Help Our Home Blog

Choosing A San Diego Home Is A Major Decision.

davewerthrealty — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:48:15 +0000

Choosing a home is a major decision. That’s why I take the time to listen to my clients. By understanding each person’s needs and ideas, I can target certain homes in specific neighborhoods, and streamline their home buying process.

Maybe that’s why over 50% of my business comes from referrals.

I offer personal, timely service designed to pinpoint the perfect home for your unique needs and lifestyle, including:

In-depth interviews to help us target neighborhoods
School ratings, crime statistics, home values and other detailed community information
Daily e-mail messages that alert you to the newest home listings

Finding the best home for you is very important to me. Before you select a real estate professional, call me to find out more information on how I can help you.

How We Work To Get Your San Diego Home Sold

davewerthrealty — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:05:10 +0000

There are many factors that go into the successful sale of a home for top dollar.

The home must receive maximum market exposure and also be presented in a way that highlights its unique character and features. There is also much the homeowner can do to improve the home’s saleability and create an appealing atmosphere during showings. Lastly, there’s the effective negotiation of the sale price, followed by an organized completion of the transaction.

We know how to handle every aspect of the sales process, from strategically marketing the home to making sure everything’s signed, sealed and delivered by the closing date. So when you decide to sell, please contact me. We’d like to put our skills, experience and network to work for you.

Client First Philosophy

davewerthrealty — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:40:45 +0000

There are many qualities that go into being an excellent real estate professional: integrity, in-depth market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work. That said, throughout my career working in your area I’ve also found that providing high-quality service is essentially about putting my clients first – by keeping myself accessible, being a good listener and responding quickly to your needs

This “client first” philosophy has always been my approach. So when you decide to sell, please call or email me. I’ll provide first-class service that will help you get more money for your home and make the selling experience as enjoyable as possible.

Here is a great example of “Why Pay Rent When You Can Own?”

davewerthrealty — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:58:24 +0000

Here is a great example of “Why Pay Rent When You Can Own?”

If you took out a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for $150,000 and made monthly mortgage payments of $900. You’d pay $324,000 in mortgage and interest payments over the life of the loan. And after 30 years you’d own a home with an appreciated value potential of $364,000 (at 3% annual appreciation). Keep in mind: Appreciation rates vary greatly based on local conditions.

Compare that to paying $800 per month in rent over 30 years! Even if your landlord improbably never raised rent, you would still spend $288,000 and own nothing!

In the long run, you’re probably losing money by renting instead of owning your own home. So wouldn’t you rather be building up equity in a home instead of giving your hard-earned money to your landlord?

I’m not sure if you know this, but one of the main advantages of owning your own home is that you become eligible for various tax benefits.

By the way, the financial net worth comparison, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance, the Average net worth of renters = $4,000; the Average net worth of home owners = $184,400.

Let us know what you think or how we can help.

Tool Helps Unemployed Get Loan Mods

davewerthrealty — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:51:03 +0000

A new Web-based tool can help workers who have lost their jobs demonstrate that their unemployment checks will be large enough and last long enough to allow them to qualify for a mortgage loan modification.

The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), one of the Obama administration’s main foreclosure prevention initiatives, allows laid-off workers to obtain loan modifications — but only if loan servicers can determine that borrowers have at least nine months of unemployment benefits remaining.

In the past, unemployment insurance typically lasted no more than 26 weeks, or about 6.5 months. But because the recession has made it more difficult to find work, Congress has passed provisions that extend unemployment benefits to last as long as 79 weeks — about 20 months.

Whether workers are eligible for that much coverage depends on the level of unemployment in their state and their individual circumstances.

Further complicating the issue is that there are three different unemployment programs: the regular 26-week unemployment insurance program, an extended unemployment compensation (EUC) program of up to 33 weeks, and an extended benefit program (EB) of up to 20 weeks.

To help lenders, housing counselors and homeowners determine the amount and duration of unemployment coverage a troubled borrower is eligible to receive, the Department of Labor has launched an unemployment benefit estimation tool.

Using information from a letter that individuals applying for unemployment benefits receive from the state, the tool can calculate potential total weeks of unemployment insurance for all programs, along with the individual’s weekly benefit amount and the total potential amount to be paid over the life of their claim.

The tool cannot be used to assess potential unemployment claims for workers eligible for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program who are unemployed as a result of foreign trade. Lenders and others should ask individuals if they are eligible for these benefits, the Department of Labor said in a fact sheet explaining the tool.

Before the HAMP program, unemployment made it nearly impossible to qualify for a home loan modification, the Department of Labor said in a press release.

A recent report by a Congressional Oversight Panel created to oversee the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) warned that the HAMP program was too narrow in scope to address foreclosures caused by unemployment.

The HAMP program is projected to use $42.6 billion in TARP funding to support up to 2.6 million loan modifications. If unemployement remains elevated, 10 million to 12 million homes could enter the foreclosure process, the report said (see story).

The Hope Now Alliance, a coalition of loan servicers, counselors and investors, welcomed the new tool as evidence that the Department of Labor is taking “significant steps” to help unemployed homeowners.

“This is a highly useful tool for all parties, as it really streamlines the process for unemployed borrowers to a faster resolution,” the group said.

For more information on this tools, and other similar programs for distressed San Diego homeowners, contact Help Our Home at 619-398-3929, for a free consultation. Visit our site at http://www.helpourhome.com

Source: Inman News

Technorati Tags: Short Sale, Short Sell, Short Sales San Diego, San DIego real estate, loan modification, loan modification tools, scripps ranch real estate, foreclosure

Scripps Ranch Stats for September 2009

davewerthrealty — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:51:05 +0000

In the 92131 zip code, here is a look at the Scripps Ranch real estate sales stats for the month of September 2009. As you will see, we still have a shortage of inventory for the Scripps Ranch area, with more homes being sold in the month of September, than new listings coming into the market. This data is fairly consistent with other sales trends around San Diego county.

The average listing price is up about .5% from the month of August, however the average sale price is down just over 1%. Unfortunately this still reflects a “soft” market, which we have heard so much about, above $500,000 in the San Diego market. The good news is that it is a prime move-up market! True, you may lose on the sale of your current home, but if you have equity, and want to make that upgrade…now is the time. To find out more, please us at 619-398-3929, or email us at info@helpourhome.com.

Technorati Tags: Scripps Ranch real estate, Scripps Ranch, Scripps Ranch homes, Scripps Ranch sales statistics, San Diego homes, San Diego real estate, Scripps Ranch short sales

Location, location, location

davewerthrealty — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:58:18 +0000

Location, location, location

Where you buy not only affects the home’s current and future value, but it also affects your lifestyle. Your agent will be able to conduct a more targeted home search if you outline your preferences in neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Here’s a checklist of items you should consider and communicate to your chosen real estate agent.

Urban, suburban or rural
Commute time
School districts
Desirable neighborhoods
Proximity to the airport
Proximity to restaurants and retail
Access to major highways and thoroughfares
Access to public transportation
Health care facilities
Parks and recreation
Length of time you plan to live in the home (Your agent should be knowledgeable about growth trends and projections that could affect your investment.)

When you decide where you want to live, combine the location with how much you can afford and your wish list.

This Month in Real Estate October 2009

davewerthrealty — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:07:26 +0000

One of the best things you can do, if you are interested in buying or selling San Diego real estate, is educate yourself. HelpOurHome.com will be posting these updates monthly! Watch the video below. Enjoy!

This Month In Real Estate (US): October 2009Technorati Tags: short sale, san diego short sale, foreclosure, real estate san diego, san diego hotels, pre-foreclosure, real estate, for sale san diego homes

Creating Your Home Wish List

davewerthrealty — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:25:07 +0000

Creating Your Home Wish List

Before the home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you desire. To help your agent better serve you, analyze what you want and what you need in a home’s features and amenities.

Features:

Age: Do you prefer historic properties, or newer ones?
Style: Do you have a special preference for ranches, bungalows, or another style of construction?
Bedrooms: How many?
Bathrooms: How many? Are they updated?
Living and Dining Areas: A traditional, formal layout, or a more open, contemporary plan?
Stories: How many?
Square feet: How much space?
Ceilings: How high?
Kitchen: How big? Recently updated? Open to other living areas?
Storage: Big closets, a shed, an extra-large garage?
Parking: A garage or carport? Room for how many cars?
Extras: Attic or basement?

Amenities:

Office
Play/exercise room
Security system
Sprinkler system
Workshop/Studio
In-law suite
Fireplace
Pool
Hot tub
Sidewalk
Wooded lot
Patio, deck, or porch
Laundry room

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San Diego Loan Modification Companies and Their Fees

davewerthrealty — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:55:29 +0000

With thousands of homeowners struggling to avoid foreclosure, the loan modification business has exploded in California, triggering a spike in complaints from borrowers who say they paid for services they never received.
Until recently, nonprofit agencies that charge nothing for loan counseling dominated the field. But since the mortgage market meltdown began, hundreds of for-profit companies have arrived on the scene.
Such companies often describe themselves as industry insiders who can cut through red tape to quickly negotiate favorable mortgage terms with lenders and loan servicers. Competing for the attention of desperate borrowers, they advertise their services through television, direct mail and the Internet.
Complaints to the state Department of Real Estate (DRE) about such businesses have risen from a handful six months ago to a total of 240 through late February. The agency has issued 27 cease-and-desist orders and six “accusations,” which can result in disciplinary action or revocation of real estate licenses. Some cases will be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
In order to combat this growing trend in fraudulent practices, the DRE has implemented programs to approve loan modification companies. This program is basically a service to approve of upfront fee agreements, but is not a guarantee of good service. The DRE is making sure there are not any loopholes so that if these companies are successful, you get your money back.
So this sounds good right? On the surface this would appear to protect you, however after having spoken to many loan mod companies, I hear a different story. Many companies register an upfront fee agreement but never use it. They want this agreement on file with the DRE for marketing purposes and to say they have been approves. Then when dealing with clients, they use a fee for service agreement that has a lot in common with retainer agreements that lawyers use.
These fee-for-service agreements typically have three payment periods. There is an upfront document preparation fee, usually ranging from 15% – 35% of the total service charge, but in some cases can even reach 50%. Then there is a negotiation fee, which usually ranges from 25% – 50% of the total charge. This is then followed by the remainder of the fee if the negotiators are successful.
So how do you avoid paying for an unsuccessful loan modification? There are various government agencies and non-profit agencies that will offer to help you out, as well as for profit private companies who truly do not charge any fees, upfront or at the end, unless they are successful negotiating your loan modification. Check out HelpOurHome for more info and a free consultation.
Technorati Tags: Loan Modification, San Diego Real Estate, Loan Modification Companies San Diego, Loan Modification Fees