Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Dec. 20, 2014: The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing … and protecting yourself. As Americans prepare for family gatherings, with beautifully wrapped (and expensive) gifts under the tree, thieves are working overtime. The Grinch can spoil the party. But the real financial damage when Snoopy shows and finds the sensitive documents many people leave in the open. Here are some tips to help keep your home and your privacy safe during the holidays ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Dec. 13, 2014: The House of Representatives late last week approved a one-year extension of a bill that would shield distressed homeowners from paying massive tax bills after a short sale, foreclosure or loan modification. The U.S. Senate was scheduled to consider the bill late this week before recessing Dec. 11 for the holidays. If both chambers approve the tax-extender bill, it would then move to President Obama for a ratifying signature. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Dec. 6, 2014: The National Association of Realtors is putting pressure on Congress to extend an expired law that protected distressed homeowners from paying massive tax bills after a foreclosure or loan modification. As the holiday recess nears, federal lawmakers still have not acted on any of several bills to extend the federal Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, which expired at the end of last year. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Nov. 29, 2014: Thinking about selling your home after the first of the year? Then you’ll need to take a few steps now if you want to be ready. Even though interest rates are at all-time lows, buyer demand has ebbed as prices have increased. Days on market (the time it takes to sell a home) has doubled in the past year. Sellers who ignore small problems in their home could pay the price if they list their property for sale prematurely. Here are some preliminary steps to prepare your home for the market so that you can sell for the highest possible price in the shortest period of time ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Nov. 22, 2014: After the death of a loved one, the survivors often endure overwhelming loss and stress. And it can make them feel as if they are alone with the heavy responsibilities. But for those who have the right people in their corner, the probate process can be less complex and thankless. Here are some answers to common questions for executors and administrators of an estate. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Nov. 15, 2014: Regardless of the time of year, or the economic cycle, or even the phase of the moon, it’s crucial to price a home correctly. But at the end of the year, as the real estate market enters a seasonal slowdown, it’s even more crucial. Why? Because the ranks of homebuyers thin. And a home is the hottest it’s going to be during the first 30 days on the market. After that, interest plummets. Here are some pricing tips to help ensure your home doesn’t sit on the market too long … and you don’t leave money on the table. ... Read More
Our column from the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Nov. 1, 2014: The holiday season is a time for family gatherings and mall madness. But it can also be the most wonderful time of the year to buy a home. The combination of fewer buyers and committed sellers can bring holiday cheer for a homebuyer. Below are some factors to consider when searching for a home at the end of the year. ... Read More
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, 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
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