Short sale or loan modification? What if I have to choose? What is the next step if my loan modification is turned down? These are questions that are on the minds of many as we go into 2012 and I can help answer your questions individually and confidentially. 

It is going to be a great year.  Yes, I said it! One way to make this happen is to stop listening to the bad news on the television or in the newspaper!  The truth is that sales have been up in California for seven months in a row.  Consumer confidence is on the rise and the American people are figuring out how to make  necessary adjustments, if necessary, and are moving forward in their lives regardless of the obstacles they are facing!

The truth is that we are resilient people and we will not be beaten down by the economy or the negativity that threatens to consume us daily.  There are solutions to many more of our problems than we think and it is important to speak to someone who can help put things into perspective for you if you are struggling with a decision.

If you know someone who has been unsuccessful with a loan modification or is behind in their mortgage payments,  ask them to give me a call or contact me by email,  and I will help them sort through their options before it is too late to do anything at all.  There are options available other than foreclosure and there are no fees for my consultations.  Beware and warn your friends and family against anyone who is charging money up front with the promise of results.  This includes attorneys!  These are often scams and they can’t do anything for you that I can and will do at no cost to you.

Let me help you get past the pain of indecision and make 2012 a great year no matter what is going on around you! 

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a distinguished real estate firm on the Central Coast of California.  You may contact her at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

A  friend of mine sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you and your friends.

As the Christmas & Hanukkah holidays approach (& other gift giving events), the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs.  This year let’s make a difference.   This year, why don’t we Americans give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans.   There is no longer an excuse that at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. 

Yes, there is!  Join me this Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

It’s time to think outside the box, people.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes, EVERYONE gets their hair cut.   How about gift certificates from your local American hair +/or nail salon or barber? Gym membership?   It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.  How about a massage?  I would love that! Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?   Small, American owned detail businesses and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

What teenager wouldn’t like a few certificates to the local pizzeria?

Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf…tennis…horseback riding…sailing?? Think lessons.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen?   Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds at the local golf course, or gifts from the gardening center.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intention isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.   Remember folks, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?   Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  How about a few hours from a local handyman?

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal.   Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.   They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.  Go to the Arts & Crafts & Street Fairs & Farmers Markets.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.   And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? 

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?   When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let’s keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.  And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

Let’s make THIS the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Do You Need a Push?

Summer is upon us and I can’t tell you how it got here so fast!  It made me realize that if I have any clients thinking of selling their property, it would be best for them to make a move to get that started right away.  With the kids going back to school in mid-August, this is the best selling season and August will be here the blink of an eye.  

With the potential expiration of FHA loan limits in October which could press the market downward, this may be a window of opportunity to sell.  Many may not know that when the FHA  loan limits were raised a few years ago it opened up the opportunity to buy for a lot of people who would not have been able to get a loan otherwise.  FHA loans are government insured and the qualifying guidelines require a relatively low down payment and a slightly lower FICO score than a conventional loan.

Since the loan limits were raised to reflect home values on the Central Coast, the number of sales that have involved an FHA buyer has significantly increased and helped to keep our market going forward.  Although I’m not overly concerned about it, there is a possibility that we may feel the change for a short while until someone comes up with another plan.  The banks, I’m quite sure, will offer an alternative because if they aren’t lending, they aren’t making any money.

The point is that if you need a little push off the fence, today would be a good day to contact your real estate professional to discuss your optons.  I am also available to discuss your real estate needs. You may contact me anytime at (805)710-2415. Your calls are always welcome!

Nancy Puder is the Owner Broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate sales and property management company in Arroyo Grande CA.  www.SignatureProperties1.com or contact Nancy directly at (805)710-2415

Nancy Puder
Signature Properties
(805)710-2415 direct line
(805)474-0100 office
www.SignatureProperties1.com

124 S. Halcyon Rd. Suite A
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Many don’t realize that they can receive a free mortgage insurance policy if they purchase their home through a California licensed Realtor through the end of 2010.  This program will be in effect through the end of the year or until funds are exhausted.  There was $1,420,000 allocated to the program.  Under this program, first time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for up to six months, to help make their mortgage payments.  A qualified co-buyer can also participate in the program and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months.  To apply for the program you must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from your Realtor.

Nancy Puder is the real estate broker at Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  She may be reached (805)710-2415 or Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com www.SignatureProperties1.com

Many have lost jobs and their homes during this recession and our hearts go out to them and would not want to minimize their pain and suffering in any way.  We must not lose sight, however, of the other side of this current situation.  The opportunities that are here today that we thought were not possible a couple of years ago, are here for those who can see the benefit of taking action.

Most millionaires have been and, I believe still are being made, during a recession.  Current home prices are low and interest rates are also at record low….although not for long according to my sources.  Contrary to some myths that are circulating, mortgage loans are not only available, but are relatively easy to get with 3 ½ percent down payment and sometimes even 100% financing. 

It’s so easy to get on the bandwagon of negativity and doom and gloom and lose hope during this amazing period of opportunity.  A few, however, will recognize the incredible opportunity that could change their financial future in a dramatically beneficial way.

So, before we succumb to the sometimes loud and overwhelming message that we hear everyday that times are bad, why not look closely for the nugget that may be just waiting for you to pick up? 

Nancy Puder is the real estate broker at Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  She may be reached (805)710-2415 or Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com www.SignatureProperties1.com

Signature Properties recently underwent a revamp, with many additions and upgrades. We’ve added a local business directory, tenant repair request, and more user-friendly property listings.

We’re happy to know that our site has also won a few web design awards, including CSS Mania, PageCrush, and HTTP Art.

A Spirit of Independence
In creating Signature Properties, the Central Coast’s premier independent real estate and property management company, Nancy embraced the spirit of independence. She did so not only in terms of not being affiliated with any of the large, corporate-owned real estate companies, but also in the unique culture and spirit of autonomy that defines the Signature Properties philosophy. Together with her husband and company co-owner, Larry, Nancy strongly believes that no two people are the same, and that’s why each client must be treated accordingly. There are no cookie cutters to found here.

“Some people only see black and white”, Nancy says. “I’ve always believed that life is shades of gray. Everybody has their own story, different situations, unique goals. It’s our job to find out what those things and then develop a plan of action to help them achieve them”.

A Wealth of Experience
Nancy began here real estate career in 1978, and since that time, she has excelled both in sales and property management. For many years, she worked under the banner of other companies, but soon found that her actions and ultimately, her potential, were limited in that scenario. That’s why Nancy and Larry empowered their agents and associates to do business as they see fit. The team of professionals at Signature Properties is comprised of knowledgeable experts who share Nancy and Larry’s philosophy and cherish the freedom they possess within their careers. The result is the ability to tailor their service to each client and achieve a higher level of satisfaction for both the client and themselves.

Full Service from Start to Finish
The associates at Signature Properties don’t believe in doing things halfway. That’s why, whether you’re buying or selling a home or taking advantage of Signature’s outstanding property management services, you can trust them to take care of all the details and make the entire process as smooth as possible. That’s the Signature way. “We do our homework up front”, Nancy says. “We always try to solve problems before they become problems”. For property management clients, that means finding a higher quality of tenant and going out of their way to ensure the satisfaction of both the tenant and the property owner.

High Standards, Distinctive Results
Throughout her career, Nancy Puder has always held herself to a higher standard. Today, those standards are reflected every time you see a Signature Properties sign in front of a home. That’s because Signature Properties sign in front of a home. That’s because Signature Properties doesn’t put its name on just any property; it has to be held to a certain standard of excellence. The same goes for each associate and staff member throughout the company. The result is a reputation for excellence in both the properties they represent and the level of service they provide.

For all your Central Coast real estate needs, don’t settle for an ordinary level of service. For Service as Unique as You, look no further than Signature Properties. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation.