I'm a Do-It-Yourself kind of guy and I am always looking for ways to save you money. I believe I have a great DIY idea that will save you a lot of money now and every month for as long as you own your home. A Loan Modification is a service, just like painting your house is a service. Some of you revel in doing your own painting. Many of you, like me, would rather pay someone else to paint. There are a lot of projects I enjoy doing myself, but painting is not one of them. I will happily pay someone else to paint my house. I picked painting as my analogy because the cost is similar. I currently contract with the professional negotiators at the most successful company I know of to do loan modifications. They charge $2850 to modify one loan and $3850 if there are two loans. (The last paint ... 03/18/2009

This was the lead article in my newsletter for March, but I talked to two people this week that should have visited this site and have not yet. Here is the information for you to see again. Now is a great time to check out http://www.mint.com/. It's free. Of course, you probably, like me, have some doubts about why they would do it for free. The answer is simple; they want to teach you how to budget so that you will eventually come to them first for your financial needs. You're going to see a lot of appealing banner ads too, but there is not need to chase any of that advertisting. Mostly, they are going to get a bounty for you switching credit cards. That's a win-win! For example, if your spending patterns show you are better off with a Discover Card than a Visa Card, they hope you will... 03/12/2009

1.  The biggest benefit of buying bank owned foreclosures is they are almost always the best priced properties on the market. Banks must sell properties quickly and price their properties to sell in 30 days or less. No big secret here. Here's the fact:  Bank owned properties tend to be priced at or below the most recent sold comps, with very little value given to superior curb appeal, upgrades, etc. Unlike the tradition seller who believes their granite kitchen is worth $50,000 - the banks care very little and base their decision on recent comparables adjusted very little for condition and upgrades. Key Strategy: Look for the upgraded homes as well as the fixers. They tend to be priced about the same! Your hope is that your bid is in quickly and is slightly better than the others.  The ... 03/01/2009

You can Lower Your Property Taxes For Free.  It has come to my attention that you are being hammered with mail offers to lower your property taxes.  The latest mailer says, If you hurry you can get your taxes reducted for only $150 but if you wait it's $279. Baloney.  Getting your property taxes reassessed and lowered because of current market value declines is an easy and free process.  I've done it myself and so have dozens of my clients.  It usually just takes a phone call.  I know you have time for a phone call - you don't need to pay someone to make that call for you. As a matter of fact, this deception is so successful the Tax Assessors are helping you to do this free.  Here's an example on the OC Tax Assessor's website: http://www.ocsd.org/ocgov/Info%20OC/Departments%20&%20Agenci... 02/26/2009

We work with many investors and the first thing every one of them tells us is that they want to "positive cash flow" on their new investments. The good news is that in Orange and Riverside Counties - we finally can again. We are isolating tremendous opportunities for investors to secure properties and net a positive annual return. So here's the question - how do you calculate true positive cash flow? I believe you must take into consideration income, expenses, tax benefits and every other influence on cash flow. As a CPA and Broker, I set out to create the easiest to use, most comprehensive spreadsheet to find out within seconds whether a property should be considered. Whether you are an investor or Realtor, we are happy to share this spreadsheet with you. Just shoot me an email at Nanc... 02/25/2009

The March Newsletter has gone to press! You know how hard I work on the newsletter every month so you can understand my excitement.My recent blog posting about the Stimulus Bill generated a substantial response, so I decided to stray from my usual Letter From the Heart this month and remind you of the different ways I can help you and the people you care about.The newsletter and Letter From the Heart are not changing. Don't give it another thought. It seemed like the right way to remind you I am your Real Estate Consultant for Life and I can help the people you care about.Is there someone you are thinking of right now that should be getting Vic's Venue in the mail? Have you told them about the blog?I'm staying on top of all the stimulus news for you. You're not alone. You have a friend ... 02/23/2009

Here's a great chart that further summaries the major changes and improvements to the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The chart compares the previous credit with the one retroactive to January 1, 2009. As always, be sure to consult with your CPA and Real Estate Broker before making a decision to purchase, sell or exchange real estate. Nancy Moeller, CPA, Real Estate Broker Seven Gables Real Estate Direct: 714 276-7006   02/23/2009

While buying a home can be a stressful process, it can also provide you great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Here is some helpful advice for you to consider when trying to get the best deal. Vacant Properties are a great way to get good deals. Properties that are vacant do not have anyone living in them and are not making any money for the seller. Often, sellers are very willing to enter negotiations to get these properties off their books. This can be a great negotiation point for you, the buyer. Do not underestimate the value of a fixer upper! While it may not be the most attractive house on the block today, it very well may be tomorrow. New carpets, a coat of paint and landscaping can turn a seemingly dilapidated old shack into a sparkling new home. Try not to get distracted ... 02/16/2009

February 13, 2009 Update: While it started out with more promise, a higher credit and broader reach, at least there is something in the stimulus bill that will boost buyer demand and help the housing market. Here are the details of the current proposal without the fluff. Remember, it's not "official" yet so some of these details may change in the week to come. The credit is a maximum of $4,000 for single taxpayers or $8000 (for couples) The actual credit is for 10% of the purchase price of the property (up to $8,000) Only first time homebuyers are eligible. "First Time" is defined as a person or couple who had no ownership interest in a principal residence in the United States during the three years ended on the purchase date of the residence for which the credit is claimed. The propert... 02/15/2009

There as a small article in the Towns section of the Orange County Register earlier this week talking about Anaheim Alert, a new way for residents to stay informed about time-sensitive community information through text messaging. You can find out before anyone else about power outages, unplanned road closures, even fires and natural disasters. What peace of mind would that give me to know that the officials already know about something. I went to www.anaheimalert.net and signed up for the service. I just got a text message reminding me that fire season is not over, because of the winds and giving me tips on fire safety.Twitter has ridden the wave of text popularity better than any other site. www.Twitter.com is for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected throu... 02/12/2009

 As of February 8, 2009, the following properties are bank owned and active listings in Anaheim Hills (92807, 92808). For more information on any of these properties, please call me directly at 714 276-7006. To register to receive daily updates of bank owned properties in Anaheim Hills and Orange County, register at www.OCBankDeals.com Type Address Bedrooms Baths Size (sf) Year Blt Price CONDO  1765 N Cedar Glen Dr A  2  1/1  886  1975  $210,000  CONDO  1735 N Rainwood Cir C  3  2/1  1,068  1973  $219,900  CONDO  5427 E Pine Ridge Way 239  3  2/2  1,100  1978  $219,900  SFR  5626 E Vista Del Valle   2  2/1  1,116  1973  $349,900  SFR  4905 E Holbrooke St   4  2/1  1,550  1969  $375,900  SFR  6027 Queens Dr   3  3/2  1,390  1987  $399,900  SFR  6207 E Northfield Ave   4  2/2  1,404  1973... 02/08/2009

When looking at the housing market, it's important to isolate the cities, zip codes or neighborhoods which matter most to you. In this report, we have captured current supply, demand and closed sales in Anaheim Hills (as defined by zip codes 92807 and 92808). Demand is the number of properties placed in escrow in the last 30 days. 1.       Overall Market = Buyer's Market There are 234 properties on the market in Anaheim Hills. 46 properties went into escrow in the last 30 days, which gives us a 5 month supply of inventory (234 divided by 46). Please note that the picture changes when we isolate our search to just bank owned foreclosure properties. 2.       Bank Owned Foreclosures = Deep Seller's Market There are 11 bank owned properties on the market in Anaheim Hills. (Register to recei... 02/08/2009

Note: This proposal was subsequently modified. See blogs on $8,000 Tax Credit that follow. Even before I saw it on CNN, it's my father who called with the exciting news ... finally a stimulus amendment that could actually stimulate the housing market! The senate said yes to one of the best proposals we've seen to date that can actually make an immediate difference in our housing market. Now, let's see how the house and new President respond. The $15,000 Tax Credit Prososal The credit would be for 10% of the purchase price of a house, up to $15,000. The credit would spread over 2 years - $7,500 the first year and $7,500 the second year. Unlike the $7,500 first time home buyer "credit" (which is actually not a credit, but an interest free loan), this real credit would not have to be paid ... 02/06/2009

I was explaining my opinion on the market in detail to Kevan and Bethany last night and it occurred to me this was information I should share with everyone I care about. I am often asked what I think the market is going to do. I do have an opinion on this, but please understand ~ if I was able to be 100% certain about this, we could all be millionaires! I would tell everybody I care about. I know one esteemed gentleman who is doing his best to make sure this is the bottom of the market. I personally think he could succeed, if the Legislative Branch and the media will let him. There is going to be a spike in foreclosure activity in the next couple of months. Remember late last summer when there was a plea from politicians that banks not foreclose during the Holidays? They didn't. They a... 02/06/2009

Bonnie's Mom and Dad host a family Super Bowl party every year.  It is steeped in tradition.  Bonnie's Hot Wings anchor the pre-game buffet that is spread out over a 4'x8' kitchen island.  The halftime buffet is refreshed with Barbara's Chili and Cornbread.  I can honestly tell you I don't remember being able to eat dinner on any Super Bowl Sunday in a long time...I am too full. This morning, over a breakfast of whole grain toast (back to my diet!), Bonnie told me about how our party contrasted with different friends' days.  She told me a friend we saw at our house yesterday was going home to watch the game alone.  Other friends stayed home with their kids. I was stunned with how that contrasted with our day.  When I was driving to the party, I noticed several cars in traffic with me on... 02/02/2009

Let's say that a seller has had their home listed for $440,000 and although the comps support their price, the property has been sitting on the market for 120 days with no offers. Sound familiar? As we all know, there is a huge pool of buyers who have capped their search at $400,000 that view this property as "out of reach". Instead of looking at this "standard sale", they are all looking at foreclosure properties hoping that can outrun the other buyers to the next foreclosure in their price range. Here's the strategy. The seller of the $440,000 property, instead of reducing his price, offers to pay 3% of the purchase price to pay down the buyer's rate by 1%. (The cost will vary, but just focus on the strategy) It's almost hard to imagine without seeing the math, but this house is now w... 02/01/2009

I was talking to my good friend Debra on Wednesday. We talked about all sorts of things, but there was one very important point that we expected to communicate with each other. I said it and she acknowledged it.It wasn't until Thursday morning that I wondered if she had really heard me. This was an important issue and though she acknowledged me when I said it, there was no emotional reaction to the information. I called Debra and asked her if I was talking in the Charlie Brown Teacher Voice to her. You remember that voice, (I think it was actually a brass instrument with a mute on it played by a talented musician.)  Wa Wa Wa WA Wah Wa.  I hear you talking but you can't come in! Debra admitted, perhaps I was WaWah'ing. We laughed about it and moved on, then I made certain, as her trusted... 01/30/2009

I just got off the phone with a first time homebuyer - our favorite type of client to help. When we starting talking about price range, he gave me a number. He explained that he came up with the number by comparing his current expenses renting to what his new expenses would be with mortgage, taxes and insurance. What a refreshing, yet simple approach! So many people ask their lender how much house they can afford instead of looking at own budget. Imagine the mess we could have avoided if buyers a few years ago took this approach instead of relying on "creative loan programs". To help our buyers, we created our own "Geek Edition" Rent vs. Own calculator. It's a simple Excel Spreadsheet that takes into consideration tax savings, association dues, PMI, insurance, 1st and 2nd mortgages, etc... 01/27/2009

Is it just me?  I overslept this morning and kind of felt like it was a slow day.   You know, one of those rainy Sundays where you stay in your PJ's until after lunch.   I did my stretches and was surprised it was sunny.  Why did it feel so gray to me?  My first appointment was in an office environment where everyone was working at kind of half speed and apologizing that things were "not in sync today".  I was just about completely convinced it was the world and not me when I got to the office.  Someone postponed an appointment until later in the day.  One person had called in sick and now another is going home early because he doesn't feel well.  That never happens around here.   I was a little bit flummoxed, but refused to accept it is a genuinely slow day.  You know me; I am confiden... 01/26/2009

I will be adding more data all the way through to December 2008 and also be keeping you updated on the complete Data for 2009. Please drop by regularly for new Data   Inventory In Months' Supply June 9 2008 Comparing Anaheim to Nearby Communities All Residential Properties     Inventory In Months’ Supply–June 9 2008 All Residential Properties Anaheim   Active -To-Pending Ratio – June 9, 2008 Comparing Anaheim to Nearby Communities All Residential Properties Pricing Reality For Sellers – June 9, 2008 List Price Per Square Foot by MLS Status All Residential Properties in Anaheim   Sale Price Per Square Foot Comparing Anaheim to Nearby Communities Sales Closing 12 Months Ending June 6, 2008 All Residential Properties Monthly Listings Taken and Absorbed All Residential Properties in Anaheim... 01/24/2009