“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Kimberley Kelly

Want to Short Sale? Don't wait for too long!

la quinta short sale expertI had an Agent call me last week..

"I have a listing I'd like you to take over..call me."

I did. Turns out it was her own personal residence and it was also a Short Sale. Unfortunately, she self-listed and worked it for 8 months. Got several sale date postponments and now..sale date is set for 2/6. Uh-oh!

Several things jump out here..

1. With all the Short Sales being done, all the classes being given, all the written updates that come across my e-mail and websites with regards to Short Sale Rules..why would a Realtor NOT know she couldn't self-list?

2. Same as above..but with regards to the Sale Date. I was called Wednesday, Sale date is today, Monday.

I got it listed, got price cheap, got an offer on Saturday, tried my best to initiate a Short Sale and contact everyone alive at Bank of America. I didn't think I could save it..but she's a fellow Agent so I took a whack at the Pinata.

Title says it's not gone through the sale yet and I'll call again in the morning to see if I can pursuade them to let me try a Short Sale one more time..not likely.

I so wish she'd called me long ago! She was a slam dunk for a HAFA short sale and would've received Relcation assistance as well as "settled for less than owed" instead of a Foreclosure.

If you want to list your home as a Short Sale in the Palm Springs area, give me a call NOW! Before the timing becomes too difficult. Explore your options early..just as you would with any other business decision.

Losing your home is scary, but not being in control of the situation is even scarier..

California Short Sales; Debt Forgiveness Act expires 12/31..

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS???

Critical that homeowners considering listing their home as a Short Sale do it in 2012..and in time to CLOSE by 12/31/2012. Why??? The Debt Forgiveness Act expires then! In California, although you will receive a 1099 for the debt that was forgiven, the debt is wiped out on primary and secondary residences..both first and second PMl’s. This helps you so much if you are not insolvent. Consult your CPA, then get that property listed and CLOSED in 2012.

Will the law be extended? I sure hope so. If not, Palm Springs and the La Quinta area will see more Foreclosures. We are really stabilizing in La Quinta. Prices are actually going up! Investors are finding that First time Buyers are able to beat them out in their bids!

Debt Forgivenss Act explained

If you are underwater on your mortgage and considering a Short Sale, get it listed NOW! Your final closing HUD must be dated no later than 12/31/2012 to qualify for your debt forgiveness. Consult your CPA, then get your property listed and CLOSED in 2012! Don’t wait and take a chance!

Will it be extended?? Most likely..but stranger things have happened, so why not move forward before it becomes an issue???

La Quinta & Palm Springs Valley home prices are rising..

Palm Springs Values increaseWhat a curious head line..when every year it's been about prices DROPPING. I have noticed since mid 2011 and certainly in this first month of 2012..there are alot of BUYERS here in the Palm Springs Valley.

The bottom or entry level prices have been pretty stable for the entire past year. In fact, it is a noticeable price/sf increase. Not alot, but 1 or 2% points. There is less inventory in total. Foreclosure and Short Sales are down in numbers and multiple offers is the norm.

In the mid-tier..$500-$850,000, I have seen a steady uptick in buyers. This price point has come down rather dramatically over the past year. It will most likely not drop much more. Settling at about 30-40% of peak price/sf.

The Luxury Home Market is the hot ticket right now here in the Palm Springs Valley. Investors in the 1 million and up price point are buying. Home Buyers that had been waiting for this luxury market to drop are stepping up and writing offers.

Real Estate in the Palm Springs Valley; Economic Roundup

Good article and the overall numbers support what I am seeing on the street. That is not normally the case, but it appears that the steady numbers and small price increases in my Valley have convinced nearly everyone that it is a good time to buy!

Deficiencies and Short Sales in California

It's been written about before, but judging by the questions that my Short Sale Sellers are asking, it's still a gray area.

"Can my Lender come after me for the difference?"

In California, the answer is a resounding "NO!" (Exceptions of course..read on)

Jan. 1, 2011 saw Section 580e of the Civil Code of Civil Procedure come into effect. July 15, 2011 saw it expanded to offer more Seller protections..

What types of Loans are covered under section 580e? (One to four residential units)

  • PML (Purchase Money)
  • Rate and term refinance
  • Cash out refinance
  • Owner occupied
  • Rental
  • Second home or Vacation home
"Does this law stop my Lender from pursuing me for other Liens?"

'NO!" Other types of security interests such as judgment liens, tax liens or HOA Liens are considered personal liens and they absolutely may pursue you after the Short Sale Closes. All these liens can be negotiated by your Short Sale List Agent. Negotiated being the key word!
Short Sale SELLER Tip:
  • Although your Lender cannot REQUIRE you to contribute money, you may voluntarily offer a cash contribution to get the deal done.
Short Sale BUYER Tip:
  • Before writing an offer, see how much the Lender is going to write off. Huge deficiences may become an issue in getting an approval.
California Assn. of Realtors Short Sale Deficiency Fact Sheet for more info..

La Quinta Golf Tournament Reels in BIG names!

La Quinta's own PGA West hosted the Human Challenge (formerly Bob Hope Classis) and it was HUGE! As a local, the added traffic congestion and travel time can be so irritating! But..breathe and be thankful that people care enough to come to town, fill the Hotels, eat at our restaurants, dance at our night spots, hike, swim, see a polo game and yes..GOLF!

This tournament is huge and Mark Wilson came through for the win!

Along with the Humana this weekend were League Playoffs at both Empire and Eldorado Polo Fields, Farmer's Market in Old Town on Sunday, Art Under The Umbrellas' in Old Town on Saturday..I tell you, La Quinta's winter season is rockin and rollin!

La Quinta short sale expert

La Quinta is the home of some of the most spectacular golf clubs in the world! Plenty to choose between with approx. 120 golf courses. Many of them are offering substantial reductions in playing fees and also membership fees..