
  2. 78% of all homes purchase were single family detached homes
  3. The average homeowners net worth is more then 10 times that of the average renter
  4. 22% of listing on the market went through at least one price reduction in June of 2010, a decrease from 23.6% in June 2009
  5. 1 in 10 buyers purchased a home through a foreclosure in 2010
  6. 90% of buyers use the Internet to search for homes
  7. Typical age of first-time home buyer – 30
  8. Typical age of repeat home buyer – 48

Choosing a Fixed Rate Loan

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Choosing a Fixed Rate Loan

Fixed rate loans generally come with one of two options; the 30-Year Fixed and the 15-Year Fixed. If a borrower is planning on being in the same home for a long period of time, a 30-Year Fixed may be more attractive because it offers stability. The monthly payment will remain consistent over the life of the loan. If interest rates are at historic lows at the time the borrower is seeking to obtain financing, this is a good program to consider.

A 15-Year Fixed loan program offers the same stability, but the accelerated amortization schedule makes the monthly payment substantially higher. While the interest rate may be lower on this type of loan, the borrower must be willing to commit to a higher monthly payment. If the borrower wishes to retire in 15 years and be debt-free at that time, this loan program may be more suitable to the borrower’s long-term needs.

It is also possible to make pre-payments on a 30-Year loan and reduce the life of the loan, as well as the overall interest payment, without committing to the higher monthly payment of a 15-Year program. As long as there is no pre-payment penalty associated with the 30-Year mortgage, pre-payment offers the borrower the latitude to make additional payments when it is affordable. If cash flow becomes difficult, this arrangement will not put the borrower in a compromising position.

Staging Tips for Home Owners

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

I receive a lot of questions about staging or ways to make the home look great before we sell.  The following “staging tips,” are just a few simple examples that will help your home look its very best.

 • Check the visibility of your house numbers; repaint or polish if necessary

 • Create an inviting walkway. Add color with annuals and a new doormat to brighten your home and welcome buyers

 • Open windows everyday to let in fresh air. Appeal to buyer’s sense of smell and create an inviting feeling by lighting candles or baking

 • Sharpen the look of your rooms by paying attention to detail. Polish knobs and handles and replace lights in bathrooms and kitchen as necessary

 • Turn on all lights, especially at night, to highlight your home’s amenities

 • Create a focal point in your entryway by adding a picture, lamp or plant

 • Remove furniture to make rooms appear larger and allow for a clear traffic pattern

 • Unify the accent pieces and details in your home. Replace old lampshades, bedspreads and bath towels and coordinate matching area rugs, pillows and candles throughout all rooms

 • Try to make a child’s room minimally personal and make sure it is safe

 • Always test your doorbell to be certain it is in good working order

 • Move your best pieces of furniture toward the front of each room and your least  attractive pieces toward the back

 • Hang all pictures on the low side and hang mirrors across room windows that get a lot of light or have a view

 • Set your dining room table for a decorative appeal

 • Place plants and fresh flowers in rooms to add vibrancy and freshness. Use big, bright or bold accessories to draw attention to important areas of the room

 • Try not to be present when potential buyers are viewing your home. If you are present, keep conversation to a minimum

 The effects of lighting, open spaces, neat interiors and manicured landscaping can dramatically decrease the amount of time your home is on the market.  I provide a staging consultant with my services to help provide valuable information to sell for top dollar!  Call me to discuss – 408 445-5165

Market Recap

  • Avg. Sales Price: 379,000

  • Avg. Days on Market: 69

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