Showing posts with label Susan Botticelli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Susan Botticelli. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2011

Market Update

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE...Those of us who think we can participate in a housing market recovery sooner rather than later just got welcome support from some industry experts. As reported by Fortune on CNNMoney.com, "After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing." Research firm Metrostudy, which tracks new-home inventories for 65% of the U.S. market, reports that the steep drop in construction over the last few years has reversed the supply glut, with starts now well below closings. The firm believes the low inventory should eventually lead to higher prices.

The Fortune posting also cited a new study from a major bank that found homeowners now pay only 9.8% of their income in after-tax mortgage, tax and insurance payments, down from 17.2% at the 2007 peak. This means it's now cheaper to pay a mortgage and the other major homeowner costs than it is to rent the same house in 28 out of 54 major markets.

Fortune further reports that where existing home inventories average close to seven months, a modest boost in demand will result in solid gains in home prices and new construction. This could happen quickly in markets now showing good job growth. Moody's Analytics forecasts prices going up three to four points faster than inflation over the next few years in virtually all such markets. They see home prices rising with rents, with apartments in short supply. Of course, the housing recovery still requires job creation and consumer confidence back to normal, but we finally seem headed in that direction.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Interest Rates Up Slightly On Stock News

Interest Rates for most Loan Products rose slightly today, as the Stock market bounced up from its lows of yesterday.

Still boucing around at 2-month lows, the 30-year Fixed moved up by about .125% to 4.75% (4.98% APR).

This is still well under the 5% Rate that was available 3 weeks ago.

Rate should bounce around in this area (4.625% - 5%) for the foreseeable future, as world events continue to play havoc with the markets.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Six Do-It-Yourself Updates that can Increase Your Homes Value

Simple, affordable do-it-yourself projects such as cleaning and decluttering and just adding lighting can help increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGain’s annual home improvement and staging survey.

HomeGain, an online real estate marketing resource, surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals in creating a list of the top do-it-yourself home improvement projects that offer the biggest return for your buck.

Overall, the home improvement projects that boasted the highest price returns were updates to the kitchen and bathroom–an estimated $3,435 price increase for resale. Painting the outside of the home ($2,222 price increase) also offered one of the highest returns, according to HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer study.

Here are six do-it-yourself projects–all under $1,000–that made HomeGain’s list, as well as the estimated increase to the home’s price at resale for each project.

1. Cleaning and decluttering: Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.

Cost: $290

Estimated return: $1,990

2. Light and bright: Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.

Cost: $375 cost

Estimated return: $1,550

3. Staging: Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, including artwork and playing soft music in the background.

Cost: $550 cost

Estimated return: $2,194

4. Landscaping: Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and backyards by adding bark mulch, bushes and flowers, and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.

Cost: $540

Estimated return: $1,932


5. Repair electrical or plumbing: Repair any leaks under the bathroom or kitchen sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.

Cost: $535

Estimated return: $1,505

6. Replace or shampoo dirty carpets: Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

Cost: $647

Estimated return: $1,739

Monday, October 18, 2010

SB 931 Signed into Law – Prohibits Deficiency Judgements on all 1st liens in CA

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 931 into law this past week, prohibiting lenders from pursuing deficiency judgements after short sales on all 1st liens in California, including “recourse” loans where the borrower has refinanced.

In California, once a seller has refinanced their mortgage, whether it is a cash out refinance or simply a refinance to a better interest rate, the loan becomes a recourse loan, meaning the bank can pursue the seller after the short sale for the deficiency, unless stated in writing that the debt is settled on the short sale approval.

Now, with the passage into law of SB 931, lenders are prohibited from pursuing sellers on all first mortgages in CA after a short sale.

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FORECLOSURES

No doubt you’ve heard the news recently that a number of major banks have volunteered to temporarily suspend foreclosures in 23 states and Bank of America is temporarily suspending foreclosures nationwide.

While this situation is changing daily, I want to tell you what we currently know to answer any questions you may have.

• In late September and early October some lenders and servicers began voluntarily halting foreclosures in select states while they reviewed their foreclosure processes.

• So far, only Bank of America has extended its foreclosure moratorium to California, where the vast majority of foreclosures are conducted without a court order. Foreclosures in the other 23 states are processed through the court system.

• Non-judicial foreclosures in California, however, do have legal requirements that lenders must follow. For example, California law requires that lenders for certain mortgage loans made between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2007, attempt to make contact with borrowers to discuss options for avoiding foreclosure at least 30 days before filing a notice of default. Lenders also must sign a declaration in the notice of default stating that they tried to contact the borrower, made contact with the borrower, or fall within an exception (such as a bankruptcy filing).

• The lenders and servicers that have placed their foreclosure moratorium on properties in the 23 states where courts are involved in the foreclosure process include: Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s Litton Loan Servicing, Ally Financial Inc.’s GMAC Mortgage unit, JPMorgan Chase, and PNC Financial.

• These lenders/servicers have only temporarily halted their foreclosures while they review their foreclosure process. This is in response to findings that questioned whether some lenders/servicers were following the correct procedures to foreclose on a property.

• This halting of foreclosures is a voluntary action taken on the part of these lenders/servicers and has not been mandated by either the states or the federal government.

• Some members have begun to report the immediate impact of this moratorium on transactions that involve foreclosed properties. Delays in escrow and the removal of listed foreclosures are temporary results of this moratorium.

• The immediate impact on the market will be the slowing of home sales, which could put upward pressure on home prices in the short term. The long-term effect on the market is uncertain at this point as it depends how long the moratorium remains in place.

• Assuming the moratorium is lifted in the next month, the flow of REOs to the market should resume, but the uncertainty created by the moratorium may cause hesitation on the part of buyers.

• Federal agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Housing Administration, and the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have asked lenders and servicers to review their foreclosure processes. This review would apply to all states including those like California where the vast majority of foreclosures are non-judicial.

• The participating lenders and servicers believe their internal review processes should take anywhere from a few weeks to 30 days to complete.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Recent clients share their experience working with Susan Botticelli

08.29.10

Dear Susan,

Dianne and I would like to thank you so much for the outstanding results you provided to us on the recent sale of our home in Rancho San Diego. Most people who own real estate soon come to realize that our homes are much more than a financial investment. Homes are full of fond memories. Memories of children growing up, unforgettable times with family and friends, and holiday memories that will always remain close to our hearts are really what our homes become for us. Susan, your personal touch as our real estate agent preserved for Dianne and I everything our home was for us for fifteen years.

You provided three key factors to our successful closing: First, your marketing plan during the initial phase of the transaction was in complete alignment with current real estate conditions. You adjusted and tailored the details as the market changed, always keeping us well informed.

Second, your advice throughout the process was timely, technically accurate, and always presented clearly and completely. As you know, this transaction had a great deal of complexity involving three lending institutions, legal, tax, building code, and repair issues, as well as a variety of other circumstances unique even in today’s real estate market.

Third, and most critically, your ability to coordinate each and every detail of this complex transaction during the final phase leading up to the successful closing of the sale was tremendous. Your real estate and business acumen, and most importantly, your “personal touch”, provided us with the best service possible, and helped avoid a potential short sale and the resulting consequences.

Susan, I would strongly advise anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home in Rancho San Diego and the greater San Diego area to call you as soon as they possibly can! You and your team came through for Dianne and I, and I’m confident will come through for many other homeowners and future homeowners as well.

Warm regards,
George Fadok

Monday, July 12, 2010

July 2010 - San Diego Real Estate Market Update - July 2010

Avg time it takes for a homeowner in default to lose their home has gone from 251 days in Jan 2008 to 438 days in April 2010 – a 75% increase.

40% of all mortgages issued in 2010 are FHA (gov insured) – up from 20% in 2009, and 2% in 2005 & 2006

Because FHA loans only require a 3.5% down payment (“a subprime loan in sheep’s clothing”), 25% of 2007 & 2008 FHA loans have defaulted.

David Stevens, current FHA Commissioner, “This is a real estate market purely on life support, sustained by the federal government. Having FHA do this much volume is a sign of a very sick system.”

New Home Building Permits fell 10.9% in April & 5.9% in May, to its lowest level in over 50 years. Historically, new home building permits are the best leading indicator for the overall US economy.

New Home Sales dropped by 33% from April to May to their lowest point since WWII

As of mid June, mortgage purchase applications are down 42% since the April 30 end of tax credits (a 13 yr low).

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward looking indicator, dropped 30% in May compared to April, the worst decline in 9 years.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Buyers Drive Hard Bargains in a Tough Market

Unrealistic buyers are ruining the deal for sellers who are unwilling to make extreme concessions, some real estate practitioners complain.

''We see buyers who must have learned their moves from the World Wrestling Federation,'' says Glenn Kelman, CEO of the online brokerage Redfin. ''They think the final smack-down occurs at the inspection, where the seller will be reluctant to refuse any demand because the alternative is putting the house back on the market as damaged goods.''

But buyers say they're simply being smart.

''We had the position, 'If the seller is willing to come down enough, we will buy this home.' If they weren't willing, we would have just moved on. In this market, you have a lot of options,'' says Chris Dunn, a consultant in Chicago, who sought a 10 percent reduction on a property priced at more than $500,000.

Source: The New York Times, David Streitfeld (06/17/2010)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

1707 Augusta Court, El Cajon, CA 92019



3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 1439 Square Feet

A lovely home inside and out featuring new windows and doors, fresh paint, new spa, new appliances with stunning new granite counter-tops, new air-conditioning and all copper plumbing. Floral display at the back and front entry is stunning.

$389,000 - $410,000

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Home Staging Video and Tips By Susan Botticelli



One of the services I love to provide for my clients when they list a home with me is staging and home preparation. It's amazing what a little pre-market preparation will do to help a home look it's best when buyer's come through the door. My clients rave about the finished product and benefit greatly from selling their homes in a shorter time period while reaping a higher profit!
A few years ago I thought it might be fun to video the transformation of one of my listings to show a home in the before and after staging states. Click on the link provided here http://motionmediacommunications.com/botticelli/staging.wmv to view Susan Botticelli's video on home staging and tips on how to enhance your property for sale.
According to Brandon Cornett, editor of the Home Buying Institute, there are 6 key benefits that come with staging a home.
1. Staging forces you to think like a buyer.
When you are staging your home for sale you will be looking at your home through the buyer's eyes. Think of how a buyer walks through a professionally staged model home in a new subdivision. Work from room to room and ask yourself if this room has that "wow factor"!
2. Staging forces you to organize and de-clutter.
Cleaning shelves, closets and cabinets is a big part of the home staging process. It also helps with your moving process because you can pack items away in boxes as you de-clutter.
3. Staging increases the likelihood of a sale.
When you are selling your home you need to do everything you can to increase your chances of selling your home. A professionally staged home gives a seller an extra edge in the marketplace.
4. Staging reduces your home's time on the market.
When you put the extra effort into staging effectively, you are preparing your home for a quicker sale. A quicker sale will net you a higher profit.
5. Staging helps justify your asking price.
A professionally staged home for sale in a seller's market decreases the chances a buyer will haggle with you over price. In a market which leans toward the buyer, you need everything in your favor to justify the asking price. A properly staged home will position your home more favorably in the buyer's mind.
6. Staging can be fun!
While staging may sound like all work and no play, be sure to use your creativity throughout the process to make it more enjoyable.
So next time the thought of selling your home runs through your mind, think first about how important proper staging and presentation of your home is. Then call Susan Botticelli at 619-441-8473 to enlist her professional expertise in staging your home and selling your home for top dollar!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Susan Botticelli, Broker Opens New Real Estate Business!


With over 15 years of selling residential real estate and land throughout San Diego County, and more than 400 transactions completed, I can legitimately state that I have a wealth of real estate experiences to draw from when representing my clients! As of April 1, 2010 this wealth of experience and the desire to expand entrepreneurial opportunities has lead to the creation of my own real estate brokerage, San Diego Properties Group.




I have been a top producing agent throughout my career. With Coldwell Banker Real Estate I garnered the Distinguished Achievement Award for being the top real estate sales agent as a rookie. After 5 years with Coldwell Banker I moved to One Source Realty to work with a locally owned and operated firm. Monthly sales meetings with One Source Realty honored me as the top listing agent and top sales agent over 5 years of business. Then Keller Williams Realty lured me away to join the La Mesa office and begin the process of opening a Keller Williams office in Mission Valley, San Diego. It was at that time I obtained my broker's license to prepare to become the broker of that office.




I quickly realized it would be an impossible task for me to continue to serve the needs of my loyal clientele and be an effective broker of this new office, and be a great mom and single parent to my daughter Stefani and my son Andrew. I decided to keep my focus on selling real estate rather than managing a multitude of agents. I loved working with Keller Williams from the standpoint of that company's ethics and multilevel training programs. As with working with any company though, a successful business relationship is formed by staying within the companies corporate box and there are restraints on how you run your business.




My own brokerage, San Diego Properties Group, is a real estate services company providing expert guidance in the sale and purchase of single family homes, condos, investment properties and land. With California real estate values at a low point over the last 3 years, investors are acting on the opportunities to place their dollars in tangible assets like real estate. First time buyers have turned out in great numbers to take advantage of the available $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a home. Families who have outgrown smaller homes are now buying larger, newly built homes at lower market prices with their own tax advantage of $10,000 in tax credits.




Another focus of San Diego Properties Group is helping clients work through financial problems of the current economic downturn. New government programs are beginning this month to assist homeowners with modifications of their mortgages through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). This program is designed to assist homeowners with retaining their homes through a modification of their existing loan terms. For those who are unable to retain their home another program called Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) has been created to provide incentives for short sales and deed-in-lieu of foreclosures. Both government programs are focused on making the quagmire of steps required for successful loan modifications or short sales simpler. San Diego Properties Group has the experience of short sales helping homeowners get relief from burdensome property debt.




San Diego Properties Group not only handles transactions throughout San Diego County, but is also networked with other brokers and real estate companies across America in order to provide relocation assistance. My clients who need to sell their homes in San Diego County, in order to make a job-related move to other states, find that I can provide the services they need to make this transition as smooth as possible. With the network of agents in other cities and states I have created, I can research which real estate companies, but specifically which agents or brokers, have the expertise to best help them find the perfect replacement home.




Having lived in the community of Rancho San Diego in the East County for 15 years I have focused on making my community a better place to live and given back to the community in many ways. As a board member with the Cottonwood Homeowner's Association I saw the problem of this group dwindling away which resulted in it's dissolution. I have worked to bring back a sense of community by holding neighborhood meetings to discuss ways to monitor crime, improve the maintenance and use of parks and open spaces, as well as hosted parties in the parks and annual neighborhood garage sales.




My website http://www.ranchosandiegolifestyle.com/ has become a great source of information on community developments as well as a place where neighbors can network with each other. The monthly email newsletter is read by over 1,000 residents each month. The website provides neighborly referrals for business owners, updates on new companies and business in the community, real estate articles with data on changing values and trends, a job search site and lots of articles for homeowners.




As a board member for the East County YMCA I have worked for many years raising funds and helping to guide decisions on building and operating the new McGrath Family YMCA just open in April 2010. This state-of-the-art facility offers a much needed community site for families and individuals of all ages to gather for exercise, sports leagues, youth programs, senior social activities and other community based programs. This year I will co-chair the 16th annual fund raising event The Branding where over 600 area residents and companies will turn out for an evening under the stars and the shadows of this new facility to raise funds for this new facility




East County YMCA supporters have raised $8 milllion so far to fund this building project which is debt free! The facility includes the Tuttle Indoor Soccer Field, the Scott Mc Donald Baseball Field, the Dallas Pugh Gymnasium and the Hendrix Youth Center. An additional $3 million is being raised to build three pools at this site. Supervisor Dianne Jacob has committed to building a signature East County pool complex here which will include a kiddie splash pad, a 25 meter indoor pool and a competition pool. A total of $500,000 has been donated so far to build this pool complex. Contact Susan Botticelli at 619-441-8473 to discuss donation and naming opportunities and how you can participate in making this dream become a reality!




For more information on our changing real estate market, or to talk with Susan about selling or buying real estate, contact her at 619-441-8473 or email at sbotticelli@att.net today!