Randy "Lazarus" McAtee - Owner/Broker Lazarus Realty, Fresno California

Finally they see the light!

Accordingto this Reuters News Article the recession begain in December of 2007. This would make my declaration of the Official Beginning of the Recession about a month off.

Why rely on these numbers crunchers to inform you a year after the fact?

Lazarus - Real Estate Broker and Financial Prognosticator Extraordinaire

Fresno summers can get blistering hot; you get used to 100+ degree weather. Winters can be brutal when the fog rolls in. But spring and fall are fabulous. Today when I drove by Woodward Park I pulled in to catch a shot of the trees with autumn leaves.

as beautiful as the colors are, my favorite is this one in black and white:

Facing Foreclosure? Received a Notice of Default? Fresno California

First of all - BEWARE OF FORECLOSURE SCAMS.

If you're behind on your house payments and at wits end as to what to do, here is what I suggest:

#1) Find a HUD approved counselor in your area or contact and orginization like Neighborhood Works.

It's very important during such as stressful event that you have competent counsel and let's face it - a little hand holding through tough times doesn't hurt. There are are many Realtors© who can empathize with your situation (we have heard more than our fair share of sad stories such as yours).

NEVERTHELESS, I still suggest that you contact one of these agencies for assistance FIRST.

Here's why: your Realtor isnt going to make any money unless he engages in some sort of transaction on your property. A Realtor© may advise you to do a "Short Sale" on your property when your best alternative may be a loan modification with your lender. That is why I suggest you contact one of the agencies above first.

#2 Contact your lender....and maintain communication with your lender. When you contact them you need to provide the following: .

• Loan number
• Income information and documentation
• Most recent mortgage statement
• Bank statements
• Letter demonstrating financial hardship

Some homeowners wait too long and are totally unprepared to vacate the home that was once theirs even though they knew it was coming eventually. WATCH THIS VIDEO AND SEE WHAT I MEAN.

If you and your lender are not able to work out a loan modification they your lender may suggest a "SHORT SALE" of your home at which time you would need to contact a Realtor©.

		Direct: Fax:		559.301.1647 559.438.7475
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1319 W Bullard #4 -- Fresno CA -- 93711
© Randy "Lazarus" McAtee

Take a look at this young man's lifestyle. Jay Shafer has been living in homes smaller than some peoples closets. His entire living space is smaller than the small home office I am sitting in right now.

But after watching his videos I have to admit that my inner hippy cries out " I WANT ONE!"

With all the people losing their homes these days there is something to be said for "smaller", more affordable living. How could one not be somewhat envious of the person living in a home that is not only affordable -- but fully paid for -- even if it isnt a McMansion.

Ladies -- what do YOU think of these tiny living quarters?

		Direct: Fax:		559.301.1647 559.438.7475
Website	Visit My Blog	email
1319 W Bullard #4 -- Fresno CA -- 93711
© Randy "Lazarus" McAtee

These brief snapshots really help you get a feel for what is going on in the market. what you are seeing are the numbers for the last 24 hours on the Fresno MLS.

As you can see from the numbers in the graph below the ratio of price increases to price reductions tells the story as to where prices are going. We had 124 price reductions compared to 10 price increases. This is an imbalanced market and tells us that prices are continuing to be adjusted DOWNWARD.

We had 85 new listings and 44 back on the market for a total of 129 market entries agains 70 properties that went off the market through pendings and contingent sales. I never count the SOLDS because they are properties that went off the market (pending or contigent) 30 to 90 days ago (generally speaking) all they did was close out the open transaction.

So for every one property that goes off the market there are almost 2 to take its place. This isnt good and certainly isnt balanced but its a lot better than the 5 to 1 ratios we have seen in the past.

I have been seeing less expired listings recently which I believe is due to sellers realizing that the reason their property isnt selling is their price is too high, so instead of cancelling their listing and seeking another agent they are probably renewing their listings and lowereing their price (if they can).

		Direct: Fax:	559.301.1647 559.438.7475
Website	Visit My Blog	email
1319 W Bullard #4 -- Fresno CA -- 93711
© Randy "Lazarus" McAtee