Loan Modifications May Not Be the Answer

Back to Square One signpost

This may not be the most politically correct piece that I’ll write but that’s never been my goal here on OC Voice.  So here goes…. One of my clients sent me a link to an article published online on CNBC about ‘Mortgage Re-Defaults Rising with No Sign of Slowing’.  The article states that, “…after 6… [Continue Reading]

Foreclosures Making it Tough for the Traditional Seller

Real Estate for Sale

Even in a tough market for sellers, there are still those that must sell due to personal circumstances.  Whether it’s a divorce, job relocation, or financial strain – there are still homeowners with equity, that find themselves in the position of having to sell and in this market, that can pose some challenges. I come… [Continue Reading]

CNN Money Predicts the 10 Worst Housing Markets – 8 Out of 10 in California

This morning I came across an article on CNNMoney.com.  They predicted the top 10 worst housing market for 2009 across the country and California had the unfortunate distinction of having 8 out of 10 spots.  Ranked as number 6 for the worst real estate markets in the country was the Santa Ana – Anaheim area. … [Continue Reading]

Hire An Agent that Knows How to Market

Today I came across an excellent article via Twitter; Missy Caulk directed me to it and I’m glad she did because it is another wonderful piece on Selling Your Home in a Buyer’s Market by Bill Gassett of Massachusetts. One thing I particularly find interesting is his advice on selecting an agent.  Remember, one of… [Continue Reading]

Rare View of Snow on Saddleback Mountain

Snow on Saddleback

It doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s breathtaking. Saddleback Mountain is the backdrop for South Orange County. If you live in Mission Viejo or Rancho Santa Margarita, the views can be spectacular. Here is a rare glimpse of Saddleback with snow sent to me this morning from a wonderful past client. The photos… [Continue Reading]

Tracking the Bust and the Misconception of ‘MEDIAN’

This week Jonathon Lansner did his recap of the Dataquick report on the Orange County real estate market. Where are we today?  And what does it really mean? The Median Sale Price as reported by Dataquick for a home in the OC was $400,000 – which brings us back to May of 2003 if you’re… [Continue Reading]

The Second Wave Is Coming – It’s Not Over Yet

My husband, Michael cringes when I post things like this – but I never promised to bring you just the Pollyanna good news in the market.  The ’60 Minutes’ piece speculates that we are about halfway through this housing crisis.  According to the show, the first wave of this crisis was made up of sub-prime… [Continue Reading]

Shopping for a Xmas Tree – OC Style

Christmas OC Style

When I was a kid, and while in college as an adult, it was not unusual to get bundled up, carry hot cocoa in thermoses (might not have been cocoa in college….but I digress), and head out into the woods to cut down our Christmas Tree.  Although I was born in Southern California, I moved… [Continue Reading]

Hire Your Third Agent First!

I saw this today on Twitter from Mike Lefebvre of The Uncommon Agent, and I knew right away that it was going to have place on ‘Why Didn’t My Home Sell?’. If you need a Realtor in the Boston, Massachusetts area, Mike’s your guy.  His suggestion to agents -be the third agent – first.  My suggestion… [Continue Reading]