About Seller Financing
I was not surprised that a number of readers would call about seller financing, as it is one way to sell that unwanted property. There are rules to follow, rules of self-protection for both the buyer and seller. Since the calls received seem to be coming from seniors, having someone (preferably an attorney) assist them [...]
Help for Struggling Homeowners?
The federal financial institution regulatory agencies today announced the publication of new and revised Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Community Reinvestment that, among other things, encourage financial institutions to take steps to help prevent home mortgage foreclosures. The Questions and Answers interpret the agencies’ Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations and provide guidance to financial institutions [...]
Rose Pruning Primer
Dear Garden Gal, It’s my first year in our new home. The house came with a small, very pretty garden in front with 13 rose bushes. I’ve never taken care of roses before. Is it time to prune? How do I do that? Agog in Altadena Dear Agog: Many plants, like roses, head into carbohydrate-storing [...]
You Were Supposed to Help, Not Create More Problems!
When the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took over banks and thrift institutions that were failing, they also made it impossible for builders and those who were applying for home loans to contact anyone about those loans. Builders, all over the country, many are in areas that are not as affected by the sales slow [...]
Arcadia Association Installs Officers & Directors
The Arcadia Association of REALTORS recently installed the new 2009 Officers and Directors at the Annual Inaugural Celebration held on Friday, December 5 at the newly remodeled Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Monrovia. More than 210 REALTORS and guests attended “The Show Must Go On” themed gala. Master of Ceremony for the evening was Arcadia Association [...]
Existing-Home Sales Decline in Economic Uncertainty
Existing-home sales weakened against a backdrop of an eroding economy, according to the National Association of Realtors. Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – fell 8.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of 4.49 million units in November from a downwardly revised level of 4.91 million in October, and are 10.6 [...]
Can the Homeowners Association Allow That?
There are times that an individual Board of Directors on a Homeowners Association takes it upon him/herself to allow an another individual owner, or even him/herself to make an alteration to a condo without the approval of other members of the Board. He or she may have authorized something that can effect the entire development, [...]
Herbes De Provence, Holiday Gifting from Your Garden
Dear Garden Gal, With the economy in the tank is it too late for an edible gift I can grow for friends and family this holiday season? Yours Truly, Careful in La Cañada Dear Careful, Even in the best economic times, this is a good way to think. You are being careful whilst being generous [...]
Can Illegals Purchase Homes?
Recently, I received copies of articles written in the Los Angeles Times and Pasadena –Star questioning, with the emphases being, how an illegal could purchase a property. There was no question included with those articles, so I must assume that is what the writer was asking – “How can an illegal purchase a home?” I [...]
The Fairbanks Group Continues Winning Streak
The Fairbanks Group—John and Marion Fairbanks and Kevin Sweeten—continued their unbroken string of top-notch real estate performances with several new awards and the promise of #1 Status among Realtors at Coldwell Banker/Pasadena again this year. John Fairbanks was notified that, as of October 31, they are currently ranked #19 in sales volume for the San [...]
