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.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Great Home in Winter, CA - Its a Deal
|
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Gorgeous Arbuckle Property - 7648 Mumma Road
Lovely Country Home- 10 Acres
7648 Mumma Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912 View Map
Welcome Home. This country property is awesome! Experience the tranquality that this home and property has to offer.
Lovely secluded country home located in Arbuckle. Features a beautiful updated kitchen with granite counter tops, and newer appliances, separate family & living room, fireplace, beautiful landscaped yards, outbuildings, detached study/workout room, assorted fruit trees, a handsome & good producing almond orchard on drip, district water available. Views of the Sutter Buttes. You truly are in a peaceful and tranquil location.
Details





Sunday, August 17, 2008
Losing your home- You have options. Protect Yourself
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!!
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, June 19, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Property Taxes - You may be paying to much!
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?
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





Saturday, February 16, 2008
Homebuyers Insider
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
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Beautiful Rumsey Canyon Home
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
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Unethical real estate agent
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
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.