BUY, SELL, WIN, WIN IN COSTA MESA REAL ESTATE!

BUY, SELL, WIN, WIN IN COSTA MESA REAL ESTATE!

 

Buyers, sellers, the time for hesitation is over for both of you.  Home sales are rising, inventories are shrinking, and even though home values fell dramatically in the last few years, the good news is that houses are now more affordable than they have been at any time during the last twenty years.

 

If you are buying, now is the time to make your move, literally.  As the market recovers, the scales are still tipped in your favor.  There are still many "distressed properties" (foreclosures and short sales) on the market, and other homeowners are entering the selling field as improving conditions increase their confidence.

 

You can still expect competition for lower end, entry-level homes, but demand is softer in the middle to upper end property market, so you could be in a stronger bargaining position in those two tiers.

 

If you're a seller, don't be alarmed by the good news for buyers.  Buyer confidence and strength makes it more likely that you'll enjoy a sale.  Don't try to compete against short sales and foreclosures when you're pricing, though, because that's a tough game to win. 

 

Just complete any needed repairs, get your home into great showing condition, and emphasize your home's strengths and features.  We're in an interesting transitional phase where both buyers and sellers can be winners with the right attitude and representation.

 

Ask about our programs:

 Low as 5% down! Owner will pre-pay your mortgage insurance! Save at least $100 per month!

Down payment assistance available up to $12,510 or 3% of loan amount in the form of a grant, does not have to be repaid, for FHA and VA buyers!

 Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Lic #00573423 

 

      

(714) 241-4532

1525 Mesa Verde Drive East

Costa Mesa, CA   92626-5221

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE!

 

PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE!

 

Many sellers are tempted to list For Sale By Owner (FSBO) because they feel home prices are down and they don't want to lose one more penny to paying a commission.  But with fewer than ten percent of all home sales falling into the FSBO category, it's a challenging strategy.

 

In personal terms, you'll have to safeguard yourself against prospects who have not been screened and qualified by a professional.  When someone calls to request a showing, note their caller ID and keep a log of visitors.  Stash away prescription medications and valuables before showings, and afterwards check that all your windows and doors are locked.

 

There are also legal considerations for your listing and hopefully, your eventual sales contract.  Be sure your listing complies with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against buyers.  If you're unfamiliar with escrow and title insurance, hire a real estate attorney to draft, review and record all documents.

 

This economy makes securing a loan difficult, so it's wise to require a loan pre-approval letter from buyers before accepting any offers.  If you really want to get attention, sweeten the pot by offering a two to three percent commission to any agent who brings buyers to you.  FSBO is not the easiest route, and many impatient and frustrated sellers end up hiring an agent to make the sale happen.

 

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Lic #00573423 

 

 

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

PREVENTING INSPECTION DELAYS IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA!

PREVENTING INSPECTION DELAYS IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA!

 

 

No matter how much you prepare, closings just seem to take longer these days, often up to sixty days from the date of the initial offer.  A recent survey of REALTORS® reveals that ten to fourteen percent of pending sales don't get to closing, while another twenty percent experience unplanned delays before being finalized.

 

Delays fall into three major categories: financing, title research, and inspections.  Getting estimates and negotiating repairs can really hold up a transaction, but there are ways to speed up the process.

 

One option is for sellers to procure a pre-listing inspection and make repairs before the first potential buyer sets foot in the home.  However, this can be a costly expense for sellers, especially when buyers will almost certainly hire their own inspector after making an offer, and there can often be great differences between two inspection reports.

 

A better alternative is for the listing agent to walk through the home with the sellers, noting the age and the condition of major components of the home and securing estimates for potential repairs.  Sellers may not have to fix the problems, but having an idea of the cost of repairs will help them price the home fairly, as well as reduce the time necessary for buyers to negotiate the costs.  This is an excellent preventative and proactive step towards a successful closing.

 

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Lic #00573423 

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

Enhance your cooking skills at the "We're all about entertaining" at Bloomingdale's in Costa Mesa California

Enhance your cooking skills at the "We're all about entertaining" class 5:30 PM September 16 at Bloomingdale's Culinary Kitchen. Executive Chef Amar Santana and Eryck Chairez will teach essential kitchen techniques for preparing hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at home, followed by a 3- course meal at Charlie Palmer at Bloomindale's.  The class and meal are $75 per person.  Call 714-352-2525 to reserve your spot!

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

End of Summer Food & Wine Event is coming to Costa Mesa California!

 

SUMMER

FOOD & WINE

FESTIVAL

1 – 4 pm, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010

 

South Coast Plaza Village

(Corner of Bear & Sunflower)

Music by Sirius XM & KROQ’s Richard Blade

 

Enjoy Great Food provided by
Top Orange County Restaurants

 

Taste over 40 great wines & Micro Brews

with the owners, winemakers & brewers

Hosted by LearnAboutWing.com

 

Advance Purchase:

prior to August 15^th $50 per person

after August 15 & prior to September 10^th $60 per person

at the door $75 per person

 

For tickets or more information visit

www.learnaboutwine.com

or call 310-451-7600

 

Proceeds Benefit: Choose Nursing, Choose Hoag

 

Sponsored by CM900 ▪ Costa Mesa Conference & Visitors Bureau

Orange County Market Place ▪ South Coast Plaza

LearnAboutWine ▪ Rutan & Tucker, LLP

 

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.

 

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

Little Steps Up To The Leap!

As you've already read here, conditions are ripe to become a homeowner, and it's time to determine if you're ready to make the leap.  While the price of the home is the largest factor, don't forget about loan fees and closing costs, which add to your total financed amount. 

Since banks are stricter in their lending, Step One is to polish up your credit report.  A higher score gives you more power when it comes to negotiating terms and interest rates.

Similarly, a larger downpayment will positively affect your mortgage terms and reduce the amount you have to finance.  If you can't manage 20% down, you will likely have to pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium.

Upon preapproval from a lender, you'll know how much loan you qualify for, and how much is required for the downpayment.  It's best to secure preapproval before you begin looking at homes, especially since sellers will see your offer as a solid one worthy of consideration.

In addition to newer fees being assessed on loans to less than stellar applicants, there are standard closing costs associated with the purchase, including appraisals, legal fees, credit reports and more.  All are included up front on your settlement statement and some may be negotiable.  Contact an agent today to get the ball rolling and find out how much home you can afford.

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976.  For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit www.TeamWeichman.com for the latest news and information on the Orange County real estate market.

 

Posted via web from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

Sixth graders from Costa Mesa commit random acts of kindness!

We are so proud of this Weichman Realtor's client!  He is one of the fine teachers at our Costa Mesa schools!  Please read this article courtesy of the Orange Count Register!

A good deed could involve opening the door for a senior, making a card for a child coping with an illness or treating a struggling neighbor to dinner.

For 34 Adams Elementary School sixth-graders, it meant committing random acts of kindness at the Target store on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa this morning.

"We're surprised to see all of the kids," said Target shopper Veronica Rabago, who along with her husband Ecequiel seemed stunned to receive the $25 giftcard from the Adams Elementary School students. ELLYN PAK, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Divvied into groups of four, the students - who collected recyclables and got $100 for the bottles - went up to random strangers and gave them $25 gift cards to continue passing on the love.

One group of kids marched to the back of the store in search of their stranger. They whipped around and followed a couple that eventually stopped to hear the kids' message of paying it forward.

"We're surprised to see all of the kids," said shopper Veronica Rabago, who along with her husband Ecequiel seemed stunned to receive the gift from the gaggle of children.

They had raised enough money to purchase $25 for random strangers, the students read from a letter. In turn, the recipients were encouraged to do something nice for three other people that day.

Their teacher Matt Broesamle wanted to teach them the concept of paying it forward, especially during the holidays, and to remind them that despite their socio-economic backgrounds, they should be grateful for what they have in their lives.

"I just love giving things away," he said. "It feels so much better to give than get things."

The children decorated boxes and collected $95 worth of plastic bottles. Broesamle added in some money, rounding the collection to $100 - enough to buy four gift cards for their project. Adams students also recently sold 600 candy grams and raised $300 for patients at Children's Hospital of Orange County.

"(Broesamle) is phenomenal at creating a culture of responsible students and citizens," said Principal Candace Cloud.

The act of kindness was swift. The children gave out the cards and regrouped at the front of the store, twittering about the events. Many of them said they would go home and continue to do nice things for their family members.

Eleven-year-old Anthony Banos of Costa Mesa said he felt great after giving the card to a random woman who was shopping for her children. The stranger was on the verge of tears, Banos said.

"I feel a hug coming on," Banos told the lady, who promptly gave the boy a hug and thank you.

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976.  For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit www.TeamWeichman.com for the latest news and information on the Orange County real estate market.

Posted via web from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

Coyote Activity Bullet

 

City of Costa Mesa Police Department Animal Control

COYOTE ACTIVITY BULLETIN

 

 

This bulletin is to advise and warn residents about coyote activity in the Costa Mesa area. Several residents have lost their pets to these skilled predators because they were not aware of coyote activity in the area. Others are concerned about recent sightings and the potential consequences of predatory animals within the urban environment.

Coyotes are found in ALL areas of Orange County. They are a native animal and a critical component of the ecosystem. Contrary to popular belief, these animals do not require open space or wild areas to survive. In fact, most coyotes within the urban setting are the offspring of generations of coyotes who lived and flourished in the urban areas of Orange County.

 

Though they are far from domesticated, coyotes are very comfortable living alongside human beings. They have little fear of man and are frequently seen in close proximity to joggers, bikers, and inside residential areas. While not normally a danger to human beings, coyotes will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered, therefore, it is important to leave a comfortable distance between you and a coyote. Small pets can easily become coyote prey. Cats and small animals should not be allowed outside alone, even in a fenced yard. It is highly recommended that their owner always accompany small pets. Though coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they can be observed at all hours of the day and will not pass up the opportunity for an easy meal. A dog or cat can be taken from a backyard enclosed by a six-foot high fence or wall in a matter of moments.

 

The following steps can be taken to protect you and your pets from nuisance animals like coyotes and other wildlife:

• Fence off animal enclosures (fully enclose if possible).

• Keep cats and small dogs indoors or in the close presence of an adult.

• Feed pets indoors. 

• Store trash in covered heavy-duty containers.

• Keep yards free from potential shelter such as thick brush and weeds.

• Enclose the bottoms of porches and decks.

• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.

 

If you do encounter a coyote that behaves aggressively, you have probably gotten too close to its prey or its family. Increase the comfort zone between you and the coyote. Coyotes behave in a manner similar to domestic dogs that are defending their territory and family. All children should be taught from a very early age that they should avoid strange animals, whether domestic or not. They should never attempt to feed a wild animal and they should be instructed on coyote safety, such as discussed here.

 

If coyotes begin frequenting your neighborhood, let them know they're not welcome. Make loud noises, throw rocks or spray them with garden hoses. For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.

Eradication and/or relocation of the urban coyote is not effective. These types of programs actually provide a vacuum in nature that causes these animals to have even larger litters and ultimately increase the coyote population. Coyotes are beneficial in keeping balance within the ecosystem by controlling the population of other small animals and rodents.

 

If you need help with an animal control issues you may call any of the following:

For routine Animal Control Calls (24 hours):

 

For Animal Licensing and other animal control issues, call (Business hours):

 

For information regarding animal control and enforcement issues you can call (24 hour voice mail):

 

Animal Control Officer Art Beames 714 754-5163

Animal Control Officer Anna Rodriguez 714 754-5309

We just had a client on Jacaranda have a small cat taken the other day and one of our agents who was walking in Fairview Park in the evening also had a run in with a coyote while walking his dog.

 

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976.  For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit www.TeamWeichman.com for the latest news and information on the Orange County real estate market.

Diane Majerski 714 754-5188

CMPD Communications: 714 754-5252

If You Need Help

Use Negative Reinforcement

COYOTE ACTIVITY BULLETIN

City of Costa Mesa

Police Department Animal Control

If Confronted by a Coyote

Steps You Can Take

Protecting Your Pets

Posted via web from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

Annual Lighting Ceremony of the Live 90-foot Christmas Tree in Town Center Park

Annual Lighting Ceremony of the Live 90-foot Christmas Tree in Town Center Park next to the Westin South Coast Plaza at 6 p.m. This has become one of Orange County's best-loved holiday traditions: Santa's arrival, the lighting of the tree and students from Orange County High School of the Arts will perform. Santa's helpers will give attendees a special gift, and after some needed sleep, Santa will be ready for family photos at South Coast Plaza the following day. Free to the public! Join with Weichman Realtors as we bring in the Holiday Season! Hope to see you at the event!

Larry Weichman is President/ Broker for Costa Mesa based Weichman Realtors. His company has served Costa Mesa since 1976.  Larry has over 15 years of experience in Bank Repos and Short Sales and non foreclosed real estate, his clients include General Electric Mortgage, Home Savings, Associates Finance, Transamerica. Current clients include Bank of America, Ocwen Financial Corporation, Countrywide and Keystone Asset Management to name a few. He has sold real estate since 1976 and is a 3rd generation Real Estate Broker. Larry has closed escrow on over 1,100 properties; from townhomes to commercial buildings. Please be sure to visit us on the Internet at www.TeamWeichman.com, www.OCHomeTracker.com or www.OCRepoBroker.com or you can call him at 714-241-4532

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