M Realty Officially Launches in Orange County

M Realty OC

This long overdue post formally announces what has been evidenced by several changes you’ve seen here recently on OC Real Estate Voice – I’ve made some big changes with my company and we are now M Realty! It’s been something I’ve carefully considered and am passionate about. To explain my reasons, I have to go… [Continue Reading]

“If You Find a ‘Good Deal’ – We’ll Use You”

Good Deal

Every now and then, I have a well meaning prospective buyer say to me, “I’m already working with an agent, but if you find a good deal, let me know and I’ll use you.”  Sometimes it’s someone I meet at a social event or someone that inquires from my blog. I think the buyer’s mentality… [Continue Reading]

So You Want to Buy a Foreclosure

I hear from buyers frequently that are interested in buying a foreclosed home / bank owned property. Sadly, in the under $750,000 market, the competition is brutal. Many times those with 20% down or more will trump those entry level buyers with FHA or VA financing. Even with a strong, high down payment offer, the… [Continue Reading]

What’s the Value of a Cash Offer?

Cash

The real estate market is a strange world right now.  It’s plagued by distress sales, foreclosures, a challenging lending environment, and economic uncertainties, and yet there are certain price points where inventory is so low that sellers are receiving multiple offers within days of listing.  If the home is priced right and it’s under $500,000… [Continue Reading]

Back in the Saddle

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I launched this blog in May of 2008 in an effort to bring information to present and future clients that was the truest representation of what I could provide about the Orange County real estate market.   The constant drone of the Realtor community – “It’s a great time to buy” was making me feel a… [Continue Reading]

The Home I Rent Was Foreclosed – When Do I Have to Move?

The foreclosures are abundant in Orange County and the impact is felt by many – including tenants.  With the sharp increase in investment purchases during the boom, many of the properties currently in foreclosure are tenant occupied. What Happens When the Home You Are Renting Forecloses? Tenant rights have been addressed in recently weeks under… [Continue Reading]

Microscope on the Market – Wagon Wheel

Under $500,000

Wagon Wheel Wagon Wheel is small community in Trabuco Canyon located off Oso Parkway not far from the south gate of Coto de Caza.  The homes were built in the mid 90′s by Kaufman & Broad who subsidized the original mello roos bonds making it known in part, for it’s very reasonable tax rate. Homes… [Continue Reading]

A Word from NAR

In recent years, the National Association of Realtors has stumbled. For too long they touted the ‘It’s a Great Time to Buy’ shtick and found their credibility slightly tarnished. That being said, there is an effort to bring the real estate community, and the consumer, things that are a bit more authentic. This video is… [Continue Reading]

Foreclosures Will Be on the Rise

March 2009 Foreclosure Report

No crystal ball needed here – we are about to see a sharp increase in foreclosures in the coming months.  The foreclosure report for the month of March was recently released by Foreclosure Radar. During the final months of 2008, many lending institutions participated in a voluntary moratorium on foreclosures.  Notice of Defaults (NOD’s), the… [Continue Reading]

So You Want to Buy a Short Sale? A Word of Caution

house short sale

This post is LONG, but if you are thinking of buying a short sale (or if you’re an agent looking for an outlet for your short sale frustrations),  PLEASE read.  Understanding this information is a must. I completely understand the allure of the short sales when you are a buyer.  The prices are attractive and… [Continue Reading]