Last weekend, I went into an Open House with one of my buyers that is really struggling with the ‘Rent versus Buy’ decision. The listing agent handed us an article by Orange County Register’s Jonathon Lanser that shared the good news that home sales was up nearly 60% from a year ago. In the words [...]
Time to Talk Absorbtion Rates
November 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Every now and then you see a headline touting the increase in sales in Orange County. Less than a week ago, Orange County Register’s Jon Lanser posted ’1-in-3 O.C. ZIPs See Homebuying Doubling or Better’. I love good news but it’s important to drill deep into what these statistics are telling us. Price point is [...]
Maybe the Solution Isn’t a $700 Billion Bailout
October 29, 2008 By 1 Comment
There has been much discussion about the big bailout. But in case anyone with any influence is listening – I have an idea that could make a big contribution to our market recovery. Just call anytime and I’ll share my insight with you – from the trenches. I’ll be waiting for your call. For the [...]
What Is a Good Deal?
August 28, 2008 By 1 Comment
The new buyer profile today is understandably looking for a ‘good deal’. With the major changes we’ve seen in Orange County in the last 2 years, the buyers that feel ready to jump into the market are consistently saying, ‘If I find a good deal…’ So what is a ‘good deal’? Let’s examine the potential [...]
Not Much ‘Relief’ in this Housing Bill
August 5, 2008 By 2 Comments
The President signed the Housing Bill last week. I’ve been reluctant to talk too much about it until I had a chance to understand some of the particulars. I’ve learned a lot in the last week about it and consumer beware be aware. There is a lot of hype and I’m not sure much help here. The [...]
Walkscore.com – Score the ‘Walkability’ of Your Home
July 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment
There is something wonderful about living somewhere that is walking distance to everything. In Orange County, it’s a not particularly common. During my brief couple years of living in San Francisco my husband and I would park our car Friday night and not move it until Monday morning. We walked to restaurants, movies, dry cleaner – everything. And [...]
Orange County Market Recovery?
June 10, 2008 By Leave a Comment
One of the biggest speculations today is, ‘When is the real estate recovery?’ We can’t have an economic recovery without it. I got an email from a client and friend this morning. He and I have had some wonderful conversations about the market over the last couple years. As I was putting together an email [...]
My Dad Always Said, “Buy on Bad News…” Why Now Might Really Be the Time
June 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment
My Dad was a stockbroker and has always said, “Buy on bad news, sell on good news.” Over the years he’s made great money with that strategy. As soon as everyone wants to buy – he’s out. I’m not sure the philosophy ought to be much different in the housing market. Yet the fear, the [...]
FHA is a Major Player in Lending Again – And We’re Not Ready!
June 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
It was not long ago, lending was easy, too easy. Did you need money? No. Did you need assests? No. Did you even need to prove you had income? No. So why do an FHA loan? We didn’t. Times have changed and there are limited options for first time buyers that aren’t coming away with a [...]
