Pablo Santibanez

I attended the Foreclosure Prevention Consumer Workshop today which was held at the University of California Riverside Extension. This event was sponsored by Senator Bob Dutton of the 31^st District, Ms Carrie Lopez Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs and Ms Maria Giuriato, Real Estate Liason for the Department of Real Estate. There were also representatives from the State Consumer Services Agency, Business Transportation and Housing Department, Freddie Mac, and the Department of Corporations.

I am on a temporary assignment representing a "Major Lender" as a Field Counseling Representative. I am presently counseling borrowers by visiting them personally at their homes. I was invited to attend this event today by a Manager with Risk Management with this lender. I was there to observe and assist her in providing loan counseling to borrowers who are having difficulties making their mortgage payments. The primary goal is to facilitate a solution to prevent existing loan customers from going to foreclosure. This lender being a primarily a "portfolio lender" has many options and flexibility in assisting troubled loan customers.

There were various lenders in attendance as well as non profit Consumer Credit Management services such as Springboard. Neighborhood Housing Services was also on hand. I also met representatives from the California Association of Mortgage Brokers specifically Mary Harman and Immediate Past President Jack Williams who were also counseling and assisting borrowers in need at this event.

Jack Williams paid this lender a tremendous compliment in stating that in his experience he has never had a lender call him after obtaining a loan. "This lender wanted to make sure that I understood the loan. This lender had a representative thoroughly explain the terms of the loan and how it works step by step. I was impressed; I had never had a lender up to that point, call in order to assure that the borrowers understood all the terms of the loan"

This workshop was well attended by hundreds of borrowers and the organizers did a terrific job of educating them on the many options available to them. It was a well organized event and we were able to assist those borrowers who attended.

I was informed by Nicole Miadani of the State and Consumer Services Agency that the next local Foreclosure Prevention Consumer Workshop will be in March in the City of San Fernando.

These events are geared towards providing consumers with information to assist them in making informed credit decisions and ways to save there homes from Foreclosure. They are able to speak directly to loan counselors who represent many of the "Major" lenders in the lending industry.

If you would like more information regarding this upcoming event in San Fernando California Click here San Fernando Consumer Foreclosure Prevention Workshop.

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.

Santa Clarita Real Estate All Rights Reserved Copyright 2008 Join the network

I was baptized today and I wanted to share my experience with the world. I was reading the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren and I read about the importance of Baptism and what this event symbolized. I was called to do this. I remember going to church at Valencia Hills Community Church that weekend and I made a mental note to ask the pastor after the service when the next baptism would occur. Well as the service was wrapping up Associate Pastor Jim announced that the next Baptism would be February 10^th 2008 this was no coincidence my destiny was sealed.

I had never attended a baptism as a Christian prior to this day. I did not know what to expect or say. I have read accounts and knew I would be immersed in water. I remember asking associate pastor Jim, "Is there anything I should do or prepare prior to this?" He replied that I could prepare something to say but aside from that "just show up" So I put together the following below in the half hour prior to my baptism. I did not have the time to put it to memory, as I stood between Paster Mike and Pastor Jim I was overcome with emotion as I read the following aloud.

"I was asked the other day why get baptized? You are a Christian and you believe in God isn't that enough?. My speech prior to my baptism is my reason why. "For those of you who are not clear as to why I am here today and what this all means. My Baptism today symbolizes God's purpose for my life, I am making a commitment. Just as my wedding ring symbolizes the commitment I made 15 years ago to my wife Lisa when we got married. I am publicly announcing to the world today my faith that I that I am not ashamed to be part of God's family. My baptism symbolizes the death of my old life and announcing my new life in Christ. However Baptism alone does not make you a member of Gods family, Faith in Christ does".

"So today is my Super Bowl celebration. Being included in God's family is the highest honor, and the greatest privilege I will ever receive."

For those of you who have not attended a Baptism the video below will give you some insight as to what this symbolizes in your life as a Christian.. Click twice

Thank you to Sarah Productions for the moment captured in time

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.

Santa Clarita Real Estate May the source be with you. Join the network

I finally made it into Maria's Deli in Newhall today after driving by hundreds of times wondering what the food was like each time. Well today was different I finally stopped in. I was greeted by Paul one of the young kids behind the counter taking orders who asked me what I wanted to order. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and browsed around the place. He asked me my name and immediately began addreessing me by first name.

While I was waiting for my order I noticed a plaque with an article written by Josh Premako an editor with our local newspaper The Signal. I stood there reading a story written about the late owner "Ben" and the co-owner "Maria" I continued reading as the staff maneuvered around me as they served the lunch crowd. I felt a little awkward that they kept having to go around me but I was intrigued by the love story and the love behind this local landmark so i kept on reading. Just as I was finishing the last few paragraphs. Maria comes walking around the counter to introduce herself and to share a few thoughts about her husband.

It ‘s rare to find married couples who have remained together for as long as this couple has and it's even more rare to find a business that has been around more than a few decades. Just the other day a local landmark Newhall Hardware just announced that they would be closing their doors after sixty years in the area.

Within a few minutes you would have thought I had known Maria all my life. In fact my daughter got tired of waiting for me and came in to order a sandwich herself. She says to me "have you been here before?" " No, this is the first time" as Maria comes walking over calling me by name and saying "Pablo, you really have to try this special Italian dish next time your in" My daughter looking bewildered says "yes, you have!" "No honestly this is the first time I have walked into this place" "How does she know you?" I replied " She just met me". "Shut up" she responds. I then told my daughter that is how Maria has been so successful she does what most other places don't, she gets to know those that frequent her Deli. Of course you have to have good food as well which she does. There is no doubt that I will be back to try that special "Italian" dish Maria mentioned. You should make it a point to stop by as well. When you do, don't forget to let my new friend know I sent you.

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of the entities I represent as an independent agent.

Do you love your agent? All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008 Join the network

I drove past Newhall Hardware and did a double take as I read the fluorescent signs pasted all over the front windows stating "Quitting business sale" WHAT!!

I almost crashed into the car ahead of me!! One of the oldest businesses in the Santa Clarita is going out of business. I still can't believe it. This was one of the few places you could still go where you could explain a project you were working on and get what you need. You could also count on some good advice on how to do it as well. I'm going to have to get used to seeing blank stares back on future projects when I go to the National chains. If I am able to find someone!

I cannot think of another true "Hardware store" here in the Santa Clarita Valley so what are our options if the big chains don't have the hard to find part? The San Fernando Valley?

I grew up in Eagle Rock and Newhall Hardware reminded me of a place I frequented all the time when I lived there. The place was Tritch Hardware which is also a family run business that has been a staple of the community as Newhall Hardware is to Newhall.

This is a huge loss for Newhall. This store is part of the fabric and character of this community. I will miss this store a lot as they provided more than just products and commodities. They bonded with their customers, it was like visiting an old friend when you shopped there. I'll miss this place.

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of the entities I represent as an independent agent.

Do you love your agent? All Rights Reserved Pablo Santibanez Copyright 2008 Join the network

I just receieved an update from Donna Deutchman CEO of Habitat For Humanity representing both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Donna updated us as to the most recent developments and the local efforts in fundraising. As of 2/2008 this local chapter has raised $120,000 to date and counting. This is an incredible achievement and a testimony to those actively involved. These needed funds are critical in seeing that local disaster fire victims can be assisted in rebuilding when local and national efforts are not sufficient or they don't qualify for certain funds because they don't fit the "criteria".

Read about local Santa Clarita business people and their efforts to make this happen here in Santa Clarita by clicking on Habitat for Humanity SCV

Habitat for Humanity is now searching for land in the Santa Clarita Valley to build homes for those less fortunate than us. Through the efforts of these dedicated local volunteers worthy working poor families are able to achieve the dream of homeownership.

There are other charities in the Santa Clarita Valley aligned with Habitat for Humanity. Learn more about other local charities such as the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster coalition.

San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys Annual Tennis/Golf Classic - Summer, 2008
	*For more information call: 818-884-8808

All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.

Santa Clarita Real Estate Some Rights Reserved Copyright 2008 Join the network