A Sleeping Giant.....

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T15:26:00.001-07:00

......wishing you a safe and joyful 4th of July. Remember the sacrifices of those who came before us to build this great nation and those who continue to stand guard to protect and defend, hope, desire, and more so a selfless dream for a better humanity.

Today, celebrate the lives of those brave souls, the ones in the text books and more so, the nameless fallen at Lexington and Concord, Gettysburg, Normandy, and the list goes on. Celebrate... so their souls continue to shine.

We're a mere 234 years old. May the next season of our life bring about greater understanding of each other and truly fulfill our destiny as "We......the people".

Are you seeing all the homes that are out there?

2010-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Clients ask about foreclosures and other institution owned properties all the time. They should be everywhere with the economy the way it is.

Right?

However, you can't seem to find very many or the ones you do find with your Agent have offers already. There are a few things that are also occuring that limits your access to institution owned properties.

1.) Investors and Banks (AKA people with way more money than most of us could think of) buy them in bulk before you can blink an eye. Most times, the homes never see the "market" as we know it.

2.) The Agent you are working with just doesn't know how to find these under the radar properties.

3.) Most Agents couldn't represent you in the purchase even if they could find you a home.

For instance, to purchase HUD homes, you must work through a Broker that has been approved by HUD. If an agent is not approved by HUD, they're not likely to show you one of these properties.

WE ARE HUD APPROVED IN CALIFORNIA! In addition to the great service we provide consistantly, we do have access to properties owned by HUD that may not be available to the MLS or even Agents that don't possess a working knowledge of the process.

Today was a great day! The stock market may be circling the comode but its still a great day in Real Estate.

How can I turn all Your days into great days? Lets chat.....

Christopher Pohlman

DRE 01838445

888.669.8881 Toll Free

415.894.2469 Direct

www.YourNewRealtor.com

"...and now you know....the rest of the story....about this Belmont home"

2010-07-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends.....

So we did close on the property I mentioned a few days ago. It was certainly a photo finish. A massive amount of last minute conditions to get the loan funded;a refaxed document here, a disclosure here, a missing signature here.

This was certainly a difficult transaction, unpredicable, and always a new barrier to break down. Seemingly these days, its more common. Being proactive and responsive to requests by lenders and other parties can make or kill a home sale.

Below is the link this homes Trulia listing:

http://www.trulia.com/property/137390-604-Southview-Ct-Belmont-CA-94002

Current List Price: $1,038,500 (Reduced multiple times)

Sale Price::-----------------------------(drum roll please.........)

$987,700

That is nearly 13% below the average comparing price per square foot and neighborhood factors.

I'm so very pleased with the outcome and I wish the new homeowners many years of happiness. Their beautiful daughter's birthday is soon.....what to get the two year old that has everything?

The 1st priority after you choose your Agent is....

2010-06-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

to choose who you will work with to get your loan. I tell my clients that I can get them the house they want but they have to work hard to get the loan. It's not a simple task any more.

We can be a great resource.....

We deal with a variety of lenders, some times daily. We also hear others experiences with different banks, loan officers, etc. so make sure you research the loan officer and lender you intend to use, other opinions, and your Agents experience with that person. Remember, that you will probably only work with 2 or 3 loan agents in your life time. We work with exponentially more and can be a valuable resource. I personally do not “do” loans because I believe getting my client the loan and selling the house are a MASSIVE conflict of interest. You should have as many eyes and ears on the transaction as possible to protect you.

I would never explicitly tell a client to use or not use a particular bank, officer, inspector etc but I would share my personal experience and let them make the decision. It's your decision and you drive the train. If we're providing you information...try to listen and strive to understand and then choose. Remember, your friends and family, albeit full of good intentions, only experience the same amount typically in their lifetime.

Financing can be very sensitive and problematic to obtain. Before you write the purchase contract with your Agent ALWAYS speak with the Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer and discuss their experiences with a particular lender from Contract to Income Verification to Appraisal to Loan Approval to the Docs being drawn to Funding Conditions, to Funding as a group. You would be surprised on the small items that can become big headaches at any of these road blocks to closing.

Anticipate objections with over documentation and staying true to my "DON'T DON'T DON'T" List (Go to my website www.YourNewRealtor.com and to view it. It should be up by the end of today.)

Don't learn lessons the hard way when you have a resource.

2010-06-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way." My grandmother was full of wisdom engraved ,by the switch,in her brains as a depression kid but I have to respectfully disagree on some things.

Why would you if you dont have to?

Listen to the people who have been entrusted with representing you to buy or sell your next property. In the age of technology, everyone has an opinion, an idea, an angle, and up to date information for you to educate
yourself with. Education, at its root, should be unbiased. BUT…..if you have to use biased information, it should be from someone whose job is to be the voice and represent your best interests. Everyone throwing information at you has a reason for doing so..........

ask yourself "Why?"

Shouldn't you first and foremost trust the person you have hired and the will be paid realistically your hard earned money for their knowledge first and foremost?
If you don't trust what your Realtor is saying, then you chose the wrong one. If something doesn't seem quite right, it isn't. You know the ol' "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck....it’s a duck" saying....Case and Point.

No Ducks No Ducks No Ducks.

You have the choice. You drive the train. Its your life.

This is a precursor to my next two posts. I hope you tune back in. Same Bat Blog, Same Bat Website.

Peninsula Properties for Families

2010-06-25T18:57:00.001-07:00

Which cities in the Peninsula meet these criteria: Great for young families (toddlers - so close to parks,

Asked a few hours ago by Pk - General Area in San Francisco - 3 answers .Christopher Pohlman answered: .Hi Pk,

Thats a big list! Difficult but do-able for the most part. I think its important first and foremost to decide which 3 qualities of a house and community that you absolutely can not do without. Then you will be able to narrow a search. On the Peninsula, in your range, 4 bedrooms in my opinion is a-typical. Most of the homes in your range are 3 bedroom/2 bath homes, though some larger can be found.

South San Francisco, Daly City, and Pacifica will have the physically larger homes in your range, while some of the San Bruno areas and Belmont have the school quality you are looking for price range. Belmont and some parts of San Mateo would be very walk-able for entertainment and general family activities but again, a smaller home.

Its always incredibly exciting when a young family makes such a significant decision. Setting the short list of requirements is probibly the most important task that will get you into a home. Without defining your expectation to the area you are moving to, you might find yourself spinning your wheels trying to find a home in the diverse Peninsula community.

Give me a call or drop an email if you like and I can send you Community Information for various areas so you can start to find which would best suit your needs.

Great question for so many homebuyer's out there!

Christopher Pohlman

DRE 01838445

888.669.8881 Toll Free

650.288.9033

christopher@YourNewRealtor.com - A few minutes ago

Great question!

2010-06-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

What are the typical CA title and escrow fees for the seller.?

Asked Tue Mar 16 2010, 10:11 by Rosanna - Home Selling in San Mateo - 7 answers .Christopher Pohlman answered:

Hi Rosanna,

Every title company creates "cheat sheets" of sorts that we all get that tell us who pays for what fees, transfer taxes, and other charges. The reality is that everything is negotiable. When you do go to sell, don't be afraid to demand that your Agent negotiate for the Buyer to pay some of these charges that are typically paid by you the Seller. As a Realtor, it is my responsibility to negotiate contracts that ideally get a client exactly what they want and obviously that would include getting as much money in your pocket as possible. With that said, the Buyer and their Agent may refuse but it doesn't hurt to try. The same applies on both sides of a transaction regardless if you are a Buyer or Seller.

Which title company you use to close your transaction can effect what you pay as well. Most title and escrow companies fees are comperable these days but it does vary.

If you like, I can direct you to my contacts at the most prominent title companies in San Mateo and they can provide you with current general figures that apply to your situation in particular. They would be more than happy to do so.

Every little bit helps as well all know!

Christopher

650.288.9033

christopher@YourNewRealtor.com - A few minutes ago

In Contract!: Large Belmont Home with Pool and Views!

2010-06-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed at what you can get for your money in different places. From San Francisco to many places on the Peninsula, it's so very different. But again, everyone places personal value on different things. Some of my clients would NEVER consider living in....say San Mateo. It might as well be Modesto. Others consider it and take a hard look. Young families, couples, and the like seem to appriciate the schools, the yards, the neighborhoods, cul-de-sacs, and strollers like this young family I'm representing.

This house is huge for San Francisco standards at 2,300+ square feet with an in-ground pool. (Considering most of us live in 1000 square feet or less, it is). 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, views, trees, and yes, on a cul-de-sac.

Contract price: Undisclosed but underlisting, a great buy. Only a few more weeks and this wonderful family can move into a great home and hopefully, grow a bit bigger in it. Once it closes, I'll give you more details.

It's been interesting......

SOLD! Bryant St, San Francisco

2010-06-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

SOLD! I represented the Buyer purchasing a unit in the Portside I/II development near the Pier with city and water views, 9% below asking price! Listed at $799,000. Sold to my client for $732,500.

Previous 2003/2004 Sale: $840,000

The first post EVER!

2010-06-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

Ok Friends, here's the deal. Its late, I'm tired and I just got this thing working at 12:23am. Soon to come is my Trulia Pro Contributor Page and My Personal Webpage. In the mean time, feel free to ask me any questions you may have related to our new Real Estate Forum!