What would you do in this situation.You have the listing - a short sale -- you know the owner is no longer making payments to the bank, and has no issues with the bank foreclosing on the property.  You go to the property to take photos and meet with the renters.  Yes, the renters are still paying rent, the rent is not being paid to the bank, the owner is pocketing the rent and not paying the mortgage. This is a 3 year old property and the renters have been there since day 1.Do you advise the renters?  They point blank asked if they should continue to pay rent? Bottom line, if they stopped paying rent the seller probably wouldn't have time to evict them prior to foreclosure proceedings, and the seller probably won't report anything on thier credit report, wouldn't they be doing the same... 12/30/2007

Someone asked me this morning what does "blog" actually mean. The original term was "weblog" as in a log of events or thoughts recorded on the world wide web. It was later shortened to the term we now use, blog.  Not too important but slightly interesting. 12/17/2007

Yes, foreclosures are up. Yes, people are losing their homes, yes the new is ALL over this information. Everytime I open the newspaper, turn on the news or listen to the radio all I hear is DOOM and GLOOM. But is it really all that bad?Are their positives? Yes, for the first time in years housing is affordable in Tracy, California. I've heard laments for years about how young people can't buy in thier home town, this is no longer the case. Currently I know of 2 buyers on is buying a home and her payments including insurance and taxes will be less than $900/month. WOW! What about the couple that have saved and waited their entire lives, and now are buying thier first home? CALHFA is now available for first time buyers, interest rates are the lowest in years.Is there a good reason not to... 12/12/2007

Whether you choose to sell your house or rent it out till the market gets "better", it is tough to decide.  If you are moving to a different city because of a job transfer, you might want to think about your comfort level of being far away from your old house being rented out.  If you think you would be okay with it, hiring a property manager to handle the possible issues with a tenant could ease your mind.  If you rent it out, you would have to think about for how long you would like to do that.  The current tax laws say you have to live in it two of the last five years (as your primary residence) to have $250k (single) or $500k (married) excluded in your capital gain.  Maybe you might want to choose to sell now especially if the housing market where you are moving to is a buyers marke... 12/10/2007

1-888-995-HOPE Do you know what this number is for? Have you tried it? No it is not some silly scheme. It is the number of the US Housing Department, this is the phone number the President of the United States said to call if you need help with your mortgage. I've not tried it, and I'd love to hear what they say if you call it. I do know that there is plan in the works to FREEZE interest rates from adjusting for up to 5 years. WOW -- will that help? It's anyone's guess. At this time the experts are on both sides of the fence. There are those that think this is a temporary stop gap measure that won't fix the mortgage crisis problem, and those that think this is the best thing since sliced bread. Being that I am not a lender, Real Estate Attorney, Financial Advisor, etc -- all I know or t... 12/06/2007

Twas the days before ChristmasAnd all through the nationNot a Buyer was BuyingDespite the homes that were waiting.Buyers were waiting to find a great deal,trying to find the perfect steal.Buyers were saying "We'll wait until springthat's when we'll be ready to do our thing."Yet whining and crying around the earth we'll hearwhen home prices rise in early next year.Oh Dear, Oh dear what did we do,now can we still afford a home old or new?We missed our chance to buy a great housethe markets a rising, don't we feel like a louse. So what of the buyer, who's smart as a foxthe one who's not waiting, Until the New Year RocksThere's foreclosurers, short sales and deals aplentyAnd Sellers with plans to move on are ready The gift of Homeownership is for everyoneprices are low, so buyers have funhu... 12/06/2007

Oh my goodness, where did the year go? It's almost December 1st, I know that means that Christmas is right around the corner. Do you know what else it means? 2008 is only 32 days away? So how did you do on your 2007 New Year Resolutions? I typically don't make resolutions, that way I don't disappoint myself. However, this year I did set some goals. Did I accomplish them, nope. Can I blame the Market? Nope, the results rest with me. Should I have worked harder and smarter in March, April when the market really started to turn, you betcha. Now what, now I will have a long talk with myself, peering into the mirror and vow to make different choices next year. So, 2008, look out because here I come. I've got resolutions, goals and a PLAN for the future. (Don't ask me what those all are, I do... 11/30/2007

Amazing as it it to fathom, there is money available for FREE or close to it, especially for first time home buyers. No really there is. The City of Tracy,like many others, have grant programs and down payment assistance programs. Numerous banks now have grant programs available for first time buyers also. Yes there is criteria, such as income, credit rating, etc. However, if you are currently renting isn't it worth your time to contact a competent REALTOR and ask about these options? Where is your future? Is it in your rental unit or is it starting the journey toward your dream home? 11/26/2007

Clients come first -- even before our families..... True or False???Is this a true statement? I know we all immediately say "Absolutely, my family and kids come before my clients." but do they really?Is that what are actions show our families? I know I've had some "thoughts" about this recently. Since when my phone rings I answer it, when someone wants to see a property, I go show a property, when someone wants me to do a CMA I go straight to the computer and start working. I know that I think -- "Oh we can go to the movies later, or out to dinner, or play cards, or or or.... " So really - does my family come first? Not lately. Yes this is hard to admit, for the woman who has always been overly busy and a 'stay at home' mom. I am cutting myself some slack, I know that in the Tracy Real ... 11/23/2007

Happy Thanksgiving! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! This year many families are stuggling, in fear of losing thier homes. yet through it all, I know that they will prevail. I know of one such family personally. They lost their mother, wife and now they are losing their home. Yet, they are strong. They just called and a very compassionate land lord is opening their home to this family. Yes, their credit stinks, yes they have been through 18 months of pain and suffering, but I know that they still have much to be thankful for. They haev each other. I have never seen such a strong family! I feel responsible for their success, but I'm not. I just thankful for the chance to get to know them. Susan Goulding 11/21/2007

Happy Thanksgiving! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! This year many families are stuggling, in fear of losing thier homes. yet through it all, I know that they will prevail. I know of one such family personally. They lost their mother, wife and now they are losing their home. Yet, they are strong. They just called and a very compassionate land lord is opening their home to this family. Yes, their credit stinks, yes they have been through 18 months of pain and suffering, but I know that they still have much to be thankful for. They haev each other. I have never seen such a strong family! I feel responsible for their future, but I'm not. I just thankful for the chance to get to know them. Susan Goulding 11/21/2007

 DRAT!  Why, oh why, didn't I pay attention when I was in Ms. Smith's High School Creative Writing class?  I'm crying the blues now.I like to blog, I'm coming close to loving it, obsessing about it.  I wake up in the middle of the night, my notebook beside the bed and scribble in the dark a thought, a great blog, a wonderful topic that is keeping me awake.  Usually when I actually start to write, it just doesn't come together in print like it does in my head.  Sort of like a good "hair" day.  Some are good, some you just go out in public and say "here I am World, like me like I am or don't."I'm still lamenting not paying closer attention in Creative Writing, heck who knew it would be so important NOW! 11/12/2007

How is it to sell a Short Sale?  Honestly, it's not.  Buyer agents are a bit gun show to nake an offer on a short sale.   Banks still are not quickly responding to offers, however it is getting better. Here is what I've noticed, and I'm going to start tracking it even more closely.  Short Sales are selling for LESS than a Foreclosed property!  WHAT??? Say that again. I have not tracked every short sale, however, I know of at least 2 homes that the short sale list price was substantially less than the price when the home came back on the market with the REO.Buyers ask your agent --- show me properties that are short sales.  Especially if time is on your side.... use it wisely! 11/11/2007

Is this you?  Are you currently renting your home?  I have one simple question..... WHY?What keeps you renting?  Bad Credit - ok maybe a good reason.  Don't make enough money.... Are you SURE?  Absolutely, certain?  Do you know there are fabulous down payment assistance programs, especially for first time buyers where no down payment is needed?Here are some great options for you to consider.  First, talk to a lender.  If you don't know ask your Realtor for a great referral.  You might be surprised.  Second, consider a short sale.  Why I suggest a short sale is simple.  These homes are priced to sell QUICK.  A Short Sale can take a bit longer for a bank to accept your price, but if you're renting, especially if you're a month to month renter, then you are in the driver's seat on a short ... 11/09/2007

Buyers Beware!There are homes on the for sale in Tracy, CA and Mountain House, CA that are priced to sell TODAY.  However, these homes are not really priced to sell.  These are Short Sale properties that an agent prices significantly lower than any other home in the area.  I understand that this seems like an awesome opportunity for a buyer. It can be, however, in most cases it is a Bait and Switch plan by the agent.Explanation:  A Short Sale property must get the approval of the bank(s) that holds the loan to that property.  Part of the procedure is the bank will order a BPO (Broker's Price Opinion).  A BPO is an outside Realtor that will give the bank a fair market value for the property.  Typically the bank will only go 5 - 17% of the BPO.  THAT'S IT!  Now lower.Example, a home in Mo... 11/07/2007

We all have friends who have their Realtor license, however, that does not mean that they are the best person to sell your home, or help you buy a home.  WHY NOT?Let's look at selling your home in Tracy or Mountain House.  I can not tell you how many times I've gone to a listing appointment and the seller's home has been listed for 3 - 6 months with a friend from out of the area.  Here is why that is a problem, the out of the area agent RARELY advertises or posts the home on Metrolist, the most widely used MLS in Tracy and Mountain House.  The last 2 homes I was at one home was only listed in the San Jose MLS and the other in Vallejo.  As an agent, I am not searching these MLS's for homes for sale in Tracy or Mountain House.  I'm looking at our local MLS.  I also commonly see homes that... 10/31/2007

The sun is out, the wind is not blowing and I'm headed to wash cars to raise money for the families affected by any of the fires above.  If you know me, and you're reading this you can stop laughing right now. Let's just say that I can't remember ever washing cars for money.  In fact, I can't remember washing a car, you can PAY people to do that.  However, this was a great cause and I wanted to be a part of it.So I got rid of my   high heels, put on some  flip flops and wash some cars.We spent 5 hours washing cars,  you can click on this link and see everyone who was involved.  We did raise money - a few dollars short of out goal.   However, we have more money to send to the people who need help than we did before.Keller Williams Realtors, friends and family did this.  Keller Williams c... 10/29/2007

Keller Williams is a great company and known for their passion to help others.  The Modesto Keller Williams Office will sponsor a car wash, this Sunday, October 28th, from 12 -5.  We will wash your car or just come by and drop a donation in the bucket. All money raised will go DIRECTLY to victims.  There is no administrative fees, all MONEY goes DIRECT to those who need it the most.Please come by and help us accomplish our goal.Tracy Location - 95 W. 11th Street; watch for the signs, wet and happy people!  You can even mail a check toSusan GouldingKeller Williams Cares95 W. 11th Street #104Tracy, CA  95376Modesto Location - check back here. 10/25/2007

I've been thinking, again,  My most recent thoughts bring me to how a short sale or foreclosure will affect credit reports in the future.  There are so many people affected by the mortgage meltdown on 2007 that I wonder if lenders will few these items as a footnote. "OH yes, another person who got caught."Now does this mean everyone should bale out of thier homes?  No.  Can you afford your home? Can you keep making your payment? Do you have any reserves, assets?  Do you HAVE to move?No one knows for sure what is going to happen.  You can be pretty sure that 100% stated loans are gone, Adjustables loans are already going through SERIOUS re-vamping.  However, if you have a down payment, a good job, chances are you will be able to get a loan in the future.If you have questions about a shor... 10/24/2007

I am not a loser, I have a job, friends, family and I pay my debts.  I'm honest, I have integrity, I am trying my best, and I can't make my mortgage payments.I feel like a failure.  I feel like a loser.  I feel stupid.  I don't answer my phone, the only people who call are asking me to make a payment I can't afford.What am I supposed to do?  get help!You are not a loser, stupid, a failure. You are none of those things.  You bought a home, and it was one of the best days of your life, now that wonderful home is a rock around your neck.  So get help.You may have options- don't wait, please don't wait until you are so far behind on your payments that it is too late for anyone to help.Bottom line, bad things happen to great people.  So pull up your boot straps, pick up the phone and ask que... 10/19/2007