Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Oct. 25, 2014: As November elections approach, Californians facing foreclosure or working on loan modifications anxiously wait to see if they will face massive tax bills. Lawmakers, who failed to extend the federal Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act at the end of last year, remain head-down in politics and focused on control of their legislative bodies. Meanwhile, tax break extension bills have been sitting in committees for months. Today, for Californians, only short sales are protected from hefty tax bills, shielded by different legislation that does not expire. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Oct. 11, 2014: A small group with a big heart can do huge things. The Third Annual Dream Big Thanksgiving Feast for the Needy is scheduled Nov. 22, 2014, at Riverside Community Church. Organizers hope to feed at least 500 people this year. Last year, with no marketing, more than 250 residents enjoyed a home-cooked meal of 19 turkeys, 150 pounds of mashed potatoes, assorted sides, and 32 pumpkin pies. The leftovers went to local homeless shelters. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Oct. 4, 2014: When the holidays approach, some people take a break from the real estate market to focus on family activities. But those who must sell a home between November and January can turn negatives into positives. The holiday season presents opportunities not available the rest of the year. Here are some tips to help you turn the end of the year into a merry holiday selling season: ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Oct. 18, 2014: Enduring the passing of a loved one can be difficult and emotionally devastating. Inheriting an upside-down home just adds undue pressure. But as the real estate market has leveled out, should the heirs sell an underwater home, or just let it go to foreclosure? It depends on the answers to the following questions: ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sept. 27, 2014: The Southern California real estate market has slowed and analysts are split on whether it will keep chugging along, or if we are on the verge of another decline. Regardless of the immediate future, home buyers and sellers should take heed of the mistakes of the past, many of which helped fuel the market crash that plunged this nation into six years of economic devastation and emotional turmoil. Because when money is involved, people quickly forget. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sept. 20, 2014: Millions of homes with underwater mortgages are tempering the real estate market, especially in the Inland Empire. In the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, 18 percent of homeowners with a mortgage owed more than their houses could be sold for, according to a recent report by online real estate tracker Zillow. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sept. 13, 2014: When a home goes on the market, sellers accept the fact that strangers will be walking through their house. But few take the precautions necessary to ensure they’ll be protected and safe. Here are some tips to stay safe, and keep the honest people honest ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sept. 6, 2014: Fall is near and the summer real estate season is winding down. Though the real estate market begins to slow this time of year, there are still plenty of homes on the market. As buyers focus more on school activities and the holidays, home sellers must tighten their game – every potential buyer is important. Below are tips for homeowners to position themselves for the fall selling season and attract the best buyers with the highest offers. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Aug. 30, 2014: With summer winding down and home inventory on the increase, unprepared home sellers could be in for a long, cold winter. Because when homes aren’t selling in one day, only those that stand out from the competition will attract an offer, much less get the highest possible price. Here are some basic steps to prepare your house for a quick and profitable sale ... Read More
Brian Bean and Tim Hardin, owners of Dream Big Real Estate, have partnered with Realty ONE Group Champions in Riverside. Bean and Hardin – who built a strong following in the Riverside, Moreno Valley and Corona areas – are excited about working directly with Realty ONE Group Broker John Schulte, who is known for his education and agent training. Read More
This is a fantastic horse property in the Gavilan Hills Estates area of Lake Mathews, near Riverside, Calif. The 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath property has a wonderful open floorplan plus 5-car attached garage. But it's the 2.25 acres that make this home special. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Aug. 23, 2014: When it comes to selling a home, full disclosure is one of the most important responsibilities of the owner. In California, the seller of a residential property (one to four units) is required by law to disclose to a buyer under contract everything they know that might have a material affect on the value or desirability of the property. Everything. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Aug. 9, 2014: Before the death of a loved one, too few people worry about how their estate will be handled. And after someone passes, survivors are often caught off guard by the huge workload and heavy responsibilities. For those left to navigate the complex and thankless probate process, here are some answers to common questions for executors and administrators of an estate. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Aug. 3, 2014: If a house is priced attractively, or if the real estate market is hot, buyers can end up competing for the same home. It’s not unusual in the Inland Empire for more than one buyer to make an offer on the same property. And in those “multiple-offer” situations, the rules, and strategies, change. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, July 27, 2014: The lending rules are getting tougher for anyone who has completed a short sale. Fannie Mae, which sets the guidelines for most conventional mortgages, has increased the waiting period to four years after a short sale to qualify for a new home loan. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, July 20, 2014: It’s the paradox of the “as-is” home sale. You want a hassle-free transaction, but you may be delaying the sale and killing your bottom line. If you want to sell your Inland Empire home for the highest price in the shortest period of time, you shouldn’t let a buyer in to find a bunch of problems. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, July 12, 2014: When you hire an agent to list, market and sell your home, you can expect to sign a listing agreement and home disclosures. The disclosures are not negotiable, but the listing contract terms are. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that you have discussed with your agent and agreed on the main listing contract terms. It could save you time and heartache later. Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, June 29, 2014: Home sellers would be surprised just how much damage they can do to their bottom line with just one slip of the tongue. Seemingly innocuous questions can reveal critical information and give a buyer the leverage they need to downgrade their offer. Read More
Here's your chance to own a wonderful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Orangecrest family home, while they are still affordable. This beautiful former model home has a big back yard, with two patio areas and a raised vegetable garden. The built-in barbecue stays! Imagine a warm Saturday afternoon with your family and closest friends, gathered under the mature pines for a weekend of relaxation. Read More
Our Column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, June 7, 2014: Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult and emotionally charged. Inheriting an upside-down home just adds pressure to an already stressful situation. But should the heirs sell an underwater home, or just let it go to foreclosure? Read More