SHORT SALES REPRESENTED 31% OF THE MARKET IN MAY. KATNIK BROTHERS, BROKER REALTOR, ANAHEIM HILLS, CA. SINGLE FAMILY HOME AND CONDO SPECIALISTS. May's numbers actually breathed a sigh of relief for homeowners as it represented a decrease from April (37%). A large reduction in foreclosed homes through quick sales and pre-emptive short sales are also boosting prospects of a stabilizing market. The shadow inventory of foreclosed homes has dipped substantially furthering the belief of many the market is headed for an upswing. Less short sales and foreclosed homes will only boost the number of standard sales and positive comparables to move the market up. For information on how all this effects the Single Family Home and Condo market in ANAHEIM HILLS, call the Katnik Brothers at 714-726-2293.... 06/22/2011

What do I mean by an AVID Professional in Anaheim Hills?  We rely on different phrases to identify people of character; the cream rises to the top, it separates the men from the boys and you can soar with the eagles or toil with the turkeys… About three or four years ago, after real estate-related lawsuits had become the number one lawsuit in our Golden State, the California Association of Realtors (CAR) created the Agents Visual Inspection Disclosure (AVID). The form requires each and every agent involved in a transaction to do a reasonably diligent visual inspection of the property and document their inspection results. The form was met with so much resistance by so many agents that, to this day, it is still not a required disclosure in the transaction for many offices. I took a compl... 06/21/2011

   If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com   The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, June 10, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 6/3/11-6/10/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 7, Average price is $409,453; 1,775 square feet or $230.68 per square foot. Back-Up: 1, $420,000; 1,463 square feet or $287.08 per square foot. Pending: 1, $389,900; 2,100 square feet or $185.67 per square foot. Closed: 1, $370,000; 1,658 square feet or $223.16 per square foot.   Active condo listings in 92808: 29, Average price is $295,060; 1,126 square feet or $262.04 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $283,999; 1,053 square feet or $269.70 per square feet. Closed: 3, Average price is $30... 06/10/2011

What is a Tidewater Appraisal? I just found out myself this week. I found out because this is the second Tidewater Appraisal issue I have had in the last week.  None in 10 years, two in the last week! The first came in as an email from the buyer's agent on one of my listings, "I'm sorry to inform you that we came in Tide Water on the appraisal. Value is $15,000 low." I had never heard this slang term before, so I asked my lender and my escrow provider. Nope. None of us knew what the slang term meant. I replied that the appraisal had come in at my listing price and I was not surprised the appraisal came in low as there were no comps to support their contract price. I told the buyer's agent that she was the one who wrote it for $15,000 more and said there were comps to support the price,... 06/08/2011

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com   The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, June 3, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 5/27/11-6/3/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 9, Average price is $411,686; 1,720 square feet or $239.35 per square foot. Pending: 1, $249,500; 1,016 square feet or $245.57 per square foot. No Back-Up or Closed sales between 5/27/2011-6/3/2011   Active condo listings in 92808: 29, Average price is $293,991; 1,108 square feet or $265.33 per square foot. Back-Up: 3, Average price is $221,333; 1,009 square feet or $219.36 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $306,950; 1,194 square feet or $257.08 per square feet. Closed: 4, Average price is $29... 06/03/2011

  The Los Angeles TimesMany homeowners refinancing mortgages to shorter terms borrowers who can afford higher mortgage payments, and who meet lenders’ stricter loan guidelines, often opt to replace their 30-year mortgages with shorter term loans at near-record low rates.Making sense of the storyThe latest Freddie Mac quarterly survey of homeowners who refinanced found that more than one in three borrowers who refinanced from a 30-year fixed-rate loan opted to replace it with 15-year or 20-year mortgages at near-record low rates.Homeowners considering refinancing into a shorter-term mortgage must have the income or financial reserves sufficient to pay the extra money each month.Borrowers not only need to have the income or financial reserves, they also have to qualify for a refinance, h... 05/27/2011

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com   The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, May 27, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 5/20/11-5/27/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 8, Average price is $343,834; 1,496 square feet or $229.84 per square foot. Back-Up: 1, $419,900; 2,000 square feet or $209.95 per square foot. Closed: 1, $435,000; 2,226 square feet or $195.42 per square foot. No Pending sales between 5/20/2011-5/27/2011   Active condo listings in 92808: 29, Average price is $287,748; 1,080 square feet or $266.43 per square foot. Back-Up: 3, Average price is $292,458; 1,085 square feet or $269.55 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $377,000; 1,416 square feet ... 05/27/2011

  The Mercury NewsBankrupt homeowners shed second mortgages Some struggling homeowners are using a little known, but increasingly popular, provision of the bankruptcy code to eliminate second mortgages and avoid foreclosure. MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY Bankruptcy laws prevent homeowners from eliminating the debt of a first mortgage if they plan to stay in their home. But second mortgages are treated differently. Second mortgages can bedeclared unsecured debt when there is no equity to cover them. When that happens in a personal bankruptcy proceeding, the second mortgage is put on hold and no payments are required while the homeowner completes a repayment plan for other debts,which typically takes three to five years. At that point, the second mortgage is eliminated. While this strategy h... 05/22/2011

The New York TimesFinancing foreclosed homes foreclosure properties, especially those with the water and power turned off, may not qualify for standard financing, but would-be owner-occupants may qualify for a federally insured 203(k) loan.Making sense of the story Would-be owner-occupants who do not have enough money to purchase a foreclosure home using cash, may qualify for the federally insured 203(k) loan, which allows borrowers to roll projected rehab costs into the loan. According to one real estate expert, most foreclosure properties are sold as is, and, oftentimes, heat, plumbing, and electric are turned off, making it unlikely a lender will lend money on the home. To qualify for a 203(k) loan, buyers generally hire an independent consultant hired by the Federal Housing Adminis... 05/22/2011

  Los Angeles TimesDon’t become a crime victim when you show your home to potential buyers safety should always be a top concern for both real estate agents and home sellers. While holding an open house and allowing potential home buyers to tour the property is an effective means of selling a home, home sellers should be aware of the risks.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY While most criminals will seek small items and anything they can fit into their pockets, sometimes these “buyers” are actually scoping the home for a future burglary.  According to a safety expert who has worked with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and other groups, first and foremost, people should trust their instincts, so if someone or something is making one uncomfortable, be extra alert and extremely careful. If a... 05/22/2011

  Los Angeles TimesAre you getting your money’s worth with appraisal? Despite Federal Reserve regulations that took effect April 1 requiring lenders to pay appraisers fair fees, many appraisers say they are still offered $200 to $250 by lenders for work billed to consumers at $450 or more.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY Last year’s Dodd-Frank financial reform law mandated that appraisers receive fees that are “customary and reasonable” for their local market areas, yet the Appraisal Institute says that is not appening. While a portion of the difference between what consumers are billed and appraisers are paid goes to the management companies that connect lenders with local appraisers and take a percentage for their services, often times lenders make a profit from the appraisal as well. Home ... 05/22/2011

Los Angeles TimesConfidence in value of homeownership persists through bust despite the decline in home prices, 81 percent of U.S. adults believe buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY Homeownership topped the list of long-term financial goals for Americans, according to the study.  Respondents rated homeownership, as well as living comfortably in retirement, as more important than sending children to college or leaving offspring an inheritance. “Owning a home is really a part of the American dream, and that is just part of the American psyche and something that people aspire to,” according to one of the study’s authors. Although the vast majority of adults surveyed are in fav... 05/22/2011

  San Francisco ChronicleMortgage aid offered to those who cashed out equity The California Housing Finance Agency announced this week that people who cashed out equity on their home now are eligible for three of the four “Keep Your Home California” programs. MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY Keep Your Home California is a state-run program funded with $2 billion from the U.S. Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund. It is designed to help low- and moderate-income people who are unemployed or owe more than their home is worth pay their mortgage. There are four individual programs that fall under Keep Your Home California.  Eligible homeowners can get up to $50,000 in assistance from one or more of the four programs combined. Under the new rules, people who took equity out of their homes will be eligible f... 05/22/2011

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com   The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, May 20, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 5/13/11-5/20/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 7, Average price is $367,510; 1,575 square feet or $233.34 per square foot. No Back-up, Pending, or Closed sales between 5/13/2011-5/20/2011   Active condo listings in 92808: 30, Average price is $296,280; 1,096 square feet or $270.33 per square foot. Back Up: 4, Average price is $268,475; 1,105 square feet or $242.96 per square foot. Pending: 1, $284,900; 1,108 square feet or $257.13 per square feet. Closed: 1, $284,000; 1,205 square feet or $235.68 per square foot.    Single Family Residence Listings, ... 05/20/2011

KATNIK BROTHERS- ANAHEIM HILLS, CALIFORNIA SHORT SALE SPECIALISTS. Rental Homes or Condos, Vacation Homes, and Primary residences can be approved for the Short Sale Process. We are Re/Max Metro's # 1 Short Sale Team! For more information on your ANAHEIM HILLS SHORT SALE OPTIONS call 714.726.2293 ****** A SHORT SALE COSTS "$0" W/ THE KATNIK BROTHERS ****** ANAHEIM HILLS SHORT SALE INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE... • No Equity in your home • Medical Expenses are too high • Job Loss or Pay Reduction • Behind on your payments • Can't afford the cost of selling your home • Divorce or current separation • You are in foreclosure Benifits of a Short Sale: • STOP Foreclosure • Avoid Bankruptcy • Reduce your credit impact • Postpone your foreclosure sale date • A short sale will usually show," Paid in f... 05/12/2011

Are you making All the Right Moves in Anaheim Hills?I moved again last week.  Again?  I moved last August and I was distracted and confused.  I made many mistakes in my move and my closest friends, and the clients I was working with at the time, teased me that I was my own worst client!This time, I took my own advice.  I carefully coordinated my moves to overlap by four days so that I wouldn’t feel any pressure during the move.  Then I started transferring utilities.  I was able to transfer The Gas Company on-line.  I called the City of Anaheim.  Electric, water and trash were easy because I’m moving from one end of Anaheim to the other end of Anaheim.  Easy!  I called my trusted mover, Jerry.  He came by and “remembered” a coupon, just like he does when I refer him to you!I changed my ... 05/08/2011

These are the Anaheim Hills bank repos as of today. For an ALWAYS-UPDATED list, you can view photos and details at Anaheim Hills Bank Repos. # MLS # Status Price Address 1 MRM-K11044743 Active $291,900 8035 E DESERT PINE Dr AH CA 92808 2 L35518 Active $294,000 1035 S STRESA Way AH CA 92808 3 P766606 Active $359,900 6524 E Camino Vista 2 AH CA 92807 4 P777408 Active $361,900 6516 E Camino Vis 2 AH CA 92807 5 P776685 Active $367,000 5532 E Vista Del Amigo ah CA 92807 6 P779339 Active $459,900 575 S Anaheim Hills Rd AH CA 92807 7 P772214 Active $475,000 7878 E Rainview Ct AH CA 92808 8 S656060 Active $495,000 8605 E Canyon Vista Dr AH CA 92808 9 MRM-C11036472 Active $524,000 5380 E SUNCREST Rd AH CA 92807 10 P773694 Active $535,000 5902 E Firenze Cres AH CA 92807 11 P771838 Active $549,900... 05/06/2011

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com   The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, April 29, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 4/22/11-4/29/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 7, Average price is $390,168; 1,701 square feet or $229.38 per square foot. Closed: 1, $375,000; 1,981 square feet or $189.30 per square foot. No Back-up or Pending sales between 4/22/2011-4/29/2011   Active condo listings in 92808: 28, Average price is $295,305; 1,084 square feet or $272.42 per square foot. Back Up: 2, Average price is $372,000; 1,358 square feet or $273.93 per square foot. Closed: 2, Average price is $345,000; 1,406 square feet or $245.38 per square foot.    Single Family Residence L... 04/29/2011

  Orange County RegisterDistressed home sales rising Pending home sales rose in February, as did the share of distressed properties sold, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported this week.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY• Pending home sales in California increased in February, according to C.A.R.’s Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)*. The index was 112.1 in February, rising 20.6 percent from January’s revised index of 93.0, based on contracts signed in February. The index was down 1.6 percent from February 2010, when the presence of housing tax credits played a strong role in home sales. Pending home sales are forward-looking indicators of future home sales activity, providing information on the future direction of the market, according to C.A.R.• “The increase in pending sales... 03/24/2011

The 4 Stages Of Wealth Building As A Homeowner : 1. Having Emergency Cash. 2. Eliminate Bad Debt. 3. Have 3-6 expense Reserve. 4. Become Debt Free. It's not that Complicated! (KCM Blog)   03/24/2011