Archive for June, 2010

The Art of The Open House…

Monday, June 14, 2010

La Canada Building, N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gat...

Image via Wikipedia

I don’t know how many hours I have spent preparing Los Gatos buyer packages, uploading internet marketing and providing guidance to the Seller in anticipation of the “magic” Open House.  Only to show up and find the Seller forgot to do everything that they so eagerly agreed to do after reading “the 26 sellers mistakes”

I should have learned that a plan only lasts until the first detail slips.   When that happens the magic is gone.  Sort of.

It usually starts at the front door, or more accurately, when I drive up and see they have an alfalfa field instead of a manicured lawn.  At the front door, trying to decide what to do with the lawn, with only minutes before the buyers start to arrive,  I realize I am done.

The porch is not swept and “Spongebob” decorations from the previous weekend birthday party are still up.  Hmm…Wonder if they had Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in General by Michael Roberts 3 comments

First Time Buyer Credit in California Recently Updated

Friday, June 11, 2010

First Time Buyer s in California Have a decision

Image via Wikipedia

Just released, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has changed.  Yes, already!  The fund, at only $200 million dollars, will not last very long and you had better know the new rules to take full advantage of it.

The $200 million dollar fund  still allows a credit amount of 5%  or a maximum credit of $10,000, whichever is the lesser amount, based on the final sales price.  A very substantial credit!

Previously, the first time buyer was required to have the seller of record sign the tax credit form 3549a  prior to submitting the application for the credit.  However, on June 1st , changes were made for First Time Buyers of previously owned homes.

According to an email I received from Colleen Graves of Lawyers Title in Southern California, a popular Escrow and Title company, chosen by financial institutions selling their bank owned (REO, Foreclosures) properties throughout California,… Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Buyers, General by Michael Roberts 5 comments