Monthly Archives: April 2009

Should I Buy a New Home or a Newer Home in the Santa Maria – Orcutt CA Market?

Posted on April 30, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Buying a new home versus a newer home can be a difficult decision. I’ve found that some buyers just cannot see past the gleam of the perfectly manicured model home. I am often asked by buyers which they should consider, new or newer. In today’s declining market, there is often a big difference price wise between the two. Continue reading →

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Homeowners Assistance Program: Help for Vandenberg Air Force Base Homeowners?

Posted on April 25, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

The Department of Defense has announced the Homeowners Assistance Program (“HAP”)for eligible military personnel. The central coast is home to Vandenberg Air Force Base and HAP may assist those who have suffered due to the severe local housing bust. Several types of assitance are offered: Continue reading →

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Bank Owned (REO) Delays in the Central Coast Market

Posted on April 18, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

You would think that once a bank found a willing buyer, who won the “highest and best” bidding process for a foreclosure property, they would be hot to close the transaction. Well think again. I’ve actually had an all cash buyer trying to close in 10 days (or less) and the bank and their escrow company simply were not able to do it! The buyer couldn’t believe it, but having dealt with REO properties many times before I certainly could There are several delays that seem to happen time and time again in bank owned purchases: Continue reading →

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Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in a Short Sale Transaction?

Posted on April 11, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

The number one question I’m asked by home owners contemplating a short sale is “Who pays your commission?” Often people are already cash strapped in a short sale situation and they wonder if they have to pay a real estate agent out of their own pocket in order to short sell their property. The short answer is that is the bank. Of course, every real estate company writes their own listing agreements. Some require that owners make up any short fall in what the bank will pay with their own funds. But, most will settle for what the bank will agree to pay them. Continue reading →

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Clean Up Your Credit Before Shopping for a Central Coast Home

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

I’ve recently found a company that I feel good about referring people to for credit repair. I am often asked for credit repair referrals from prospective buyers. However, until recently I never felt confident sending people anywhere except off to a local book store to learn how to do it themselves — which is a lot of work. For those who want assistance with their credit repair, please give me a call and I will provide you with contact information for this company. I feel confident referring people to them because they are using local representatives who have long standing relationships with the local community who can provide testimonials of people helped by the service, the price is reasonable at $500, and they offer a performance based gurantee. Continue reading →

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