Americans Are On The Move! Are You Ready?

Barbara Whisenant  Barbara Whisenant Real Estate Group  BRE# 01357594

Solutions Real Estate

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Visit my Real Estate websites: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com      www.HeroesHomesOceanside.com       www.HeroesHomesVista.com      www.HeroesHomesCarlsbad.com                                                                                www.HeroesHomesNorthSanDiego.com       www.HeroesHomesCarlsbad.com

Financial Perks of Homeownership!

Now is the time to buy a home.  Prices are starting to rise and inventory is low.  Work with someone who has experience getting it done!

 

Barbara Whisenant

Solutions Real Estate

DRE# 01357594

“A referral is sending someone you care about, to someone you trust.”

Solutions Real Estate

6005 Hidden Valley Rd #280

Carlsbad, CA 92011

Cell: 760-583-2107

E-Fax: 760-496-1649

Email: barbarawhis@gmail.com

Website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

 

Carlsbad

Aviara, Bella Lago, Cantata, Seaside, Isla Mar, Mar Fiore, Bay Collection, Chesapea, Ezan, La Costa Oaks, La Costa Ridge, Arroyo Vista, La Costa Estates, La Costa Greens, Tiburon, Tiburon, Saddle Ridge, The Estates In Rancho Carrillo, Rancho Carrillo, Magnolia Estates, Bressi Ranch, The Ranch, Seaside Estates, Emerald Pointe Estates, San Sebastian, The Beach, Spinnaker Hill, Olde Carlsbad, Spyglass, Carlsbad Village By The Sea, Carlsbad Highlands, Terramar, Palisades, Hanover Beach Colony, Beach, Carlsbad North, Carlsbad South, Carlsbad West, Carlsbad East, Old Carlsbad, San Sebastian, San Pacifico, Emerald Pointe Estates, Aviara Point, La Costa, Halcyon Estates, Shelbourne, Balearas, Crescent Del Sol Estates, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Evans Point, Blue Lagoon Estates, Hidden Ridge, Hillgate Estates, Telescope Point, Carlsbad Highland, Canterbury, Brentwood Heights, Evans Point, Wind Song, Windsong, Brentwood Heights, Telescope Point, Capri, Colinas De Oro, Rancho Ponderosa, Solterra At La Costa, Rockledge At La Costa, Corona La Costa, Greystone On The Park, Ponderosa, Solterra, Tradicions La Costa, Tradicions, La Costa Knolls, Copperwood, Sonata, The Fairways, Calavera Hills, Sunny Creek Terraces, Foothills, Rock Rose, Montara, Spinnaker Point, Pacific Estates, Seaport, The Cave, Harbor Pointe, Harbor Pointe, Rosalena, Avocet, Waters End, Poinsettia Cove

Rancho Santa Fe

Rancho Santa Fe, Covenant, Montecito, Del Rayo Downs, Del Rayo, Hacienda Santa Fe, Cielo, Whispering Palms, Rancho Del Rio, Santa Fe Sur, The Groves, Rancho Diegueno Estates, Fairbanks Ranch, South Pointe Farms, Santa Fe Sur, East Del Mar, Sun Valley, Rsf Lakes, Rancho Santa Fe Lakes, Loma Del Cielo, Morgan, Villas At The Bridges, Villas, The Bridges

Encinitas

Encinitas Ranch, Quail Gardens, Palomares Heights, Maravu, Crest Acres, Encinitas Highlands, Palomares Heights Annex, Sandalwood, South Coast Park, Neptune, Olde Leucadia, Leucadia, Avocado Acres, Pacific Crest, Nantucket, Passiflora Acres, Villa Olivenhain. Olivenhain, Halcyon Estates, Beachwalk Estates, Beacons, Olive Crest, San Elijo Ranch, Windsor Estates, Country Rose, Knightsbridge, Morning Sun Ranch, Copper Creek Estates, Dove Hollow, Double Ll Ranch, Moonlight Beach, Bryans Addition, New Villanitas, Summerfield, Cantebria, Skyloft, Vida Pacifica, Northview, Bay Laurel, Fox Point, Morning Sun

Solana Beach

Solana Beach, Loma Del Cielo, Santa Fe Hills, San Elijo Hills, Olde Solana Beach, Olde Solana, Sanctuary, Isla Verde, Isla Verde, Midori, Sweeping White Water, Cedros Design

San Marcos

Varadero, Lake San Marcos, Twin Oaks Valley, Laurels, Discovery Hills, San Elijo Hills, Acacia, Stone Canyon, Mariner's Landing, Buenavida, Sonrisa, Stoneridge Park, The Laurels, Windsor Rose, Buenavida, Stonebrook, Terraza, Falcon Ridge, Hampton Hills, Terraza, Rancho Dorado, Old Creek Ranch, Atherton, Blue Ridge Estates, Venzano, Coronado Hills, Promontory Ridge, Esperanza

Oceanside

Bryans Addition, Ocean Views, The Beach, South Oceanside, S Oceanside, Saint Malo Beach, Morning Sun, Sea Breeze Cottages, Sea Breeze, The Cottages, Buena Vista Highlands, Vista Pacifica, Henie Hills, Ridgeview, Ocean Hills, So Oro, Panorama Ridge, Arrowood, Morro Hills Village, Wilmont Ranch, The Heartlands, Windham, The Heartland, Ivy Ranch, The Heartland, The Missions, Breakaway, Buckingham, Guajome Lake,  Ridge Trails, Spinnaker Ridge, Summit, Rancho Del Oro

Navigating Short Sales: What to Do When the Sale Price Leaves You Short

If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.

1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modification such as:

· Refinancing your loan at a lower interest rate

· Providing a different payment plan to help you get caught up

· Providing a forbearance period if your situation is temporary

When a loan modification still isn’t enough to relieve your financial problems, a short sale could be your best option if

· Your property is worth less than the total mortgage you owe on it.

· You have a financial hardship, such as a job loss or major medical bills.

· You have contacted your lender and it is willing to entertain a short sale.

2. Hire a qualified team. The first step to a short sale is to hire a qualified real estate professional* and a real estate attorney who specialize in short sales. Interview at least three candidates for each and look for prior short-sale experience. Short sales have proliferated only in the last few years, so it may be hard to find practitioners who have closed a lot of short sales. You want to work with those who demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the short-sale process and who won't try to take advantage of your situation or pressure you to do something that isn't in your best interest.

A qualified real estate professional can:

· Provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) or broker price opinion (BPO).

· Help you set an appropriate listing price for your home, market the home, and get it sold.

· Put special language in the MLS that indicates your home is a short sale and that lender approval is needed (all MLSs permit, and some now require, that the short-sale status be disclosed to potential buyers).

· Ease the process of working with your lender or lenders.

· Negotiate the contract with the buyers.

· Help you put together the short-sale package to send to your lender (or lenders, if you have more than one mortgage) for approval. You can’t sell your home without your lender and any other lien holders agreeing to the sale and releasing the lien so that the buyers can get clear title.

3. Begin gathering documentation before any offers come in. Your lender will give you a list of documents it requires to consider a short sale. The short-sale “package” that accompanies any offer typically must include

· A hardship letter detailing your financial situation and why you need the short sale

· A copy of the purchase contract and listing agreement

· Proof of your income and assets

· Copies of your federal income tax returns for the past two years

4. Prepare buyers for a lengthy waiting period. Even if you're well organized and have all the documents in place, be prepared for a long process. Waiting for your lender’s review of the short-sale package can take several weeks to months. Some experts say:

· If you have only one mortgage, the review can take about two months.

· With a first and second mortgage with the same lender, the review can take about three months.

· With two or more mortgages with different lenders, it can take four months or longer.

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Sincerely,

Barbara Whisenant

Click Here for the Latest in San Diego County Real Estate Statistics     

Click Here for this Month’s Newsletter

Richard Realty Groups, Inc.    Barbara Whisenant    DRE# 01357594

Southern California Associate Top Producer

   

“A referral is sending someone you care about, to someone you trust.”

Cell: 760-583-2107     E-Fax: 760-496-1649

Email: barbarawhis@gmail.com

Website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

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Information for Better Living

 

Welcome to houselogic. Take a few minutes to look around. You will find lots of really good information.

Call me with any of you Real Estate needs.

Click on any of the images below to learn more:

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell:                    (760) 583-2107    eFax:               (760) 496-1649            DRE# 01357594

Weekly Market Updates for California Real Estate

  Los Angeles Times

What do buyers want in a home? Survey offers clues
A recent study of more than 22,000 homeowners who bought their homes within the last nine years found that current homeowners plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than unnecessary upgrades.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• Many of the luxury amenities once considered necessities among home buyers, such as community clubhouses, dog parks, golf courses, and 24-hour security, are no longer priorities, according to the survey.  Repeat buyers also said a swimming pool isn’t a must, but a children’s playground with walking paths are essential.

• One of the takeaways from the survey, according to an architect firm, is that buyers nowadays should rethink space.  For example, buyers should look for kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for added space and efficiency.  They also should pass on high-priced focal stairways, opting instead of steps that are tucked away and out of sight.

• Buyers also should be on the lookout for dead space.  If the dining room or media room is eliminated, at least some of the square footage should be dedicated to secondary bedrooms.  The once-standard 10-by-10 bedroom no longer is acceptable to most buyers.

• The survey also found that many buyers have transitioned toward green features, such as high-efficiency appliances, insulation, and windows that are not large areas of glass.  However, many buyers did not report the use of recycled materials as a necessity.

• Other findings from the survey show that large kitchens, with islands, are desirable, as are main-floor master bedrooms, and two-car garages.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Mercury News

Government launches effort to help homeowners in short sales
The government launched a new effort Monday to speed up the time-consuming often-frustrating process of selling your home if you owe more than it’s worth.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Hold your breath: Borrowers could stay “underwater” for years
So-called “underwater” homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth could be holding their breath for much of the next decade.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Sacramento Bee

California expected to cancel tax on forgiven mortgage debt
Relief appears imminent for thousands of Sacramento homeowners hit with state tax bills for mortgage debts forgiven in 2009.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

Sales of contracts for previously owned homes rise 8.2 percent in February
The number of previously owned homes placed under sales contract surged 8.2 percent in February, according to data released Monday, the first sign that the government’s extended tax credit for buyers may bolster sales this spring.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Cash dwindling for no-money down home loan program
A program from the Department of Agriculture’s rural development division, which offers no-money-down loans in certain parts of the country for low- and middle-income borrowers, is likely to run out of funding next month, just as a surge of buyers are expected to ink deals before the federal tax-credit expires April 30.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

With caution, Americans still want a house
Nearly two-thirds of American would still prefer to own a home, although the recent housing market turmoil and uncertain economy have made them a little more cautious about how and when, according to a survey released Tuesday.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Homeownership for everyone?
With the subprime market in ruins, affordable housing advocates are looking at new ways to promote responsible homeownership for low- and moderate-income families.  While many policy makers would resign low- and moderate-income families to rental housing, a new study makes a case for keeping the door open to homeownership at all income levels.

To read the full story, please click here.

The Wall Street Journal

The ladies’ turn
Housing market watchers say builders are now strenuously working to win the hearts—and checkbooks—of female buyers.

To read the full story, please click here.

 

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008

DRE# 01357594

12 Reasons to List Your Home For Sale During the Holidays

If you need to sell you home, the holidays could be the best time to sell.

Below are several reasons why the holidays are a great time to list your home.

1. There is Less Competition for Buyers.

2. Winter Prospects are More Serious Buyers.

3. Your Home Looks Better During the Holidays.

4. One of the Highest Percentages of “Listings Sold” to “Listings Taken” Occurs During This Time of Year.

5. You May Receive More Money for Your Home Now—Because You Have Less Competition.

6. Throughout the Holiday Season, You May Restrict Showings During Your Personal Family Events

7. Buyers Have More Time to Look at Homes During Holidays, Especially During Vacations.

8. January is Traditionally the Biggest Transfer Month—and You Must be on the Market to Capture That.

9. By Selling Now, You Can Have a Delayed Closing or Extended Occupancy Until the Beginning of the Following Year if You Want.

10. When You Sell During the Winter, You Have an Opportunity to Buy During the Spring, When Many Homes are on the Market.

11. You May Have Fewer Actual Showings, but More Qualified and Motivated Prospects.

12. Corporate Transferees, Who Need to Buy a Home Now, Can’t Wait Until Spring.

Call me today for more information.

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

Be my Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/homes4salesd

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

Why Can’t a Woman Get Good Customer Service?

I went to buy a new Toyota this week.  What an ordeal…

I have already gone to the credit union and have my loan in place.

I’ve researched the prices, accessories and was ready, willing and able to purchase a vehicle now.

1. Went to dealer ship and walked the entire lot.

2 I opened doors and was sitting in several auto’s.

3. Looked at the Prius and the Camry Hybrid.

4. Waited and waited and waited for someone to come and offer to help me purchase an auto.

5. I finally walked into the showroom. Two guys laid back sitting at the desk shooting the breeze, “Can I help you?”  “Well, yes. I’m here to buy a car.”  “Oh, I’ll find someone to help you.”

6. Told him which one I wanted and the only extra I wanted was the Bluetooth capability.

7. He brings me over the full price invoice for me to sign….. “Woo, we haven’t talked price yet” I said. Shocked, he tells me that with the government rebate Cash for Clunkers, the dealers no longer have to make deals!

8. Well, I’ve researched the price on the internet and I’m willing to pay $24,000.

9. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. (I had already told him, I wasn’t going to play that game.)  We finally came to an agreement and shook hands on it.

10. Gathering all the booklets and keys to give to me. He comes back with, Oh, Barbara, that rebate is for the 2009 not the 2010. Let me see if I have a 2009. 

11.  He had a black one. I don’t want a black car!

12. I left the dealer ship and told him I might be back when they are willing to deal.

Where has customer service gone? I can't believe that a company would let a buyer who was perfectly ready and willing to buy walk out without a contract.

This same kind of thing happens to me when I go alone to electronic, computer, appliance stores & restaurants. When I take a male with me it is always different story. 

I would think that a store that caters to women would  be very welcome and would be a gold mine. I know I’m not alone in my frustration!!

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1343841132&ref=ts

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my website: www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

Who Wants to Save Some Money?

Everyone is looking for bargains these days.

Here are a few website that will help you and your family save lots of $$$'s.

• dealalerter.com
• slickdeals.com
• fatwallet.com
• Sundaysaver.com
• salescircular.com
• pricespider.com
• emoney.com

These are great websites and I hope you have wonderful results.

Let me know what you think.

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1343841132&ref=ts

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my website: www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Do You Need Help with Anything Around Your House? Think Military..

When I needed to move from one house to another, I went to a wonderful website where I was able to hire military men or women who were looking for a part-time job. It was a wonderful experience and I've highly recommended this website to many others.

I posted an ad that stated that I needed help moving furniture and boxes. I stated what I was willing to pay and when I needed the help. My phone started ringing off the hook. I interviewed several and I hired 4 wonderful young men. They all had already been to Iraq and back.

These young men loaded the truck, drove to the new house, and unloaded the truck, putting everything together and where I wanted it. All in under 4 hours. I never had such a smooth move!

I fed them pizza and soda. Yea I know, but I didn't know how old they were.

You can inquire about all types of trades and experiences. The website appears to be available in almost every state for both full time and part-time jobs.

Please, next time you need a job done around your house, think HirePatroits.com.

Go to http://www.hirepatriots.com/ You won't be sorry!

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1343841132&ref=ts

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawhisenant

Read my Blog: www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my website: www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com