Welcome to the place where you can talk about Real Estate or financing. With all the transactional details and the constantly changing laws it can be very confusing. Here you can ask any question and receive an educated answer so you can make an informed decision.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Losing your home- You have options. Protect Yourself

HELP YOURSELF OR SOMEONE THAT YOU KNOW!

Before You Give Up Your Home, Know the Facts because.... You Have Options! You Can Save Your Home or At Least Protect Yourself.

What happens when you imagine receiving a 1099 form from the IRS after a foreclosure or short sale showing the taxes you owe. Despite the new law, in some cases, you will still receive an IRS Form 1099 and incur substantial tax liability!!!

Will you still have substantial dept even without your home? If so, neither the foreclosure nor short sale really helps you!

Could you keep your home if you did not have to pay the second mortgage or HELOC? If the value of your home is lower than what is owned on the first mortgage, we can strip the second mortgage (or HELOC), and you will not have to pay it.

Does a foreclosure or short sale affect your credit as much as a bankruptcy? In more cases, it is worse than a bankruptcy and takes longer to recover.

Talking to a good bankruptcy attorney does not mean you have to file bankruptcy. While it may be the best solution, it is not the only one.

I know how you feel, and others have felt the same, and then they found that speaking with a trained professional to understand exactly what their liability was and what they should do about was their best option.

Protect yourself! If you are struggling in making your mortgage payment or jeopardizing in losing your home and have to consider a short sale or foreclosure, I will recommend an attorney that has helped many homeowner, realtors, and believe it or not...mortgage brokers that are in the same position as you.

Call me for details or just email me at: l.pillard@gmail.com and I will gladly help you get connected with the Team that has helped so many homeowners like yourself

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Can't Make Your Mortgage Payment? Watch Out For The IRS!!

Before You Give Up Your Home, Know the Facts because.... You Have Options! You Can Save Your Home or At Least Protect Yourself.

What happens when you imagine receiving a 1099 form from the IRS after a foreclosure or short sale showing the taxes you owe. Despite the new law, in some cases, you will still receive an IRS Form 1099 and incur substantial tax liability!!!

Will you still have substantial dept even without your home? If so, neither the foreclosure nor short sale really helps you!

Could you keep your home if you did not have to pay the second mortgage or HELOC? If the value of your home is lower than what is owned on the first mortgage, we can strip the second mortgage (or HELOC), and you will not have to pay it.

Does a foreclosure or short sale affect your credit as much as a bankruptcy? In more cases, it is worse than a bankruptcy and takes longer to recover.

Talking to a good bankruptcy attorney does not mean you have to file bankruptcy. While it may be the best solution, it is not the only one.

I know how you feel, and others have felt the same, and then they found that speaking with a trained professional to understand exactly what their liability was and what they should do about was their best option.

Protect yourself! If you are struggling in making your mortgage payment or jeopardizing in losing your home and have to consider a short sale or foreclosure, I will recommend an attorney that has helped many homeowner, realtors, and believe it or not...mortgage brokers that are in the same position as you.

Call me for details or complete the form below, and I will gladly help you get connected with the Team that has helped so many homeowners like yourself.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Property Taxes - You may be paying to much!

DON'T OVERPAY... FILE A PROPERTY TAX APPEAL

Property taxes seem to jump up year after year. Unfortunately, we've become so accustomed to rising taxes that it's no longer a surprise. But here's something that may surprise you. Did you know that over the last eight years, property taxes have actually outpaced even inflation? Those rising taxes - combined with the recent plateau in home values in some areas - mean you may be paying more than your fair share.

In fact, the National Taxpayers Union estimated that as many as 60% of home values were assessed too high, resulting in an incorrectly larger property tax bill.

Based on recent market activity and the rising property taxes across the country, there's a chance you may be in the group of people paying too much. In fact, homeowners in declining markets are receiving solicitations from companies that charge up to $250 to help lower property taxes. But with the steps below, you can work with your local County Assessor to lower property taxes for free...and save yourself the $250!

The good news: it's easy.

First, contact your local tax assessor's office and ask for someone in the reassessment area. Find out when appeals are heard, and how the process for submitting a property tax appeal works.

Additionally, ask for a copy of your property card. Review the card and confirm that the basic information about your property is correct. For example, is the square footage and number of rooms for your home accurate? If the number is incorrect, the county may change the assessment without a formal appeal. If everything on the property card is correct but the assessed value still seems too high, your next step is to gather the following documentation to support an appeal. And don't be surprised if the assessed value is lower than what you think the market value for your home is--many counties use a formula which uses a percentage of market value to determine assessed value. Ask what the formula is... because an assessment that is less than market value still might be too high.

If you have a current appraisal that supports the value being lower using recent market-value information, many counties will accept a copy of the appraisal with the appeal. If the appraisal is outdated, you can order a new one--just call me for a referral to a great appraiser. You can also visit the local assessor's office or search online, and look through the public records for other homes that have similar features to yours, but have lower assessments. They will be able to give you current market information for your neighborhood, and help you see how your market value and assessed value stacks up against your neighbors.

Submitting an appeal is generally a fairly simple process, but make sure to take the time to fill out all forms in advance and be prepared with your documentation if there is an in-person hearing that needs to take place.

More good news...

According to the National Taxpayers Union, about 33% of property tax appeals succeed! Taking the time to review the accuracy of a tax bill could easily save you hundreds of dollars per year, adding up to thousands of dollars during the time you own your home. Please feel free to contact me for more information on this money-saving tip.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

What is a short sale???


A Short Sale is when the home is sold for less than what is owed on it due to market conditions, distress refinancing, or unfortunate circumstances of the seller. The Seller's real estate consultant will list the home for sale in alignment with current market conditions. Right now many homeowners owe more than their home is worth much due to the refinancing frenzy. Upon receiving an offer, negotiations are completed between the seller and buyer, at that time the offer is presented to the bank. The banks process is lengthly and unpredictable. It could take 1-2 months before the seller receives an approval or counter offer from the bank. A short sale will preserve your credit at a higher rating than a foreclosure. Also check into completing a bankrupcty in instead of a short sale. It may be a better solution. Check with your tax attorney and/or tax advisor then decide what option is best for you! If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

Friday, April 04, 2008

Bank Owned Properties - Deal or NO Deal?


Foreclosure filings in February are up 60 percent from a year ago. Did you know that Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino also attempted to auction off his Florida home last month, and the there is Michael Jackson's with his Neverland Ranch that is in default and scheduled for auction this May.


Good news is that the Senate came to a tentative deal on Wednesday to help homeowners facing foreclosure and buyers who are buying foreclosures. In whats thought to be the biggest gift in U.S. history, the Senate has agreed to give a $7,000 tax credit to any person who buys a foreclosed home.

Auctions can be a quick way to come out with a great deal, but they can also drain your wallet, if you're not prepared. For Tips to think about before you make an offer or go to an auction, please contact me for the details that will help you make a Deal...or no deal.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

What sells a house in today's market?

This is a question that has been asked by some of my wonderful and devoted clients. So here is your answer as promised.

There are a couple of factors we must address first. One of them is a newspaper ad, home publications, & open houses they do NOT sell homes. As for all those "open houses" and "ads" you want your realtor to run - or else you feel like they aren't doing anything? Those rarely sell your house. Sellers just "think" they do. That is part of why most FSBO's do not successfully sell their homes on their own. They begin with a false impression of what makes a good listing agent effective.

Even when we had a housing frenzy the abovementioned tactics did not sell a home. It did however accomplish 2 things. It brought new clients to the realtors business and it made the seller believe their realtor was doing something for them. The stats have shown time and time again what makes a home sell is a factor of 3 things. How much is the asking price? Price your property well for maximum market interest. If the price is to high in the beginning during the preview timeframe rest assured your probability of receiving any offer is low to none. You may say…I will price it high and then negotiate after we receive an offer. The fact is that you will not have any potential buyer look at your home and therefore, will not receive an offer to negotiate. It is crucial that your home is priced at market value or slightly below from the very beginning. The second factor is your location. Location is very important to a homebuyer. If you are located in a rural town, near a highway, near a property that is NOT maintained or an area that is not desirable it may be more difficult to target a buyer for that home. The next factor is condition. What is the condition of the home? Does it need work? How much work? Is it landscaped? You see these 3 factors are the top factors buyers look at. If it meets their criteria, priced right to reflect current market condition, nice location, and good condition you will have a much higher probability of a successful sale.

Remember, ads do not sell homes… People do! Realtors with buyers. So it is important that your realtor targets the top agents in the area and let them know about your home. If it meets all of the criteria above these realtors will bring their buyers!!!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

12200 Park Place - Capay Valley - 5 Parcels



Park Place





12200 Park Place, Brooks, CA 95606 View Map






Welcome to the Townsite of Tancred. Located in the beautiful & desirable Capay Valley. Features a ranch style home built between 1897 & 1904, includes pellet stove with triple wall chimney, Wilsonart flooring in kitchen, spacious family room with wood flooring & pellet stove, roof installed in 1989 per seller, a pole barn set-up for livestock, barn, shed-row 12 ft. covered 12 ft open, irrigated pasture, domestic well & agricultural well, and wonderful views of the oak studded foothill that are sprinkled with pines. This property is located near Cache Creek Casino and just adjacent from the Rumsey Rancheria Reservation. Property is comprised of 5 deeded parcels. However, per Surveyor there may be individual lots that are recognized as valid. Check with County.



For Detailed Information call the Toll Free Helpline at:

1-800-882-0235 ext. 3146









Details


Asking Price:

1,500,000

MLS:

80014210





Sq. Feet:

1800


Bedrooms:

4

Bathrooms:

1




Subdivision:

Townsite of Tancred

Year Built:

1904


























































Contact Info

Linda & Ken Pillard







Cell 530-713-6121

Dir 530-796-3170

Email | Website























Saturday, February 16, 2008

Homebuyers Insider

GREAT NEWS HOMEBUYERS! The other day, President Bush signed the economic stimulus package. What does this mean to you besides receiving rebate checks? (If you file your 2007 taxes) Currently if you apply for a loan that is over $417,000 (a jumbo loan) the cost is 1-2% higher than if you apply for a loan under $417,000 (a conforming loan). The stimulus package increases the loan limits of a conforming loan to the area median price to a max of approximately $730,000, helping to keep the monthly payments down for buyers who need to borrow larger amounts. Keep in mind that this will only be for the rest of 2007.

I checked with a couple of my lenders today, and they told me that it could easily be a month or two before they have these changes figured out and implemented.

Another interesting, yet partially unrelated observation, is that in spite of the unprecedented aggressive Fed rate cuts made recently, borrower costs are actually increasing as mortgage rates slowly continue to creep up. This further illustrates the point that mortgage interest rates are not controlled by the Fed's market manipulation, and that rates are market driven. A very reliable way to keep an eye on 30 year fixed mortgage rate trends is to watch the 10-year bond yield. When the yield is going up, so are mortgage rates and vice-versa.

WHERE DO I START?

"What is the first thing I should do to get started in this house buying process?" a first time homebuyer asked me last week. "Good question", I said. "If you start looking before you know what you qualify for, odds are you will fall in love with a home that is out of your price range and you will compare everything to that home and nothing will look as good to you". She said that made sense, however, she had a concern about getting a loan because she did not know whom to trust. "You need to get a referral from someone you know and trust, if you cannot find one I would be happy to give you some references”, I told her. I then realized how difficult it must be for especially the first time homebuyer to trust someone with his or her financial information and with finding a loan that was not loaded with hidden costs. Therefore, next week, I will interview some of the informative loan agents I work with and ask them to give me the inside scoop into the loan industry, I will also find out for you what are the biggest rip-offs that you need to look out for.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Unrealistic Sellers

Recently I received a phone call to go to a horse ranch and let them know what the value was. This family wanted to relocate but they were not realistic about the price they wanted. After final review and recent comps I could not come up with the value they were hoping to get. The property had a lot of issues, the house was not completed, the outbuildings were not the best condition and just needed alot of work. Beautiful landscaping though. However, the landscaping did not justify the sellers asking price. So the seller decided to complete some projects at the house. Meanwhile, market conditions have deteriorated in our area. Today I find they listed with another agent. Why is it that when sellers don't hear the number they want they decide to go else where. You would think that sellers would want a real estate consultant that specializes in thier area, specializes in ranch properties, years of experience, and want someone to protect the biggest investment in their lives, negotiate like a pitbull...that alone is worth every penny I earn. So with all that said...Hire a real estate consultant that is an expert in your area. You can put any price on a property even if you consultant does not agree with you (be careful though it really can hurt you). Hire your consultant based on knowledge, experience, education, and integrity. Check out my website at: www.lindapillardhomes.com.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Beautiful Rumsey Canyon Home

This neo-Craftsman Bungalow was lovingly built in recognition of the arts & crafts movement and prairie style architecture but it incorporates 1998 building codes. Combinations of natural and classic materials blend seamlessly to create gracious living areas particularly suited to the northern California climate. Innovative craftsmanship from yesterday’s and today’s artisans comes to life both inside and outside. Located in Rumsey, this property is an ideal country retreat. “Community” can be found in the small villages and towns of the 30-mile long Capay Valley, home to organic farming, whitewater rafting and a couple of wineries less than two hours
NW of San Francisco, and one hour from both Sacramento and Clear Lake. The site consists of a manageable 1.88 acres of old walnut orchard that is situated on flat and usable ground. This lovely home is surrounded on three sides by 1500 sq feet of incense cedar porch that is ideal for enjoying the outdoors in a protected environment. Except for carpeted bedrooms, flooring is ¾ inch tongue-and-groove red oak throughout. Window and door surrounds are clear, vertical grain Douglas fir. Walls are smooth and painted white for maximum flexibility in the display of artwork. The first floor features a GreatRoom with massive stone fireplace and a separate living room with Vermont Castings woodstove. The open floor plan dining-area is perfect for entertaining family and friends. The well appointed 13’ x 13’ country kitchen features stainless steel appliances including a 6-burner Viking range, Fisher&Paykel double-dishwasher and GE Monogram refrigerator and bar sink. There is ample storage in the beautiful quarter-sawn oak kitchen cabinetry and additional storage space in the laundry room/half bath. The spacious 1st floor Master suite with office/study allow for single-level living if required. The 2nd floor has wonderful usable space including a small sleeping loft. It includes two more master suites each with architecturally interesting dormers, deep closet space, ensuite baths and window-seat reading benches with views of nearby hills. Situated between the bedrooms is a large living room which is big enough to serve as a media room.

This home is currently being operated as a fully licensed 2-bedroom Bed & Breakfast to supplement the owner's income. The business (Rumsey Canyon Inn) is for sale separately to the purchaser of the residence if buyer is interested. You may purchase this home without purchasing the business however. For more information on the Bed & Breakfast business please visit the owners website at: www.rumseycanyoninn.com

For details call the helpline at:
1-800-882-0235 ext. 2019



Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Cute Esparto Home - TLC

Cute Esparto home. Bring your tool box and nail bags. This is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in need of some TLC. Many expensive items have been completed. Great Value on this R-2 lot. Don't miss your opportunity to own a home is this wonderful area. For more information please go to: www.lindapillardhomes.com email us at: l.pillard@gmail.com

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Unethical real estate agent

As a consumer you may have experienced a real estate transaction where the agent was just flat unethical. If you haven't had that experience you are lucky. I want you to know that unethical agents also are unethical to his colleagues.

I was working very hard for a client we will call him Jack. Jack was an awesome guy. He was young, witty, and a joy to work with. We showed him a ranch that he truly loved. We worked endless hours getting him the information he required to make a sound decision in whether to make an offer or not.

Jack asked for a referral for a ranch consultant to assist and guide him to develop his dream on this ranch. We referred him to a local advisor. Someone in his family heard about another advisor out of the general area of where this ranch was located. We will refer to him Dick. Jack meet with Dick. Only to find out later that this consultant told my client Jack that he too was a agent and if he would let him represent him as a buyers agent than Jack would not have to pay his consulting fee because he would get paid a commission. Well, of course, what a great deal for Jack. Jack did not understand that Dick was completely off base and cross the ethics line. Jack went there for ranch consultation and agent Dick interfered with the relationship between us.

Dick came to my office unannounced to introduce himself to me. He proceeds to tell me that Jack was now his client. I could not believe the lack of professionalism he had. He stole my client then wanted me to pay him for it. Just goes to show you that some agent really don't have any class, respect, or integrity for themselves.

In the end, Jack lost his dream. Agent Dick presented a very unrealistic offer, and being an agent out of the area did not serve Jacks best interest at all. Matter of fact, Jacks agent Dick did not even want to submit a real offer on the appropriate form and truly did not understand the real estate process nor land values in the area. That really proved our thoughts we had of him. Dicks drive for greed, his lack of experience, ethics, integrity shined through with flying colors. I feel really bad for Jack. I hope he learned a lesson and that he contact us to help him again.

Meanwhile I presented another opportunity for my Sellers and it was a much better for them financially. Now you know the rest of the story...

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Yolo County Real Estate

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is really getting to know my clients. Most realtors don't take the time to do that. As a real estate consultant, I strive and exceed to understand our clients fears, objections, concerns, goals and timeframes. I cannot express more the importance of really taking the time know our clients. We spend time with each and everyone of them to really find out what is important to them and to see if we can help them or not. After our initial consultation we have really created a client to consultant trust. It make such a big difference in how we work together .

There is a family right now that I am working with. They completely trusted me as a professional real estate consultant to help them make their dream come true. They wanted to move up, into a larger home with a big lot (hard to find theses days). A place where they could live for years to come and raise there family there. To create roots, memories, stability for the kids, a sense of place where everyone would now this was home for good. What a wonderful concept. My parents did that for me and my brothers. I still dream about the home I was raised in and all of the wonderful family memories, and the great time we had growing up. It's awesome.

This families home has sold and they have purchased a new home in the same town (Woodland, CA) with that huge lot. They are very grateful for our relationship we have built because of that...Their dream came true! Making dreams come true is what we do and love every minute of it.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

The Capay Valley

I love working, living and breathing in our beautiful Valley. I was talking to some folks the other day in Solano County. They asked me where I lived. I stated where I lived in Brooks located in the Capay Valley, and they asked, "Where is the Capay Valley?" How funny. I thought everyone new about this gem of a Valley due to Cache Creek Casino. I gave them my spill. I so enjoyed letting them know what our Valley has to offer. From the organic farms, to white water rafting, camping, hiking, horseback riding and all the other recreational endeavors you can experience here.

If you would like to learn more please let us know. We can send you the area's business book of all the business listed here or if you just need a map call us. If you haven't visit our area it is highly recommended!

Thursday, March 08, 2007

The market is picking up!

Yolo County real estate market is improving. Despite the negative media, Buyers are realizing that it is a great time to purchase a home or a country property. There was talk today that interest rates may fall again. What a wonderful time for Buyers to make their dreams come true. Soften market prices, most sellers are willing to negotiate the price and participate in assisting Buyers with their closing cost and all of that compounded with low interest rates you just can't beat that! Don't wait to long and miss this window of opportunity!!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Market Update

What a gorgeous week so far. It looks like more of the same for the week ahead. We went to the National Poultry Show in Stockton over the weekend. My 12-year old son is an exhibitor. He won best of Class with his Black Australorp. Very exciting. There were over 2000 birds from different parts of the US participating. What a sight to see!

The National Association of Realtors released their statistics for national home sales last week. The second half of 2005 saw a significant decline in home sales nationally. The fourth quarter of last year saw the largest change. The one thing that stands out is that the Woodland and Yolo County area home market is holding up much better than the overall national market. From all indications, the market here is actually beginning to heat up again. This is something that most other parts of the country will be envious about.

If you are thinking about making a move please call. It will surprise you what an area specialist can do to save you thousands in the future. There is a lot of value for you in choosing the Team that has the knowledge, experience, and strong negotiation skills to work in your favor.