Find Out What’s For Sale BEFORE It Hits The Market!

Fullerton Real Estate – No Bobby, The Appraiser is NOT the Devil…..

When I took a listing on in the highly sought after Downtown Fullerton area, I knew I had my work cut out for me. This lovely home on Jacaranda showed wonderfully and though we listed it right at Christmas time when most buyers typically stop shopping. We were able to get it sold right away with multiple offers.

The work wasn’t so much in the listing, but in getting the Appraiser to see the value too! I mean I had just sold a home for the highest price in quite some time in the neighborhood and now I had to make sure the apprasier agreed! 

The dreaded words….Appraisal!  I have heard appraisers referred to as “deal killers” for brining the value in too low.  Since the fall of the real estate market, it is tougher than ever for them! 

This is not the appraiser!

Sure, we listed on the high side.  I was confident we could get what we were asking for.  At our open house, the residents of this lovely Downtown Fullerton neighborhood all came by and echoed the same sentiment, “We hope you can get the value, it will be so good for the neighborhood”.   I must admit, I got nervous…for about a minute.

Lucky for me, I worked for a major lender years ago and had extensive appraisal training. I would work closely with what we called the Appraisal Review Department and learned exactly what they were looking for and how they wanted the value justified.  Trust me, I did not forget.

When the appraiser called about appraising the home, I made sure I made it as easy as possible for him.  Often times, Realtors just show up and unlock the door.  I guess that is one way to do it but by making sure they understand the upgrades, the neighborhood, how you came to the value, the offers….etc….you would be surprised at how much they appreciate the help and in UNDERSTANDING WHY THE VALUE IS THERE!

Appraisers have a tough job right now.  They have much stricter guidelines now and are held accountable for every little thing. Their job is stressful to say the least!   This was just reiterated by an appraiser that called me (because the home on Jacaranda has now closed and is showing as a comparable sale).  She was trying to justify the price on something else in the neighborhood and she was floored when she saw how much my home sold for.  We talked a long time about how hard it is for them right now.  Since I know every single home in the neighborhood, and what they all sold for, I was able to help her and explain how we were able to justify the sold price on our Jacaranda home.

Appraisers are not trying to be bad guys or deal killers. Sometimes they just need a little help in justifying the value. The least we can do is try to help! It is good for them…..and our sellers!

If you are interested in hearing more about values and appraisals or anything else relating to Fullerton real estate or real estate in North Orange County, please contact me.

Fullerton High School Open Enrollment Option – January 4 through 22, 2010

The Open enrollment option for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District allows students the opportunity to apply for attendance at a high school in the distract other than the school that he or she would attend based on where they live.

Open enrollment applications for the up coming 2010/2011 school year can be obtained at the school of residence between January 4th and January 22nd, 2010.  The completed application MUST be returned to the school of residence by NO LATER than January 22nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the enrollment booklet, go to:  http://www.fjuhsd.k12.ca.us/fjuhsd/site/default.asp or contact Sunny Garcia by phone:  714-870-2846 or email:  sdgarcia@fjuhsd.net

Fullerton Home For Sale! Open House Sunday, December 13th – Downtown Fullerton Real Estate!

Open House, Saturday December 13^th from 1:00 to 4:00

This Fullerton Home is very special! This single story home near the Muckenthaler and Downtown Fullerton has so many great details; it’s your chance to own your little piece of Fullerton Real Estate!

• 3 Bedrooms
• 1 ¾ Baths – upgraded
• Completely expanded and remodeled kitchen with lots of oak cabinets, corion counters, a pantry and lots of counter space
• A large beautifully landscaped yard with lots of trees (including fruit trees) and a redwood deck
• Newer roof, copper plumbing and electrical
• Newer doors, garage door, dual pane low-e vinyl frame windows with a bay window in the master 
• Cozy family room with wood burning soap-stone stove
• Covered patio area with multiple cabinets and counter-tops for gardening, hobbies or outdoor living.

There is so much more, stop by and see this wonderful Fullerton home for yourself! If you would like a private showing of this home before the open house, please contact me! I would be happy to give you the tour!

Cristal Drake – Prudential California Realty -dre: 01272061

Fullerton Real Estate – October 2009 Sales Stats – Not Too Much Has Changed….

Anyone that has been actively searching for a home in Fullerton (especially their first one) knows exactly what I am talking about.  Inventory is still VERY low in Orange County.    Fullerton Real Estate seems to be in especially high demand, see for yourself!

Fullerton Home Sales October 2009

The Fullerton homes that are in the highest demand are the ones that are less than $500,000.  These homes can command dozens of offers!  Trust me, I know, I had to really jump through some hoops to get an offer accepted for a buyer on a great craftsman home in Downtown Fullerton. There were 48 offers!  Yes, 48! Check out the stats on Fullerton homes that are less than $500,000.

October 2009 Fullerton Home Sales under $500,000

I know you can read but this graph shows the activity for Fullerton Homes that were priced below $500,000 in October 2009:

• 116 homes listed in Fullerton
• 99 went into escrow
• 75 closed

Look at October 2008!  There were three times the listings and about half the sales of October 2009!

I am guessing that most of the ones that did not go into escrow were most likely short sales that received multiple offers but the agent just never changed the status of the listing to reflect this.What does this mean?  It means that buyers are having a tough time right now.  If you are thinking of moving up, this is a great time!  There is a lot more inventory for the move up buyers. You may now even qualify for the extended tax credit.

If you have questions about Fullerton Real Estate, the Tax Credit or anything at all, I would love the opportunity to answer your questions. It is a crazy market right now and you need to be sure to ask someone who knows!

There is No Shame in A Short Sale or Loan Modification

Homeowners, If you are underwater and your mortgage payment is more than you can handle, you are not alone.  Everyone knows someone that is in this situation and feeling overwhelmed by the thought of the “F” word – foreclosure.  You may be wondering what you should do and there are a couple of options.

Loan Modification – You may be able to work with your existing lender to negotiate a lower rate or principal balance of your existing mortgages.  The lender wants to be sure that you have the means to pay the loan back and has criteria that needs to be met. 

HUD The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched “Keep Your Home. Know Your Loan”,.  campaign to help home owners in crisis. Call the Hud Toll Free Counseling Hot-line at 877-HUD-1515 to arrange face to face meeting with a counselor near you regarding the loan modification process.  I can also refer you to a local non-profit agency.

Short Sale - With this option, you can choose to list and sell your home for less than the amount than you currently owe on your mortgage.  There is some red tape here and it could take some time but if you work with a Realtor(r) that understands the process, you have a good chance coming out of this less bruised then you would a foreclosure.

Foreclosure - This is the worst possible scenario. When a bank forecloses on your home, it can be devastating to your credit and family for years to come.  Just some of the effects that people often don’t realize are associated with foreclosure are:

• Drop in credit score – You credit may affected for seven to 10 years
• Fewer Employment Options - with so many employers doing background checks, a foreclosure on your record may keep you from getting that new job
• Security Clearance – If you have a security clearance, this could also be affected! 

This is a tough time for so many.  There is no shame in having a hardship, a loan adjustment or a major life occurrence that is keeping you from making that mortgage payment and all your other obligations. In fact, most Americans are living month to month and have less than one month’s worth of reserves. A lay off or injury, even for a short time could have devastating effects.

If you would like to hear more about your options and just want someone to talk to about it, I am here to help in anyway I can.  These are the times that Realtors are here to help home owners by educating them on the tough decisions.  There is no cost for this and of course, it is completely confidential.

Cristal Drake – 714-423-7525 – cristaldrake@gmail.com 

Doors Of Fullerton…What’s Behind Door Number Two?

Congratulations to Nicole Bell of Anaheim! She correctly guessed what was behind Door Number One, it was The Carpe Diem Experience!  Her name was chosen as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations Nicole!  Now for Door Number two…

“Doors of Fullerton” Contest!We all agree; Fullerton is a great place to live!  Our Downtown Area is the heart and the city is full of history, buildings with architectural detail featuring eclectic stores, restaurants, art and services. So, how well do YOU know Fullerton? 

I will be featuring a series of doors and clues from the business behind the door.  If you guess the correct business, you will be entered for a chance to win a prize from the business behind the door!  Make sense?  Now for the contest!  So, what’s behind door number two?  Here are your clues…

Clue 1: This is a fairly new location in the SOCO District but has been a well established business in Fullerton for over ten years

Clue 2: They shoot people for money.

Clue 3: Walk through these doors to capture some of the most important moments of your life. Wedding, School or family, once they help document your milestones, they will most likely be lifelong friends!

 Clue 4: They are currently ranked number two in their category on the MyFoxLA OC Hotlist!  After you guess who they are, go ahead and cast your vote for them there!

Extra hint: You can find them somewhere in my blog!

ENTER TO WIN! Send an email to: cristaldrake@gmail.com with your guess and contact info or reply in the comments section of my blog at cristaldrake.com.  The comments are public so others may piggyback off you and please don’t forget your contact info! The winner will be notified by email and will receive a $25.00 gift certificate from the business behind the door.

Contest Rules: You can enter as many times as you wish, but on one affiliated with the place behind the door may enter to win. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers. Contest ends March 29, 2009 and answers must be submitted by then to qualify

Now Casting! Door Number Three!  Do you have or know of a cool business in Fullerton that would like to be featured in “Doors of Fullerton”?  Just let me know!

What's Behind Door Number Two?

Did You Know?….A Few Tidbits about the Fullerton Real Estate Market

Fullerton

Did You Know?….A Few Tidbits about the Fullerton Real Estate Market.

Did You Know?

In February, 2009 there was a total of 316 closed sales in Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda?
February 2008 only had 160 closed sales in the same area?
Fullerton had 67 closed sales in February 2009 – Avg. Sales price $411,862?
Fullerton had 48 closed sales in February 2008 – Avg. Sales price $579,268?
Fullerton currently has 404 homes for sale – 156 Short Sales and 51 Bank Owned?
Fullerton had 10 Short Sale Listings close in February 2009?
Fullerton had 33 bank owned listings close in February 2009?
First time home buyers can qualify for an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit?
Majority of info provided by the So Cal Multiple listing Service

Though prices in Fullerton are down, starter homes are selling! We are seeing muliple offers so you need to be quick, creative and tenacious to be in the running for your first home…especially if you are dealing with a bank!

On the national average, sales of existing homes declined in January. Inventories fell to a two-year low. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyers are waiting to see how details of the economic stimulus package will affect them. NAR’s Chief economist Lawrence Yun reports, “The drop in total inventory is an encouraging sign because the number of homes on the market has declined steadily since peaking in July 2008, and inventory is at the lowest level in two years.”

As you and I talk about buying or selling, it is important to understand that location has never been more pertinent to pricing. There are buyers ready to move and popular locations (like Fullerton) ar at the top of their list! If you have questions or concerns, know that I am here to serve your needs.

Studio EMP in Fullerton- More Than Just a Photography Studio!

Studio EMP – More Than Just a Photography Studio!

Joel (owner of Studio EMP) is one of the most amazing artists I know. I say artist because the images that I have seen are more works of art than just photos.

He has been shooting pictures for years. Of course he shoots INCREDIBLE wedding photos (you can’t really call them photos though, they are so much more than that), to family portraits, to fashion photography to the most surreal photos of things that with the naked eye, would appear ordinary. However, he makes them extraordinary and every photo tells a story.

I was fortunate enough to see some of his travel photography first hand at A Night in Fullerton. It was incredible and hearing him talk about some of the works was so intriguing.

Even if you are not there for a photo shoot, Studio EMP is a shopping destination. Joel’s wife Jeni has decorated and designed the interior to include beautiful exposed brick walls, antique props for your photos and unique gift items. From candles to frames to wedding invitations, there are so many things to choose from.

Studio EMP (Formerly Eckman Maus Photography) has recently relocated to the SOCO District in Historic Downtown Fullerton and is now in the historic Brandle Building at: 112 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton, Ca 92832 – 714-992-5400. Studio EMP

Love Joel ’s work but bummed that you aren’t in Fullerton? Don’t be! Joel is HAPPY TO TRAVEL to make sure your wedding is captured in his photojournalistic and artistic style. He will blend right into the background so you don’t even know he is there!

Doors of Fullerton – What’s Behind Door Number One?

Welcome to the “Doors of Fullerton” Contest!

You Could Win a $25.00 Gift Certificate!

We all agree; Fullerton is a great place to live!  Our Downtown  is the heart and the city is full of history, and buildings with architectural detail featuring eclectic stores, restaurants, art and services.

How well do YOU know Fullerton? I have created an interactive game to get us all thinking about the many great places here.  Introducing… “Doors of Fullerton”. 

I will be featuring a series of doors and three clues about  the business behind the door.  If you guess the correct business, you will be entered for a chance to win a prize from the featured business!  Make sense?  Now for the contest!  What’s behind door number one?… Here are your clues:

Clue 1: A harmonious place where you can find objects of art from local artists, handcrafted gifts and decor from all over the world and an abundant of architectural elements, plants and pottery.

Clue 2: It is surrounded by iron gates, a secret garden, a skin treatment day spa, handcrafted designer jewelry studio/boutique and a beautiful fountain flowing with water. It is a place to inspire visitors to be creative and live well. Come  in and when you leave you will SEIZE THE DAY!

Clue 3: Gallery of Creations was the former name of the proprietor’s business.

Extra hint – I have blogged about this business before so if you dig deep enough, you might find it here in my by blog site!

ENTER TO WIN! Here’s how: Submit an email to: cristaldrake@gmail.com with your guess and contact info or reply in the comments section below.  The comments here will not be published until the end of the contest. Please don’t forget your contact info!    

The winner will be notified by email and will receive a $25.00 gift certificate from the business behind the door!

Contest Rules: You can enter as many times as you wish, but on one affiliated with the featured business may enter to win. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers. Contest ends February 25, 2009 and answers must be submitted by then to qualify.