Rule # 1 don't mention problems in your advertising --  yet is this a sound stategy in today's market? I'm thinking I short need to be asking buyers and sellers these real questions.... Do you have a problem paying your mortgage?  Do you have problems finding a REALTOR in Tracy, CA that will call you back?  Do you have problems finding a home?  There are a million more problems that buyers and sellers in Tracy and Mountain House, CA have.  I can help--- call me -- I have answers to your problems.  I have free lists of REO listings, I have success in selling short sales. I'm the local real estate economist - so call me before you believe everything you read in the media. I will give you a personalized list of homes that fit your needs and wants. Susan   06/26/2008

This is so cool!  So far, all of my listings are SHORT SALE.  Some lenders are very easy to work with and some are (you know what I mean).  Overall, it's a great experience because I'm sure that short sales will come back again in the near future.  So, why not, get started with it right now in this century.  I've heard horror stories about short sale from other agents, but I don't think it's not that bad.  If you know what you're doing and you're submitting all required docs right away then it should be just fine.  These lenders have already lost a lot of their investment money, and by being sympathetic to them and letting them know that the borrowers/sellers didn't expect this to happen and didn't want them to lose their home thru FORECLOSURE... the lenders will be more than happy to h... 06/18/2008

Top 7 Reason why EVERYONE should use a Realtor to buy a home -- especially if you are a first time Home Buyer. 1.  I will educate you about the market 2. I will listen and analyze your wants and needs 3. I will guide you to homes that fit your criteria 4. I will coordinate the work of other needed professionals 5. I will negotiate on your behalf 6. I will review paperwork and deadlines 7. I will solve any problems that may arise to the best of my ability, that leads to a win - win for everyone. There is one more - I love working with Buyers, especially first time buyers.  There are few things more rewarding than turning over the keys to a new homeowner. I live, work and volunteer in the community of Tracy, California.  I've watched Mountain House be built from the ground up.  Don't try... 06/16/2008

1) Do Nothing == this is not the best option, but surprisingly many people do just that.  They stop answering their phones, they don't open their mail, they live in fear and just wait for the inevitable to happen.  The Sheriff to show up at their door only to tell them their home was sold at auction and they need to move. 2) Call the bank -- ask if they will do a loan modification.  Some banks may be willing to work with you if a) you still have decent credit b) your house will appraise at what 80% of the amount needed for your loan c) your financial statement, income, assets, etc can show you are worthy of a loan. 3) Pick up the phone and fina a good REALTOR who knows how to process and do short sales.  Short sales have finally caught on at most banks.  The banks are realizing that by... 06/04/2008

Banks are baiting buyers. This is from my pespective, as a REALTOR who's daily working in the Tracy, CA housing market.  The media is about 6 months behind. Here's what is happening.... Banks are no longer waiting 3 - 6 months for a buyer to come along and offer less than asking.  Now banks are pricing thier listings so low buyers have to move IMMEDIATELY!  Prices are low, buyers are waiting for that DEAL.  What happens to these listings, they get multiple offers, well over asking and within the first 5 days.  WOW -- so the bank doesn't have to maintain or carry the listing for long. I'm waiting to see if this micro market starts driving up the prices - at least a bit. The good news is there are more and more homes coming on the market daily. If you're looking to buy -- get a great REA... 05/13/2008

All you have to do is PICK UP THE PHONE, RETURN PHONE CALLS.  OH my -- that's all it takes. Really it is - right now most properties in Tracy and Mountain House, CA are foreclosures.  These homes are bank owned and are listed with REO agents.  I can not tell you how many buyers I've picked up simply because I answer the phone and I return emails.  They are greatful.  Currently shopping for a home, and no one is answering their phone calls. So I'm building my data base like crazy.  Call ME -- I'll answer my phone if you're looking for a home in Tracy or Mountain House, CA.   05/13/2008

Here is what I've seen happen....6 months ago -- House A a Bank Owned (REO) property was priced at $400,000.  It sat on the market for 6 months, and someone finally made an offer -- of $350,000.  The banks quickly within 48 hours accepted the offer.TODAY!  Sale house - sale value house- now instead of pricing house A at $400,000 -- the bank will price it under market -- so they price it at $350,000-- they have 10 - 25 offers within the first 48 hours -- the Accepted offer is WELL over asking -- close to $375,000-- $400,000 -- and the bank had zero holding days. It is taking almost a week to get an answer from the bank.So if you're wanting to buy an REO property - plan on a "Buyer's Market" frenzy.Will we start to see a slight rise in prices, probably --- REO's may start to push up the p... 05/04/2008

Oh my goodness -- if you are looking for a home in good condition, in a good neighborhood is getting harder and harder.  Agents in the Tracy and Mountain House area are now starting to put offers on ... hold on to your hats..... 'SHORT SALES".  WOW -- you heard it right, and you heard it here first.  While a short sale listing might have been the KISS of DEATH --agents are writing and buyers are buying Short Sales?WHY?  Why are Short Sales selling..... because the owners are taking care of these homes.  Grass isn't dead, the home is still in good condition, there is still love in the home.Now that buyers want to put offers on Short Sales, all we have to do is get the banks to work a bit faster and there really will be a shortage of inventory. 05/04/2008

Frustrations are mounting.  Where are people getting thier information?  How many times have I heard this week what the Tracy Real Estate market is like?  LOTS - Here's the problem, they are wrong.I'm working in this market, I see what is happening, and yet there are those who want to buy who are certain that they know that there is no problem getting a 2500 square foot house, that is less than 10 years old for only $200,000.  Why do they think this?  Auctions.... starting bid $179,000 for this house -- STARTING bid not RESERVE bid.So let me be the first to tell you..... homes that are Tier 1, great condition, priced well, in the $300,000 and less price range are selling within 5 days with multiple offers.  These homes are going OVER asking price.  How do I know this, because I've been ... 04/23/2008

I'm hearing this far too often.  Many people are following along on the current trend. My home is worth so much less than I paid for it, why should I keep it.  My neighbors just bought for half of what I paid.  I don't want it anymore, not at the price I paid for it. Sounds like a great arguement, except for one small detail -- you signed a contract to pay the bank back for the money you borrowed.  So what are your options?1) You stay in the home, keep making your payments, and realize that eventually the market will improve, and you'll have equity again.  (This is a bitter pill for most of us to swallow, however it does make the most sense.  If you can make the payments, you still get an incredible tax advantage, that by walking away and renting for 3 - 7 years you lose those tax benef... 04/16/2008

Hold on to your hats -- because the number 1 way to help many clients in today's market is to Short Sale thier property.  In the Tracy and Mountain House CA numerous home owners need help NOW.I know -- it's a long drawn out process, I know it's a ton of extra work, I also know it is so rewarding.People who are behind on the mortgage payments are SCARED!  They really do not know where to turn or to who.  Hense -- you come in as the person who can answer thier questions, and give them HOPE.For most people who try to sell thier home as a short sale, they view the experience as doing the "honorable thing".  They don't want to just walk away and not honor thier commitment to the loan.How and Why they are in this position vary from person to person, but bottom line is these clients need our h... 04/13/2008

Tracy Homes Listed For Sale - 921Tracy Homes in escrow since April 1, 2008 - 84Tracy Homes sold since April 1, 2008 - 25Tracy homes owned by banks - 1119Source: Metrolist Services, Inc. and RealtyTrac.comInventory levels for the week remain level while homes in escrow and homes sold show an increase. This is further evidence that buyers are coming out and making offers at current pricing levels. With FHA mortgage rates around 5 3/4%, now is a great time for long term buyers to get into a great home at the lowest prices in years. 04/11/2008

Tracy Homes Listed For Sale - 918Tracy Homes in escrow since April 1, 2008 - 48Tracy Homes sold since April 1, 2008 - 12Tracy homes owned by banks - 1103Source: Metrolist Services, Inc. and RealtyTrac.comA significant increase in new escrows show more and more buyers are taking action to capitalize on current pricing levels. Many of these homes are bank owned properties and it remains to be seen how many of these escrows will close successfully. 04/08/2008

Real Estate Price Trends The median single family home price as of April 06 2008 for TRACY is $412,839 The average property in TRACY as of April 06 2008 has been on the market for about 61 days. The median price per square foot for homes in TRACY as of April 06 2008 is about $190 There are about 1,141 properties on the market in TRACY as of April 06 2008. The real estate market in Tracy is changing rapidly.  At $190 avg sq ft price, 1,141 homes for sale & median price at $413k, things are progressing in a good direction.  Interest rates are still pretty low.62 HOMES SOLD LAST WEEK!!!!!!! ....notice the spike on the graphs :)Call me for your neighborhood specific statistics to help you in your own real estate evaluation of Tracy real estate at 209-321-6122, Christina O'Neal 04/07/2008

Word of WARNING -- this is purely my observation based on recent experiences.Buyers who are expecting to offer more than 5 - 10% less than asking are in for a rude awakening.  We are seeing multiple offers on most "tier 1" properties.  When a property comes on the market, and you love it, if it's priced well, then you better be certain that others are thinking the same thing.  "I want to buy this house,today."  What happens then?  The best offer wins.  Multiple offers, multiple people want the house and one person will get to purchase this great house.  Will it be you? Find a great local Realtor.  Most good Realtors will ask around to see what other real estate agents have coming up.  Frequently an agent will have a listing 3 - 10 days prior to the home being listedin the MLS.  Do yours... 04/04/2008

Home Buyers let me help you find the best house possible for you.  In order for me to HELP YOU find the best house you need to HELP ME.  How can you HELP ME, well, you need to talk to a lender, a direct lender or very qualified mortgage broker in my experience is BEST.  You need to be honest with the lender, they are there to HELP YOU too.  If you don't HELP them know your financial situation then they can't HELP you to get the best loan or the best house.  You can also HELP me HELP you by being honest.  Please don't tell me you want to move tomorrow when you mean 6 months.  If you want to move in 6 months that's great, I'm still going to HELP you discover what you're really looking for, we'll just take a longer route to get there.   So - Home Buyers - keep in mind that in order for me... 03/28/2008

Real Estate Price Trends The median single family home price as of March 23 2008 for TRACY is $433,546Home Sales and Demand TrendsThe average property in TRACY as of March 23 2008 has been on the market for about 70 days.Price Per Square FootThe median price per square foot for homes in TRACY as of March 23 2008 is about $195 Homes for SaleThere are about 1,071 properties on the market in TRACY as of March 23 2008.The real estate market in Tracy is changing rapidly.  At $195 avg sq ft price, 1071 homes for sale & median price at $433k, things are progressing in a good direction.  Interest rates are still pretty low.43 HOMES SOLD LAST WEEK!!!!!!! ....notice the spike on the graphs :)Call me for your neighborhood specific statistics to help you in your own real estate evaluation of Tracy ... 03/25/2008

One of the best things in the world - a buyer (or seller) who want to work with you.It's easier when it's someone you know- - but why would a stranger call a Tracy Agent - ME - and want my help in finding them a home?  It's an easy answer... they already know me.Nope we've never ever met - but they've been reading my blog on Active Rain.  New home buyers have read about how I work, what I believe, and they feel like they already know me.I've heard it over and over "you don't know me, but I feel like I already know you.  We aren't interviewing anyone else, we want you."  Yeha -- Tracy - Mountain House home buyers come on call me -- I'd love to help you find a perfect home, escpecially since you found me on Active Rain. 03/20/2008

Are you considering buying a home in Tracy or Mountain House, CA?  Do you know what is a good neighborhood and what isn't?  Do you know which homes in Mountain House have Home Owner Association Fees and which ones don't?  hmmmmm if you don't know the answer to these questions then it's really important to work with a REALTOR that does know the answer.Do you think a REALTOR that doesn't live, work or volunteer in the area will have the answers to your questions?  Probably not -- so why not use a local agent?Do you need to know which schools your children will attend, or at the least which are the better schools?  How about when does Little League or Soccer start?  Again, will an out of the area agent REALLY know the answer to those questions?Call a local Tracy or Mountain House Realtor ... 03/18/2008

I heard that some banks are considering garnishment of wages for the short fall of an accepted short sale.  I'd love to hear if anyone else has heard this.What about taking back the RV; fancy Car, etc all bought with the refinanced money PRIOR to the short sale?Short Sales seem to have gotten the reputation of being an "easy way out" for sellers with SEVERE Buyer's remorse -- not hardship cases, but those who just don't want thier home anymore.   They just don't care, once they decide to do a short sale -- it's just a matter of time before the bank forecloses. What's the answer?  03/13/2008