Keisha Hosea- Realtor, Chino Hills, CA

So here's the real trouble with tenants....Here's where my story begins. As I am trying to arrange showings for lease property I keep coming across listings that are appointment only. First real thorn in my side right there. Hey, I'm all for privacy and the respect of tenants privacy in general. But let's get real here, why is the tenant in charge? You as the landlord want to get the property leased back out I would imagin as quickly as possible. Yet, you place the current tenant in the supremem position of power. They get to decide the time, date and hour that all prospective tenants get a chance to take a peek?

I had two very interesting phone calls today. On the first call, the agent states the home is shown by appointment only. I say, "Great, I'd like to make an appointmnet to show the home tomorrow between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The agent replies, "Oh, they only show it on Saturdays." My reply is, "Wow, they don't intend to lease it out very quickly do they?" To this she goes into a whole story. As violins play in my head, all I'm thinking is that the tenants are in a position that is definitely not in the best interest of the homeowner.

On to call number two. After viewing the showing instructions I gave the tenant a phone call and left a message. After not hearing from the tenant all day, I gave it one more try in the evening. Upon the tenant answering the phone, I introduced myself and asked for an appointment to show the home tomorrow evening between 6:30-7:30 p.m. To this the tenant replied, "You need to call the agent." I replied, the showing instructions state to call you." She says, "I know but I told the agent to take my number off the listing so now you need to call the agent." I then asked, "Well are you going to need to be present for me to show the home? She states, "That's besides the point, you need to call the agent." Once again I have entered the Twillight Zone.

I realize the tricky situation that the homeowner is in. While wanting to appease the current tenant, they also need to find a new tenant. This is difficult at times. But trust me, the harder a tenant or homeowner makes it to show a property, the less inclined I am to show it. That's just a fact.

The Oak Ridge Community sits just west of Peyton off Valle Vista. Homeowners love the Oak Ridge Elementary School due to its high academic standards. It is ranked as one of the top elementary schools in Chino Hills. Located at 15452 Valle Vista Drive. It operates on a traditional school schedule and serves 794 students grades Kindergarten through Sixth. As of the 2007 School Accountability Report, all 34 of Oak Ridge Elementary's teachers were fully credentialed. The Academic Performance Index (API) is an annual scoring of academic performance and progress. Scores range from 200-1000 with a statewide target of 500. Oak Ridge Elementary's score for the school 2006-2007 school year was 922! This means that Oak Ridge ranked #10 in the entire state of California!

This Class will Cover:

When was the last time that your favorite store had a monster blow out sale? It does not matter what the product was...just think about it. Did you stock up? Or did you sit around and continue to try to figure out if the product would get cheaper. My guess is that you probably jumped on it and then started telling all your closest friends and family members what a great deal you got.

Now, now, now I know that there are some who are agreeing wholeheartedly with me right now. I am also aware that there are some who are reading this with a furrowed brow. But here's the point. We all clamor out and buy products and commodities when the prices drop. Why would you not buy a home now? Prices are low, interest rates are low and there are plenty of homes to choose from. When you examine Real Estate historically, you begin to understand that this is the normal cycle for Real Estate. It goes up and it comes down. The time to buy is when it is down. Have you heard the old saying, "Buy low and sell high?" Keep this in mind as you ponder whether THIS is the time to buy. Great opportunities are available not only for first time buyers and for investors but for anyone interested in buying low. The National Association of Realtor statistics show that housing prices double approximately every 10 years. Bearing this in mind, a buy and hold plan is a solid financial strategy. Why? Because prices will also go back up.

For More Information On Real Estate in Chino Hills and Surrounding Communities Contact me direct at (909) 261-6377.

This is the typical sellers lament today. But how do we fix this? Our goal as Real Estate Professionals is to help the average seller reach their ultimate goal. This usually begins with successfully selling the sellers current home. The housing slump is ever-present, so here is what we can do to work together:

1. Price it Right- As your preferred Real Estate Consultant, I am always watching the market for indicators as to what TOP DOLLAR is for your home today. But remember, the TOP DOLLAR of today may vary quite drastically form the top dollar of tomorrow. If your home is not receiving showings, it is priced too high. If it is showing and not receiving offers then there is something about the home that must be addressed. A price that is too high puts off buyers and thus the home will sit on the market longer. Sooner or later, buyers start to sense the urgency for your sale and begin to place offers accordingly.

2. De-clutter Your Home-Presentation is as important as price. This is also a key factor in the current market. Make sure your home is clean, clutter-free and de-personalized. Sure the pictures of your kids are cute, but you're not selling them with the home are you? A buyer must be able to visualize their belongings and themselves in this home. Make all necessary repairs ahead of time also.

3. Offer Concessions-An alternative to lowering your price may be to offer an interest-rate buydown on the buyer's mortgage. This strategy may enable a buyer to afford your home. You can also offer to cover "points" due at closing for the buyers.

Be flexible, don't take offers personally and most importantly let's work together to get it SOLD!

Feel free to contact Keisha Hosea, Real Estate Consultant with questions at (909) 261-6377.