Real Estate Update -    March 22nd  2011  Mike Patel The market is ever changing.  What you are hearing from the mainstream national media about Real Estate is only one small part of the story. Here is the link to my Video Newsletter: for the latest. http://www.patelsupdate.com My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Real Estate NewsInterest RatesMortgage AdviceQuestion & Answers Short Sales Foreclosures Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes weekly. Whether you are thinking about selling or buying, or you just want to keep abreast of the market, I hope you find this information useful and informative 03/23/2011

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, March 18, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 3/11/11-3/18/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 12, Average price is $338,483; 1,498 square feet or $225.96 per square foot. No Back Up, Pending or Closed sales between 3/11/2011-3/18/2011.   Active condo listings in 92808: 33, Average price is $309,762; 1,140 square feet or $271.72 per square foot. Back Up: 3, Average price is $283,333; 1,070 square feet or $264.80 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $311,499; 1,057 square feet or $294.70 per square foot. Closed: 2, Average price is $297,500; 1,091 square feet or $272.69 per square foot. ... 03/18/2011

Real Estate Update -    March 15th  2011  Mike Patel The market is ever changing.  What you are hearing from the mainstream national media about Real Estate is only one small part of the story. Here is the link to my Video Newsletter: for the latest. http://www.patelsupdate.com My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Real Estate NewsInterest RatesMortgage AdviceQuestion & Answers Short Sales Foreclosures Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes weekly. Whether you are thinking about selling or buying, or you just want to keep abreast of the market, I hope you find this information useful and informative 03/16/2011

We talk to people everyday who have lost the equity on their home. We believe many of the reasons people continue to struggle instead of opting for a chance to rebuild their dream are based in some common myths. Now I realize you may not agree with our perspective, and that's okay. It's just our opinion. 1. Myth:     My loss is only on paper. Fact:      Negative equity is REAL. You are weighed down by a debt that may take 15 - 20 years to recoup. Your mortgage payments may be double that of your neighbor for 30 more years. 2. Myth:     I have a moral obligation to repay my entire loan. Fact:    You entered into a business arrangement with your lender. You have already lost 100% of your investment - your down payment. A lender charges interest because they know their investment is at ris... 03/15/2011

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, March 11, 2011.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity between 3/4/11-3/11/11   Active condo listings in 92807: 13, Average price is $353,992; 1,566 square feet or $226.05 per square foot. No Back Up, Pending or Closed sales between 3/4/2011-3/11/2011.   Active condo listings in 92808: 33, Average price is $307,452; 1,116 square feet or $275.49 per square foot. Back Up: 4, Average price is $324,975; 1,292 square feet or $251.53 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $301,944; 1,615 square feet or $186.96 per square foot. No Closed sales between 3/4/2011-3/11/2011.   Single Family Residence Listings, By Zip... 03/11/2011

  Los Angeles TimesBanks drag feet on short sales, survey findsThe CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTOR® (C.A.R.) published its findings of a survey this week, which show that tedious lender requirements and poor communication hamper short sales.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY• Fewer than three of five short sales close in California, illustrating the complexity and difficulty of navigating lenders’ and servicers’ short sale procedures, according to C.A.R.’s survey, which gauged REALTORS®’ experience in working with short sale transactions – transactions in which the lender or lenders agree to accept less than the mortgage amount owed by the current homeowner.• Although not every homeowner or mortgage is eligible for a short sale, those who are able to finalize a short sale avoid a foreclosure ... 03/10/2011

I don't usually post on Wordless Wednesday, but this accident waiting to happen was too funny not to share! Do you think we should door-knock them and ask if they are interested in moving to a home with a big back yard?  (I don't door knock, but this accident waiting to happen makes it a tempting tactic!) 03/09/2011

According to the Santa Ana-based property research firm CoreLogic, 31.8 percent of California homeowners with a loan are "under water" or "upside down." CoreLogic chief economist Mark Fleming says, "Negative equity holds millions of borrowers captive in their homes, unable to move or sell their properties.  Until the high level of negative equity begins to recede, the housing and mortgage finance markets will remain very sluggish." The fact is that homeowners do have options to sell and extinguish their negative equity. A successful short sale can extinguish the negative equity and allow a homeowner to buy again in as few as 24 months. 03/09/2011

KATNIK BROTHERS- Short Sale & Pre-Foreclosure Condo specialists bring you this Short Sale Listing in the"ViewPointe Community of Anaheim Hills". FOR A SHOWING CALL 714.726.2293 Short Sale Information for Sellers- Updated Daily Short Sale Listings with The Katnik Brothers   1072 S Sundance Anaheim Hills, Ca 92808 ViewPointe Community Townhome Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me The Katnik Brothers Office:714 726 2293 Mobile:714 353 2609 Website:Visit Website Price : $339,000 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 2.5 Square Foot : 1,470 County : Orange Property Type : Condo or Townhouse Year Built : 1990 click for more information and pictures Property Description Location! Location! Location! Beautiful ViewPointe Gated Community, a must see neighborhoo... 03/08/2011

In Warren Buffett's annual letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett says, "A housing recovery will probably begin within a year or so. In any event, it is certain to occur at some point." Certainly a safe statement as a recovery is inevitable. Analysis by leading industry experts, taking shadow inventory and resetting loans into consideration, would suggest a recovery is 2 - 4 years away. However, when we factor low interest rates into the overall equation of affordability, Mr. Buffett's analysis seems more on the mark. A one percent increase in interest rates is nearly equivalent to a 10% increase in prices when looking at mortgage payments and affordability of homeownership. To discuss how market projections impact your housing goals, contact us at 714 276-7006 for a ... 03/07/2011

  The Wall Street JournalFive signs that say “buy”Home buyers sitting on the fence wondering if now is the right time to buy should consider five factors when making this decision: Jobs, recent sales activity, construction, mortgage availability, and anecdotal evidence. Each of these issues can help consumers make the best choice for their situation and financial circumstance.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY• Jobs: Although many areas of the country were deeply impacted by the recession, some areas were less affected by job loss. If employment stability is a concern, prospective buyers should review job-growth data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov. The data provided by the Bureau is approximately one month old and shows the direction of the local economy.• Recent Sales ... 03/06/2011

Maximizing and Being Efficient with Social Media: Here is a snap shot of my presentation at the Toastmasters Founders District Training on Feb 12th, 2011. The information that I shared was from my personal experience and use of social media. It helped many of the members of the club, so I thought I will share it here as well. The video is followed by a brief Summary.     Tips and Pointers on Being Efficient Using Social Media: 1. Be Consistent. You must be consistent with the use of social media. Kind of like going to the gym. You must be consistent to get good results. 2. Become an Expert. There are so many social sites out there. Pick a few and become really good at it. Just like going to the gym. One does not use all the equipment there. Use few of them, but use them well to get grea... 03/03/2011

Jack and Bob are two of Dad’s best friends. Uncle Bob decided he was going to take us out to lunch. I have to admit that Uncle Bob’s driver’s license probably probably should have been re-evaluated, but I was very happy to be going to lunch with him. My brother was not so relaxed with his namesake. He squawked and yelled, waved his arms and fidgeted. My Dad laughed as we narrowly avoided three different auto collisions. Jack was sitting quietly in the front seat. I was chuckling as I asked him how he stayed so cool. He calmly looked back at me, smiled and said, “I teach blind people to ski Vic.” Jack is a retired schoolteacher. About 20 years ago, he became an adventurer. Whether it was searching for gold, rafting rivers or climbing mountains; Jack embraced life fully. A few years ago h... 03/02/2011

How much do you tip your service providers?  I asked this question back in 2006 and it occurred to me that the 2011 answers are going to be very different.  We're coming out of a recession and people are more cautious with their money than they used to be.  I think the easiest way to read the answers is if you copy and past the survey into your comment and include only the answer.  Of course, you do it however you are most comfortable!   Tipping Survey How much do you typically tip a waiter/waitress? 20% 15% 10% Other: ________________________________________ Doyou ever leave an intentionally smaller tip or no tip for a waiter/waitress to send a message? Intentionally smaller tip. Intentionally left no tip. No, I always tip generously. How much do you tip at the car wash? If you forget ... 02/28/2011

6 Great Reasons Why  People Decide To Buy A  Home. Buying a house is on a lot of peoples mind!  Even if they own a house right now, they may be thinking of buying a bigger home, a smaller home, a home with a view! Prices right now are at historic lows so are the interest rates. Renting all the time can be a frustrating way of life. The money you pay every month is gone forever. If you own a home, the payment will eventually come back to you and then some when it appreciates. So here are 6 great reasons people decide to buy a house.   1. They want to live the American Dream. Of all the things that people want to buy or have, owning a home tops the list. 2. They want to build equity.When you rent, the money every month is gone. When you own a home, ti builds equity in your home. When the ... 02/27/2011

  CNN MoneyShould you pay off the house?An increasing number of homeowners are considering paying off their mortgage early. While paying off debt generally is a sound strategy, homeowners also are aware that mortgage interest is tax-deductible, so paying off a mortgage early may not be in the best interest for all homeowners.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY• Homeowners with credit card debt, and those who aren’t contributing the maximum amount to a 401(k), are advised to make those the first priority. It is also important that homeowners have at least six months’ worth of living expenses in cash.• Retirees, and those close to retirement, who are contemplating a lump-sum payoff, need to ensure they have enough liquid savings to handle emergencies and unexpected medical expenses.• Homeowners pl... 02/25/2011

A BABY IS BORN IN ANAHEIM HILLS A Letter to The First Born of Valued Clients Timothy Michael was born at 3:53 p.m. on February 25.    His parents closed on the purchase of their first home last March.  After a hard-won transaction, this successful young couple immediately announced their intention to begin a family.   Last August, at their first house party, a spare room had already begun to take shape as a nursery.    To say this couple is decisive and proactive is a severe understatement!Now, Timmy occupies the nursery his parents furnished and decorated shortly after closing. Guess which book will be his first? THE LETTER "Dear Timmy,   Welcome to the world!   We haven't met, but I feel I know you.  Maybe it's because you look like your mom.  On second thought, you look like your dad... 02/25/2011

Do you want to work with a Good agent or a Great Agent? Real Estate Agents come and go! 50% of all agents leave the business in the first year. Over 80% of the agents leave the business within 5 years. That leaves the Great agents working and in the business ever after. More than 80% of the real estate business is done by 20% of the agents. So what makes for a Great Agent? They are contributor's They look out for the benefit of their clients first. They are students. They keep learning and changing as the market  and client expectations changes. They are service oriented. They always want what is best for the clients first. They are technology oriented. As the marketing, processing and communications change with technology, they catch on fast and keep with technology. They have a great ... 02/24/2011

It happened to me twice this week, do your clients envy you too? The first time, my client told me that I seemed to always be happy and confident.  He wondered if he shouldn't try to be a Realtor too.  He asked if I would hire him if he did.  Of course I would, I said.  I smiled to myself and realized it has been a long time since anyone said that to me. Last night, my client told her husband to tell me what he was talking about.  He grinned sheepishly and said he was thinking of becoming a Realtor, but only if he could work for me.  He said he has worked with and seen other Realtors in action and he knows he could do the job.  He said he wanted to do the job the way I do.  He cited my professionalism and my negotiating skills and the fact I am always looking to have fun. Needless to sa... 02/24/2011

My friend Stephen Reifenstein is directing a new musical; Class of 90 - The Musical and Auditions are tonight.  It's a brand new musical written by Erik Przytulski and they need you.   Auditions are tonight at 6:30pm.  Rehearsals start later this week. I've seen Stephen and Erik's shows before and they are always entertaining. At auditions last night, only 7 people showed up...for a cast of at least 24.  This is your chance to scratch that acting bug itch!You can audition yourself or you can forward this information to the person you are thinking of who can play a high school student on stage. Their website lists a fee but they have an alternate form of fund-raising where you buy some tickets in advance.  Let me know if you need help with that; I am happy to help!AuditionsClass of 90-Th... 02/22/2011