The Asato Group Real Estate
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Home Valuation Report
  • What's Right For You
  • Short Sale
  • Moving Incentives
  • Contact
  • Search the MLS

Blog

Why I Do Short Sales - A Realtor's Perspective

8/30/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
I get asked this by other realtors all the time.  

Why in the world do you DO short sales?

Read More
0 Comments

The ABC's of Short Sale / Loan Mod - Common Abbreviations

8/29/2016

0 Comments

 
ABC's of Short Sale / Loan Mod
We see the abbreviations everywhere and here are a few common ones and what they mean:

Read More
0 Comments

Tips for a Smooth Short Sale: Get Your Ducks In a Row

8/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
While the typical short sale is not smooth by any means, there are things that sellers can do to keep the surprises and frustrations to a minimum.

Read More
0 Comments

Real Estate Buzz Words: Will They Make Your Home Sell Faster?

8/24/2016

0 Comments

 
I read a something interesting  in Realtor Magazine.  It had to do with the current buzz words in real estate listings that help to sell homes faster.  

Now is this really true, or an over-analysis of something that is far from an exact science?  

As real estate agents, part of our jobs is to write as enticing a description of your home as possible to lure buyers to a showing.  According to CoreLogic,  a leading provider of consumer, financial and property information, analytics and services, certain phrases WILL encourage a shorter time on market and quicker sale.

According to CoreLogic's research, the following phrases had the most impact on a short time on market: 
  • "Fenced Backyard" (Researchers believe this relates to buyers' desire for privacy)
  • "Open Concept"
  •  "Updated Kitchen"
  • "Natural Light"

On the other hand, the research found  that certain word pairings made for a longer time on market.  These include:
  • "Golf Course"
  • "Gourmet Kitchen"
  • "Ceramic Tile"
  • "Granite Countertop"

Researchers couldn't understand why "gourmet kitchen" would be a negative, but one of the theories was that it suggested a "luxury feature that would lead to a higher property value."

"Ceramic tile" and "granite countertop" in my opinion, bring to mind a slightly older and dated home.  Quartz and light engineered wood or faux wood tile is all the rage now.  

Interesting how quickly home trends change!  

Your MLS listing is VERY important to how buyers first see your home.  Is your agent taking the time to bring your home's best features to light?  Are descriptions clear and do they paint an attractive picture?  Also, are the photos showing off your home to its best potential?  Make sure to get a copy of the MLS so you can see what all the buyers out there are seeing!

Source: “Say What?! Public Listing Comments Can Have an Impact on Days on Market?” CoreLogic Insights blog (Aug. 12, 2016)
0 Comments

Home Sales: Top Reasons for Selling

8/23/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
The California Association of Realtors just released some information on sellers' motivations and their top concerns they have about selling.

If you've ever sold a home, or if you're considering selling your's, do you agree or disagree?

​
0 Comments

The Home Sale Process

8/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Selling your home can be a breeze with the right frame of mind and the right real estate agent to do the job.   Knowing what to expect and having realistic expectations will ensure a smooth sale and keep all parties happy and in sync. 

At the Asato Group, we pride ourselves on expert communication, one of the fundamentals of a successful home sale.  From start to finish (and everything in between) we will keep you informed and answer all questions as they arise.  One of the most important parts of choosing your agent should be how well they communicate and keep you up to date during the entire home sale process.  At the Asato Group, we pride ourselves on our accessibility and our open lines of communication. 

Do you have any questions on the 7 steps outlined above?  Contact us and we'll be happy to discuss your questions or concerns.
CONTACT US!
0 Comments

FICO: What Does It Mean and How Do I Improve My FICO Score?

8/20/2016

1 Comment

 
You've seen the acronym, and are probably well aware of what your FICO score is, but I thought I'd share some information on FICO directly from the source. 

Similar to the way Federal Express eventually became FedEx, the company that develops FICO scores used to be called Fair Isaac Co. It was shortened to FICO and that's it's official name now. 

Your FICO score is used by lenders to determine the risk involved with lending you money.  Whether its buying a house, car or any item with credit, your FICO score will determine how much money the lender is willing to lend, and at what terms (interest rate). 

​
For information on what makes up your FICO score and what you can do to bring those scores up, click on the link below.
​
Select for FICO Information
1 Comment

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Maybe You Need a Fresh Start

8/19/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
I'm asked this question all the time.  Is a short sale really better for a homeowner than a foreclosure?

The obvious issues (impact on credit, ability to get a future mortgage, security clearances, eviction) are explained in the link below:
SELECT to see "Short Sale vs. Foreclosure "
Aside from the obvious issues that foreclosure brings, I think the stress and heartache are the hardest to deal with.  

My clients always tell me how relieved they are once they make a decision to move forward and take control of their situation.  A short sale allows the sellers to move forward and get on with their lives, and this is what I think is the most important benefit of all.  Making a decision and setting a course with intention is liberating. After months (sometimes even years) of being hounded and bombarded with constant reminders of missed payments and large sums of money owed, the thought of being able to start over with a clean slate almost always brings a sense of peace and hopefulness.

While this is by no means a solution to all of your financial problems, it can certainly be a step in the right direction.

​Are you ready for a fresh start?  Call us when you are.
Contact Us For More Information
1 Comment

Loan Modification: Questions For Your Bank

8/18/2016

2 Comments

 
So you're in a loan modification, and you've been waiting for an answer from your bank.

Here are some questions that may help you to get a better understanding of where you REALLY stand in the process:


    • Is there a foreclosure sale date on my home?
    • (If Yes) Foreclosure date should be postponed during loan modification review
    • Am I in an active loan modification? 
    • (If Yes) What date did I go into review
    • Do you have everything you need to make a decision on my application?
    • (If No) What information do you need from me to get my application under review?
    • What income are you using to calculate my modification?
    • What expenses are you using to calculate my modification?
    • When do you think a decision will be made? (Should be less than 30 days from the date the loan modification went into review)
    • When and how do you recommend I get an update?
    • Are you the best person to call for an update
    • (If No) Could I please have the direct contact of the person I should be contacting.  What are their work hours, and what is the best means of communication (phone or email)?

CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
2 Comments

How Much Money Will I Get From the Sale of My Home?

8/17/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
The decision to sell your home is determined by many factors. A big consideration is the amount that you will net after the sale.  How much will really be in your pocket once all the costs and fees of selling are computed?

This is where the net sheet comes in.  The net sheet will give an estimate of how much you will walk away with after the sale of your home.  

While fees will obviously vary, this ball park figure will help you to see the big picture.  

Getting a good, firm estimate of your home's market value is key.  Select the "Home Valuation Report" tab (above) for the free comparative market analysis.  We will pull the comparable properties in your area and give you an estimate for your home's value.

Once you have the value, or if you already have a good idea of what the value is, select the net sheet option below.  

Please let us know if you have any questions, we're here to help!
​
Net Sheet Calculator
1 Comment
<<Previous

    Categories

    All
    Dealing With The Bank
    Finding A Rental
    Home Selling Process
    Loan Modification
    Mortgage
    Moving
    Short Sale

    Archives

    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Home Valuation Report
  • What's Right For You
  • Short Sale
  • Moving Incentives
  • Contact
  • Search the MLS