Apr
20
Zillow.com lies to consumers
By · CommentsThe bottom of the San Diego Real Estate market was about a year ago. There is some general lifting of anxiety about the economy now isn’t there? The feeling that the economic goblin is backing away, and better times are ahead. Sure it can be good to feel some of that optimism. But lets not get carried away, this is a new economy with new demands on business, something that I write about in my new book called San Diego Real Estate Survival Guide:An A to Z Blueprint How to Prosper When Buying and Selling In The New Economy.
Shinny Objects
Some people are always promoting the new greatest item… a supplement that gives you more energy, some tablet that you put in your gas tank to get better gas mileage, or some special water that you drink that will make you younger…
Personally I want to gag when I hear . The person selling this garbage is emotionally excited about the new thing and when that excitement goes away, often times, they are on to the next shiny object.
More than ever in this new economy people are desperate, and they cling to this rubbish. Sure there is always some new thing out there that is yet to become popular that will bring real value to people, so I applaud anyone who is trying to let the masses know about this, but unfortunately most of these new ideas are either scams or garbage, and are usually both.
Every day I speak to people about buying and selling real estate. After I explain what I do everyday to help buyers and sellers, I will tell you how real estate agents who use shinny objects can cost you big time as a potential home buyer or seller.
Here is what I do every day at work to help the buyers that I represent to get the best properties and sellers that I represent to get their home sold, and sold for the top dollar:
For buyers I contact(via phone, not just email) other real estate agents and ask them if they have(or someone in their office has) any new listings coming up that might be of interest to one of the buyers that I represent, and then I also call owners in the areas that the buyer likes and ask them if they would consider an offer to purchase from one of my buyer clients.
For sellers I contact(via phone not just email) other real estate agents to let them know to not forget about the property that I listed for sale, then I contact owners and renters in the neighborhood and let them know about the property, and ask them who they know that may be looking to move into the area.
That should seem logical…. find a match and do it via active approach instead of just waiting for a buyer to appear, or a seller to put their home on the market that is a good match for the buyer I represent. Most agents don’t do this.
I speak with buyers who tell me that they are working with a friend or family member, or some other real estate agent to help them on their search, I then ask them how many contacts are they making for you every day? I ask the same of the sellers that I interview with. How many contacts did the other real estate agent commit to make every day to potential buyers, and other real estate agents in order to sell your home?
Do you know what the answer is almost every time? The sellers often say, “I do not know, they never told me. But they did do some really cool stuff on facebook and have this new sign in front that talks to you when you press a button…” The buyers often say that their agents do not contact anyone for them, but they do have a robotic automated email if a property comes up(comes up from the ‘picked over list’ **from the MLS), and then they contact their agent if they see something they like(**the best homes for buyers usually are sold prior to going on the market or at least before the general public knows)
The results are the same, sellers properties don’t sell(or they take too long to sell and they do not get as much for their home as they could). Buyers miss out on the properties that are not on the market yet and have to look at the ‘picked over list’ usually from the MLS that nobody else wants because the best properties usually are sold prior to going on the market or at least before the general public knows.
Some shiny object(the talking house, or neon facebook page, or the robot who sends you picked over listings)…but never any old fashion contacting people face to face or by phone to personally explain the benefits of their home. I am all for trying new things and I do. The point is they all supplement my daily personal contact efforts.
Social media and crazy signs are great when added to making personal contacts for my clients who are buying and selling real estate. I do not rely only on these shinny objects to improve my business while I sit back and do nothing. These shiny objects will never will they take the place of personal contacts, and if you are not using an agent who makes personal contacts to promote your home or find you a home, then you are not using.
Right now there are over 4,700 houses for sale in San Diego County, so how will your home stand out amongst all of those houses for sale as a seller? How will will you find the best home as a buyer? That is why I commit to making at least 300 personal contacts, by phone or in person to other real estate agents and to other home owners or renters, every month for the buyers and sellers that I represent.
Do you want to have me help you with your real estate and give you a straight forward no nonsense strategic plan of attack? I It is important to me to help you…Click Here for a clear picture of all of your options.
Zillow Gets Caught:
Zillow.com is known for flawed home valuations. The latest trend is to show homes “for sale” that are NOT for sale. Why? To attract more consumers so they can sell more ads to agents, which is how Zillow makes money.
In fact, I had 2 clients within the past week ask me about a property that shows is for sale on Zillow that actually sold over 60 days ago. I also heard from an associate of mine that his client emailed him a link showing his condo as a “New Listing” on Zillow. Problem: his condo had been in escrow(under contract to be sold) 45 days ago.
Best Prop in San Diego
Yes here it is you email me the zip code and property type and I can within 2 days identify the best property in the area.
bradbrinkman@gmail.com please tell me what zip you are looking for in the subject line.
…And just in case you or someone that you know are thinking of buying or selling
Check out the short audio version of my new book:
San Diego Real Estate Survival Guide:
An A to Z Blueprint How to Prosper When Buying and Selling In The New Economy.
(which will be out on Amazon soon!) for Buyers & Sellers…
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Selling
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Buying
Wow, I am thankful that the banks had to pay, however this is only going to be the start to fix a very big problem!
It is important to me that you feel comfortable with the decisions that you make when it comes to buying and selling property.
I want to do what is right for you and that is exactly why you should contact me to discuss your real estate goals for 2012.
Whether you decide to work with me or not, you will feel that you have made the best decision with your real estate. Contact me via email at bradbrinkman@gmail.com and be sure to let me know the best phone number and time to reach you.
Be sure to watch the below video testimonial…(and read the other success stories below the video link ) from Steve Ring, author, and my broker for the past 15 years during my career at Century 21. (click the picture to start the video)
Click Here to See Brad’s Resume 2012
Click Here to see Brad’s Celebrity Picture Gallery
Click Here to See What I instruct other Realtors to do when I help a seller do a short sale
Click Here to see Brad’s Celebrity Picture Gallery
Click Here to See What I instruct other Realtors to do when I help a seller do a short sale
Some Client Reviews
‘When we first met Brad at an open house, his professionalism and honesty stood out compared to all the other agents we have met or considered working with.’
Both my wife and I, being first time home buyers, had what probably were 1000+ questions to ask about the home buying process. Brad was patient and not only addressed each and every question, but also provided insight as to what the implications would be based on our decisions. We also gave Brad very strict parameters as to the neighborhoods we were interested in, price range and features of our new home, and Brad was able to meet all of them and not compromise on anyone of them, something that was not easy by any means.
At the end of the transaction, my wife and discussed when we buy our next property, would we consider using another agent, and both our answers were absolutely not.
-Javier C.
‘It felt as if I had a CEO at work for me. Now that its all done, Brad still checks to make sure everything is all right’
As everyone knows, buying property is stressful. Picking the right place, getting a good deal and then all the paperwork. I am so thankful that I had Brad Brinkman to help me through it all. I was very interested in a property in Coronado. I called 2 real estate agents who were not very helpful. Luckily I was referred to Brad. I would have given up if it wasn’t for Brad. He put it all together for me. I feel lucky having Brad as my real estate agent but I also feel that I have made a dear friend.
-David M. M.D.
‘We really felt like Brad was on our side throughout the transaction and knew how to navigate the process calmly and effectively’
Brad was terrific, helping us find the house, negotiate the price and deal with all the details even though we were out of the country. He has all our thanks.
-Curt and Kim C
‘Brad Brinkman as our agent went beyond his duties both before and after selling us a condo on Coronado shores’
I will have no hesitation in recommending him to any of my friends or family interested in purchasing real estate in San Diego.
-Lyndon X. M.D.
‘Thanks to Brad Brinkman and the Century 21 team we now have a beautiful new home and a great investment into our future.’
Century 21 and Brad Brinkman are an amazing team. Being a first time homebuyer is difficult and scary. Brad Brinkman and his team made me and my wife very comfortable through the whole process. They followed up on every question and phone call. They were easily accessible and made buying a home seem simple.
-Ryan & Amanda F.
‘Brad’s knowledge of the market helped get us top dollar on our existing home and his strong negotiation skills helped us to get our new home way under market.’
We value our relationship with him both professionally and personally.
-Donna & Mike B.
‘He found my house for me when others could not, in a location that I thought would be impossible. His aggressiveness has given me the opportunity to live in a fantastic place.’
Brad Brinkman is a hard charging, proactive realtor.
-Trace H., Pilot Hawaiian Airlines., U.S. Navy Pilot
‘You made it easy for us to make this move into our new home because you took on all the worries, handling our transaction with skill and expertise. Specifically we were impressed with your approach to business, treating each and every customer as you treated us; as though we were your most important clients’
Brad has two qualities most needed to produce an excellent real estate outcome: he listened carefully to our needs and he diligently searched to find properties that matched them with our financial capabilities. From the moment we met you, we knew that we were in capable hands. You were continuously available to us, answering questions and managing the overwhelming mass of paperwork. We highly recommend your services to anyone who is in need of a real estate expert.
-Marcie V.
‘We live in Maryland and recently sold our Condo in San Diego. A formidable undertaking at long distance required additional effort.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff kept us informed, and insured that we received all necessary documents to effectively complete the transaction. We were extremely pleased.
-Vern and Fay P.
‘He made each transaction very smooth and it was great peace of mind knowing I could count on him.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff are wonderful! I would highly recommend them. Brad helped me find my first place and later he got me into my second. Thanks Brad!
-Rebecca W.
‘Brad, You are one of the hardest working agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with.’
Thank you for all the service you have provided over the years we have worked together!
-Larry and Cass M.
‘When the time came to upgrade, Brad and his team helped us find a great house and sell our condo while making the whole process as painless as possible.’ We bought our first condo with Brad. We are happy to recommend Brad at Century21 to anyone!
-Katherine and Larry
‘During my relatively lengthy search, Brad was very patient and focused on achieving my goals and finding the right home to fit me and my criteria. He was proactive with presenting opportunities and has a great knowledge of the San Diego market.’
I recently purchased a condominium in Pacific Beach with the assistance of Brad Brinkman who acted as my realtor. Brad is a highly dedicated, detail-oriented professional who helped me through every step of the home buying process from the initial home search through the close of escrow. Brad was extremely informative and insightful in regards to all of my many real estate related questions and always took the time to understand and answer my questions. When necessary, he connected me with qualified experts so that I could obtain additional information. He has excellent communication skills and is always responsive to phone calls and emails. Even today, several months after my successful home purchase, Brad is an invaluable resource. Brad is truly a pleasure to work with and always has a positive attitude.
-Brad H.
‘Brad supported us from the very beginning of the process, and his savvy negotiating skills helped us close on our dream house.’
Our family worked with Brad on the purchase of our first home and he helped guide us to exactly what we were looking for, making the enormous transaction feel as easy as possible. With our recent purchase, we decided to use Brad again as we knew what we wanted but needed the help of an expert. Brad’s confidence and knowledge helped us get through all of the complications associated with buying an older house and we are very grateful for all his patience and hard work. Thank you Brad!
-Larry & Vika
‘Brad was very helpful, informative, and accessible’
-Scott H.
‘There is no doubt that we would call on him again. What a great experience it was to work with Brad in selling our home, he was very helpful in explaining the information we needed.’ He answered all of our questions in a professional manner. We highly recommend Brad.
-Mr. and Mrs. George R.
‘Brad is the best real estate agent that we have ever met. He has guided us through the buying and selling of 5 homes as well as many investment properties.’
His professionalism as well as his sincerity makes him our #1 choice.
-George and Vivian M.
‘As a foreigner being new to the region I had a lot of questions that you answered in a very trustful manner. This was much more than just a realtor’s job. Whenever I look for a new place I definitely will come back to you.’ Dear Brad, I want to thank you for help me with the purchase of my condo in San Diego. From our initial meeting, the tough selection of the right place through to the closing and even after closing you worked hard and very professional.
-Hubert K.
‘Brad did everything helpful that was possible, he even helped out in the loan department.’ Even after the sale, he continued to help. Brad is the BEST sales agent!
-Julie C.
‘Nominate Brad for an award!’
-Calvin S.
‘He explained everything very carefully and clearly, it was a great sales experience.’ Brad was very professional and always kept me informed.
-Annette R.
‘I used my own loan officer at first, he started to jerk us around. Brad said that he knew of a few to contact. We used one that he recommended and in ten days, we closed on the purchase of our home!’
-Dan and Sandi H.
‘I was very satisfied with Brad’s service!’
-Charlie P.
‘Brad kept his promises, understood my needs, and was knowledgeable and easy to reach. He went out of his way to help me.’
-Tom G.
‘Brad worked very hard to get the sale of my home finalized.’
Brad handled the recent short sale of my home. I was so happy to have someone that I could call when I had concerns or questions. I appreciated everything that he did for us. Thanks Brad!!
-Pat & Jon D.
‘I would highly recommend Brad Brinkman to anyone in need of a realtor. I had such a great experience with him as my agent.’
Brad is very diligent and he worked very hard on my short sale. I was always kept informed and I felt comfortable with the extent of work and knowledge that Brad brought to the handling of my sale.
-Esther S.
‘I wanted to take the time to say thank you for your help in short selling my home and all the infomation you have provided me in this process.’
I appreciated your efforts in expediting this otherwise unpleasant process for me as I was under the assumption that it would take longer to complete. I will not hesitate to recommend and/or enlist your services in the future.
-Dan H.
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Brad to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, ethical and kind-hearted real estate agent. In fact, I plan to employ his services on my next move.’
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts with regard to the sale of my husband’s house.
First, let me say that I was introduced to Brad Brinkman during the most devastating period of my life. My husband had recently suffered a severe debilitating stroke, which resulted in the loss of our business and home to foreclosure. I was ill equipped to deal with the real estate entanglements on top of my other worries and obligations.
Brad assured me that he and his associates do everything necessary to short sale the house. He did not disappoint. Actually, he went far beyond what I had expected. When an initial sale did not materialize, he endeavored to find another buyer. He kept me appraised of the progress and assisted me throughout the process. In my time of great difficulty, Brad was an angel. I am ever so grateful for his help.
-Lynda T.
‘He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Having worked with many Realtors, Brad is the best I have seen.’
Brad is the ultimate professional. He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Brad was extremely responsive and took the initiative to manage every single detail of my complicated home purchase.
-Dan B.
‘Brad is a consummate professional and we will definitely work with him again in the future’
Brad was extremely helpful through the entire process, which was great for first-time home buyers like ourselves. He was always available to answer our questions and if he couldn’t answer them on the spot, he would have a well-researched answer as soon as possible.
-Greg and Marisa F.
Apr
11
Banks and the US Government Bailout, Banks found Guilty!
By · CommentsDid you hear about this? Greedy Banks Get Busted!
(Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Ally Financial (formerly GMAC))Just got found guilty! Federal and state officials on Thursday(Feb.9th) announced a $26 billion foreclosure settlement with five of the largest home lenders. California is expected to receive approximately $12 billion in principal write-downs, including through short sales, over the next three years, according to the state attorney general’s office.
What does that mean to you?
It could money back to you or someone that you know who was wronged by the criminal actions of these banks!
By the way if you or someone that you know needs some info on short sales then go to:
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/shortsaleinfo/
Robo signing payments: About $1.5 billion of the settlement will go to homeowners who had their homes foreclosed upon between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2011, and who meet other criteria. They will receive up to $2,000 each.
Accepting that payment does not preclude homeowners who lost their home in an improper foreclosure from suing the bank to recover damages.
Participating banks: The five mortgage servicers that are parties to the settlement — Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500), Citigroup (C, Fortune 500), Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) and Ally Financial — will pay a total of $5 billion to the states and federal government. Some of that money will go to foreclosed homeowners and the rest to the states.
Federal officials say negotiations are underway to expand the settlement to nine other major servicers, which would raise the overall value of the settlement to $30 billion.
The deal settles potential state charges about allegations of improper foreclosures based on robo-signing, seizures made without proper paperwork.
The settlement sets up a federal monitor to oversee the process and try to prevent the challenges that tripped up many homeowners seeking help in earlier programs designed to address the housing crisis.
Most of the relief will go to those who are underwater on their homes. That relief will come over the course of the next three years, with banks having incentives to provide most of the relief in the next 12 months.
At least $17 billion will go to reducing the principal owed by homeowners who are underwater and behind on their mortgages.
Up to 750,000 other underwater homeowners who are current on their mortgages will be able to refinance their current loans at lower rates. They will not receive a reduction in principal, but with mortgage rates near record lows, they could receive substantial savings on their monthly payments.
…And just in case you or someone that you know are thinking of buying or selling
Check out the short audio version of my new book:
San Diego Real Estate Survival Guide:
An A to Z Blueprint How to Prosper When Buying and Selling In The New Economy.
(which will be out on Amazon soon!) for Buyers & Sellers…
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Selling
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Buying
Wow, I am thankful that the banks had to pay, however this is only going to be the start to fix a very big problem!
It is important to me that you feel comfortable with the decisions that you make when it comes to buying and selling property.
I want to do what is right for you and that is exactly why you should contact me to discuss your real estate goals for 2012.
Whether you decide to work with me or not, you will feel that you have made the best decision with your real estate. Contact me via email at bradbrinkman@gmail.com and be sure to let me know the best phone number and time to reach you.
Be sure to watch the below video testimonial…(and read the other success stories below the video link ) from Steve Ring, author, and my broker for the past 15 years during my career at Century 21. (click the picture to start the video)
Click Here to See Brad’s Resume 2012
Click Here to see Brad’s Celebrity Picture Gallery
Click Here to See What I instruct other Realtors to do when I help a seller do a short sale
Click Here to see Brad’s Celebrity Picture Gallery
Click Here to See What I instruct other Realtors to do when I help a seller do a short sale
Some Client Reviews
‘When we first met Brad at an open house, his professionalism and honesty stood out compared to all the other agents we have met or considered working with.’
Both my wife and I, being first time home buyers, had what probably were 1000+ questions to ask about the home buying process. Brad was patient and not only addressed each and every question, but also provided insight as to what the implications would be based on our decisions. We also gave Brad very strict parameters as to the neighborhoods we were interested in, price range and features of our new home, and Brad was able to meet all of them and not compromise on anyone of them, something that was not easy by any means.
At the end of the transaction, my wife and discussed when we buy our next property, would we consider using another agent, and both our answers were absolutely not.
-Javier C.
‘It felt as if I had a CEO at work for me. Now that its all done, Brad still checks to make sure everything is all right’
As everyone knows, buying property is stressful. Picking the right place, getting a good deal and then all the paperwork. I am so thankful that I had Brad Brinkman to help me through it all. I was very interested in a property in Coronado. I called 2 real estate agents who were not very helpful. Luckily I was referred to Brad. I would have given up if it wasn’t for Brad. He put it all together for me. I feel lucky having Brad as my real estate agent but I also feel that I have made a dear friend.
-David M. M.D.
‘We really felt like Brad was on our side throughout the transaction and knew how to navigate the process calmly and effectively’
Brad was terrific, helping us find the house, negotiate the price and deal with all the details even though we were out of the country. He has all our thanks.
-Curt and Kim C
‘Brad Brinkman as our agent went beyond his duties both before and after selling us a condo on Coronado shores’
I will have no hesitation in recommending him to any of my friends or family interested in purchasing real estate in San Diego.
-Lyndon X. M.D.
‘Thanks to Brad Brinkman and the Century 21 team we now have a beautiful new home and a great investment into our future.’
Century 21 and Brad Brinkman are an amazing team. Being a first time homebuyer is difficult and scary. Brad Brinkman and his team made me and my wife very comfortable through the whole process. They followed up on every question and phone call. They were easily accessible and made buying a home seem simple.
-Ryan & Amanda F.
‘Brad’s knowledge of the market helped get us top dollar on our existing home and his strong negotiation skills helped us to get our new home way under market.’
We value our relationship with him both professionally and personally.
-Donna & Mike B.
‘He found my house for me when others could not, in a location that I thought would be impossible. His aggressiveness has given me the opportunity to live in a fantastic place.’
Brad Brinkman is a hard charging, proactive realtor.
-Trace H., Pilot Hawaiian Airlines., U.S. Navy Pilot
‘You made it easy for us to make this move into our new home because you took on all the worries, handling our transaction with skill and expertise. Specifically we were impressed with your approach to business, treating each and every customer as you treated us; as though we were your most important clients’
Brad has two qualities most needed to produce an excellent real estate outcome: he listened carefully to our needs and he diligently searched to find properties that matched them with our financial capabilities. From the moment we met you, we knew that we were in capable hands. You were continuously available to us, answering questions and managing the overwhelming mass of paperwork. We highly recommend your services to anyone who is in need of a real estate expert.
-Marcie V.
‘We live in Maryland and recently sold our Condo in San Diego. A formidable undertaking at long distance required additional effort.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff kept us informed, and insured that we received all necessary documents to effectively complete the transaction. We were extremely pleased.
-Vern and Fay P.
‘He made each transaction very smooth and it was great peace of mind knowing I could count on him.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff are wonderful! I would highly recommend them. Brad helped me find my first place and later he got me into my second. Thanks Brad!
-Rebecca W.
‘Brad, You are one of the hardest working agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with.’
Thank you for all the service you have provided over the years we have worked together!
-Larry and Cass M.
‘When the time came to upgrade, Brad and his team helped us find a great house and sell our condo while making the whole process as painless as possible.’ We bought our first condo with Brad. We are happy to recommend Brad at Century21 to anyone!
-Katherine and Larry
‘During my relatively lengthy search, Brad was very patient and focused on achieving my goals and finding the right home to fit me and my criteria. He was proactive with presenting opportunities and has a great knowledge of the San Diego market.’
I recently purchased a condominium in Pacific Beach with the assistance of Brad Brinkman who acted as my realtor. Brad is a highly dedicated, detail-oriented professional who helped me through every step of the home buying process from the initial home search through the close of escrow. Brad was extremely informative and insightful in regards to all of my many real estate related questions and always took the time to understand and answer my questions. When necessary, he connected me with qualified experts so that I could obtain additional information. He has excellent communication skills and is always responsive to phone calls and emails. Even today, several months after my successful home purchase, Brad is an invaluable resource. Brad is truly a pleasure to work with and always has a positive attitude.
-Brad H.
‘Brad supported us from the very beginning of the process, and his savvy negotiating skills helped us close on our dream house.’
Our family worked with Brad on the purchase of our first home and he helped guide us to exactly what we were looking for, making the enormous transaction feel as easy as possible. With our recent purchase, we decided to use Brad again as we knew what we wanted but needed the help of an expert. Brad’s confidence and knowledge helped us get through all of the complications associated with buying an older house and we are very grateful for all his patience and hard work. Thank you Brad!
-Larry & Vika
‘Brad was very helpful, informative, and accessible’
-Scott H.
‘There is no doubt that we would call on him again. What a great experience it was to work with Brad in selling our home, he was very helpful in explaining the information we needed.’ He answered all of our questions in a professional manner. We highly recommend Brad.
-Mr. and Mrs. George R.
‘Brad is the best real estate agent that we have ever met. He has guided us through the buying and selling of 5 homes as well as many investment properties.’
His professionalism as well as his sincerity makes him our #1 choice.
-George and Vivian M.
‘As a foreigner being new to the region I had a lot of questions that you answered in a very trustful manner. This was much more than just a realtor’s job. Whenever I look for a new place I definitely will come back to you.’ Dear Brad, I want to thank you for help me with the purchase of my condo in San Diego. From our initial meeting, the tough selection of the right place through to the closing and even after closing you worked hard and very professional.
-Hubert K.
‘Brad did everything helpful that was possible, he even helped out in the loan department.’ Even after the sale, he continued to help. Brad is the BEST sales agent!
-Julie C.
‘Nominate Brad for an award!’
-Calvin S.
‘He explained everything very carefully and clearly, it was a great sales experience.’ Brad was very professional and always kept me informed.
-Annette R.
‘I used my own loan officer at first, he started to jerk us around. Brad said that he knew of a few to contact. We used one that he recommended and in ten days, we closed on the purchase of our home!’
-Dan and Sandi H.
‘I was very satisfied with Brad’s service!’
-Charlie P.
‘Brad kept his promises, understood my needs, and was knowledgeable and easy to reach. He went out of his way to help me.’
-Tom G.
‘Brad worked very hard to get the sale of my home finalized.’
Brad handled the recent short sale of my home. I was so happy to have someone that I could call when I had concerns or questions. I appreciated everything that he did for us. Thanks Brad!!
-Pat & Jon D.
‘I would highly recommend Brad Brinkman to anyone in need of a realtor. I had such a great experience with him as my agent.’
Brad is very diligent and he worked very hard on my short sale. I was always kept informed and I felt comfortable with the extent of work and knowledge that Brad brought to the handling of my sale.
-Esther S.
‘I wanted to take the time to say thank you for your help in short selling my home and all the infomation you have provided me in this process.’
I appreciated your efforts in expediting this otherwise unpleasant process for me as I was under the assumption that it would take longer to complete. I will not hesitate to recommend and/or enlist your services in the future.
-Dan H.
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Brad to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, ethical and kind-hearted real estate agent. In fact, I plan to employ his services on my next move.’
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts with regard to the sale of my husband’s house.
First, let me say that I was introduced to Brad Brinkman during the most devastating period of my life. My husband had recently suffered a severe debilitating stroke, which resulted in the loss of our business and home to foreclosure. I was ill equipped to deal with the real estate entanglements on top of my other worries and obligations.
Brad assured me that he and his associates do everything necessary to short sale the house. He did not disappoint. Actually, he went far beyond what I had expected. When an initial sale did not materialize, he endeavored to find another buyer. He kept me appraised of the progress and assisted me throughout the process. In my time of great difficulty, Brad was an angel. I am ever so grateful for his help.
-Lynda T.
‘He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Having worked with many Realtors, Brad is the best I have seen.’
Brad is the ultimate professional. He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Brad was extremely responsive and took the initiative to manage every single detail of my complicated home purchase.
-Dan B.
‘Brad is a consummate professional and we will definitely work with him again in the future’
Brad was extremely helpful through the entire process, which was great for first-time home buyers like ourselves. He was always available to answer our questions and if he couldn’t answer them on the spot, he would have a well-researched answer as soon as possible.
-Greg and Marisa F.
Feb
17
Click Below Picture for Your Special Valentines Gift(Only Good Until March 31) For Non Artists(like me) and Artists To!
(watch the above video for a great idea!)
Well if you have not yet or want to store up a great spontaneous gift for someone, then watch the above video if you have not already! Click here for the link to the Losina Art Center.
Did you hear about this? Greedy Banks Get Busted!
(Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Ally Financial (formerly GMAC))Just got found guilty! Federal and state officials on Thursday(Feb.9th) announced a $26 billion foreclosure settlement with five of the largest home lenders. California is expected to receive approximately $12 billion in principal write-downs, including through short sales, over the next three years, according to the state attorney general’s office.
What does that mean to you?
It could money back to you or someone that you know who was wronged by the criminal actions of these banks!
Robo signing payments: About $1.5 billion of the settlement will go to homeowners who had their homes foreclosed upon between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2011, and who meet other criteria. They will receive up to $2,000 each.
Accepting that payment does not preclude homeowners who lost their home in an improper foreclosure from suing the bank to recover damages.
Participating banks: The five mortgage servicers that are parties to the settlement — Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500), Citigroup (C, Fortune 500), Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) and Ally Financial — will pay a total of $5 billion to the states and federal government. Some of that money will go to foreclosed homeowners and the rest to the states.
Federal officials say negotiations are underway to expand the settlement to nine other major servicers, which would raise the overall value of the settlement to $30 billion.
The deal settles potential state charges about allegations of improper foreclosures based on robo-signing, seizures made without proper paperwork.
The settlement sets up a federal monitor to oversee the process and try to prevent the challenges that tripped up many homeowners seeking help in earlier programs designed to address the housing crisis.
Most of the relief will go to those who are underwater on their homes. That relief will come over the course of the next three years, with banks having incentives to provide most of the relief in the next 12 months.
At least $17 billion will go to reducing the principal owed by homeowners who are underwater and behind on their mortgages.
Up to 750,000 other underwater homeowners who are current on their mortgages will be able to refinance their current loans at lower rates. They will not receive a reduction in principal, but with mortgage rates near record lows, they could receive substantial savings on their monthly payments.
…And just in case you or someone that you know are thinking of buying or selling
Check out the short audio version of my new book:
San Diego Real Estate Survival Guide:
An A to Z Blueprint How to Prosper When Buying and Selling In The New Economy.
(which will be out on Amazon soon!) for Buyers & Sellers…
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Selling
Click Here to listen to the top 3 things that you should ask your Realtor before Buying
Wow, I am thankful that the banks had to pay, however this is only going to be the start to fix a very big problem!
It is important to me that you feel comfortable with the decisions that you make when it comes to buying and selling property.
I want to do what is right for you and that is exactly why you should contact me to discuss your real estate goals for 2012.
Whether you decide to work with me or not, you will feel that you have made the best decision with your real estate. Contact me via email at bradbrinkman@gmail.com and be sure to let me know the best phone number and time to reach you.
Be sure to watch the below video testimonial…(and read the other success stories below the video link ) from Steve Ring, author, and my broker for the past 15 years during my career at Century 21. (click the picture to start the video)
Some Client Reviews
‘When we first met Brad at an open house, his professionalism and honesty stood out compared to all the other agents we have met or considered working with.’
Both my wife and I, being first time home buyers, had what probably were 1000+ questions to ask about the home buying process. Brad was patient and not only addressed each and every question, but also provided insight as to what the implications would be based on our decisions. We also gave Brad very strict parameters as to the neighborhoods we were interested in, price range and features of our new home, and Brad was able to meet all of them and not compromise on anyone of them, something that was not easy by any means.
At the end of the transaction, my wife and discussed when we buy our next property, would we consider using another agent, and both our answers were absolutely not.
-Javier C.
‘It felt as if I had a CEO at work for me. Now that its all done, Brad still checks to make sure everything is all right’
As everyone knows, buying property is stressful. Picking the right place, getting a good deal and then all the paperwork. I am so thankful that I had Brad Brinkman to help me through it all. I was very interested in a property in Coronado. I called 2 real estate agents who were not very helpful. Luckily I was referred to Brad. I would have given up if it wasn’t for Brad. He put it all together for me. I feel lucky having Brad as my real estate agent but I also feel that I have made a dear friend.
-David M. M.D.
‘We really felt like Brad was on our side throughout the transaction and knew how to navigate the process calmly and effectively’
Brad was terrific, helping us find the house, negotiate the price and deal with all the details even though we were out of the country. He has all our thanks.
-Curt and Kim C
‘Brad Brinkman as our agent went beyond his duties both before and after selling us a condo on Coronado shores’
I will have no hesitation in recommending him to any of my friends or family interested in purchasing real estate in San Diego.
-Lyndon X. M.D.
‘Thanks to Brad Brinkman and the Century 21 team we now have a beautiful new home and a great investment into our future.’
Century 21 and Brad Brinkman are an amazing team. Being a first time homebuyer is difficult and scary. Brad Brinkman and his team made me and my wife very comfortable through the whole process. They followed up on every question and phone call. They were easily accessible and made buying a home seem simple.
-Ryan & Amanda F.
‘Brad’s knowledge of the market helped get us top dollar on our existing home and his strong negotiation skills helped us to get our new home way under market.’
We value our relationship with him both professionally and personally.
-Donna & Mike B.
‘He found my house for me when others could not, in a location that I thought would be impossible. His aggressiveness has given me the opportunity to live in a fantastic place.’
Brad Brinkman is a hard charging, proactive realtor.
-Trace H., Pilot Hawaiian Airlines., U.S. Navy Pilot
‘You made it easy for us to make this move into our new home because you took on all the worries, handling our transaction with skill and expertise. Specifically we were impressed with your approach to business, treating each and every customer as you treated us; as though we were your most important clients’
Brad has two qualities most needed to produce an excellent real estate outcome: he listened carefully to our needs and he diligently searched to find properties that matched them with our financial capabilities. From the moment we met you, we knew that we were in capable hands. You were continuously available to us, answering questions and managing the overwhelming mass of paperwork. We highly recommend your services to anyone who is in need of a real estate expert.
-Marcie V.
‘We live in Maryland and recently sold our Condo in San Diego. A formidable undertaking at long distance required additional effort.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff kept us informed, and insured that we received all necessary documents to effectively complete the transaction. We were extremely pleased.
-Vern and Fay P.
‘He made each transaction very smooth and it was great peace of mind knowing I could count on him.’ Brad Brinkman and his staff are wonderful! I would highly recommend them. Brad helped me find my first place and later he got me into my second. Thanks Brad!
-Rebecca W.
‘Brad, You are one of the hardest working agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with.’
Thank you for all the service you have provided over the years we have worked together!
-Larry and Cass M.
‘When the time came to upgrade, Brad and his team helped us find a great house and sell our condo while making the whole process as painless as possible.’ We bought our first condo with Brad. We are happy to recommend Brad at Century21 to anyone!
-Katherine and Larry
‘During my relatively lengthy search, Brad was very patient and focused on achieving my goals and finding the right home to fit me and my criteria. He was proactive with presenting opportunities and has a great knowledge of the San Diego market.’
I recently purchased a condominium in Pacific Beach with the assistance of Brad Brinkman who acted as my realtor. Brad is a highly dedicated, detail-oriented professional who helped me through every step of the home buying process from the initial home search through the close of escrow. Brad was extremely informative and insightful in regards to all of my many real estate related questions and always took the time to understand and answer my questions. When necessary, he connected me with qualified experts so that I could obtain additional information. He has excellent communication skills and is always responsive to phone calls and emails. Even today, several months after my successful home purchase, Brad is an invaluable resource. Brad is truly a pleasure to work with and always has a positive attitude.
-Brad H.
‘Brad supported us from the very beginning of the process, and his savvy negotiating skills helped us close on our dream house.’
Our family worked with Brad on the purchase of our first home and he helped guide us to exactly what we were looking for, making the enormous transaction feel as easy as possible. With our recent purchase, we decided to use Brad again as we knew what we wanted but needed the help of an expert. Brad’s confidence and knowledge helped us get through all of the complications associated with buying an older house and we are very grateful for all his patience and hard work. Thank you Brad!
-Larry & Vika
‘Brad was very helpful, informative, and accessible’
-Scott H.
‘There is no doubt that we would call on him again. What a great experience it was to work with Brad in selling our home, he was very helpful in explaining the information we needed.’ He answered all of our questions in a professional manner. We highly recommend Brad.
-Mr. and Mrs. George R.
‘Brad is the best real estate agent that we have ever met. He has guided us through the buying and selling of 5 homes as well as many investment properties.’
His professionalism as well as his sincerity makes him our #1 choice.
-George and Vivian M.
‘As a foreigner being new to the region I had a lot of questions that you answered in a very trustful manner. This was much more than just a realtor’s job. Whenever I look for a new place I definitely will come back to you.’ Dear Brad, I want to thank you for help me with the purchase of my condo in San Diego. From our initial meeting, the tough selection of the right place through to the closing and even after closing you worked hard and very professional.
-Hubert K.
‘Brad did everything helpful that was possible, he even helped out in the loan department.’ Even after the sale, he continued to help. Brad is the BEST sales agent!
-Julie C.
‘Nominate Brad for an award!’
-Calvin S.
‘He explained everything very carefully and clearly, it was a great sales experience.’ Brad was very professional and always kept me informed.
-Annette R.
‘I used my own loan officer at first, he started to jerk us around. Brad said that he knew of a few to contact. We used one that he recommended and in ten days, we closed on the purchase of our home!’
-Dan and Sandi H.
‘I was very satisfied with Brad’s service!’
-Charlie P.
‘Brad kept his promises, understood my needs, and was knowledgeable and easy to reach. He went out of his way to help me.’
-Tom G.
‘Brad worked very hard to get the sale of my home finalized.’
Brad handled the recent short sale of my home. I was so happy to have someone that I could call when I had concerns or questions. I appreciated everything that he did for us. Thanks Brad!!
-Pat & Jon D.
‘I would highly recommend Brad Brinkman to anyone in need of a realtor. I had such a great experience with him as my agent.’
Brad is very diligent and he worked very hard on my short sale. I was always kept informed and I felt comfortable with the extent of work and knowledge that Brad brought to the handling of my sale.
-Esther S.
‘I wanted to take the time to say thank you for your help in short selling my home and all the infomation you have provided me in this process.’
I appreciated your efforts in expediting this otherwise unpleasant process for me as I was under the assumption that it would take longer to complete. I will not hesitate to recommend and/or enlist your services in the future.
-Dan H.
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Brad to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, ethical and kind-hearted real estate agent. In fact, I plan to employ his services on my next move.’
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts with regard to the sale of my husband’s house.
First, let me say that I was introduced to Brad Brinkman during the most devastating period of my life. My husband had recently suffered a severe debilitating stroke, which resulted in the loss of our business and home to foreclosure. I was ill equipped to deal with the real estate entanglements on top of my other worries and obligations.
Brad assured me that he and his associates do everything necessary to short sale the house. He did not disappoint. Actually, he went far beyond what I had expected. When an initial sale did not materialize, he endeavored to find another buyer. He kept me appraised of the progress and assisted me throughout the process. In my time of great difficulty, Brad was an angel. I am ever so grateful for his help.
-Lynda T.
‘He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Having worked with many Realtors, Brad is the best I have seen.’
Brad is the ultimate professional. He is a strong negotiator with significant experience in the San Diego area. Brad was extremely responsive and took the initiative to manage every single detail of my complicated home purchase.
-Dan B.
‘Brad is a consummate professional and we will definitely work with him again in the future’
Brad was extremely helpful through the entire process, which was great for first-time home buyers like ourselves. He was always available to answer our questions and if he couldn’t answer them on the spot, he would have a well-researched answer as soon as possible.
-Greg and Marisa F.
Jan
19
For 22 years, Joy Spelled Out for You
By · Comments
For the past 22 years around mid December, the San Diego (Mission Valley)Hilton has lit up 84 windows in their hotel to spell out ‘Joy’ for all who drive east and west on Interstate 8 to see.
Actually I wish this ‘Joy’ sign was up all year, or at least during rush hour traffic. Hopefully it reminded some to remain joyful despite the hectic holiday gift buying crowds at all the malls and shopping centers.
Have you heard about my new book for you? The new book that I wrote has brought me joy as it is almost complete. It is called San Diego Real Estate survival Guide: An A to Z Blueprint How to Prosper When Buying and Selling In The New Economy.
Here is something special that I have for you, a free fifteen minute audio excerpt from my new book. The new book will help serve as a reference to you and all those you know who are considering selling or buying real estate in San Diego.
Email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com if you would like a free (please put in your email subject line if you’d like the buyer or seller version or both) fifteen minute audio excerpt from the book. This offer will be valid through February 15, 2012…so act now and get yours or send it to someone that you know….for free.
Will there be in Joy in the San Diego Real Estate Market?
Well, I am thankful to say that yes, there can be. A buyer that I worked with recently wanted to purchase a foreclosed property, because I helped them position themselves as the best possible buyer prior to purchasing, they were able to get a great deal on the property. Joy!
A seller that I recently worked with had to sell a property signficantly more than the last property that sold in the neighborhood…and most of the sales were short sales and foreclosures so it was tough to sell higher, but because of my proven successful marketing plan, the seller ended up selling the property over 8% higher than the last sold property! Yes, Joy Again.
Remember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, AND READ WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS REALLY DOING
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
Dec
09
More New Coastal Construction In Del Mar
I love this time of year because I see more people being givers vs takers.
I care about you, my past, current or future clients. It is important to me to listen carefully to you and your needs, and to help you make the best decision when selling or buying real estate!
So if you missed the free Thanksgiving gift that I gave away via post office mail…a delicous treat from my favorite Thai restaurant(Kafe Yen), simply email me your mailing address, and I will send it to you free of charge.
In addition I have another holiday gift for you which I mention at the end of this email…(for you and anyone else who appreciates living in San Diego, you will love this free gift!)
BIG NEWS…message to you about woman with hurt back on San Diego constructionsite
She said that her back was hurting and that she would be walking slower as she gave us a tour of the construction site. ‘She’ was the sales agent for this construction site in Coastal Del Mar.
I felt like it was 2003 because of the way that she kept telling me that my client should make an offer. There were only 4 of the 10 new construction town homes left for sale, only one block to the beach she kept saying.
I can tell you one thing, her back was not hurting because she sat in front of her computer too long in her sales office, this gal was busy showing property and explaing benefits and features of these new homes.
There are many like her too, sales agents selling new construction property in San Diego, both coastal and throughout the county.
In fact there were 916 homes sold in San Diego county that were built in 2011 as of the end of this month, and another 271 still actively on the market, according to the San Diego County Multiple Listing Service.
Driving around San Diego County, I saw a ridiculously large structure being built at UCSD, a new Vons going up in Hillcrest, the new commercial building in Point Loma, constructionsites where new homes were being built in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad.
I have heard about the new police facility just built at Miramar College, and the Plaza de Panama project that is being proposed in Balboa Park.
So, the economy is in a recession?!
Lets face it, people love San Diego and we enjoy a residential real estate sub market that is sheltered and unlike the national economy.
Right now may not be the best time for you to sell or buy real estate, but….here is what you can do, if you are thinking of selling or buying real estate, then you should contact me at 858 225 7385 or email me at bradbrinkman@gmail.com to discuss your goals.
PS I have a free gift for you!!!
The first 10 people who contact me(link) will get a free year subsription to San Diego Magazine,
This magazine is packed with information about exciting events in San Diego.
San Diego Magazine gives readers the insider information they need to experience San Diego-from the best places to dine and travel to the politics and people that shape the region. This is the magazine for San Diegans with a need to know.
Get your free subsription by emailing me now! bradbrinkman@gmail.com
Remember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, AND READ WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS REALLY DOING
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
A Rentership Society???
On October 31, 2011, in Breaking News, Mortgage Financing, by Robert Freedman
By Robert Freedman, Senior Editor, REALTOR® Magazine
Well, there’s at least one big Wall Street banker that’s betting on the United States becoming a “rentership” society: Morgan Stanley.
The company released a report just a few weeks ago saying now is a great time for institutional investors to snap up distressed single-family homes and turn them into long-term rental units. The company says the properties don’t compete with the classic apartment rental property, so investors don’t have to worry about cannibalizing their multifamily rental investment portfolios to take advantage of the huge opportunities in single-family rental property ownership. What’s more, Morgan Stanley doesn’t see this shift to rentership as a temporary waypoint while the country sorts out its housing problems; it sees this as a fundamental shift in how the United States will define itself into the future.
“America is moving away from a home ownership society and towards a rentership society,” the company says in its report.
To emphasize the point, one of the report’s authors, Oliver Chang of Morgan Stanley’s Housing and Securitized Products Strategy division, said in a video interview (above, after a 30-second commercial), “This is really the first time in history where there’s an opportunity for institutions to own single-family rental properties as part of a larger asset allocation strategy.”
The reason for the shift to rentals, according to the company?
- Home price declines: not only are millions of homes available to investors at deeply discounted pricing but the low prices are changing consumer attitudes on housing as an investment
- Hurdles to buying: down payment requirements, higher FICO score thresholds, and income verification are making it harder for households to even consider buying
- Costs of ownership: without home price inflation, costs like property taxes, home owner association dues, maintenance and repair make ownership less attractive
- Demographic effects: Gen Y growth is heading up while baby boomer households are downsizing
- Unemployment, labor insecurity and mobility: long unemployment durations make labor mobility (and thus renting) more important
Morgan Stanley says the U.S. home ownership rate, which has fallen to about 64 percent from close to 68 percent at its peak, is really closer to 60 percent when you factor in home owners who’ve stopped paying on their mortgage and only remain in their house because the bank hasn’t finished processing their foreclosure yet. Once these cases make it through the system, they’ll move to the renter side of the equation.
When they do move to the other side of the equation, they’ll become renters of single-family houses, not of multifamily apartment units. That’s because these households, which tend to be a little older and often with children, want a single-family house in the suburbs, not a unit in an apartment building in the city. So, these households will be providing a big share of the demand for single-family rental houses into the future without necessarily adding demand to apartment rentals in the city.
To be sure, many of these households might like to buy again rather than rent given the historically low interest rates and deeply discounted home prices, but the reality is that many of these households simply can’t pass the credit score threshold. Financing is hard to get for the most creditworthy households today, so for credit-impaired households, renting is the only option.
Morgan Stanley projects some 7.5 million more foreclosures over the next five years, what it calls “liquidated” houses, providing a golden opportunity for institutional investors to snap up properties for their portfolio and get into the long-term single-family rental business.
If the company is right, then this is a great opportunity if you work with institutional buyers of real estate, whether on the buying, selling, or property management side. You have tons of inventory coming onto the market to sell to big buyers who will turn these into long-term rentals.
But you might also challenge the company’s basic premise. Is the American Dream really transitioning into a “New Pragmatism,” as the company calls it, under which rental housing is the way of the future?
The fact is, if lenders simply dialed back their underwriting requirements to the sound policies they used before the housing boom, home sales would pick up, inventories would shrink, prices would start heading up in more than a few markets, and that 7.5 million in foreclosed houses Morgan Stanley predicts over the next five years will be a smaller number. And those that want to rent can rent and those that want to buy can buy rather than having to rethink their priorities in a new rentership society.
In any case, a survey that just came out today from Meredith Corp., one of the biggest magazine publishers in the country, finds that home ownership remains all-important to most households. Some of its findings:
- 86 % of homeowners polled still feel owning a home was a good investment.
- 85 % say they feel, “owning a home is one of their proudest accomplishments.”
- Of Americans that don’t currently own a home, 69 % agree, “No matter what happens in the U.S. housing market, owning a home is still an important goal in my life.”
Nov
08
Free San Diego Consumer Awareness Guide! A $49.97 value!
By · CommentsRemember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, AND READ WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS REALLY DOING
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
A Rentership Society???
On October 31, 2011, in Breaking News, Mortgage Financing, by Robert Freedman
By Robert Freedman, Senior Editor, REALTOR® Magazine
Well, there’s at least one big Wall Street banker that’s betting on the United States becoming a “rentership” society: Morgan Stanley.
The company released a report just a few weeks ago saying now is a great time for institutional investors to snap up distressed single-family homes and turn them into long-term rental units. The company says the properties don’t compete with the classic apartment rental property, so investors don’t have to worry about cannibalizing their multifamily rental investment portfolios to take advantage of the huge opportunities in single-family rental property ownership. What’s more, Morgan Stanley doesn’t see this shift to rentership as a temporary waypoint while the country sorts out its housing problems; it sees this as a fundamental shift in how the United States will define itself into the future.
“America is moving away from a home ownership society and towards a rentership society,” the company says in its report.
To emphasize the point, one of the report’s authors, Oliver Chang of Morgan Stanley’s Housing and Securitized Products Strategy division, said in a video interview (above, after a 30-second commercial), “This is really the first time in history where there’s an opportunity for institutions to own single-family rental properties as part of a larger asset allocation strategy.”
The reason for the shift to rentals, according to the company?
- Home price declines: not only are millions of homes available to investors at deeply discounted pricing but the low prices are changing consumer attitudes on housing as an investment
- Hurdles to buying: down payment requirements, higher FICO score thresholds, and income verification are making it harder for households to even consider buying
- Costs of ownership: without home price inflation, costs like property taxes, home owner association dues, maintenance and repair make ownership less attractive
- Demographic effects: Gen Y growth is heading up while baby boomer households are downsizing
- Unemployment, labor insecurity and mobility: long unemployment durations make labor mobility (and thus renting) more important
Morgan Stanley says the U.S. home ownership rate, which has fallen to about 64 percent from close to 68 percent at its peak, is really closer to 60 percent when you factor in home owners who’ve stopped paying on their mortgage and only remain in their house because the bank hasn’t finished processing their foreclosure yet. Once these cases make it through the system, they’ll move to the renter side of the equation.
When they do move to the other side of the equation, they’ll become renters of single-family houses, not of multifamily apartment units. That’s because these households, which tend to be a little older and often with children, want a single-family house in the suburbs, not a unit in an apartment building in the city. So, these households will be providing a big share of the demand for single-family rental houses into the future without necessarily adding demand to apartment rentals in the city.
To be sure, many of these households might like to buy again rather than rent given the historically low interest rates and deeply discounted home prices, but the reality is that many of these households simply can’t pass the credit score threshold. Financing is hard to get for the most creditworthy households today, so for credit-impaired households, renting is the only option.
Morgan Stanley projects some 7.5 million more foreclosures over the next five years, what it calls “liquidated” houses, providing a golden opportunity for institutional investors to snap up properties for their portfolio and get into the long-term single-family rental business.
If the company is right, then this is a great opportunity if you work with institutional buyers of real estate, whether on the buying, selling, or property management side. You have tons of inventory coming onto the market to sell to big buyers who will turn these into long-term rentals.
But you might also challenge the company’s basic premise. Is the American Dream really transitioning into a “New Pragmatism,” as the company calls it, under which rental housing is the way of the future?
The fact is, if lenders simply dialed back their underwriting requirements to the sound policies they used before the housing boom, home sales would pick up, inventories would shrink, prices would start heading up in more than a few markets, and that 7.5 million in foreclosed houses Morgan Stanley predicts over the next five years will be a smaller number. And those that want to rent can rent and those that want to buy can buy rather than having to rethink their priorities in a new rentership society.
In any case, a survey that just came out today from Meredith Corp., one of the biggest magazine publishers in the country, finds that home ownership remains all-important to most households. Some of its findings:
- 86 % of homeowners polled still feel owning a home was a good investment.
- 85 % say they feel, “owning a home is one of their proudest accomplishments.”
- Of Americans that don’t currently own a home, 69 % agree, “No matter what happens in the U.S. housing market, owning a home is still an important goal in my life.”
Sep
27
Free San Diego Consumer Awareness Guide! A $49.97 value!
By · CommentsRemember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, AND READ WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS REALLY DOING
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS REALLY DOING
The committee’s words:
To help support conditions in mortgage markets, the Committee will now reinvest principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities. In addition, the Committee will maintain its existing policy of rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction.
What does that all mean?
Michael Lea, director of SDSU’s real estate center, said officials are basically selling off shorter-term Treasury holdings for longer-term ones and mortgage-backed securities.
“They’re changing the composition of their balance sheet,” said Lea, a past chief economist of mortgage giant Freddie Mac. “This isn’t a new round of quantitative easing. They’re reinvesting, not injecting more money into the economy.”
The decision could push down long-term interest rates, and in turn, mortgage rates.
Why is this needed when home-loan rates are historically low?
“Mortgage rates are not the problem,” Lea said. At issue, is weak demand for mortgages because of income uncertainty and unemployment coupled with tight lending guidelines.
“This will have very little impact on the average person,” Lea said. “It’s meant to signal to markets that the Feds are still trying to do something.”
Greg McBride, of financial site bankrate.com, also weighed in on Twitter.
“What will Fed’s Operation Twist do?,” wrote McBride, referring to Wednesday’s plan. “It might push down mortgage rates. But it will also squeeze bank margins, leading to lower savings yields.”
Sep
12
Free San Diego Consumer Awareness Guide! A $49.97 value!
By · CommentsRemember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
Aug
18
Remember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, ALSO SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT THE BULLDOZING OF B OF A FORECLOSED HOMES
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
Banks have a new remedy for America’s ailing housing market: bulldozers.
There are nearly 1.7 million homes in the U.S. in some state of foreclosure. Banks already own some of these homes and will soon repossess many more. Many housing economists worry that a near constant stream of home sales by banks could keep housing prices down for years to come. But what if some of those homes never hit the market?
Increasingly, it appears that banks are turning to demolition teams instead of realtors to rid themselves of their least-valuable repossessed homes. Last month, Bank of America announced plans to demolish 100 foreclosed homes in the Cleveland area. The land will then be donated to local government authorities. BofA says the donations in Cleveland are part of a larger plan to rid itself of its least-salable properties, many of which, according to a company spokesperson, are worth less than $10,000. BofA has already donated 100 homes in Detroit and 150 in Chicago, and may add as many as nine more cities by the end of the year.
(LIST: Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Renters)
And BofA is not alone. A number of banks are ramping up their efforts to not just rid themselves of their unwanted homes but also fully dispose of them. Fannie Mae has a program to sell houses to local municipalities for a few hundred dollars. Wells Fargo has donated 800 homes since 2009. While some of those homes have been demolished, a spokesperson for the bank says many of the homes have been given to not-for-profits with plans to renovate the homes, not tear them down. JPMorgan Chase says it was one of the first banks to donate houses it couldn’t sell or didn’t think were repairable. Since 2008, JPMorgan has donated or sold at a discount 1,900 houses to city or county officials.
The banks do the deals because once the properties are donated, they no longer have to pay taxes or for upkeep. Tax experts say the banks may also be able to get a write-off for the donations. That appears to be a better strategy than trying to repair some of the homes, which according to a BofA spokesperson are more economical to demolish than fix up. Local governments like these deals because they get free land to develop or use for open space. Cleveland-based Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp., which inked a contract with BofA, has been one of the most aggressive local-government organizations in striking these deals. And housing economists like these deals because they remove homes from the market that would otherwise sell for a low price or not at all, dragging down home prices in general. An oversupply of homes on the market has been one of the big problems plaguing real estate. According to the most recent data, it would take 9½ months for the current number of homes on the market to sell. The housing market is generally considered healthy when supply equals six months of sales. So taking some of these homes off the market for good could remove some of the inventory drag.
Aug
09
Remember to get your SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!…….SCROLL DOWN TO RECEIVE THIS VERY HELPFUL GUIDE, ALSO SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT THE BULLDOZING OF B OF A FORECLOSED HOMES
http://www.bradbrinkman.com/brad-with-celebrity-photos/
Author of How to Change Your Life Series & Century 21 First Choice Broker Owner Message
Sign up now to receive the SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE..a $49.97 VALUE FOR FREE!!!
**You may be wondering what the catch is. Here it is. Once I work with a client, they choose to be clients for life..Look at my testimonials to the right and check on my resume!!!! This is my way to introduce myself with the hope that you will be come a lifetime friend and client.
I am the guy who actually uses the phone and calls other brokers, agents, banks and home owners in an effort to find you a great home or to sell your home. Remember it is a simple concept, the more people that I contact, the better deal you get, yes the more money you make and save. It is me helping you. I am Brad from Century 21 in San Diego(with Century 21 since I began selling real estate 14 years ago), and not a team of others that you will be handed off to, I can help you, just read my testimonials(and watch too!! Scroll down then read the most relevant info in Real Estate this week!)….I want to help you figure out the best option, and it might not sell or buy right now or not to sell or short sale your home–it may be best to just walk away from your home if you are going to short sale-so call or email me today at bradbrinkman@gmail.com or 858-225-7385, no hard selling and no obligation, I will just give you a clear picture of your options so that you feel that you are making the best decision
Banks have a new remedy for America’s ailing housing market: bulldozers.
There are nearly 1.7 million homes in the U.S. in some state of foreclosure. Banks already own some of these homes and will soon repossess many more. Many housing economists worry that a near constant stream of home sales by banks could keep housing prices down for years to come. But what if some of those homes never hit the market?
Increasingly, it appears that banks are turning to demolition teams instead of realtors to rid themselves of their least-valuable repossessed homes. Last month, Bank of America announced plans to demolish 100 foreclosed homes in the Cleveland area. The land will then be donated to local government authorities. BofA says the donations in Cleveland are part of a larger plan to rid itself of its least-salable properties, many of which, according to a company spokesperson, are worth less than $10,000. BofA has already donated 100 homes in Detroit and 150 in Chicago, and may add as many as nine more cities by the end of the year.
(LIST: Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Renters)
And BofA is not alone. A number of banks are ramping up their efforts to not just rid themselves of their unwanted homes but also fully dispose of them. Fannie Mae has a program to sell houses to local municipalities for a few hundred dollars. Wells Fargo has donated 800 homes since 2009. While some of those homes have been demolished, a spokesperson for the bank says many of the homes have been given to not-for-profits with plans to renovate the homes, not tear them down. JPMorgan Chase says it was one of the first banks to donate houses it couldn’t sell or didn’t think were repairable. Since 2008, JPMorgan has donated or sold at a discount 1,900 houses to city or county officials.
The banks do the deals because once the properties are donated, they no longer have to pay taxes or for upkeep. Tax experts say the banks may also be able to get a write-off for the donations. That appears to be a better strategy than trying to repair some of the homes, which according to a BofA spokesperson are more economical to demolish than fix up. Local governments like these deals because they get free land to develop or use for open space. Cleveland-based Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp., which inked a contract with BofA, has been one of the most aggressive local-government organizations in striking these deals. And housing economists like these deals because they remove homes from the market that would otherwise sell for a low price or not at all, dragging down home prices in general. An oversupply of homes on the market has been one of the big problems plaguing real estate. According to the most recent data, it would take 9½ months for the current number of homes on the market to sell. The housing market is generally considered healthy when supply equals six months of sales. So taking some of these homes off the market for good could remove some of the inventory drag.